I finally start a 'what bag' thread

[bmattock]

Yeah, color me surprised. But I have finally worn out my treasured M-Classics bag. It has a metal reinforcing thing in the back and it poked out the side and now it scratches the inside of my right arm when I wear it. Plus, although it was the perfect size for my Bessa R or Pentax *ist DS, it is a tiny bit too small for my K200D with battery grip.

http://www.mclassics.com/

The M-Classics is about 11x14x3.5 inches, and I'm looking for something an inch or two bigger all the way around, but not much more than that.

My requirements are pretty basic, but much searching of the web has left me with few choices. I want basically the same thing I have, just a touch bigger. M-Classics doesn't make a bigger size. They've also raised their prices and that's out of my range now.

I have looked at and rejected the usual suspects in the 'camera bag' realm, such as the Billinghams and Domke 802 and so on - either too much money, or too much 'camera bag'.

I am considering a couple of courier bags that perhaps I could outfit with Domke liners.

http://www.baileyworks.com/Messenger+Bags/253+Courier/options/

http://www.demartinibags.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=28

http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FSSB

http://www.pakuma.com/products/choroka_k2.htm

http://www.manhattanportage.com/catalog/Shoulder-Bags/Cornell-Messenger/117

http://www.ebags.com/tenba/prodigit...id=104337&productid=1290181&sourceID=PRICGRAB

Any thoughts, or anyone have experience with any of the above?

And yes, feel free to hurl abuse at me - I have certainly heaped scorn on various bag threads in the past. I have it coming, so I won't object.

 

[Gumby]

You like pie! 😛

 

[visiondr]

Bill,
I have been very happy with my Courierware "incognito camera bag". They come in several sizes, have a dedicated photo gear insert (bottomless) and a padded bottom. The insert is removable to make the bag great for my work stuff and general use. They're made in Vermont (supporting a USA business) and they're built like a tank.

http://www.courierwareusa.com/objects/20.itml/icOid/20

 

[sanmich]

the Domke f-802 is not much money, and is in no way too "camera bag" (way less than the M-classic methinks)
I have two of them. The only problem (if it is a concern for you) is the lack of padding.
Personally, I like it that way. And it's big enough to put lots of stuff there: wallet, phone, GPS, water etc...

 

[back alley]

i like the cornell bag the best but wonder about the ease of gear going in and coming out, it might be a touch narrow.

btw, my tongue is bleeding 😉

joe

 

[benlees]

Second vote for Courierware bags. A bit more than I wanted to spend but they make a great bag. The insert is a bit bulky and I wish they put some velcro on the inside of the bag- to use the dividers you have to use the insert.

I prefer smaller bags (there are several sizes) but mine can hold two cameras w/lens and a few books plus the usual odd and ends. Tight but doable.

 

[andredossantos]

I am very picky with bags and finally found one I love: Naneu Pro Lima. Padding is removable and somewhat customizable and even though it's small you can fit a nice array of stuff in it. For example, i can fit my hasselblad 500cm with 60mm + extra back and a bessa r2m along with 10 rolls of film and it's all easily accesible and easy to work out of while out roaming.

 

[rya]

Wow, I wish I had researched as much as you one week ago. I just ordered a Domke.

From the ones you list, I would favor the first three all over the second three. Especially the second and third. The first bag looks nice, but I got a Domke because my current bags are either too big or too round. I don't like it feeling like a basketball is strapped to my side.

 

[bmattock]

Bill,
I have been very happy with my Courierware "incognito camera bag". They come in several sizes, have a dedicated photo gear insert (bottomless) and a padded bottom. The insert is removable to make the bag great for my work stuff and general use. They're made in Vermont (supporting a USA business) and they're built like a tank.

http://www.courierwareusa.com/objects/20.itml/icOid/20

I like it - a bit on the pricey side for the medium, but I did look at it and I will consider it further if nothing else jumps out. Thanks!

 

[Trius]

Bill starts a gear thread ... man, I've seen it all.

 

[bmattock]

the Domke f-802 is not much money, and is in no way too "camera bag" (way less than the M-classic methinks)

My M-Classic is one of the originals - no "Leitz" logo and mine is filthy dirty and worn out - not on purpose, just from carrying it everywhere. It does not look like a camera bag - more like a hobo sack. I prefer that. The Domke is too much 'camera bag' looking for me. I see it and start looking for the photographer's vest and pith helmet to go along with it.

However, I'm sure the f-802 became a classic for a good reason - it works well. I just have trouble with how it looks. My problem!

I have two of them. The only problem (if it is a concern for you) is the lack of padding.

Nah, the M-Classics has no padding either. I just tuck a couple padded generic lens sleeves in it.

Personally, I like it that way. And it's big enough to put lots of stuff there: wallet, phone, GPS, water etc...

Thanks, but it's low on my list for now. I might reconsider, but it would not be my first choice.

 

[f16sunshine]

I like to have a few different bags for different outings.
Currently:
Slingback 200
Great for a camera or two/lenses film batteries passport etc.... or water bottle in the top pocket. I use it for shooting festivals and air travel. The perfect carry on. You can put your camera and your things.

Old beater messanger bag.
For high risk of theft areas. It looks like crap and is not noticed.

Contax G-1 leather bag.
For dressy occasions.

Lowpro toploader
A small one with zipper top for hiking with one camera one lens.

The Contax bag is my favorite. Very well thought out. The lens compartment on the bottom with it's own flap is very smart. I use this one the most. They can be expensive on the bay but you can get lucky.

 

[bmattock]

i like the cornell bag the best but wonder about the ease of gear going in and coming out, it might be a touch narrow.

btw, my tongue is bleeding 😉

joe

Yeah, I know, I know. The difference is, I have ONE bag that I use (the rest just hold cameras and lenses on the shelf) and now I've worn it out. When it ripped a blood line in my arm, I knew it had to be replaced. So, uh, I gave myself permission. Or something like that.

 

[bmattock]

Bill starts a gear thread ... man, I've seen it all.

Tell me about it. If I hadn't drawn a blank looking for a replacement bag for my M-Classics, I would never have done it. Finally gave in.

 

[bmattock]

I like to have a few different bags for different outings.
Currently:
Slingback 200
Great for a camera or two/lenses film batteries passport etc.... or water bottle in the top pocket. I use it for shooting festivals and air travel. The perfect carry on. You can put your camera and your things.

Old beater messanger bag.
For high risk of theft areas. It looks like crap and is not noticed.

Contax G-1 leather bag.
For dressy occasions.

Lowpro toploader
A small one with zipper top for hiking with one camera one lens.

The Contax bag is my favorite. Very well thought out. The lens compartment on the bottom with it's own flap is very smart. I use this one the most. They can be expensive on the bay but you can get lucky.

I appreciate it, but none of those, except the messenger bag, is anything close to what I want. I've had them all (or still have them) at one time or another, and I hate (no make that despise) them. I only like courier-style pouch bags the basic shape of a Billingham bag - just not a Billingham bag. As to the messenger bag, that's why I posted the links. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with any of them before I take a chance on an unknown.

As for dressy occasions, I don't. I wore a tux once, and still carried my grotty old M-Classics. I'm not what you call social.

 

[Al Patterson]

I've been looking at the small version of the Tenba messenger bag. My first camera bag was a ttenba, and it held up rather well over the years.

 

[bmattock]

I've been looking at the small version of the Tenba messenger bag. My first camera bag was a ttenba, and it held up rather well over the years.

I'm kind of grooving on it myself. It has a handle on top, which the M-Classics did not (they do now), so that's cool, and it appears to be padded inside already, so that could save a few bucks buying inserts. The "Pro Digital 2 Large" is the one I'm looking at. 16" x 13" x 8.5" makes it a bit thicker and wider than the M-Classics...but I guess I can make use of that. I have to carry medical supplies around with me now full-time as well.

 

[thomasw_]

Perhaps take a peek at the BBB, as it has become my favourite after trying many?

Good cheer, Thomas

 

[bmattock]

Perhaps take a peek at the BBB, as it has become my favourite after trying many?

Good cheer, Thomas

It looks fantastic but is not big enough (10″ x 12″ x 4.5″ for the biggest one). My M-Classics is a tad too small now at 11x14x3.5 inches.

If it were a bit bigger, that might indeed be the ticket, but my problem at the moment is my K200D doesn't fit in my M-Classics properly with the battery grip.

Nice bag though, I can see why you like it!

 

[bmattock]

I am very picky with bags and finally found one I love: Naneu Pro Lima. Padding is removable and somewhat customizable and even though it's small you can fit a nice array of stuff in it. For example, i can fit my hasselblad 500cm with 60mm + extra back and a bessa r2m along with 10 rolls of film and it's all easily accesible and easy to work out of while out roaming.

A distinct possibility, thanks! The size is right, the shape is rightish. I would have to pry that compass off, though. Egads. If I am lost enough to need a compass, I've got serious problems.