I Love My F-803

[dcsang]

In a recent thread, Stephanie Brim asked the question about what was in your camera bag - what was the perfect set of gear - I took it as being "what was the perfect camera bag".. The thread can be found here in case you missed it:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29289&highlight="Camera+Bag"

Well... I think I've found it. I've seen others carrying it and it wasn't until I snagged one last week from PhotoCo on Ebay that I realized it is everything I've wanted in a rangefinder camera bag.

It is inconspicuous enough - looks like a small laptop bag.
It has enough compartments - I can hold two bodies and my lenses (15, 21, 35 Nokton and 50) as well as film, moleskin, pen, wallet etc.
It's waterproof (the waterproof canvas is at least)

I'm severely happy with it.. so much so that I'm going to sell my F-3X that I have and at least one or two other bags!!! 😀

Happily Less Like The Imelda Marcos Of Camera Bags,
Dave

 

[FrankS]

I like mine too, Dave. It's the one you saw at the GTA get together.

 

[peter_n]

I've decided I like the Chinese clones (Safrotto/Mekko) better. Very very slightly larger, more pockets, and a fatter strap with a really nice shoulder pad.

But what really did it for me was in the months of using the F-803 every day it finally dawned on me that it was uncomfortable. That rigid top is a real problem IMO. My Safrotto has a nice soft top. And there is no comparison between the quality of the inserts, TG I was using the Safrotto when I chose to have a bad falling accident last winter. The bag slammed onto the ground 😱 and inside was my newish M7 and 35 Summilux ASPH 😱 😱 . But everything (except me) was OK because of that insert. 😀

 

[physiognomy]

I've never seen the 'real deal' upclose (another Peter with a Mekko), but I agree that the f803 is a great sized bag... Now that I've limited myself to film, 2 Nicca bodies (or 1 Nicca & Bessa L with 15mm), & 2 lenses it works perfectly! The small (but ample size) stops me from lugging around every lens I own!

Congrat's you found the right bag... until the next one comes along 🙂 🙂 🙂

Peter

 

[Rafael]

I have the Safrotto clone as well. And I agree that it is a great RF bag. I rarely leave the house without mine. In THIS recent thread, I discussed how well it served my purposes on an outing to shoot the Fall colours.

 

[wlewisiii]

I have the Mekko clone and just love it. It's turned out to be the perfect size for my T-90 kit - it's just too big for the CL kit and not big enough for both. Is there a smaller bag from them too?

William

 

[pcfranchina]

I have the safrotto clone. Very well made. I hit it with the water resisitant spray a few times to help out. I like how no descript it is. Doesn't look like a camera bag and it easily holds my RF gear or a SLR or a combo of both. Im not a fan of the traditional looking camera bags, I just can't afford to spend for a real nice domke or M classic.