Recommended shops in the Phoenix area?

[sbug]

In 10 days or so I will be in the Phoenix area for a week. One of the things I'm hoping to find while there is a new camera bag. The shops near me all carry the same stuff that I don't want, namely Tamrac and Lowepro and others aimed either at the digital p&s market or the digital slr long-zoom market. I've not found any that are going to work with my rangefinder gear sufficiently well and frankly, I have yet to find any that are anything other than quite ugly. Does anyone have any recommendations for shops in the Phoenix area that might carry something other than the regular stuff? Thanks much!

 

[dazedgonebye]

Pretty slim pickin's out here....
I've not paid a great deal of attention to their bags, but the biggest shop in the area is Tempe Camera.
http://www.tempecamera.com/
There few other independent stores left.

 

[BrianShaw]

(Not really an answer to your question)

Gee, I can't really figure out what kind of bag you're looking for from the information you posted. But when I was looking for a new bag (recently) I was equally frustrated by the (lack of) selection at most local camera shops.

What I found usefull was to download the B&H 35mm catalog. They list virtually every camera bag currently produced, including pictures and enough dimensional information to make it possible to "imagine" stuffing your gear into the bags. What's more, they offer information about accessories that some of the local camera shops not only don't often carry, but don't even seem to know about.

In the end, I found B&H to have a great selection and reasonable prices. There were some other NYC shops that offered better prices, but they did not have the bag in stock (confirmed by phone call prior to ordering). I ended up buying at Canoga Cameras (google them for web address) because the Tamrac I wanted was an out-of-production model and they seemed to have the last one in the country. Their prices are comperable to B&H and their reputation is superb.

 

[sbug]

(Not really an answer to your question)

Gee, I can't really figure out what kind of bag you're looking for from the information you posted. But when I was looking for a new bag (recently) I was equally frustrated by the (lack of) selection at most local camera shops.

What I found usefull was to download the B&H 35mm catalog. ...(snip)QUOTE]


Frankly I'm not 100% sure what I want either or I'd have it already 😉 I'm too wary to order without seeing it in person but it may come to that. I know B&H has a large selection.

Size is important of course. I'd like one that is not black inside which makes it hard to find small items. Maybe something made of canvas or leather? I'd probably be really happy with something like my Timbuk2 messenger bag if it had padding and dividers.

 

[BrianShaw]

Frankly I'm not 100% sure what I want either ...
Size is important of course. ...

Yup, I know your dilemna!

Check out the Domke line. Canvas and comes in a variety of sizes raniging from compact sizes or "too big to fit under an airline seat". No outside padding but hard, paded bottom and padded dividers. Also a bunch of alternative accessory dividers available. I've used my F-2 for 35mm, RF, MF SLR and find it to work in all situations.

Good luck.

 

[harmsr]

Unfortunately you won't find anything other than the standard stuff in Phoenix at either Tempe Camera or Photomark.

If you really do want something specifically designed for a rangefinder kit, check out Fogg or Billingham bags which are made for Leicas. However, be forewarned that you may get sticker shock.

Ray

 

[John Camp]

Bag alert! I ordered a new Lowepro sling bag a couple of weeks ago because I thought it would be perfect for a small rangefinder outfit, and, indeed, it was pretty good, except for one thing: it can only be slung from the left shoulder, and is permanently sewn that way, and the shoulder strap is cut that way. I don't carry stuff on the left shoulder, and not being able to change it drove me nuts. I'm now temporarily back to the Kata, which is a good bag, but a little much for what I need.

JC

 

[sbug]

Thanks to all for the sugestions. Too bad it sounds like I'm a bit out of luck in Phoenix. I will check out the Fogg and Billingham bags. I think I have looked at them before and decided against them based on price. I'm less price sensitive now that I've found nothing else I like. I'll check Domke too.