French Military Surplus Bag

cassel

Well-known
Local time
2:15 PM
Joined
Oct 12, 2008
Messages
759
Bags can be a lot of fun to try to out--- as long as the fun doesn't become frustrating;) I have a couple of Domke style bags (real F6 - fake F2) and wanted something very slightly smaller than the F6 and a bit more sturdy (less floppy).

Lots of hunting led to this....

U26723I1458181518.SEQ.0.jpg


French Military Surplus - not sure of the vintage--- heavy (waxed?) canvas with leather reinforcement and straps. Kind of musty, but in good shape for $30

U26723I1458181519.SEQ.1.jpg


Fits one body (Leotax) with lens plus an extra lens, big Luna Pro SBC, couple rolls of film, etc. just right!

Only mod was to make a nice pad for the interior bottom of the bag.

U26723I1458181519.SEQ.2.jpg


I see a possible copy (maybe not real) version on the auction site presented as a Will Leather Brand for $140 :confused:

Anyway--- it's nice on the shoulder, well-proportioned and functional:)
 
looks good...i remember searching the army surplus stores when i was younger looking for bags to turn into camera bags.
be careful if the inside is leather...can get mouldy...
 
Thanks-
Seems like a good bag-- I hauled it around today while I was out shooting a few pictures. The smell was just sort of musty when I got it--- like old canvas gear can get. After letting it air-out, cleaning carefully, spray with Fra-Breez and lining the interior with cedar blocks for a few days, it was much better (just a bit smelly still).

I don't see any mold, but I will NOT store stuff in this bag when it is not "on assignment/ in-the-field"
 
Hmm musty = moldy. I have tossed bags and cases that were 'musty'. My gear is worth more than that.
p.s. it is very hard to see mold spores. The giveaway is the smell.
 
What about spraying it with something that kills mold? Lysol? Diluted Clorox? Clorox will do it, but there will be some bleaching action. I'm not sure if it will still be strong enough if diluted enough to minimize bleaching. What about exposure to sunlight.
 
Mle.1929 French Army ammunition satchel. 1950s incarnation I think. Used well into the 1960s to hold magazines for the FM 24/29 light machine gun.
 
Mle.1929 French Army ammunition satchel. 1950s incarnation I think. Used well into the 1960s to hold magazines for the FM 24/29 light machine gun.


That's good information and interesting--- I was also thinking that sunlight exposure (when the weather turns) would be good.

If it turns out to to be moldy or I decide it ain't worth it...now I know what it is and could find a replacement. They seem to be available....
 
I found this French Ammo bag at our local Military Surplus store...I use it with my Yashicamat 124...I don't keep the camera in it just some film, light meter, a few filters and a set of Rolleinar 1 lenses...It also holds my keys and phone...
I bought it in New condition...the strap has a stain due to me spilling water or something on it...
25310097394_e6bacb9bb1_c.jpg


25942800075_5d536e8864_c.jpg


25822014992_7841e23bb8_c.jpg
 
I found this French Ammo bag at our local Military Surplus store...I use it with my Yashicamat 124...I don't keep the camera in it just some film, light meter, a few filters and a set of Rolleinar 1 lenses...It also holds my keys and phone...
I bought it in New condition...the strap has a stain due to me spilling water or something on it...
25310097394_e6bacb9bb1_c.jpg


25942800075_5d536e8864_c.jpg


25822014992_7841e23bb8_c.jpg
That's more like it. Mind if I ask how much $$?
 
Knowing me I probably paid $10 - $20 for it...most likely closer to the $10 mark...I go to this store more than I should...I look at a lot of bags...I'll buy it to try it if the price is right...
 
Back
Top Bottom