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.
Last edited:
johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
Nice!
Just make sure the wife doesn't spot you using the sewing machine, or you'll be in for a long haul of needlework
I might do something similar one day, I have a large piece of heavy tent linen that would fit the bill and look old and dirty at the same time (that's how I love bags most)
Just make sure the wife doesn't spot you using the sewing machine, or you'll be in for a long haul of needlework
I might do something similar one day, I have a large piece of heavy tent linen that would fit the bill and look old and dirty at the same time (that's how I love bags most)
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Mephiloco
Well-known
I can't ever seem to find a camera bag that works for me. The best I have is a cheap promaster one which is good because it's shallow, no need for those deep cavernous pockets with rangefinders. It current holds my M5, Bessa R, and IIIC all with lenses on them, as well as filters and 3 other lenses, problem is I have a M3 coming back to me and a 85/1.9 (whenever DAG gets around to it) and I dont think that everything will then fit.
I have a huge lowepro I had used when I was into SLRS but it's simply not suitable for RF stuff, and it's the size of a whole backpack, my current bag is messenger bag sized, if not smaller.
I have a huge lowepro I had used when I was into SLRS but it's simply not suitable for RF stuff, and it's the size of a whole backpack, my current bag is messenger bag sized, if not smaller.
back alley
IMAGES
you have accomplished something that i would never even attempt...good for you!
looks good too.
looks good too.
bennyng
Benny Ng
Respect! Sounds like you had great fun doing it and it looks good too!
Cheers,
Cheers,
mathomas
Well-known
Very cool! I commented in your flickr stream.
Bobfrance
Over Exposed
Thanks for the kind words guys!
It has been enjoyable, although deciding upon what design to settle on has given me brain ache at times. The next task is to use it, take on board what I've learnt and try and improve upon it.
It has been enjoyable, although deciding upon what design to settle on has given me brain ache at times. The next task is to use it, take on board what I've learnt and try and improve upon it.
kuvvy
Well-known
Well done Bob. That's quite impressive especially as you're a novice with a needle. Size looks about right and the bag looks wider than deeper which is what I think is preferable for rf users. Can't understand why the big names haven't produced something like that before now. The curved base is a good idea and should allow the bag to hug the body which is one function many rf users require.
bayusuputra
BFA or BSc?
Wow! That's impressive! make it big scale and who knows maybe you got yourself a bag company! Haha!
hamustar
Member
Excellent effort! It DOES look like those Lowepro Terraclime
oftheherd
Veteran
Well done. Had you considered canvas for material? Of course, you might again run across the problem of your sewing machine handling it.
Steve M.
Veteran
That's a nice looking bag!, and I admire your courage. Just looking at those pieces of material and that sewing machine (shudder) was enough to remind me that I'll have to settle for no bag, or haunting the thrift stores and guiltily fondling the women's bags and computer/lunch bags in hopes of adapting one to my needs.
lxmike
M2 fan.
A very nice bag indeed
Bobfrance
Over Exposed
Cheers guys. Nice to know people don't think I'm a nut!
I'm already on with the Mark II. this time I'm using Kordura which is like a canvas with a waterproof backing. I'm going to try a little more padding in this one too.
By simplifying the design I think I can overcome the problem of having too many layers to stitch through. Where necessary I may have to employ a rivet or two.
The most difficult bit is decidiing which design to try next. I have a ton of sketches involving all sorts of ideas. Modular bag system made of Harris tweed with magnetic catches anyone?
I'm already on with the Mark II. this time I'm using Kordura which is like a canvas with a waterproof backing. I'm going to try a little more padding in this one too.
By simplifying the design I think I can overcome the problem of having too many layers to stitch through. Where necessary I may have to employ a rivet or two.
The most difficult bit is decidiing which design to try next. I have a ton of sketches involving all sorts of ideas. Modular bag system made of Harris tweed with magnetic catches anyone?