How about "non-camera" camera bags?

dcsang

dcsang

Canadian & Not A Dentist
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In the search for something stylish I was hunting around and noted a very nice "messenger" style bag at the local Fossil store. Very very similar in style to the Domke F-803 satchel.

I may see about putting an insert into it and this may work for an RF/mirrorless kit...
The Mercer EW Messenger

Has anyone considered taking a "non-camera" bag and turning it into a "camera" bag? If so, how did it work out for you?

Cheers,
Dave
 
I never use a purpose designed camera bags - instead I select between:
Timbuk2 messenger - a choice of small or medium;
Mountainsmith Tour bag
Brompton S bag.

The cameras and lenses are padded in the above with either climbing chalk pouches or newswear pouches.
 
I tend to do the same. My preferred is also Timbuktu messenger bag. I padded inserts to them. One of my favorite inserts actually comes from Timbuktu.. Timbuktu also gas their own line of camera bags that basically look like their messenger bags as well. They come w/ removable inserts.

There are a lot of different camera inserts on Amazon.

I like using this approach better than buying a dedicated camera bag because they all have the vendor name on it and are obvious camera bags. The only camera bag I still use is my backpack style one for my sd1 Merrill when I want to carry more than a couple of dslr lenses w/ it.

Gary

Gary
 
I have and still have. But I have :) different approach for it. Lunch bags.
They are good to protect from heat, cold and shock. And lunch bags aren't so attractive if left in the car or elsewhere. Or if you walk in some funny places, you are just regular guy with a lunch bag.
 
Same here. Why pay extra for the "camera bag" designation?

My preference runs to Chrome messenger bags because I find them comfortable & I like their seatbelt clasp feature, but just get some inserts that work for your gear & any bag that can hold those inserts can be a "camera" bag.

FrozenInTime said:
I never use a purpose designed camera bags - instead I select between:
Timbuk2 messenger - a choice of small or medium;
Mountainsmith Tour bag
Brompton S bag.

The cameras and lenses are padded in the above with either climbing chalk pouches or newswear pouches.
Click to expand...
 
when you get a few minutes, i'd appreciate a little color on both the 4 banger and the 2 banger. among other things, i'm curious about the orientation - if they're meant to go over the right shoulder and sit at the left side/hip (which would be backwards for me).
 
I've been using my Freitag Joe for the last 7 or so years. It is expensive granted but it has lasted well and is very weatherproof. I try to cycle most places and find it very comfortable. I may try and add some lightly padded inserts to make my gear more readily accessible, currently I use lens pouches for most things. I also use it for groceries, library books, laptop etc..

http://www.freitag.ch/Fundamentals/Messengers-New/JOE/pa/F17_00359

The bags are constructed from recycled materials:

http://www.freitag.ch/about/production

Nick
 
I often use one of my North Face messenger bags with an insert from a Tenba bag I have for my Monochrom and M6 when I wander around. Easily fits everything else and my iPad mini.
 
I've seen some people here suggesting using a diaper bag! Not a bad idea -- hard to think of something less attractive to a potential thief. Of course, people may wonder why someone would have a diaper bag with him or her, but with no infant.
 
For street shooting I'm a big fan of messenger bags with an insert for street shooting, or sling bags, (both Incase and Manfrotto make good photo sling bags).
 
The military bags I like cost nearly as much as a decent camera bag.
Likewise a messenger bag when you add the cost of an insert.
And neither has the utility of a well-designed camera bag.

Chris
 
Check your local thrifts. I found a Wilson Leather computer bag for $10, two front clasps, zippered top, leather strap and leather handled, with additional front and back pockets. I put camera inserts inside. People are ridding themselves of these large laptop bags since the intro of smaller devices.
 
when i was younger i had a bookbag (bought at the local u bookstore) and used an insert.
great bag till it wore out.
also used a varity of bags from the army surplus etc.
lots of alternatives out there but these days i prefer a purpose driven camera bag.
 
dcsang said:
Has anyone considered taking a "non-camera" bag and turning it into a "camera" bag? If so, how did it work out for you?

Cheers,
Dave
Click to expand...

This is what I've been doing for quite some time now...
I use anything from a very inexpensive MEC tote bag to (my current favorite) a Freitag messenger.

I don't bother with the inserts as I only carry a body w/ lens (perhaps a flash stashed in there as well).

Good luck.
jc
 
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