Small RF Everyday Bag !ISO!

B-9

Devin Bro
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Jul 9, 2009
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Its been a few years since Ive purchased a camera bag and my kit is so much different than it was even 6 months ago.

I would like something that is either Weather Resistant or Repelling. Im so done pulling out rain covers or snapping zip-lock bags.

Should fit one camera with lens attached as well as some of my typical work gear.

My typical work gear:
Eka Folding Knife
Single Pack of Cigarettes
Single Full Size Bic Lighter
Multiple I.D. Badges
Large Key Ring with about 1lb of Keys.
Large Water Container or a Energy Drink.
Small Moleskin Notebook with Pencil.

Camera gear:
Bessa R2m with small 35
One Boxed Roll of Film

Budget 300$ or LESS!

Not a huge list and nothing very big. I know we all have our own preferences in finish and trim but I am curious what some of our members might chose.

and.... GO!
 
Tamrac Zuma 4

I think that of all the options, it's both cheap and versatile - top loading (rather than messenger flap over) is a big plus. As are top handles. Says it has a waterproof coating in the specs, though I have never really tested that. It does come with a rain cover, though I have never seen the need in any but the heaviest rain.

Will fit up to a Fuji G690.

My only grip is that the strap could be more comfortable but I just replaced it with a Pac-Safe one.

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The weather resistance might not be exactly at the level you were looking for, but I just bought this bag for outings with a small camera and a few other items as you described above. I haven't tested it in rain or anything, but it's got a lot of promise as far as I can tell.

Topo Designs Field Bag: $129 msrp

https://topodesigns.com/products/field-bag

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I recommend any of the small Domke models.

Some are available made completely of ballistic nylon;
the cover of some (all?) canvas models is lined with ballistic nylon.

Chris
 
Man that Tamarac and that Topo look absolutely giant to me and very boxy.

I would look at the small Domkes or the Billinghams if you're fancy.

F-5xb
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Camera and crap in main pocket. Moleskin in slit pocket. Done.

Water bottle might be an issue depending on how much space your other stuff actually takes up.

Or any messenger bag and an insert from Domke or Crumpler. To me this gives you much more flexibility. I end up moving the insert to different bags depending on what else I need to cary. I've got a small Crumpler one that holds a Leica with an attached lens and one other lens with some space for film or battery and SD cards.
 
The Domke F-5XB looks nice,

I still have my old F-4AF but it's big for this purpose.

Looking at the F-5XC it seems to be big enough for a bottle and still has the small profile of the XB.

Choices!
 
Check out the range of small Billinghams. There's bound to be at least one there that fits your needs and budget, and they're all monsoon-proof.
 
Check out the range of small Billinghams. There's bound to be at least one there that fits your needs and budget, and they're all monsoon-proof.

Absolutely. Billinghams is the way to go. Most other camera bags still look like camera bags. I managed a trip where I kept my 5D with 24-105mm lens + accessories + knicknacks in a Billingham Hadley Pro, although it was on the snug side once I fit my Lenovo Ideapad (a MS Surface clone).
 
I'm with Brennan on the Peak 5L sling. I'm using that too as my small bag and I love it. May not be ideal for a water bottle though!
 
I'm sold on the Vanguard Havana 21. Small (but not too small), lightweight (but well made) and reasonably priced. I like it so much I have the Blue one as well as the Tan.

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All images shot with a Panasonic GX7 and Sigma 16mm f1.4 DC DN "Contemporary" lens
(Fabrique au Japon)
 
I suggest you visit an Army Surplus store and check out the various shoulder bags they sell.
Most are vastly less expensive than any bag whose name has the prefix "photo" or
"photographer's", and based on your description of the gear you need to carry, you will find something that will suit your needs very nicely.
Robert
 
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GIBLIM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

with this insert that fits snugly in the main interior space-

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008E0MOC0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Or this insert that fills 2/3 of the main interior space-

https://www.amazon.com/Tenba-BYOB-C...f=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1520562597

I've had the Everest bag for close to ten years now and it is still going strong. Best $15 I've ever spent. The inserts can move as needed to backpacks, etc. Of course certain people will find you not worth talking to because, well, your bag is... you know...
 
Think Tank Photo Retrospective 5 Shoulder Bag. It's about $100, small, well made, rugged and good looking. I use mine when I don't want to pack a lot. It's great for an RF camera
M240, etc. and one or two lenses, filters, etc. It comes with a rain cover and is well padded.
 
F5XB is a great bag, you might even get by with the smaller F5XA. Neither really offers a place to hold a water bottle unless you put it inside the bag which could be an accident waiting to happen. Probably doesn't have the height to hold a typical bottle inside either.

The Domke F803 is really nice too and the outside front pockets should be able to hold a water bottle pretty easily. F803 is a bit larger bag than the other too but is very thing and I think is proportioned a little better.

Attached are the F5XA in canvas and the F5XB and F803 in Ruggedwear. The F5XA has a Fuji XE2 with attached pancake lens and room next to it for two more vertically stacked lenses. The F5XB can hold a Fuji with lens attached and two rows of vertically stacked Fuji lenses for 5 lenses in total. The F803 has a Sigma SD Quattro H with L grip and attached lens and 2 more large lenses stacked vertically in the bag.

Shawn
 

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I have two Domke F-2 bags and one F-6. The smaller F-6 should be about right for what you need. My 1st F-2 bag has to been almost 40 years old. Very frayed but very usable. The other 2 bags are at least 15 years old. have lots of bags but I use the Domke for 99% of all travel. The other bags are just for storage.
 
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