Camera bags: shoulder or backpack?

[Gumby]

The F-2 carried a Nikon F3+MD4 system with three lenses for years with no problems. I took it on a long trip to Fiji last year and carried two Leica MPs and three lenses all day for many days in extreme heat and humidity. No issues there either. The F-2 in particular is an incredibly usable bag as others have also said.

I agree. The one accessory that I find really useful is the hand strap. I think they also have a waist strap that might help if you load the bag to the point of being heavy.

 

[kshapero]

I have both for different situations.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Backpacks are a PITA to work out of. They don't make sense for a small kit.

My advice is get the smallest bag you can comfortably work out of.
Camera bags are just like fishing tackle boxes, and purses I am told.
If bigger than required they invariably fill up with junk you don't really need.

The Domke F-6 you mentioned is a very good choice in a compact shoulder bag.
A "system" bag, it can be tailored to your needs by purchasing the appropriate inserts.

Chris

 

[Silva Lining]

I use a Lowepro Slingshot AW 100 or an AW 200.

AW 100 carries EOS 40D plus two lenses AND Leica M6 two/ three lenses and film
AW 200 carries Hasselblad Kit plus Leica and one lens OR 'blad and FUJI GW690II and Leica OR EOS, Blad and Leica.

I really like these bags, they are very well made and good/quick to use.

The AW100 is really small for the kt that i can fit in it The AW200 is very versatile and allows me amlost any combination of kit I choose.

 

[sepiareverb]

I worked as a nature stock photographer for years, and tried very hard to like a backpack, but everytime I had to deal with a soaking wet back after getting something out of the pack early in the morning on dewy ground or in the rain I cursed the damn backpack. Too hard to work out of.

 

[Roger Hicks]

...in the bottom, compartment on top for stuff like a jacket, prints, ect.

Dear Marko,

I know what you mean now -- not the Rotation. Just wanted to make sure!

Cheers,

R.

 

[rbsinto]

My Lowepro backpack is only used as a storage bag for film, extra body and 300 2.8 if I go on a Photo Excellent Adventure. For everyday street use, I've got a 20-year old Tenba 995 shoulder bag that is outstanding.
I recommend shoulder bags over back packs every time.

 

[boisty]

I def prefer shoulder bags as well. I highly recommend the Tenba Messenger Bag. I took this on a trip to Europe for 6 weeks with a laptop, SLR, Contax G2, various lenses, and other small items. Never felt too heavy and it gives you easy access to everything without having to remove from shoulder.

Boisty

 

[Al Patterson]

I def prefer shoulder bags as well. I highly recommend the Tenba Messenger Bag. I took this on a trip to Europe for 6 weeks with a laptop, SLR, Contax G2, various lenses, and other small items. Never felt too heavy and it gives you easy access to everything without having to remove from shoulder.

Boisty

I've looked at this bag myself, is the small one large enough for a reasonable amount of gear?

 

[Nikon Bob]

Marko

you did not mention the size of your Nikon film kit, RF or SLR and number and size of lenses. I have the F6 and it will hold, with the insert that came with it, A RF or SLR/DSLR with a lens attached and quite a few lenses and light meter. I say quite a few lenses meaning primes that are doubled up on top of each other easily 6 with room for the meter in the last, fourth, compartment. More than enough room for any RF kit, film and accessories. I use it for my D700 also and put the camera with 20-40 Tamron lens hood reversed in the end of the bag and use only one of the four padded compartments to hold my 70-300 VR with lens hood reversed. As someone else has mentioned you can further customize the F6 by buying different inserts. I have used this bag for travel by air and car and find it very comfortable to use. If I need to take my 300/2.8 I am forced to use a backpack. For everyday use with normal kit it is very a versatile shoulder bag. I love the carrying strap as it is very slip resistant.

Bob

 

[Al Patterson]

Backpack to transport; shoulder bag to work out of.

Sure, if you are travelling by car. I'd like to find the best bag to use when carting a laptop and various cameras through the airports, and NOT have to check it.

 

[dostacos]

Thinking about getting a Domke F6 for my nikon film kit. I'm wondering what style of bag you prefer, and why?

I love my F6 as a carry for the day kit, the large front zip pouch is very nice to secure small items....😉