Camera Bags Suitable for Rangefinders

[nation_of_pomation]

Hi everyone,

For a long time, I've gotten by using various small shoulder bags made for other things to carry my cameras. Lately, I have had the opportunity to travel and I found makeshift bags were a huge pain. I am looking into purchasing a camera bag suitable for a rangefinder system. At the smallest, I carry a Zorki-6 or toy camera and at the biggest I have a Mamiya Press Super 23. I realize the Mamiya may not fit in a lot of bags that would be suitable for small RFs, but I have a couple of smaller medium format cameras like a Yashica TLR and eventually an Iskra that I could substitute. I've found that most modern bags are made for DSLR scale cameras which makes them too big and too small at the same time. I'm open to any kind, but the backpack kind seem nice because with a laptop sleeve, I could use them at school as I am a student.

Many thanks in advance!

 

[Vince Lupo]

Have you looked at a Domke F803?

 

[nation_of_pomation]

That looks like a good option for a messenger bag style one! It doesn't have a laptop sleeve, but I'm sure one would fit in a bag like that. Does anyone know if it would? Other suggestions?

 

[zuikologist]

The Tenba Messenger mini is good for a small kit and has laptop storage. Looks good in several colours. Also available as a backpack.

 

[besk]

As to the Black Nylon J-803 -I have one that I have been using for years. It does have a back pocket but can't say how well it would work for your laptop - someone else may can check it.

I have carried Leicas, Nikon SLRs, Hasselblads, Rolleiflexes, and many other things in mine over the years. Even a Mamiya Super 23 would fit it you went without the handle. (I carried a Mamiya Press "flat-top" to eastern Europe in 2011.)

 

[35mmdelux]

DOMKE has every size to suit your needs. They last forever and not expensive - cheers!

 

[biomed]

Second the Domke bags. This Lowepro has been my favorite small RF bag. It was originally intended to carry film.

Mike

 

[VertovSvilova]

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2263697&postcount=25

btw, I own five of them. The most comfortable, well made, and inconspicuous bags I've ever used.

 

[dct]

Tenba

Tenba

The Tenba Messenger mini is good for a small kit and has laptop storage. Looks good in several colours. Also available as a backpack.

I concur. I own the mini and large one with several similar inserts allowing a gear swap in a couple of seconds.
A couple of pictures are present in my gallery, as already discussed.

 

[presspass]

Don't overlook the A&A series of bags or the clones. They make a very nice bag with a flap - messenger style but smaller - that will hold two rangefinder bodies with smaller lenses and either one or two additional lenses with room for film, meters, etc. It will not, however, hold a laptop.
The Domke bags are wonderful, but be careful of the metal clasps. I did scratch an M6 viewfinder window with one of these. My fault, I know, but still …

 

[jane7l]

crumpler cupcake 4000. i think they don't make them any more, but have similar models. i fit 2 leicas with 2 additional lenses in. small and sweet and very good material, lasts forever.

 

[furcafe]

As you've already discovered, the Mamiya Press is the real problem, bag-wise. For my similarly sized/shaped Koni-Omega I just don't bother w/a bag. The rest of your RFs & toy cameras can easily fit into an insert + messenger bag or backpack of your choice (partial to Chrome messenger bags & Tenba inserts myself, but any brand will do).

Hi everyone,

For a long time, I've gotten by using various small shoulder bags made for other things to carry my cameras. Lately, I have had the opportunity to travel and I found makeshift bags were a huge pain. I am looking into purchasing a camera bag suitable for a rangefinder system. At the smallest, I carry a Zorki-6 or toy camera and at the biggest I have a Mamiya Press Super 23. I realize the Mamiya may not fit in a lot of bags that would be suitable for small RFs, but I have a couple of smaller medium format cameras like a Yashica TLR and eventually an Iskra that I could substitute. I've found that most modern bags are made for DSLR scale cameras which makes them too big and too small at the same time. I'm open to any kind, but the backpack kind seem nice because with a laptop sleeve, I could use them at school as I am a student.

Many thanks in advance!

 

[segedi]

I also have the Domke J-803 and love it. It's compact but has a lot if pockets. The back slot will hold a MacBook Air, but is more suited for an iPad. I just got the FA-230 insert for it and it's holding an M3 with 50mm Summarit and a Monochrom with 35mm Summilux. Could fit another lens in the insert too and their's room for a water bottle or something else.

My other bag is an older Kata 3n1 and these are great too. A but bigger that what you need for rangefinders, but love the configurability and how you can wear as a sling or backpack. And has a pocket for up to 15.4" laptop. Plus a too compartment that you can store other stuff in.

 

[Out to Lunch]

I have a few bags and the one I use the most, both for carrying cameras and papers when on work missions, is the Billingham Hadley Pro. It will fit a rangefinder camera plus lens; one or two additional lenses; a kindle and Ipad; a wallet and keys. It has both a shoulder strap and a sturdy carrying handle on top of the bag.

 

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

As you've already discovered, the Mamiya Press is the real problem, bag-wise.

Back when I used a Super 23 outfit, I carried it in an old fashioned Press Camera case: basically a wooden box with a thin leather skin outside and a real velvet lining. Great for standing on and usefull armour in a scrum.

🙂

 

[Steve Bellayr]

I use a Think Tank. It is non-descript and fits under airline seats.

 

[jpfisher]

Check out the Think Tank Mirrorless Mover. I use the largest one (model 30i) for my M kit. Easily manages two bodies and a a few lenses. I replaced the standard dividers with ones that were a bit beefier, but other than that, no complaints. Can also hold an iPad or the 11" MacBook Air, if that type of thing matters.

 

[noisycheese]

Take a look at the Billingham Hadley Pro - I have carried one of these for years and it is an outstanding everyday carry bag for a small kit.

Due to chronic shoulder/upper back problems, it has been recently trumped by this bag from Think Tank: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/turnstyle-20-blue-slate-sling.aspx

Take a hard look at the Think Tank Turnstyle series of bags - they are fantastic little bags. 😉

 

[icebear]

Domke F-6, the little bit smaller bag, either in classic canvas or ballistic nylon.
Fits e.g. 2 M RF's, 4 lenses and plenty of the small stuff - but no laptop.

 

[Coopersounds]

Second the Domke bags. This Lowepro has been my favorite small RF bag. It was originally intended to carry film.

Mike

which model lowepro is that?
🙂