Bobfrance
Over Exposed
Hi All,
Knowing how many folk on here seek the holy grail of the ideal camera bag I thought some may be interested in my little project.
Now, I don't actually own many camera bags. Just a Domke FX3 a very big very old Bilingham, (which I use as an overnight bag) and Naneu Pro. I only really use the Domke and find it to be very good bag. However it's now getting a quite worn. Fellow RFF'er Kuvvy sold me his one of his Bare Bones Bags and I was impressed with design and simplicity of it.
This got me thinking about a bag with a design that suited my needs but was built from better/more interesting material, like that of the Billingham. I decided to have a crack at making my own, for no more reason other than that it was an interesting design challenge and gave the opportunity to learn new skills.
Surprisingly, finding the right materials is very difficult. After further discussion with Kuvvy I realised what I wanted was a simple bag made from good quality material that would wear-in as opposed to wear-out. I had in mind heavy wool/felt, heavy tweed or waxed cotton. Surprisingly the only material I could find anywhere near heavy enough was the waxed cotton. Ergonomically I wanted a bag that wrapped around the body a little, as I found the Domke to be boxy and bounce around on the hip too much. Functionally I wanted a day-bag that would hold and M body a lens or two, a backup camera and the usual little bits and pieces.
So to cut a long story short, after obtaining all the necessary bits and bobs from various suppliers I decided to knuckle down and have a go at making it today.
I feel I must point out that before embarking upon this project I have never used a sewing machine. 😱
Fist the I marked up and cut the material using the measurements I'd sketched out.
Untitled by Bobfrance, on Flickr
I decided upon a shaped base that would help the bag hug the body more.
Untitled by Bobfrance, on Flickr
Part way through it still didn't look much like a bag.
I decided upon no padding apart from thick foam on the base, which can just about be seen here.
Untitled by Bobfrance, on Flickr
Anyhow after about 8 hours, it seemed to come together okay eventually...
BEHOLD THE BOBFRANCE MARK I BAG! 🙂
Untitled by Bobfrance, on Flickr
Untitled by Bobfrance, on Flickr
Untitled by Bobfrance, on Flickr
Obviously this isn't the ultimate camera bag. It's just the first prototype in the process of creating something I like, but overall it's been a very useful learning process. What I've found is that the material I used is still probably a little thin. I have a roll of waterproofed Kordura which is heavier, but I worry that my little sewing machine won't be able to handle it (I already blunted one needle and bent another making this one!). Shape wise it sits very well against the body. however my original sketches were way off the mark and I had to make quite a few adjustments as I went along.
Anyway thanks for taking an interest. All input/encouragement is welcome. 🙂
Knowing how many folk on here seek the holy grail of the ideal camera bag I thought some may be interested in my little project.
Now, I don't actually own many camera bags. Just a Domke FX3 a very big very old Bilingham, (which I use as an overnight bag) and Naneu Pro. I only really use the Domke and find it to be very good bag. However it's now getting a quite worn. Fellow RFF'er Kuvvy sold me his one of his Bare Bones Bags and I was impressed with design and simplicity of it.
This got me thinking about a bag with a design that suited my needs but was built from better/more interesting material, like that of the Billingham. I decided to have a crack at making my own, for no more reason other than that it was an interesting design challenge and gave the opportunity to learn new skills.
Surprisingly, finding the right materials is very difficult. After further discussion with Kuvvy I realised what I wanted was a simple bag made from good quality material that would wear-in as opposed to wear-out. I had in mind heavy wool/felt, heavy tweed or waxed cotton. Surprisingly the only material I could find anywhere near heavy enough was the waxed cotton. Ergonomically I wanted a bag that wrapped around the body a little, as I found the Domke to be boxy and bounce around on the hip too much. Functionally I wanted a day-bag that would hold and M body a lens or two, a backup camera and the usual little bits and pieces.
So to cut a long story short, after obtaining all the necessary bits and bobs from various suppliers I decided to knuckle down and have a go at making it today.
I feel I must point out that before embarking upon this project I have never used a sewing machine. 😱
Fist the I marked up and cut the material using the measurements I'd sketched out.
Untitled by Bobfrance, on Flickr
I decided upon a shaped base that would help the bag hug the body more.
Untitled by Bobfrance, on Flickr
Part way through it still didn't look much like a bag.
I decided upon no padding apart from thick foam on the base, which can just about be seen here.
Untitled by Bobfrance, on Flickr
Anyhow after about 8 hours, it seemed to come together okay eventually...
BEHOLD THE BOBFRANCE MARK I BAG! 🙂
Untitled by Bobfrance, on Flickr
Untitled by Bobfrance, on Flickr
Untitled by Bobfrance, on Flickr
Obviously this isn't the ultimate camera bag. It's just the first prototype in the process of creating something I like, but overall it's been a very useful learning process. What I've found is that the material I used is still probably a little thin. I have a roll of waterproofed Kordura which is heavier, but I worry that my little sewing machine won't be able to handle it (I already blunted one needle and bent another making this one!). Shape wise it sits very well against the body. however my original sketches were way off the mark and I had to make quite a few adjustments as I went along.
Anyway thanks for taking an interest. All input/encouragement is welcome. 🙂
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