Need bag info.

[TraceyG]

I need some info. on a couple of non-camera bags. Specifically, the Timbuk 2 small messenger bag and Tyneside Leathercrafts Spey bag. I am looking for something relatively discreet to carry an M7 with 35 'cron, 50 'lux and 90 'rit plus film and a few extras (cell phone, ipod). I want something that rides close, is easy to get into, and is secure when closed. I believe that I would need to add a domke insert to either bag. Has anyone used either of these bags (with or without insert)? Thanks in advance.

 

[Flow]

I never used the bags or insert you mentioned. But I use a messenger bag with camera bag insert as my everyday camera bag. Specifically I use the insert from the Billigham Hadley series and it fits perfectly into all my messenger bags (especially my Prada bag... 😛). You should take a look at that insert if you are planning to use a messenger bag as camera bag. Because I think the Hadley is designed to look like normal messenger bag and so the insert fits perfectly in other normal messenger bags that you may want to turn into a discreet camera bag.


Flowen

 

[RObert Budding]

I use a Domke 803 for my Contax and a Domke 802 for my Mamiya 645. Very nice messenger-type bags and the price is reasonable.

Robert

 

[peter_n]

I too have not heard of or used these bags, but their suitability for use as a camera bag will be whether they can be "worked out of" or not. You should be able to make your own mind up on that in the store with your camera/lenses. The Domke F-803 (and knock-offs) is a bag that many of us like here and it is designed as a camera bag, even though it doesn't particularly look like one. Compare the features of the Timbuk 2 and Tyneside Leathercrafts Spey bags you are interested in with this Domke clone and that may give you a pointer with respect to suitability.

I have the Safrotto CF700 pictured in the link and it carries my M6 fitted with a 90mm Tele-Elmarit, a Canonet QL-17, several rolls of film, a light meter and cell phone and the two outside front pockets are empty.

 

[hjfischer]

have the Safrotto CF700 pictured in the link and it carries my M6 fitted with a 90mm Tele-Elmarit, a Canonet QL-17, several rolls of film, a light meter and cell phone and the two outside front pockets are empty.


__________________
~Peter

Peter: Does this bag weigh 2 lbs empty as stated on Ebay? That seems a bit heavy but maybe is justified insofar as protecting your gear is concerned?

 

[rover]

I use a Domke 803 as an every day bag too. Carries my M6 with lens attached, and extra lens and more extras that I should take with me. I can put a few items in it for work and use it as a brief case as long as I don't need to lug lots of files or things around.

 

[back alley]

i have & use a very small tamrac, a very nice billingham and my most recent acquistion, an m-classic bag.
they are all very good and useful depending on my needs.

i also have a book bag i bought at the local university book store many years ago.
i use an insert that i bought which was intended for another bag.

of all my bags it looks the least like a camera bag. it has a flap plus a zipper to keep things inside safe and dry.
has lots of pockets but not too many and it will be the one i take to new york this summer.
joe

 

[Terence T]

A note about Domke inserts... the bottoms do not have padding, which is pretty outrageous considering how much they cost.

 

[peter_n]

Peter: Does this bag weigh 2 lbs empty as stated on Ebay? That seems a bit heavy but maybe is justified insofar as protecting your gear is concerned?

It very well may, I have no idea what it weighs to be honest. It is made of very thick canvas and has an extremely well padded insert which I am sure contributes to the weight. I have an older Domke F-2 and both the canvas and the insert in the Safrotto bag are are more substantial than the old Domkes, never mind the new ones...

 

[Terence T]

I've got a Safrotto F803 clone (with original Domke 3 compartment insert) in black if anyone is interested. Still in very very good condition. Brand tags sewn on the flap pockets have been removed. $45 plus US shipping only.

 

[peter_n]

That's a great price considering the shipping from Shanghai on this bag! 🙂

BillP are you Bill Palmer from the Leica forum? I seem to remember you bought a black CF700. Hello and welcome over here (welcome anyway if you are not 😉).

 

[Imagestreet]

Got the black Domke F-803 for my R3A and 3 lens kit, filters, palm pilot and the rear pocket will even take a small lastolite reflector (although makes the bag a little wide). This is a great bag - comfortable and discreet (I can carry it anywhere and nobody thinks it is a camera bag). It is also smaller and thinner then an equivalent laptop sized F-802 so is perfect for rangefinder gear and doesn't become a burden to carry around. I've easily doubled the amount of time I actually carry a camera now because of this bag! The outer canvas also has the considerably benefit of scruffing up extremely well, giving a real windswept and interesting "professional photojournalist" look to the user (err, well maybe). Only one downside - my girlfriend now borrows it as a "cool handbag" for work, so I often find my rangefinder gear left in a neat pile on the sofa.

 

[rut]

i'm curious about timbuk2 also, although i'm considering the laptop bag...it has more pockets and an extra padded sleeve for goodies. i haven't seen any products form them in person but their bags get good reviews. the fact that it has a waterproof liner is a plus. you will have to use an aftermarket insert as others have said. i use one from a tenba bag in my courierware maessenger bag.
i use the domke 803 as well and it's a little tight for me as a travel+camera bag....plus i hate the clasp!
i see you're in dallas(me too) so you might check out REI..i think they stock some of the timbuk2 bags...i think.