Need a waterproof, small bag

[sf]

I didn't want to hijack someone else's bag thread, so :

I am looking for a bag for the RF645 that is coming in the mail tomorrow. I need something waterproof, quick to use on the street (no complicated latches, etc), and small (big enough only for the camera and lens).

What would you suggest for a Seattle-ite photographer that wants to protect his only film camera from the elements but also wants to be able to go out when it isn't perfect?

 

[back alley]

mclassic bag.

joe

 

[Finder]

Really waterproof bags are a pain to open. To protect against the elements, I do a few things. My "camera bag" is a MountainSmith lumber pack - Tour and Daypack. I have a padded insert in it to protect the camera. I do two things to protect my gear. First, I use a Mountainsmith rain cover which can slip over the front of the bag - the back is protected against my body. Second, I can slip the padded insert into a plastic bag and then that into the lumber pack giving a fairly waterproof barrier between the camera and lumber pack.

I don't know if they are available in the States, but a company called UN makes waterproof roll film holders that can clip onto a strap or belt. Each holder can hold two rolls in separate compartments which are sealed with an O-ring. Product code UN-2423 for 12mm straps and UN-2424 for 50mm straps. I use four and clip two at a time to the outside of my bag. They are great from protecting film, especially opened film. BTW, they also have a 35mm model too.

 

[markinlondon]

Billingham Hadley. Pick size to suit.

English rain can't get through 'em, nor NZ southerly downpours. Pricey but good and guaranteed made by grown-ups in the UK

Mark

 

[RObert Budding]

So, Shutterflower, what bag did you get?

 

[sf]

Lowepro Nova AW.

I think it was the Nova I AW

AW means All Weather.

MARvelous bag. Is very resistant to water AND has a little poncho that you just pull out of hte bag's bottom little pouch and pull over it.

I carried this bag through the wettest of wet northern England and French weather - and strong winds -and freezing temperatures. Not a single problem.

 

[RObert Budding]

I currently have my RF645 and 3 lenses stuffed into a Domke 803. It's a bit tight. I was thinking of buying a Billingham Hadley, but am not sure if I should opt for the "Pro" or "large". Any well-informed opinions?

I also looked at the Packington. Probably too big for the RF645. But it might be just the bag for my Nikon SLR.

 

[sf]

You should write JoshRoot and ask him questions about bags. He brought a bunch to our last Seattle meet. I heard things about the Billinghams not being the most easy to work out of.

I love the Domke's field practicality - but keep my Lowepro because it is equally simple (one latch when the zipper is left open), waterproof, and padded.

 

[JoshRoot]

I have just finished writing my thoughts about all those bags that I brought to the Seattle meeting. In the near future it will be up on photo.net.

Re: the billingham question

If you are finding the 803 to be too small, I think you are going to want to get the "Large" version of the hadleys. I have them sitting in my lap as I type this, and the "Pro" and the 803 are virtually the same size.

 

[egpj]

The hadley range is going to be too small for you in my opinion. I have a Hadley Pro/Photoeventer/L2 Alice. I do not like the one that are verticle in their storage and the L2 has been the best for me. I fit 2 mp's in the L2 (Lenses mounted), 2 lenses in the center and a L-558 meter in the front. Add to that some film in the front as well and that is well packed little bag (that weighs allot!). That Bronica is a big girl so I think I would go with the 335 or 445. I am going to buy a 445 myself and then sell my photo-eventer.

Glenn

 

[Justin Low]

What about a Zip-loc bag (or two), then placed in whatever bag you're using?

 

[canonetc]

I picked up a Red Cross Medic bag at my local army surplus store for $15.00. Waterproof from rain, as it is designed with a water repellent, plastic-like surface and the water just beads off. It has plenty of room for a camera lens and flash (like my Mamiya 6 or Leica M6), plus little pockets for film and batteries (where syringes and bandages normally go). Plus it comes with a waist strap so the medic or photographer can run, dodge bullets or cop sticks and not have the bag flop around. I use the bag all the time....it looks cool too.

Chris
canonetc

 

[canonetc]

Waterproof Bag

Waterproof Bag

Attached are three photos of the medic bag. On one I have the Mamiya 6, Vivitar 2000 flash and Sekonic light meter sitting in front for size perspective.

Chris
canonetc

 

[EmilGil]

I picked up a Red Cross Medic bag at my local army surplus store for $15.00. Waterproof from rain, as it is designed with a water repellent, plastic-like surface and the water just beads off. It has plenty of room for a camera lens and flash (like my Mamiya 6 or Leica M6), plus little pockets for film and batteries (where syringes and bandages normally go). Plus it comes with a waist strap so the medic or photographer can run, dodge bullets or cop sticks and not have the bag flop around. I use the bag all the time....it looks cool too.

Chris
canonetc

Oooh, I want one! Those are cool! =)
I've been looking at the Swedish army gas mask bags, but I think they're too small...