French Military Surplus Bag

[cassel]

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....

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

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.

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

Anyway--- it's nice on the shoulder, well-proportioned and functional🙂

 

[back alley]

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...

 

[cassel]

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"

 

[Huss]

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.

 

[Rob-F]

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.

 

[Thud]

Set the bag in the sun for a few hours. Remove your stuff.
It should be gtg.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

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.

 

[cassel]

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....

 

[Huss]

See all those mottled speckled shapes on the inside lid? Mold. Mold spores survive drought, heat etc. just waiting for the right conditions to germinate.
For the sake of your gear toss it.

 

[filmtwit]

Try saturating it for few hours in white vingar.

 

[Out to Lunch]

I could imagine your fascination with the ''look'' of the bag but I'd never put my gear in a smelly and moldy one.

 

[Ben Z]

FEAST YOUR EYES 😀

 

[Rob-F]

Try saturating it for few hours in white vingar.

Don't forget the olive oil. Monini white truffle olive oil is a good choice.

 

[Huss]

FEAST YOUR EYES 😀

Excellent link!

But do they come with the stale smell of Gaulloise cigarettes and truffles?

Zut alors!

 

[nikon_sam]

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...

 

[Huss]

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...

That's more like it. Mind if I ask how much $$?

 

[nikon_sam]

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...