Camera Bags

[sherm]

Hi everyone:

Question for the group. I want to purchase a new camera bag that doesn't scream camera bag and is fairly low key. I've seen samples from Artist and Artisan at Photo Village and they look pretty nice. If anyone has one of these I would love to hear what the verdict is. Also, reccomendations on other bags would be greatly appreciated. I'm really interested in a bag that would hold one body and a maximum of four lenses.

If you could please include make and model that would also be great.... I can't believe how many different models there are to choose from. :bang:

Thanks,

Scott

 

[rover]

The perfect camera bag is akin to the Holy Grail.......hard to find. I like the Artist and Artisan bags, and all the high end bags. Yes they don't scream camera bag, but if I was a thief I would look at one and say, "Hey, look at that fancy $500 designer bag" and steal it. I wouldn't care what was inside of it, your camera will be a bonus.

I have Domke bags, very nice, well made out of canvas. They don't look fancy and are very good to use. They are not perfect mind you, but I like them quite a bit.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

I always buy no-name bags at the local Chinese store. Usually €5 to €10 and just like other people buy for cigarettes, sandwiches and whatever else they carry around. In southern Europe many men carry bags and these excite no interest at all so my camera is perfectly safe.

For 'serious' carrying I use Billingham.

 

[Luz]

Diaper bags work great but if you want a "camera" bag, try a domke...very low key

 

[retrocam]

I'd suggest the Billingham Hadley series in black canvas and trim. It comes in three sizes, I think. It looks like an office/school bag. 🙂

-annie

 

[VinceC]

I've been using Domke bags for close to 25 years now. Once they've been used awhile, they tend to look more like an old gym bag than a camera bag. Also very functional with all those pockets and lack of padding. When I'm traveling, it's a place to stow a bottle of water, a snack, maps or brochures, even my wallet and passport, plus a camera body or two and lenses.

 

[mitspooner]

Camera Bag

Camera Bag

I have been using a Lomo Sidekick bag. It's padded inside, has a billion pockets for film and lens, waterproof fabric picture holders. Room in side for like five cameras. The only problem is there is writing stamped on to it that says "take you camera everywhere" but it is hard to see if you get the black one. An it is a shoulder bag so your shoulder can get a little sore if you pack to much stuff in it.. which is what I always do. But all in all the best bag I have used so far for street photagraphy.

 

[Nikon Bob]

I have been using Lowe Pro fanny packs of various sizes for years and find them very comfortable as they do not strain my shoulders when worn all day long. There is one to fit your needs I am sure. I have just picked up a Domke F6 shoulder bag and it looks like it may change my mind on shoulder bags. The F6 would do the job for you too, so check it out if you can. Rover is right that the perfect bag is very hard to find and you will wind up with many in the long run. Seems the same applies to tripods but that is another story. Lots of luck in your search for the grail.

Bob

 

[Skinny McGee]

Leica canvas journalist bag looks like a man purse.

 

[lido]

I've been using Crumpler Five Million Dollar Home and love it. That one is too small for your requirements, but there are bigger ones, Six and Seven Million Dollar Home ones that would be big enough for a body and four lenses. Mine is home to Bessa R with 50/1.5 mounted, 35/2.5, lens pen, Weston Master V meter, Moleskin notebook, couple of pens, three rolls of film and other small things.

 

[peter_n]

Another Domke fan here. I have an old F2 for when I want to carry eveything and an F-803 clone for my everyday satchel that has replaced my briefcase. I highly recommend a Domke F-803 or one of its clones, it will carry what you need I think.

 

[RObert Budding]

I like Domke bags, too. But I really do wish that they were waterproof! I'm now looking at Timbuk2 bags with an added Billingham insert. Or maybe I'll try a Billingham.

I once had the strap on a Lowepro let loose - my camera landed on the floor. It was carpeted, though, and the camera escaped damage. But I did lose my trust in Lowepro.

 

[rover]

Leica canvas journalist bag looks like a man purse.

And what is wrong with Man Purses? 😎

 

[peter_n]

I like Domke bags, too. But I really do wish that they were waterproof! [snip]

Robert buy a bottle of Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-on at REI or somewhere like that and you will have a waterproof Domke bag. I am not kidding!

 

[Nikon Bob]

sherm

You might try here http://www.cambags.com/cambags_noframes.htm#canon 1d for some more info.

Bob

 

[brightsky]

There is only one thing wrong with all camera bags. The camera has to come out sooner or later and if a thief is scanning the scene and knows what he is looking for, the bag won't matter.

I would think casual clothes that don't scream money would bring less attention than an excellent, but non-flashy bag if one is concerned about being targeted. There is simply no telling who is watching. Leather always gives the impression of "high-ticket"."

 

[sherm]

Thanks for all of the suggestions... this is why I like hanging out here

Great People!!

Scott

 

[amateriat]

When I got my first Domke bag (F2, late 70s, which I still have but now rarely use since ditching my SLRs), I promptly forgot about all other bags. Inconspicuous, easy to get stuff in and out of, just enough padding to keep said stuff from getting banged up, and, yes, the canvas versions of their bags can handle more than a little rain (and, even though you're here in the Northeast at the moment, a goodly amount of snow) by absorption and swelling when wet.

My main bag for about four years now has been a black Domke 803 Satchel, which comfortably holds my entire main kit:

- Two Konica Hexar RFs, with 28 and 50 lenses attached, in end compartments
- 90 lens in central compartment
- Konica HX-18 flash, tucked below 90 lens
- Nikon SB-20 flash, tucked under one Hexar

Front pockets, under flap: film, pocket tripod, Wein slave flash module, spare batteries

Zippered flap pockets: cable release, lens cloth, Sharpie and ballpoint pens, Palm PDA

Rear pocket: mini-umbrella, paperback, assorted items


This bag could easily handle a single camera (with or without lens attached), plus three or four lenses and all the related things that come along for a day or two out, while easily, and quietly, fitting under your shoulder.

- Barrett

P.S. Even though I don't fly too much, it's nice that it easily fits under an airline seat when I do find myself gettting on a plane (and I always travel light...the 803 and a duffel or overnight bag does it all).

 

[Imagestreet]

Domke F-803 is a great bag for rangefinders and I use it as my primary "out and about" bag as it's easy to carry, holds a stack of gear,and is very low key. I also own the F-801 (this bigger satchel takes a laptop and Bessa R2 ) which I use for work. I also have an F-2 and F-3x for DSLR Nikon gear. Can't recommend the Domke bags enough for daily urban use although if you have a really expensive body and lenses (Leica) that you want to keep pristine then the Domke probably isn't for you as less padding is used in the Domke bags - theoretically I guess this would lead to decreased impact resistance - the trade off is worth it for me as this makes the bag slim, discreet and comfortable to wear. Most importantly the bag fades after extensive use in a very attractive way - looks even better with age (think Nat Geo Photojournalist)! Heard the Sanfrotto clone is OK although would advise against it - instead of buying a cheap chinese rip-off and paying a large additional shipping cost, why not just get the original Domke bag???

 

[peter_n]

The Safrotto clones are actually better made than the current Domkes which have slipped both in material and manufacturing quality. There are a number of threads about these bags here on RFF replete with pictures and reports of use. About three weeks ago I was very glad to have a Safrotto F-803 clone when I took a very spectacular dive onto concrete and the bag took a hammering. But because of the quality of the Safrotto insert my Leica M7/35 Summilux that was in a compartment inside was completely unharmed.

You can't assume that something is "cheap" simply because it is made in China. These bags are excellent quality, as I'm sure other owners here will attest.