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I have been searching for a way to protect my folders when I toss them into my bag but still be able to access them without a lot of fuss. I'm sure I could've sewed something like this but the Optech was an elegant design and I was lazy! The name is Optech Soft Pouch "Bino". I purchased the medium size one. Not cheap at $21.95 retail but well made out of thick neoprene. As you can see from the pictures the medium size fits the Agfa Record III and Super Isolette easily. I was pleasantly surprised that it can also fit a rangefinder and short lens + external viewfinder.
What I like about the design was that the protective "flap" could be tucked behind the camera, allowing the camera to be removed or replaced with ease. For more protection just pull the flap over the front. Simple and it works great.
I also recently splurged and found a Loweppro Terraclime 100 at a local camrea shop. I figure I'd try anything and bought the light green one. Kind of funky but I'm OK with it. Also comes in plum color and "manly" basic black. The Terraclime series breaks Lowepro's traditional camera bag styling with its "doesn't look like a camera bag" look. It's also is made of recycled water bottles and part of the money you payed for the bag goes to helping the polar bears - at least it makes you feel a little better about buying another bag. You can read all about it on the link above.
The bag offers little in the way of padding but they do give you a wrap to keep your camera protected. The wrap was OK but too bulky for my use (hence the Optech pouch). The bag is great for carrying a rangefinder stuff or my folders. The material is like cordura (to me it feels lighter) and conforms to your body well and is very comfortable to carry. Two small front pockets can fit a moleskin size notebook, small light meter, or small lens. My 50 Lux Asph fits, a 90 cron is a snug fit, though I rather keep the lenses in the larger main compartment. The main compartment is pretty roomy, though loading it up with a lot of things just make it bulky and uncomfortable to carry, IMO. It's ideal for an M camera and 2-3 lenses or a couple of bodies plus lenses, though something to keep them protected from rattling around is necessary. Folders are no problem. A Hassy with a 80mm or Rollei also fits. Lots of space for film, filters, etc.
The biggest complaint I've heard about the bag are the "hooks" for securing the front flap. They are a bit fiddly to use and you may not like them. I found them tolerable and are at least silent compared to velcro. I do wish that they would've sewed a carrying handle, something I feel all camera bags should have.
All in all a good, comfortable bag that doesn't look like a camera bag. A very good combination with the Optech pouch. YMMV.
What I like about the design was that the protective "flap" could be tucked behind the camera, allowing the camera to be removed or replaced with ease. For more protection just pull the flap over the front. Simple and it works great.
I also recently splurged and found a Loweppro Terraclime 100 at a local camrea shop. I figure I'd try anything and bought the light green one. Kind of funky but I'm OK with it. Also comes in plum color and "manly" basic black. The Terraclime series breaks Lowepro's traditional camera bag styling with its "doesn't look like a camera bag" look. It's also is made of recycled water bottles and part of the money you payed for the bag goes to helping the polar bears - at least it makes you feel a little better about buying another bag. You can read all about it on the link above.
The bag offers little in the way of padding but they do give you a wrap to keep your camera protected. The wrap was OK but too bulky for my use (hence the Optech pouch). The bag is great for carrying a rangefinder stuff or my folders. The material is like cordura (to me it feels lighter) and conforms to your body well and is very comfortable to carry. Two small front pockets can fit a moleskin size notebook, small light meter, or small lens. My 50 Lux Asph fits, a 90 cron is a snug fit, though I rather keep the lenses in the larger main compartment. The main compartment is pretty roomy, though loading it up with a lot of things just make it bulky and uncomfortable to carry, IMO. It's ideal for an M camera and 2-3 lenses or a couple of bodies plus lenses, though something to keep them protected from rattling around is necessary. Folders are no problem. A Hassy with a 80mm or Rollei also fits. Lots of space for film, filters, etc.
The biggest complaint I've heard about the bag are the "hooks" for securing the front flap. They are a bit fiddly to use and you may not like them. I found them tolerable and are at least silent compared to velcro. I do wish that they would've sewed a carrying handle, something I feel all camera bags should have.
All in all a good, comfortable bag that doesn't look like a camera bag. A very good combination with the Optech pouch. YMMV.
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