My approach to a non-conventional camera bag

The Man Bag Crowd

The Man Bag Crowd

Military surplus and so-called "tactical" type bags are now so popular with hipsters
the price advantage over camera bags has largely disappeared.
It should also be noted that many are not particularly practical for use as a camera bag.

I only carry a bag when shooting. For my money a good purpose-built camera bag is the way to go.
FWIW there are plenty of models that don't scream "LOOK HERE, I'M A CAMERA BAG!".

On a related note I just purchased a brand-new Domke F5XB in RuggedWear for $38 plus shipping... :cool:

Chris
 
Good idea, more people should be thinking laterally.

I have a number of bags, among them several from Crumpler. But the one I use the most is a Crumpler Glory Box notebook messenger bag with inserts from an old NatGeo bag. Good size for to and from work bag. Looks and feels good and can carry a small SLR/CSC 3-lens set-up, or a TLR and compact, or similar.
 
Without doubt the tactical bags, and such, are becoming quite popular from what I deduced while browsing such bags and apparel the past couple days. I think the term is 'tacticool' for those wanting to hint at the law enforcement/soldier type. At least in respect to my interest in these bags, it's purely a practical matter trying to find the best carry solution for my needs and not an attempt to save some money (the Finnish army surplus company linked by Marko has some cheap surplus items). I find most dedicated camera bags and carry systems are over-padded for my likes and needs, especially for anything I will carry while shooting. Domke is generally fine, and I've used them for a long time, but at the moment, none of their bags really match what I'm looking for. BTW, I have the F5XB and it's good, but not quite what I want. ThinkTank seems to be even a bit more padded and rigid, while I'm not really interested in the look of Billingham and other premium bags, such as ONA, A&A, etc. For the last few years I've been working my way through a few options from CourierWare. They're a small operation, which means you can deal directly with the guy building the bags and ask for customizations at slightly increased cost. So far they've been the best all-around solution for my needs. But it's fun to keep looking for and trying other possibilities. Probably the ideal M-system 'field bag' for me would be a scaled down version of the Shootsac lens bag, which I happen to use for my DSLR gear during events, etc. I really just want something to carry a few lenses while the camera is in use, allow easy access to the lens because I seem to change them quite frequently and conform to my body with the minimum amount of padding...
 
i have two finn gas mask bags. you'd have to provide padded inserts of some kind to separate your gear. other than that, they are very useful bags, but not quite wide enough to comfortably fit my Mac Pro, if that is an issue; perfect for a tablet, though ...
 
kxl said:
Been using a Kakadu shoulder bag (with a couple of Domke inserts) for a long time to carry my ZI with attached 50mm, plus 1 or 2 lenses plus film and accessories.
Width: 14 1/2", Height: 9 1/2", Depth: 4 3/4"

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That is a GREAT bag....

A bit to large for what I need....

Heres a couple of things I use.
What I am currently using for my MM and all the accessories. Foam insert with a cut out for the lens so camera goes in front down.
IMG_9803_zpsf6d2c5eb.jpg


IMG_9400_zpsa1342350.jpg
 
I also use non-camera bag padded it myself for carrying out camera and some accessories, it can carry a 11" mac air, one Canon P or Fuji E1 with a 18-55 lens, one more lens, some battery and SD cards, and some other non-photog stuff.
 

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airfrogusmc said:
That is a GREAT bag....

A bit to large for what I need....

Heres a couple of things I use.
What I am currently using for my MM and all the accessories. Foam insert with a cut out for the lens so camera goes in front down.
IMG_9803_zpsf6d2c5eb.jpg


IMG_9400_zpsa1342350.jpg
Click to expand...
@airfrogusmc -

I wanted one of the small Filson field bags like you have but they dropped them from their website 2-3 months ago. :mad: You are lucky to have one, my friend.

They still have the medium size, but that is as big as my Billingham Hadley Pro, so there is no point in getting that one.

However, Billingham offers this bag, which is a good small bag option IMHO: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/507950-REG/Billingham_501333_Digital_Hadley_Bag_Khaki.html
 
Oscuro said:
Guys? Really? A hundred and forty bucks for a diaper bag? I dunno (really I do), but.....

I mean, get a grip!

O
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Well, it's one reason I haven't yet tried it. It also looks too large for what I need. But I did buy their Western Flyer, and it's a really well made product.

Too bad about the Filson small field bag getting the axe! That's how I acquired a medium field bag. I guess it was a version that wasn't so popular due to the nylon straps, webbing and plastic hardware and is no longer listed. But I love it because it doesn't look quite as upscale as the leather strap/trim style. Anyway, it's probably worth keeping an eye on Filson clearance sales because I was able to get the bag that way for a great (for Filson) price...
 
rscheffler said:
Well, it's one reason I haven't yet tried it. It also looks too large for what I need. But I did buy their Western Flyer, and it's a really well made product. Too bad about the Filson small field bag getting the axe! That's how I acquired a medium field bag. I guess it was a version that wasn't so popular due to the nylon straps, webbing and plastic hardware and is no longer listed. But I love it because it doesn't look quite as upscale as the leather strap/trim style. Anyway, it's probably worth keeping an eye on Filson clearance sales because I was able to get the bag that way for a great (for Filson) price...
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My current bag is a Skyway shoulder tote. $3.99 at the local thrift store. Was like new. Has zipper slots to put it on rolling suitcase. Perfect.
 
Oscuro said:
My current bag is a Skyway shoulder tote. $3.99 at the local thrift store. Was like new. Has zipper slots to put it on rolling suitcase. Perfect.
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Great deal! Always nice to find a bargain that works well. Should check out the thrift stores more often...
 
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