Darkhorse
pointed and shot
I have a tiny Temba that's too tiny for usability for the analog cameras I use. It's OK for my DSLR and a lens, but is inconvenient for my film kit.
My film kit includes:
- A Minolta Autocord
- An Olympus 35rc (for color)
- A [pending] Olympus 35sp (for B&W)
Additional space needed for:
- some Rollei accessories (hood, Rolleinars, filters)
- Additional 35mm filters (two or three)
- Film, 135 and 120
- Light meter
- Maybe something to strap on a tripod if need be.
Aesthetics:
- Inconspicuous looking
- Maybe something more vintage-looking for the vintage cameras
I'm overwhelmed with choices so I go to you, the experts, to narrow down my search for an appropriate shoulder bag. Any help would be appreciated.
My film kit includes:
- A Minolta Autocord
- An Olympus 35rc (for color)
- A [pending] Olympus 35sp (for B&W)
Additional space needed for:
- some Rollei accessories (hood, Rolleinars, filters)
- Additional 35mm filters (two or three)
- Film, 135 and 120
- Light meter
- Maybe something to strap on a tripod if need be.
Aesthetics:
- Inconspicuous looking
- Maybe something more vintage-looking for the vintage cameras
I'm overwhelmed with choices so I go to you, the experts, to narrow down my search for an appropriate shoulder bag. Any help would be appreciated.
aizan
Veteran
i'd go to samy's. they have plenty of domke and billingham bags to look at.
Thardy
Veteran
john_van_v
Well-known
I have become partial to:
plastic tool boxes
large nylon picnic/beer coolers
Plano, the fishing tackle box maker has ventured into tool boxes, and they are quality, and have pull-out compartment boxes in the lid. G/f got me one for Xmas.
The beer coolers have always been a favorite because they are fairly water proof and insulated -- and insulation is the only way to prevent fogging situations during the cold months by allowing for gradual temperature change.
Both are moderately water proof, but some tool boxes are not water proofed where the hand meets the lid, and I am not sure how to modify one, but most of the brand names have plastic molded around that area.
Both absorb shock, and tool boxes can be improved with some computer part shipping foam in the bottom of the boxes, or even on the sides. Large bubble bubble warp may be a good layer of shock absorber.
While both tools and beer can be attractive to thieves, neither are nearly as attractive as cameras.
plastic tool boxes
large nylon picnic/beer coolers
Plano, the fishing tackle box maker has ventured into tool boxes, and they are quality, and have pull-out compartment boxes in the lid. G/f got me one for Xmas.
The beer coolers have always been a favorite because they are fairly water proof and insulated -- and insulation is the only way to prevent fogging situations during the cold months by allowing for gradual temperature change.
Both are moderately water proof, but some tool boxes are not water proofed where the hand meets the lid, and I am not sure how to modify one, but most of the brand names have plastic molded around that area.
Both absorb shock, and tool boxes can be improved with some computer part shipping foam in the bottom of the boxes, or even on the sides. Large bubble bubble warp may be a good layer of shock absorber.
While both tools and beer can be attractive to thieves, neither are nearly as attractive as cameras.
Vince Lupo
Whatever
The National Geographic bags are really nice, and not too expensive. Of course, they have the goofy Nat-Geo logo, and it's not easy to remove it. But, they're a tan/khaki canvas, and are definitely user friendly. Its design seems like an actual photographer thought it out (IMO).
When my wife and I were in Europe last year, I brought my M5, M2 plus four lenses and a mini tripod. The bag never felt overburdened, and perfectly complimented the 'classic' look and feel of the equipment. Plus, everything was easy to get to, the snaps made sense, and the strap was comfortable.
When my wife and I were in Europe last year, I brought my M5, M2 plus four lenses and a mini tripod. The bag never felt overburdened, and perfectly complimented the 'classic' look and feel of the equipment. Plus, everything was easy to get to, the snaps made sense, and the strap was comfortable.
Last edited:
wjlapier
Well-known
I just bought this one:
http://www.filson.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2092393&cp=2075128&parentPage=family
Fits my M3 with DR cron mounted, 90 summicron, and IIIf with 5cm elmar and Leicavit. Room for filters light meter, extra film, notepad and pen. Plenty of room in the main compartment. Two side pockets, and one under the flap, and a slip in pocket in the back.
I'm a longtime user of Filson and Willis and Geiger ( which is no longer in business ). Very well made stuff--maybe over done at times.
Check ebay for the bag and you'll find it for less than Filson's website and free shipping.
http://www.filson.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2092393&cp=2075128&parentPage=family
Fits my M3 with DR cron mounted, 90 summicron, and IIIf with 5cm elmar and Leicavit. Room for filters light meter, extra film, notepad and pen. Plenty of room in the main compartment. Two side pockets, and one under the flap, and a slip in pocket in the back.
I'm a longtime user of Filson and Willis and Geiger ( which is no longer in business ). Very well made stuff--maybe over done at times.
Check ebay for the bag and you'll find it for less than Filson's website and free shipping.
SuitePhoto
Established
If you want to get away from the 'grade school teacher Dooney & Bourke purse' look of the Billingham and Filson bags (sorry guys, that is exactly what the look like... 
), you may consider just buying a canvas or leather messenger bag and using some of the Billingham inserts.
I purchased this all leather messenger bag from Banana Republic: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=30845&vid=1&pid=375296&scid=375296002 and then bought billingham inserts to fit my gear. I sewed some velcro strips into the lining to hold the inserts in place and voila, camera bag that doesn't look like a camera bag. And if I so desire, the inserts can be removed and the bag can be used as a normal messenger.
), you may consider just buying a canvas or leather messenger bag and using some of the Billingham inserts.I purchased this all leather messenger bag from Banana Republic: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=30845&vid=1&pid=375296&scid=375296002 and then bought billingham inserts to fit my gear. I sewed some velcro strips into the lining to hold the inserts in place and voila, camera bag that doesn't look like a camera bag. And if I so desire, the inserts can be removed and the bag can be used as a normal messenger.
john_van_v
Well-known
?? Who dresses you ??
Srsly folks, Plano has an excellent shoulder bag I just saw in the Kmart. Not cheap but looks well made, and will never be confused with camera bag.
Probably good for on SLR or two RFs, a few lenses, film, and lots of doo-dads.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I second the idea for a messenger bag. I use a small Domke (J-803 I believe) that is made of ballistic nylon, but there is a more casual canvas version that is slightly bigger. My ballistc version has a padded insert that works well with my M6 and three lenses. There are a lot of pockets also. There's a hook and D-ring on either side that could be utilized to secure a tripod. I still have room for another body with room to spare.
I find that a messenger bag huggs the body better, and this creates less stain on the shoulders by minimizing the counter-levering effect of a wider bag. The limitation in your case might be the size. I'm not familure with all your gear.
On the subway I blend in very well as just another guy with a book bag, a tripod though would be a give-away. The thinness also allows me to better shield and protect my gear from impact in crowded situations.
Calzone
I find that a messenger bag huggs the body better, and this creates less stain on the shoulders by minimizing the counter-levering effect of a wider bag. The limitation in your case might be the size. I'm not familure with all your gear.
On the subway I blend in very well as just another guy with a book bag, a tripod though would be a give-away. The thinness also allows me to better shield and protect my gear from impact in crowded situations.
Calzone
Michiel Fokkema
Michiel Fokkema
I second the 803.
But the ballistic one is the bigger one. I have both. For your gear the bigger one is probably better.
Cheers,
Michiel fokkema
benmacphoto
Well-known
Can't go wrong with the Domke f2 shoulder bag. Ive had mine for years. Front pocket I keep my 90mm lens and 28mm lens. Inside I can keep my M8 and M3 with two more lenses. In the back pocket sunglasses and light meter. Its very inconspicuous, and very well made.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
+1 for Domke F2. For a kit that includes a Medium Format camera, a smaller Domke would be a bit cramped for space.
john_van_v
Well-known
I use a gas mask bag sometimes when I am in a hurry, and recently I was a census worker, so I used the stock census shoulder bag.
This is what I have to say: canvas bags are no good for the simple reason that there is not much protection from banging into the odd doorway.
As for canvas bags in the subway .. sure if blending in is your appeal, but what happens when your bag gets stuck in closing subway doors, or you get pushed into a subway pole. Leica lenses on the outside ?? I cringe when my Jupiters hit something hard. I banged my Jupiter-8 many times during the cenus job, but fortunately the filter took all of the damage.
I can see why pre-war photogs liked folders and telescoping lenses -- keep it in a pocket close to the skin and covered with a coat. But then with the TLR everything must have changed.
As it happens, I can slip my Bessa R into my sheepskin demin jacket outer pocket in winter, and my unlined demin inner pocket in summer. The length of the Jupiter lens keeps the camera from falling out. My Jupiter 135mm goes in the left breast pocket, and the viewfinder goes in the right. When I get a 35mm, probably a Jupiter-12, things will have to change, as those don't screw onto the Cosina rangefinders, meaning there will be a light meter added.
SLR lenses are too heavy for jacket-only photography, but my OM-1 fits pretty well detectives keep their .38s, in the left arm-pit, but the lens strap has to be long enough to pull the camera up to the eye, and pretty strong too. I used a snake chain strap for a while, and its flexibility and slipperiness worked for me, but I felt I was going to break it at some point and tried other straps. Best so far comes from a SONY boom box; that I fit with two tough-looking shap hooks from an orpahned luggage strap.
Under the arm-pit the camera is pretty well protected, but lens caps seem to get brushed off pretty easily especially when walking through the brush. This is probably why I used filters most of the time now, taking the time to unscrew them for better shots.
My cameras live plastic soda trays that look like short milk creates. I can put them in the back of my hatchback car (with the back seat folded down) when I want to bring quite a few, and I cover them with coat when I park. That doesn't help in the city where driving is infuriating and parking is impossible, but for the country it's the way to go. Drive close to where you want to be with all your gear, and then hike the rest of the way with what you think is appropriate. And if its hiking that you are doing, there is no other bag than the knapsack. But that brings back the banging around-problem. To deal with that, I have been using fleece ski caps as individual protectors and then I wrap the whole kit in a fleece jacket.
All in all, I think the demin jackets work best for me, along with the .38 special strategy--as long as I stick w/ RF and TTL metering.
This is what I have to say: canvas bags are no good for the simple reason that there is not much protection from banging into the odd doorway.
As for canvas bags in the subway .. sure if blending in is your appeal, but what happens when your bag gets stuck in closing subway doors, or you get pushed into a subway pole. Leica lenses on the outside ?? I cringe when my Jupiters hit something hard. I banged my Jupiter-8 many times during the cenus job, but fortunately the filter took all of the damage.
I can see why pre-war photogs liked folders and telescoping lenses -- keep it in a pocket close to the skin and covered with a coat. But then with the TLR everything must have changed.
As it happens, I can slip my Bessa R into my sheepskin demin jacket outer pocket in winter, and my unlined demin inner pocket in summer. The length of the Jupiter lens keeps the camera from falling out. My Jupiter 135mm goes in the left breast pocket, and the viewfinder goes in the right. When I get a 35mm, probably a Jupiter-12, things will have to change, as those don't screw onto the Cosina rangefinders, meaning there will be a light meter added.
SLR lenses are too heavy for jacket-only photography, but my OM-1 fits pretty well detectives keep their .38s, in the left arm-pit, but the lens strap has to be long enough to pull the camera up to the eye, and pretty strong too. I used a snake chain strap for a while, and its flexibility and slipperiness worked for me, but I felt I was going to break it at some point and tried other straps. Best so far comes from a SONY boom box; that I fit with two tough-looking shap hooks from an orpahned luggage strap.
Under the arm-pit the camera is pretty well protected, but lens caps seem to get brushed off pretty easily especially when walking through the brush. This is probably why I used filters most of the time now, taking the time to unscrew them for better shots.
My cameras live plastic soda trays that look like short milk creates. I can put them in the back of my hatchback car (with the back seat folded down) when I want to bring quite a few, and I cover them with coat when I park. That doesn't help in the city where driving is infuriating and parking is impossible, but for the country it's the way to go. Drive close to where you want to be with all your gear, and then hike the rest of the way with what you think is appropriate. And if its hiking that you are doing, there is no other bag than the knapsack. But that brings back the banging around-problem. To deal with that, I have been using fleece ski caps as individual protectors and then I wrap the whole kit in a fleece jacket.
All in all, I think the demin jackets work best for me, along with the .38 special strategy--as long as I stick w/ RF and TTL metering.
Last edited:
astroman
-
Crumpler Million dollar bags
Worth taking a look
Worth taking a look
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
The Domke 803 is smaller than the 802 -- a bit weird. I believe both are available in canvas rather than one in canvas, one in ballistic. I second canvas for being both less conspicuous, practical and flexible. As it wears, and with washing it gets softer and even less conspicuous. With the inserts, protection from subway doors isn't much of an issue.
Michiel Fokkema
Michiel Fokkema
If you want to get away from the 'grade school teacher Dooney & Bourke purse' look of the Billingham and Filson bags (sorry guys, that is exactly what the look like...
Works well too. I use a "the north face" very often.
http://www2.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=EU&model=AM6J&language=en
But I use Domke inserts. These are more sturdy then the Billingham ones.
Cheers,
Michiel Fokkema
Darkhorse
pointed and shot
Thanks, everyone.
I think I might go with the Domke 802 or 803, definitely in a canvas.
I think I might go with the Domke 802 or 803, definitely in a canvas.