looking for a new camera bag.

Z

zoom2zoom

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i have a billingham which is nice, but a bit big for everyday use.

then i not too long ago, i start using a black Domke F-5XB, which i like alot.. the only thing is its just a bit too small, would like to have few more compartments for wallets, keys, etc.

i like thick black canvas with nice padding inside and wide shoulder straps.

i dont mind paying more if needed, does anyone know of a nice black canvas bag?

thanks in advanced.
 
very different style.
it has a 4 compartment divider in it. i put extra closed cell foam in the bottom for better/added bottom protection.
it can hold 2 bodies with small lenses attached at the ends which leaves the 4 compartments for lenses or keys etc. it has another pouch in the front which i use for film.

i use the f6 to carry a complete kit. the fx-b for a camera, some lenses and film and the fx-a for a camera, one extra lens and film.
 
ah.. i see, the f6 looks similar to the billingham presstop that i have..

i like the thinner profile messenger look for everyday use.
 
i use a domke 802 (reporters satchel) for an everyday bag. it holds my camera, daytimer, coffee mug and a raft of other crap in it.
 
I am convinced that the ONLY way to buy a bag is going to a shop with a great selection. Bring all the gear you intend to carry in the bag and try it out. Move the dividers around, pack the bag, see how accessible everything is when it's on your shoulder. Keep trying until you find the one that's just right. It's all in the fit.

A super low price on the wrong bag is a bad deal. Even having to pay close to full retail on the right bag is a good deal.
 
zoom2zoom said:
is the F6 stiff like the Domke F-5XB or kinda flimsy..?
Click to expand...

Flimsy is a negative word.
The F6 bag hugs your hip. It is soft in a positive way.

/Erik
 
I use the F6 with my RD-1 either with the four compartment insert or with a two and a single. If you have a small lens such as the 40mm Nokton or the 21mm Skopar on the RD-1, even with a Luigi half-case will it fit in a single area of the four compartment insert leaving a lot of space for other stuff. (Without an external finder.) I really like the zipper outer compartment for wallets, etc. I use mine with a large Domke strap instead of the thinner one that comes with the F6. 'Works great. Good luck.
 
I use a Billingham Hadley Pro for my Leica equipment but Billingham bags are significantly more expensive than Domke bags. From the looks of the A&A bag, they are probably all in the Billingham price range.

I just ordered my second Domke F6 bag. I bought the first for my Canon 30D and the lenses I use with it. I like it well enough to buy a second. It's not as well padded as the Hadley but that can be remedied with choice of inserts or other homemade padding.

I like Domke bags. They're relatively cheap and made pretty well. I have an F2 that can handle as much as I want to carry of 35mm or medium format SLR equipment, an old satchel bag (don't know what the current equivalent model might be) that I use with my Kiev rangefinders and the previously mentioned F6. The only problems I have with Domke bags are the lack of waterproofing and they will wear through pretty quickly by abrasion.
 
I owned a Billingham Packington for a short time. It looked nice, but it was awful to use. The top didn't open widely enough to access the contents and it was too deep. perhaps other Billingham models are better.

My favorite is a Timbuk2 messenger bag. The fabric is waterproof and it opens fully. I place my lenses in cases and I'm set to go.
 
Camerabags are scary, have a pile of them in a coner of my student apartment. . . . ;)

Latest add on is a billingham bag, think it is a hadley , have some coffee stains and worn corners, got it for free for helping a friend selling some gear.
Have enough space for a M6 or a M3ds with a leicameter w/50mm, a extra lens in a lowepro pouch, a Nitendo DS, Canon powershot G9, a moleskin agenda, pens,
keys and leatherman micra in front pocket, films, mints etc ..
More than my back likes to carry, but it´s comfy for a walkabout for 5 hours.
Think i almost can put the same stuff in the bag as I can with my Lowepro Reporter 300, wich is also a nice bag, more weather proof and looks dull.

Just remember that the perfect camerabag is not the one you have at the moment, but it might exist some place out there :D

vha
 
z2z,

I see you are after a messenger-style bag. Ever considered such a bag with inserts? I am using a timbuk2 (size XS, I think) with two domke inserts, one with, one without divider. Good for a camera with attached lens plus two to four other lenses or whatever suits you.

It's waterproof made and has a one large zippered pocket for documents or a filter pouch and several smaller pockets. You can get it in almost any color you like. Depending on the color you chose, it can be very stealthy.

The other bag I like a lot is the Domke F3X. Like the Domke bags F2 and F6, it's not a stiff bag and very versatile. I love the width of the F3X strap.

Regards
Ivo
 
I've got an M6 and 3 lenses which I keep perpetually in a Lowepro Orion Trekker backpack (the bottom section is for cameras abd the top is a good store for books, MP3 player, hat, scarf, etc.) However, it's a major pain in the a*se to be forever taking the backpack on and off to get at the camera gear. I've also got a Lowepro Slingshot 100AW which is small and has an across-the-body strap which allows it to swing round under your chest and allow easy access to the camera and then swing around to your back whe not in use. Definitely worth a look. Very well padded, specious (enough room for everything - even some film!!!) but compact and very lightwight. Paul.
 
Since you do not mind sending some money, look at the Fogg bags. They are superbly designed and hand-crafted bags. They are also a little hard to find, but definitely worth the hunt. The b minor is great for a Leica with lens and a couple of extra lenses. There is room for film too.
 
Hi,

I use Domke inserts in any messenger bag I like. The Domke inserts are really great, sturdy and in different sizes. They will fit in any bag. There is a wealth in messenger bags to buy in virtual any color.
Cheers,
Michiel Fokkema
 
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