I think l might have an addiction, a bag addiction

[raid]

My last camera bag was a canvas bag that is very practical and that I really enjoy using. It cost me around $25 new. I travel with it. It holds my two M bodies and sometimes also an additional M 4/3 body. It looks like this bag:

 

[Calzone]

I'm clean and sober on this one. I've never owned a camera bag, never saw the need for one, and never will. Why would I want to dig around in a bag for the camera while the shot disappears? I put one lens on the camera and that's what I shoot with, and nothing else needs to come with me besides my usual side bag w/ my journal, phone, sketch pad, money, keys, pens and pencils, etc.

Steve,

Sometimes I carry three rigged and loaded Leicas: one in hand; and two in a bag. Like you this is being ready.

Also in urban areas it is wise to keep your hands free for self defense.

Another reason is to wear a camera to avoid a snatch and grab robbery.

Sometimes it is good to have a bag to protect a camera from cold and severe weather.

I don't like neck straps because they could be a liability in a fight where you have a choking hazard. I tend to mitigate this danger by wearing a bag bandelier style. I like wrist straps for security and for defensive purposes if required.

Stuff happens...

Cal

 

[raid]

Steve,


Also in urban areas it is wise to keep your hands free for self defense.

Another reason is to wear a camera to avoid a snatch and grab robbery.


Stuff happens...

Cal

You live dangerously, Cal! 😀😱😀

 

[Calzone]

You live dangerously, Cal! 😀😱😀

Raid,

I live in a city where there is a great disparity of wealth.

People that get marked as victims of crime frequently are people unaware of their surroundings, are distracted, and are specifically targeted because their hands are not free.

A good example are tourists in NYC, or people texting, or even people walking while reading an IPAD.

We also read the stories here of when someone simply leaves a camera in a cab.

I went to a lecture held in a gallery, and the speaker was Bruce Davidson. One of the color slides shown was of this black man with a 38 revolver held against his head in "execution" style. The shot was taken on a New York subway perhaps in the 60's or 70's.

It appeared that a black man was being mugged right by the subway doors by another black man, but Bruce Davidson explained that the man holding the gun was an undercover cop and the man with the gun to his head was the mugger.

Bruce Davidson explained he had one Leica in his hand, and two other Leicas around his neck. Pretty much he was bait for this guy who was going to mug Bruce Davidson and he was working with the police.

Regardless if this was entrapment legally, or if the shot was staged, it still is a great shot.

You would be surprised how distracted and unaware people are on the street. Like I said, "Stuff happens."

Cal

Postscript: Lately I tend not to carry multiple cameras anymore. I'm older and an feeling a bit more vulnerable. I'm not the young buck I once was anymore.

PSS: Scroll down the page about halfway for the subway mugger shot. I was mistaken: shot in 1980.

https://www.magnumphotos.com/arts-culture/society-arts-culture/bruce-davidson-subway/

 

[kuvvy]

Thats a fine line up of bags Paul mate, how do you find Ona bags

The Ona Bowery is a neat bag when you want to go lighter. Ideal for a one body, a couple of lenses and other bits. Nice quality canvas and the broad strap (think seatbelt material).
Looks trendy on the street and smart too at more formal shoots, weddings etc.
Only reason mine doesn’t get used is the fact I have so many of a similar size. May have cull the collection a little.

 

[lxmike]

The Ona Bowery is a neat bag when you want to go lighter. Ideal for a one body, a couple of lenses and other bits. Nice quality canvas and the broad strap (think seatbelt material).
Looks trendy on the street and smart too at more formal shoots, weddings etc.
Only reason mine doesn’t get used is the fact I have so many of a similar size. May have cull the collection a little.

Hi Paul. after you mentioned the Ona l went on their website, they are quite an interesting company

 

[dave lackey]

You are not alone Mike. I've gone through several military bags as camera bags to use for re-enactment or daily carry.

My favorite are the French machine gun magazine bags. 🙂

Rick, love the second bag, that and a medic bag would be of interest for me!🙂

 

[raid]

I see what you mean, Cal.

Ref: Bruce Davidson Subway. New York City, USA. 1980. © Bruce Davidson | Magnum Photos

 

[lxmike]

The Ona Bowery is a neat bag when you want to go lighter. Ideal for a one body, a couple of lenses and other bits. Nice quality canvas and the broad strap (think seatbelt material).
Looks trendy on the street and smart too at more formal shoots, weddings etc.
Only reason mine doesn’t get used is the fact I have so many of a similar size. May have cull the collection a little.

Paul you have a pm myy friend

 

[Calzone]

I see what you mean, Cal.

Ref: Bruce Davidson Subway. New York City, USA. 1980. © Bruce Davidson | Magnum Photos

Raid,

Thanks for posting the photo from the link I supplied.

Today NYC is a much safer city than the 70's and 80's, and is likely today one of the safest major cities in the world, yet "stuff happens."

BTW I only had guns pointed at me twice, both times were NYPD: once in a case of racial profiling and mistaken identity where it could of been like another Black Lives Matter except in the early 70's and a killing of an Asian; and a second time during a robbery where the robber with the gun was standing right behind me when the cops (pre-SWAT-Team) stormed the store.

Luckily the gun was in the box full of money and not in the perp's hand, otherwise I likely would have been "collateral damage."

Again, "Stuff happens."

Cal

 

[Dogman]

Today, the undercover officer in red would likely face a departmental reprimand for having his finger on the trigger. Also he would likely be the subject of the 24 hour news cycle with stories concerning police over reaction and brutality. Different world order.

 

[kknox]

And to think I was about to check myself into rehab with 7 and some Filson bags I can stick inserts in. Some of you guys need an intervention. Lol