How do you carry your GS/GSN?

[skinnylatte]

Alright, I'll 'fess up — I'm a digital native who, not too long ago, had trouble loading film into the camera I picked up when I began being interested in photography, a film SLR (which makes me another outcaste around these parts)..

I recently fell hard and headlong for rangefinders, no thanks to hours of lurking around here. The only thing I could afford was a GS, but I have no complaint with that.

After the GS got its CLA, and I was able to take it out a few times, I've been facing the puzzle of what the best way to carry it with me is. The GS comes with the original strap attached to it, but it is old and thin and not the most comfortable thing.

Every other case/bag these days are designed to fit the smallest digicams manufacturers can possibly make. The GS has considerable heft — part of its charm for me — but I can't find a way to carry it inconspicuously. I do "street" photography mostly so I need to be able to whip it out with minimal fuss.

As a college student, my typical setup is either a medium-sized messenger bag, or a backpack, laptop-sized. On other days just a small Crumpler which takes my DSLR and one or two lenses. I'm struggling to fit the GS into any of these, as it is, which is starting to pose a problem since I've taken to the GS very, very well. Sure I could dump it into the backpack.. but it doesn't have a protective case. (Or am I just being paranoid , since cameras of 'my era' last less than a couple of years?)

So... what do you guys use when you take your GS/GSNs out? And what options are there, really? The old Yashica case it came with is crumbling and next to useless. After wondering about it for a few days, it struck me as a good idea to talk to other GSN owners. And I thought this might be the best place to do just that. 🙂

 

[Frank Granovski]

I use a small/medium sized camera bag to carry the GSN, Vivitar 285HV flash, some filters and film. "Oh, yes, there will be blood." 🙂

 

[Kin Lau]

I simply carry mine. It fits in my knapsack/backpack, but with any of my full sized RF's like the GS or Konica S2 or Minolta 7s, I just carry it.

 

[skinnylatte]

I use a small/medium sized camera bag to carry the GSN, Vivitar 285HV flash, some filters and film. "Oh, yes, there will be blood." 🙂

Thanks for the prompt reply.. I was thinking about just that, and have been doing so: lugging about the backpack to 'school', with the small-medium camera bag containing whatever photogear I've got for the day. My college is located in the city near several 'ethnic' spots which are also tourist attractions.. I've had students from my college mistake me for a Japanese tourist because of that getup (I'm an average sized Asian female; a 55L backpack already looks like it could kill me). I do a lot of travelling on the road in Asia involving overland travelling of up to 20 hours at a stretch. "Minimal but comprehensive" is what I aspire towards.. but one can hope.

There's always the Crumpler-style backpack-plus-photo-bag stuff that makes one look like a tortoise. I think I've resigned myself to the idea that one cannot have a decent and well-thoughtout camera or laptop bag without having physical appearance significantly altered.

 

[Frank Granovski]

My carrying case is a cheap, used, black plastic thingy with an orange stripe around it. I believe my wife paid no more than 2 Dollars for it. It does the trick. 😉

 

[Pherdinand]

small backpack, or on my shoulder over my neck.

 

[atelier7]

I stick mine in a lunchbox cooler bag, the kind you find in the supermart for $5. it provides some padding... you can toss the whole thing in your backpack if need be. very inconspicuous...

 

[eli griggs]

"Minimal but comprehensive" is what I aspire towards.. but one can hope.

Try a small/medium OD green surplus 'Alice' pack w/o frame and hang ammo pouches, etc as needed. Homemade ditty bags from rip-stop nylon for miscellanea and a padded man’s shaving kit for the camera/disguise and short walks.

Cheap, tough and ready to go at a moments notice, what more do you need?

Cheers

 

[cp_ste.croix]

army medic bag self lined with foam..fits my rollei and GSN plus film...and it's oh so hip. I just need some thick rimmed glasses to go with it 😀

 

[skinnylatte]

Try a small/medium OD green surplus 'Alice' pack w/o frame and hang ammo pouches, etc as needed. Homemade ditty bags from rip-stop nylon for miscellanea and a padded man’s shaving kit for the camera/disguise and short walks. Cheap, tough and ready to go at a moments notice, what more do you need?

Sounds lovely.. but what are these? 🙂

 

[ErnestoJL]

I´m usually using a medium size shoulder military-like cotton fabric bag, where also goes my pipe, a tobacco pouch, lighter and some other personal items. I´m usually carrying two cameras, protected / separated by a piece of thick plastic foam. The extra film, hand held meter and other accesories go (together with my cell phone) in a belt hanging small leather bag (it was a army surplus ammunition pouch). During winter the camera goes under my jacket hanging from my shoulder. This makes the camera remain unnoticed until you decide, also keeping it dry if it´s raining.

Ernesto

 

[derevaun]

I just use the strap, slung over my neck and across my torso, under my jacket. If it rides just above my hip, it's loose enough to raise to my eye quickly with a little sliding. A thin strap slides easier. I keep filters etc in my pockets. I figure if something's going to hurt the GSN, it's going to hurt me worse, so why worry?

 

[atelier7]

skinnylatte, i presume you're in singapore. ask some of your male friends to take you to beach road where they sell army surplus stuff. i'm sure you can find some sort of small bag to suit your needs.

 

[Frank Granovski]

I´m usually using a medium size shoulder military-like cotton fabric bag, where also goes my pipe, a tobacco pouch, lighter and some other personal items.

Ahhh, another pipe smoker! We're a dying breed. 😛

 

[skinnylatte]

skinnylatte, i presume you're in singapore. ask some of your male friends to take you to beach road where they sell army surplus stuff. i'm sure you can find some sort of small bag to suit your needs.

ah yes, beach road. good suggstion. will do that promptly.

 

[cp_ste.croix]

Ahhh, another pipe smoker! We're a dying breed. 😛

I had to give mine up due to the relationship strife it was causing...i managed to barter my (faaaar less frequent) cigar habit in trade though.

 

[eli griggs]

Skinny, an Alice pack is simply an army backpack that came in several sizes. I've used the medium and large to carry all types of gear in addition to cameras, such as sketch books, watercolors, small nurses, etc. The medium is easy to find and besides the main compartment has pockets sewn into the sides. You can also add ammo pouches to heavy duty attachment points. The top flap itself is a handy compartment, for maps, passport, paperbacks, etc. You can add a padded belt and the quick release shoulder straps are really handy. Here is a link to several types.
http://www.military-quotes.com/military-gear/military-backpacks.htm

A shaving kit is usually a small zippered bag for keeping a shaving cream can, razors, mirror, toiletries etc. Often it will have a wrist strap for carrying and, IMO, a handy camera case, especially when carried inside a pack. Here is a link to a simple type, though you can find them in a traditional 'hard' leather, padded etc. Most people won’t give them a second look on the street and finding one that you like for a RF shouldn’t be difficult.
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.htm...0?_encoding=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B0007RXJ4K

You don’t need all the space an Alice pack has for a RF or two, and even the medium may be a bit large for you, but if you’re like me, then you will appreciate a dependable nothing special piece of gear that can carry lots of stuff you’ve absolutely have to have on hand every time you walk out the door. :bang:

Cheers,
Eli

 

[ErnestoJL]

Ahhh, another pipe smoker! We're a dying breed. 😛

Frank and Chris:

I found the perfect combination:
Film shooting
TX 400 / HP5 / BW400CN
Fine cameras
Pipe smoking
Good wine (red!)
Good music
A beautiful lady
My dog (Juancho a.k.a The Beast)

What else can I expect from life?

Ernesto :bang:

 

[Frank Granovski]

Frank and Chris:

I found the perfect combination:
Film shooting
TX 400 / HP5 / BW400CN
Fine cameras
Pipe smoking
Good wine (red!)
Good music
A beautiful lady
My dog (Juancho a.k.a The Beast)

What else can I expect from life?

My list is almost the same except that I have a cat instead of a dog, and I prefer Ilford HP5+ (400 ASA). What else can I expect from life? My BMW. 🙂

 

[skinnylatte]

My list is almost the same except that I have a cat instead of a dog, and I prefer Ilford HP5+ (400 ASA). What else can I expect from life? My BMW. 🙂

Great lists. I'd have a similar list myself, except replacing the pipe with a sheesha, an Arab pipe which isn't quite portable.

Thanks Eli for the help! And everyone else.

This Yashicatisis is proving to be a persistent ailment.