Perfect bag for RF645 or Mamiya 7

[foto_mike]

It seems that I work harder at finding the perfect bag than I do finding the perfect camera. None of them is ever perfect. As a result I have lots of camera and lots of bags. This time, maybe I've found it.

I just received a new Billingham Hadley Pro bag and it might be perfect. The Hadley series has a slightly smaller bag and a slightly larger bag. The Pro model I bought is the only one with the handle on top. It was the handle that made the deal for me. I like to be able to grab the bag like a brief case or carry it on my shoulder.

This bag is incredibly well made. The seams are tight and clean. The pockets are generous. There are five rolls of 120 film in boxes in the front left pocket in the pictures. The inside dividers are configurable to your preferences and high quality. There is room for my RF645 with a lens attached, two additional lenses, accessory viewfinder and flash in the main compartment. The pockets can each hold six or eight rolls of film or assorted other stuff.

It's a bit pricey but I get a sense of satisfaction every time I carry it.

 

[qruyk12]

I like the National Geographic mid size backpack myself. Fits my Mamiya 7II gear nicely.

 

[Michael P.]

Really nice bag, Mike.

In my Domke F-6 Little Bit Smaller bag I comfortably fit my RF645 with both the 45 and 65mm lenses (one attached), the 45mm viewfinder, the 100mm lens (not attached), and a Vivitar 285 and OmniBounce. Lots of room for film, flash bracket, and lens cleaner in the side pocket. Also a zipped pocket on the inside flap for smaller things like lens tissue and cable release. An open outside compartment in the back for plane tickets, map, etc. Very durable canvas, choice of colors, made in the USA, $77.45 at Adorama.

 

[Zugzwang]

The best bag for my RF645 is the Bronica satchel type bag made for the Bronica 645.It fits all the lenses and accessories perfectly. I found it on E-bay for $50. If you see one (I have yet to see another)and have a RF645, grab it.

 

[Bob Michaels]

Bags are certainly a personal choice and everyone has their own parameters. I tend to not carry a lot of gear but still want a bag that carries a camera with lens & hood attached. I tend to not carry the bag while shooting but still want to be able to reach the ready to go camera while in the car.

So a Domke FX3 bag works to carry my Mamiya 7 kit. It hold the body with any lens & hood attached plus another lens in the main compartment. And I can reach one handed, grab the camera, and shoot. One end pocket carries about 10 rolls of 120 film and the front pocket holds a notebook. The leaves the other end pocket available.

I don't carry books or computers while photographing.

Still my favorite mode is camera in one hand (no strap), 4 rolls of film in one front pocket, notebook in rear pocket.

 

[Way]

Nice bag, foto_mike. I have a Billingham L2 in sage which is very well made. I use it on occasion but it feels a little bulky to me. It's a very nice looking bag and for that reason I feel a little conspicuous. Maybe it's just me.

Your bag fits the RF645 really well. Have you tried using it with the Mamiya 7 yet? I've found my Mamiya 7II is about 1/2 taller than my RF45. Judging from your pictures, that extra height of the 7 may make your bag bulge a bit more than you'd like. It does on mine. Adding film or other gear to the front pockets makes the front stick out even further. It's one of the reasons I love the collapsing lens of Mamiya 6 (even with lens hood attached in the right direction). Of course 6x6 v. 6x7 but the smaller size of the 6 makes it very easy to fit in all kinds of bags. Hope it's not an issue for you!

 

[PMCC]

Consider this:

http://www.kieselbags.com/shop/product.aspx?id=34

Not bulky, just the right size for a Mamiya 7 with one lens mounted and one additional lens. A mimimally padded style for those who prefer lightness and mobility to heavy-duty protection.