Help with bag selection

[nanthor]

I've read through lots of bag threads and sorry for another "help me" post. I'm really used to the kind of bags that seem designed for SLR's and DSLR's and I have a few nice ones. Now I have an M camera and an R-D1 and about 5 very small lenses for them. When I use my existing bags the little lenses just disappear down the rather deep holes that were designed for longer/larger lenses. I'd like a bag that had room for 2 bodies with/without lenses attached and small shallow pockets for about 4-5 lenses that would be easily recognizable and readily grabbable, not having to reach down deep into a 5-6 inch deep pocket or to have one lens on top of another. What brands or styles have these features? Thanks, Bob.

 

[back alley]

my current favourite for this is the domke f6.

 

[35mmdelux]

Domke F-803 satchel is uber nice.

 

[Pablito]

Domke F-803 satchel is uber nice.

I agree and like mine very much, but it does not fit his description of what he is looking for, it is deep. the F6 is shallower.

 

[ferider]

I'll stay away from a bag recommendation since there are so many good choices starting at around US 40 (like the Naneu Pro Lima) up to the hand-made Luigi case for > US 600.

But I do recommend the classic Benser/Leica lens back to back couplers, or make them yourselves with 2 lens caps. Saves # compartments.

Roland.

 

[nanthor]

Thanks Roland, I do have one and use it. I never thought to make my own but that is a great idea, you can't put some deeper wide angle lenses into the back to back coupler that I have for fear of clashing rear elements. Thanks for the suggestions so far, I will research them. Bob.

 

[Bob Michaels]

I believe camera bags are like shoes. You just have to try them on to see how they feel for you. You just can't buy them online.

The ONLY way is to carry your designated gear into a store with that model bag in stock. Pack it up and try carrying it around the store. Nothing else will do even if that store sells at full retail.

Now that is a real hassle for those of you who do not live anywhere close to a real pro camera shop. But I have never found a real alternative other than to buy blind and then later sell what doesn't fit.

 

[madsolitaire]

My favourite so far is my Artisan & Artist 7000 (aka one day bag). Do check out their website. You might find something that suit your needs.

 

[back alley]

I'll stay away from a bag recommendation since there are so many good choices starting at around US 40 (like the Naneu Pro Lima) up to the hand-made Luigi case for > US 600.

But I do recommend the classic Benser/Leica lens back to back couplers, or make them yourselves with 2 lens caps. Saves # compartments.

Roland.

the f6 with a couple of m caps glued back to back make that bag perfect for my cv kit.

 

[back alley]

I believe camera bags are like shoes. You just have to try them on to see how they feel for you. You just can't buy them online.

The ONLY way is to carry your designated gear into a store with that model bag in stock. Pack it up and try carrying it around the store. Nothing else will do even if that store sells at full retail.

Now that is a real hassle for those of you who do not live anywhere close to a real pro camera shop. But I have never found a real alternative other than to buy blind and then later sell what doesn't fit.

agreed, except that my local shops do not carry domke bags or many others for that matter. online is the only way to buy them for me.

 

[nanthor]

That artist and artisan "image smith" just about the perfect size and compartment layout. No way I can find one around me to try out and it's pricey. I didn't see any side compartments or places for more than a few rolls of film, but it's closest to what I've got in mind so far. I like the deeper compartment for the cameras and the shallow for the extra lenses, also provides a little more protection keeping the heavier cameras apart from the delicate lenses, good idea. Bob.

 

[letvet]

Artist & Artisan. The shoulder strap is very comfortable, the interior is well padded and they are very streamlined. I use mine quite a bit.

 

[projectbluebird]

I'm a bag guy. I've got all kinds of bags for all of my things. But I've never been able to find a "great" camera bag, though there are several good ones. The best I've found for my RF kit is actually a cheap Asian knockoff of a musette bag. I've toyed with the idea of making my own, and have finally got all the necessary bits together.

I'm sure I'll let you know how it goes! (Wish me luck.)