National Geographic bags

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nathanp

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Has anyone had a look at these? I've been looking for a bag that will carry either an SLR + 1 extra lens + some bits & bobs, or a combination of Electro 35, Hexar AF, Canonet 28 + film + bits & bobs.
I thought I'd ask as they look like the kind of thing that may be appreciated here - made of hemp/natural materials with brass fittings, not too obviously camera-bag-ish and a nice size for RFs. On the other hand I don't know if they look too contrived or gimmicky and deliberately Indiana-Jones-like.

I'm torn between one of these or a Crumpler (which may be a bit too 'smart' looking for me!). I also really like the Domke F-8 but I think it might be slightly too small (and it's quite pricey in comparison).

The details are all on here - http://www.supporthexperience.com/
(I was looking at the Midi shoulder bag NG2345)
 
I have a small one for carrying a rangefinder and some lenses and film. It does what it does pretty well, the size is right and the fabric suitably retro for its contents. There are some compartments inside where I can put lenses and stuff, and a couple of pouches on the outside.

However, I am not at all happy with the shoulder pad, it is too slick and falls off my shoulder constantly unless I carry it diagonally across the torso like an ammunition belt or something. I'd much rather have something UpStrap-like that stays where it is put.

Edit: Having looked at the website I think it's the NG2343 "Small shoulder bag" that I have.
 
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Take a look at the Domke F-5Xz. Nice size for a camera and a couple of lenses. I wish the front pocket under the flap was deeper, and I had to cover up some of the overly abundant Velco, but otherwise I'm happy with it.

The F-5Xc is the same size, with added bottom zipper and different fabric.
 
The National Geographic bags are popular here in Japan, and I often see photographers carrying them. They are reasonably well made, and look quite good, but I have enough bags...
 
Guess you have to dress the right way to make it look its best - you know Aussie hat, khaki jacket and matching trouser. Oh yeah,
and heavy boots :D

Ohh well, I want one anyway to be honest ;)
Saw a small one in a local store yesterday, quality seems good.
 
I have a NGW2140, very easy to change it's sharp.quality is fine. maybe it's designed to be so. but I don't like it.
 
They must be made here in Korea because every camera shop has oodles of 'em in stock. I opted for a Tenba and a Domke instead and am happy w/ them.
 
I bought one when I bought my M8 and have used it since then (when I carry a bag, which really isn't that often). It'll hold my M8 plus about 4 lenses or my M8 and Zeiss Ikon with lenses attached plus one or two more. Lots of little pockets for batteries, cards and such. I've even carried 3 cameras in it, but that was a little bit tight.
 
They look functionally ok but there are many (better, IMO) alternatives and I would not want to carry around an advert for N.G.
 
kshapero said:
IMHO, I think the NG bags are dorky.
Click to expand...

Yeah, and as I have one I'll admit I bought it as a fashion accessory. Plus, the Medium one I have holds much less equipment than my LowePro Nova which is maybe 2/3 the size of the NatGeo Bag.

But it does have a space for a small laptop, so for a DSLR, second lens and a small laptop, it might do the trick, if you don't mind looking like a dork...

:D
 
They look overdone to me. I've been known to cut off labels and such from camera bags and straps to be unobtrusive (no tape yet on cameras), these bags seem to scream "steal me."
 
When I briefly worked in a camera store in Santa Fe, we made fun of the tourists and housewives who bought them. Real photogs carried Tamrac, Domke, or Lowepro. (those being the other brands we carried).
 
Hmm looking again I think maybe they do look like they're 'trying too hard'.

The Domke F-5Xc looks promising, if ordered via a Hong Kong seller it can be had for £60 (£10 more than the NG midi one). I did look at the Safrotto bags but with shipping they cost as much as a genuine Domke.
 
I have a F-5XC and use it as my main bag.

It has proven to be strong and has a good non slip strap. I like the fact that they are tall/slim bags as opposed to the deep and square.

The un-zippable bottom section and the movable divider mean that you can reconfigure this bag to suit all sorts of different purposes.
I usually have mine set-up to hold a couple of lenses, batteries and a few other bits in the bottom section, whilst I have the top section divided into two to hold a couple of cameras. I also sometmes put a P&S in the front pocket too.
Strangely I find it easier to pack more gear into this bag than the larger Naneu Pro which I bought for longer trips.
My only beef is that it isn't big enough to accommodate a magazine in it's rear pouch unless you pack it vertically which means it sticks out the top.

If I buy any more bags it will probably be another Domke (F-803 perhaps ;))
 
Bobfrance said:
I have a F-5XC and use it as my main bag.

It has proven to be strong and has a good non slip strap. I like the fact that they are tall/slim bags as opposed to the deep and square.

The un-zippable bottom section and the movable divider mean that you can reconfigure this bag to suit all sorts of different purposes.
I usually have mine set-up to hold a couple of lenses, batteries and a few other bits in the bottom section, whilst I have the top section divided into two to hold a couple of cameras. I also sometmes put a P&S in the front pocket too.
Strangely I find it easier to pack more gear into this bag than the larger Naneu Pro which I bought for longer trips.
My only beef is that it isn't big enough to accommodate a magazine in it's rear pouch unless you pack it vertically which means it sticks out the top.

If I buy any more bags it will probably be another Domke (F-803 perhaps ;))
Click to expand...


That's good to know - cheers :)

How is it when there's not much inside? would it feel cumbersome or er.. 'flappy' with just a couple of rangefinders and some film? (I know the f-5XB is probably better suited for that but it looks too handbag-like!)
 
No, I don't find t 'flappy' at all.

The dividers help it keep its shape and the canvas is rigid enough to stop it collapsing in on itself, but without becoming heavy like a Billingham. I do use it with just a camera in sometimes and use the spare space for a book, sandwich, bottle of water etc. It works just great. As I mentioned, my only gripe is that it is too small to fit a magazine inside, but than again, if it was larger, then it would be more cumbersome.

I hope you like your's. :)
 
Bought a Domke F-803 (used) this week and it just arrived this morning. On first looks this seems to be what I've been wanting for some time. I've got a Billingham Hadley, a Domke F-5xb, a Terraclime 100, the Bare Bones Bag and about 3-4 other no-name bags. That's more bags than my wife.
The Terraclime is only a couple of weeks old and is only a one compartment type design, though it does come with a camera wrap I find it's not really working for me. The BBB is nice but suits only a smaller outfit.
I've been wanting something slimmer and slighlty bigger than the F-5xb and not as big as my Hadley, which tends to get used more as a flight bag and the F-803 looks like it fits the bill.
Having read the rave reviews of the Safotto 803 clone bag I bought one some time ago. Though a nice bag and every bit as good as the Domke in quality, and even better in price terms, it was more like my Hadley in size and I ended up selling it.
The 803 is slimmer and lies flat against the body, though I still have to try out all my gear in it to properly assess it but I'm hoping this will be the last bag I'll need to buy (fat chance eh!)
 
While it looks some what ubber-geeky I am interested in the NG4567 small sling bag. Anyone know of others of similar design? It's either that or my old small Leica hard case.

B2 (;->
 
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