How about "non-camera" camera bags?

I don't own a camera bag, I just put my camera in a regular messenger bag. I don't carry loads of gear, just the camera and some film, so I don't need all those compartments etc.
 
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Brady Arial Trout. In a pinch it can hold three M's and an extra lens + some film. Front pockets holds pipe, tobacco and matches and other odds and ends. This one was replaced some years back as it was getting a bit shop-worn.
 
I've been considering turning my Rick Steves Daybag into a camera bag. Think Tank's HQ is just down the street from me, so I may take the Daybag over there and see about an insert.
 
I use an old E. Bauer daypack I got for college for books 30 yrs ago. Lenses go in neoprene colored tablet sleeves from the dollar store. It also doubles as my fly-fishing pack (nope, no fish ever been in the bag; catch/release only). Very simple, ugly, and this thing has now been going strong since 1983. (I'd be as upset losing this bag as the stuff inside it.)
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What inserts are you guys using? I know a lot of bags (like the lowepro) has a removable insert, but its not sold separately
Can't find one big enough to hold an Nikon F5 sized camera
 
ChrisPlatt said:
The military bags I like cost nearly as much as a decent camera bag.
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Depends on what you are looking for. I use a gas-mask bag (something like these) and a camera bag insert (something like the $20-25 ones -- just make sure your bag/insert sizes match). Total cost about $35 shipped -- small and compact, perfect for mirrorless, very safe and VERY theft prone. They are so cheap that you can buy multiple inserts (and even multiple bags). I have one for my digital kit, my 35mm kit, my Plaubel MF kit, my TRL kit and my polaroid kit, are each ready to go at a moment's notice. The snap closes aren't my favorite, but they are better than loud velcro IMO. And let's be frank -- they were meant to be accessible in a hurry! :eek:
 
I should probably clarify that my kits are very small so I realize that setup won't work for people who want a lot of lenses with them. My 35mm kit is a Contax G2 + 45mm, light meter, a few rolls of film and maybe an extra 90mm (but I usually don't bother). My Rollei kit is a TRL on it's side laying on a few extra rolls of film, maybe a rolleinar and a light meter. Pretty basic run and gun kits.
 
Tom A said:
For the last 30+ years I have been using the Brady Ariel Trout fishing bags. They are built like nothing else. Water proof insert for carrying live trout home - if I happen to run into one.
They last me from 3-5 years after which the "duck" canvas usually has worn out on the side that hangs against the pants (and also worn out at least 2-3 pairs of jeans!
I don't use inserts - they take up to much room. I keep a "happy" towel (japanse idiom) and use that to pad between camera bodies. It has two front pockets for pipe,tobacco and matches as well as the odds and ends we keep dragging around. Film is in film cans taped bottom to bottom.
The design evidently harks back to the 30's - all good leather straps and brass lugs, wide canvas strap which I modify either with a pad from a Domke or simply stitch in a piece of leather with the rough side down to eliminate slipping off the shoulder. Also can hold a couple of magazines, a thick pocket book etc. It can take 2 M/Bessa/Nikon Rf bodies and an extra lens. One body is usually around my neck anyway.
Rumours have it that Billingham was started by someone who worked for Brady at some time. They have gone a bit upscale now with a choice of colour - but I stick to the canvas colour out of habit.
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Tom- A thought popped into my head. Did you ever think of having a shoe repairman sew leather or suede on the side that wears out ?
 
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