there is no perfect bag,

Thanks!

Thanks!

Looks like a better deal than these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Timbuk2-HEMP-ME...ultDomain_0&hash=item53d96b3b6c#ht_4087wt_911

which are more environmentally friendly, but discontinued. Rumor has it that the hipsters (their target market) were trying to smoke them for a buzz :rolleyes:

Absolutely. This is what I originally positioned the divider for (75 + 35 f1.4). I say "positioned" because I strengthen'ed the Velcro with thread.

Bought the bag a while back, think it's the 110 but not sure. Just go to BestBuy's and have a look, they carry similar ones.

Roland.
 
I recently won a billingham hadley pro on e-bay and must say that it's that bag for me. It fits a bunch of film my 85/2, 35/2.5, 50/1.5, 15/4.5 M4-P, meter, and If I had a second M body, that would also fit with no issue. I can carry a small notebook as well. The closure system on he bag is great too. I cant say it was super cheap , but as far as billinghams go I got it for about $35 over what an F-803 costs. I have some other bags Ive gotten that I should probably sell though as theyre too large and an f-803 clone thats the same size as the billingham seems redundant.
 
(1) My ultimate one-bag bag is a Tenba 995
(2) My ultimate two-bag bags are two Tenba 995s
(3) My ultime three-bag Bags are two Tenba 995s and a Lowepro Trekker something or other.



The length of this discussion led me to think about possible bag questions:

(1) What is your ultimate 1-bag bag?
(2) What are your ultimate 2-bag bags?
(3) What are your ultimate 3-bag bags?
 
I had my new Domke F-3x on my last trip to Scotland for a week, and took my M2+35/1.4 and my GS-1 with the standard lens. The setup was heavy, but I came to see that this might be the closest to perfect bag I'll get. Of course it has some minor inconveniences and imperfections, but as they say, nobody's perfect. The F-3X comes pretty close.
 
Assuming that your gear is Japanese, I recommend investigating the yojigen-pocket. Many times, local friends have mistaken my simple shoulder bag for this pouch, which it is not.

In fact, I let the bag limit what I bring to the essentials and thereby do my spine a favor. That's a perfect bag, for me.
 
Just keeping the thread alive.

I have nothing to add, but I'd be lying if I said that I don't enjoy looking at other people's setup shown in this thread :)
 
Currently using a Skip Hop baby changing bag. Loads of pockets, hard wearing, tall rather than wide so comfortable to carry, and you can fit an ipad perfectly in the back pocket.
Also, nobody's going to steal a diaper bag!!

Cheaper than the Billingham alternative... YMMV
Alex
 
no not at all sir...just frustrated because evertime i get a new piece of gear or another idea as to what i want to carry or how to arrange a kit, it seems i have to change bags.


Ahh, so now the answer is clear. You do not have enough bags! The bag is perfect until you add gear but you forgot to buy another bag!

It's like our wives and gf's...(hopefully the two are the same)...everytime they change lipstick, the whole wardrobe has to change! For instance, they change from one lipstick to, say, RED...then, the dresses don't work with the new color. They get new dresses, but the shoes no longer work, so they buy new shoes. Oh, great, now the handbag (purse) has to change too. And the jewelry, of course. And let's not forget the makeup, for goodness sake!

So, you see, if you buy another lens or body, get another bag and rotate them. It really is quite cost-effective when you consider a woman changing her lipstick.;)
 
Ahh, so now the answer is clear. You do not have enough bags! The bag is perfect until you add gear but you forgot to buy another bag!

It's like our wives and gf's...(hopefully the two are the same)...everytime they change lipstick, the whole wardrobe has to change! For instance, they change from one lipstick to, say, RED...then, the dresses don't work with the new color. They get new dresses, but the shoes no longer work, so they buy new shoes. Oh, great, now the handbag (purse) has to change too. And the jewelry, of course. And let's not forget the makeup, for goodness sake!

So, you see, if you buy another lens or body, get another bag and rotate them. It really is quite cost-effective when you consider a woman changing her lipstick.;)


that's pretty darn close, seems you've 'outed' me!
;)

actually, the domke 5xb is as close to perfect as i have gotten and is perfect for a 2 lens kit. so, if i want perfection i need only carry 2 lenses...
 
yes, there is a perfect bag......

this is it!

https://www.manhattanportage.com/catalog/Messenger-Bags/Dana's-Messenger-Bag/77

I bough the padded photo insert:
https://www.manhattanportage.com/catalog/Accessories/Camera-Insert/363

and have yet to have any issue.

2 M bodies w/lenses, 2-3 lenses, light meter, film, assorted crap all fits in perfectly with extra room. I also can stick in 1 M w/lens, 2 M lenses, 1 MF maiya lens, extra back and mamiya odds and ends with no issue.

With jsut 1 camera it des not feel "empty". That is an issue I haev with my Billinghams and domeks. When not loaded they get all floppy and difficult to carry.
 
Thanks Roland

Thanks Roland

for the tip on this bag (Lowepro Rezo 110). It will work well for my 1 body, plus 1 or 2 addl lens, depending on sizes. It's in-between my 1 body 1 lens smallest case, and about 2/3 the size of the f5xb. Pretty nice bag, and on sale at Best Buy to boot. Thanks!

Last but not least, here is a smaller, slightly modified Rezo with my slow, high performance kit (my avatar):

953611951_qNwM6-L.jpg


Also this one is very fast in use (2 lenses in the bag, one on the camera. I use it sometimes with one body and 2 bigger lenses. About the size of a 5xa, but better padded and weather-sealed, and easier access to stuff, IMO. Both Rezos have front and side pockets for filters, film, etc.

And that's it. All three bags together cost way less than one Billingham, Fogg, A&A bag, etc.

The 3 bags look used because they are :)

Cheers,

Roland.
 
The Contax G2 leather system bag was a gem. I especially miss its separately-accessible bottom lens compartment. Does anyone know of another bag that has that?
 
Without a doubt. Just break it in.

I have the Hadley Pro, and wonder how "breaking it in" works. The insert is stiff. I want the bag to curve and shape to my hip (at least a little). All pics of the bag show it as remaining in full "square" mode when in use. Do these really break in? Can the insert be run through the washer or something to speed the process? Should the top flap be cut off? Should a different insert be used?
I hate to give up on the bag because it gets so many votes for the perfect bag.
 
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I still find my XS Timbuk2 messenger + Domke inserts + bottom padding to be the best walkabout bag for Leica M kit for me. I can carry TLR + M in this setup with ease, but I'll take my small Timbuk2 + Temba insert for larger kit like two MF and an M + lens(es). They are all water proof and quick to pull/load.
 
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I have the Hadley Pro, and wonder how "breaking it in" works. The insert is stiff. I want the bag to curve and shape to my hip (at least a little). All pics of the bag show it as remaining in full "square" mode when in use. Do these really break in? Can the insert be run through the washer or something to speed the process? Should the top flap be cut off? Should a different insert be used?
I hate to give up on the bag because it gets so many votes for the perfect bag.
The Hadley Pro should become more flexible with use. Mine did. The Hadley Small, which I have used almost as much, is still unbending. A question of material thickness to bag dimensions ratio, I guess.
 
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