How about "non-camera" camera bags?

[kshapero]

I use a Filson Briefcase.

 

[kuvvy]

I can't resist a bag or a bag thread for that matter. I have a few bags, all camera bags but find after buying them I much prefer them without the original inserts and will put in a Puleme insert instead. This leaves space between the insert and the bag which can be put to use. The only bags I don't do this with are the Bare Bones ones, both the original and the BBBe.

Paul

 

[burancap]

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.

That all Depends®! 😱

 

[burancap]

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).

Adam, both the 2 and 4-Bangers are symmetrical. The removable straps can be oriented either way. As shipped and as shown on the 5.11 site -the bag would be over the left shoulder and sitting at the right hip. I flipped mine as I prefer to reach across my body into a bag.

I bought three of these inserts: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008UVIT7M/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

One pops right into the 2-Banger. The lid is a bit tight and I do not typically use it on a walk. I had a seamstress shorten one of the two remaining inserts to fit along with the last unmodified insert in the 4-Banger which is about 50% longer, but otherwise dimensionally identical to the smaller 2-Banger.

The 2-Banger (which I prefer) is a bit smaller, especially in height, but similar to a Billingham Leica bag. It fits a lensed M body, an extra lens, and a few rolls in the main, zippered compartment. Wallet, keys, etc. in the front zippered compartment. The Velcro "looped fastener" pocket is a bit wonky and I am considering having the loops removed and replaced with a simple strip of Velcro.

At any rate, a handsome, fairly well made (considering price), light bag that is well suited for hikes, etc.

 

[nightfly]

I use a Jack Spaade bag (take out the extra "a" otherwise it will censor me for a racial term no one has used in 50 years). Mine isn't quite this one but similiar:

http://www.jack*****.com/foundation-canvas-field-messenger/NYRU1474.html?dwvar_NYRU1474_color=400&cgid=Bags-Messenger-Bags#start=12&cgid=Bags-Messenger-Bags


More stylish and functional than most camera bags. Really like the Crumpler inserts, way better than the Domke's I used to use that fall apart:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0087B16OS/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=1535523722&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0087B16PW&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0YNYF8PF3F1GZHHBYJAS

You can basically open the top of the insert all the way and fold it over for shooting quickly or cinch it up for putting in another bag for traveling. Great for a Leica, Tight for a Mamiya 7 and lens but works for travel.

 

[Rob-F]

I didn't see anything to click on to see the inside, but it does look swanky!

That Filson briefcase looks pretty cool, too!

 

[Rob-F]

Of course, if someone sees you putting a camera in the bag, the game's over . . .

 

[Aristophanes]

I use any old bag (usually a messenger style) and these as inserts:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/more-choice...ndbag-Pouch-Cover-Tote-Neoprene-/121334822091

They don't look like camera bags and neither do the inserts. I watched a guy scope and take a dedicated camera bag in a park once but could not intervene as I had my kid. I yelled and gestured but the crook was too quick and too efficient. The crook clearly zeroed in on the camera bag because it was exactly that.

 

[majid]

Right now I am carrying a Crumpler "Ugly Divorce", which does not look like a camera bag, despite being a camera + laptop bag.

 

[Noll]

If you don't mind looking kinda dorky (or are going somewhere where not many people will see you), Marmot makes a good "Lumbar Pack". I can fit a camera body + couple primes + film and some hiking provisions in mine. Sure beats over-the-shoulder!

 

[Waku]

I use a NorthFace messenger bag with a complete Billingham small insert that fits perfectly.
So it´s a non looking bag at the outside but very well suited for the purpose.

 

[ruby.monkey]

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

That bag looks like it would make a pretty good rain-catcher in bad weather.

 

[crosseyed-cricket]

I use this bag:
http://www.condoroutdoor.com/Condor-136.aspx

With this insert:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1014073-REG/pro_tec_i501_camera_insert_bag.html

I can carry my digital and film bodies and a couple of lenses inside and a couple of batteries and extra film on the outside pockets. End pockets are easy to hold an extra lens or a bottle of water.

 

[kossi008]

Some Eastpak messenger bag with A&A insert.
Three reasons:
1. Does not look like a cmarea bag
2. Fits other stuff besides the gear
3. Even fits a Sirui T-1204x underneath the insert, if necessary...

 

[porktaco]

the marmot lumbar bag is very nice. very. it led me to this

http://fishpondusa.com/product/detail/waterdance-guide-pack/357

which looks great too.

also, thanks for the info on the 2-banger and 4-banger.

i looked at that condor bag. it's a little big for me but i liked the idea a lot.

decisions, decisions.

 

[Tom A]

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.

 

[porktaco]

that brady bag is fine. the billingham-style pop tabs are great touches.

 

[burancap]

I stumbled upon these recently: http://store.kellymoorebag.com/collections/all

Most certainly do NOT look like camera bags -though they appear maybe even more theft prone!

So... I had the funniest thing just happen.

Got a text a few hours ago from a friend that was having lunch in a small burgh about an hour from here. This quaint little town happens to be the site of one of the last remaining mom & pop camera stores in the state and is located just a few doors down from my friend's lunch stop. I happened to be armed with the knowledge that said store is having a special sale ending this very day on all Kelly Moore bags in inventory. So I suggest to my friend, a budding hobbyist herself, that she should go down and have a look. I genuinely thought she might find a pursey-looking camera bag and be so delighted -that she might actually take advantage of the sale and grab one for herself.

Well, I have read and reread my texts several times for any presumed hinting or leading, but my friend knowing that I just had a birthday ... took my texts as such. She just delivered unto me a Kelly Boy in brown! 😀😀😀

Here: http://store.kellymoorebag.com/collections/all/products/kelly-boy

 

[VertovSvilova]

I use these messenger style bags: http://www.courierwareusa.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26&Itemid=227

Eric will also accommodate special requests. You can pretty much design your own. He also uses local labor and pays living wages. He's the guy who builds Steven Schaub's 'Bare Bones bags' which were designed by Schaub with photographers in mind.

The build quality is exceptional and the bags are very functional with no frills. And Eric has moved the logo to a small label inside the bag (it used to be on the outside of the bag although still not so obvious.) They are extremely discreet and while they are perfect for cameras, they don't attract attention at all. A lifetime warranty, too.

 

[Bill Clark]

I've used an old sock.

Quit, as I could afford better stuff lately!