there is no perfect bag,

Could one fit an m and a rolleiflex together in the top of the Domke F5XC? I have a B and it's too tight for the rollei...

With my B I can fit M8 w/ 28 cron, 50 lux, 90 elmarit, and one or two wides (15 & sometimes 21 cv, or 40 cron), with the two smaller lenses attached in a double rear-cap: I superglued two rear caps together to not have any problems with the rear elements. Obviously if I'm carrying less it never feels too empty. But I can fit all this plus 2 spare batteries, finders, hakuba 8-card case, and 1.25 mag, which I never know why I bring because I never use it! Tight but it works... the double rear-cap is key.
 
I went Al-Kaplan style and bought a Swedish gas mask bag to dump my gear into. Yep that's right, BP M3 and all.

I toss five boxed rolls of film on the bottom, then my IIIa-SCNOO camera with lens, a synthetic cloth on that, and the M3 with lens topside. Leave the strap hanging out so I can snag it quickly whenever I need. Everything really sags into place and does not shift around in there.

Meter and a spare lens are in the coat pocket.

All in all three lenses, two bodies, a light meter, five rolls of film and a cleaning cloth in one small bag that looks old and shabby. And because I carry it close the the body, there's no bumping and denting at all so I'm pretty sure this is as safe as a big, padded Billingham.

What's not to like?
 
Bags, you've gotta love em

Bags, you've gotta love em

Although not strictly my camera bag when shooting, this is an interesting bag I picked up in an Army surplus shop in China. It reminds me a little of the Lowepro Passport Sling except it has obvious differences.
Its a very accessible bag, as you can lie it down and after pulling the zip back, you can get to everything inside. It also has three square pockets on the front, two slim hidden pockets on each side and another hidden pocket inside. I'll be using this as a camping bag as that's when I always need something from the bottom of the bag.
As someone who likes travelling light in general as well as when taking pictures, I think it's important a bag isn't covered in decals and labels.

I guess though the kind of bag dictates the way you shoot as well(or the other way around). HCB as far as I know didn't carry one, moved lightly and take fewer pictures than for example Garry Winogrand who in that youtube video seems weighed down by his bag, but then again he didn't need to move lots to get the pictures he wanted.
There's no perfect bag as we are all different consumers with different needs and wants.
 
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has anyone came across this Billingham Director? i found it's a perfect bag when travelling on a long trip. it carries a MB pro 15", 2 Leica Ms + 3 lenses, plenty of films, a slot for magazine/book/maps.

5249608739_623a9076f1_z.jpg


and yes, Hadley Pro rocks! :)
 
alexnotalex said:
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
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i have a diaperdude diaper bag. they're awesome for cameras.
 
Tool Bags

Tool Bags

Probably not too cool, but for portrait sessions on location I use a largish AWP tool bag from Lowes. These swallow everything and the lack of divider allows me to configure at will. I wrap fragile items in either chamois or fabric covered foam. They are cheap enough to not worry and I don't worry as much about theft. No client has ever complained! I doubt they notice.

Otherwise, I like Domke bags.
 
Just received my Courierware incognito extra small bag yesterday.
Have to say I am liking it so far. All it needs now is a field test.
Will try to post my experience with it when I have some time.
 
fixbones said:
Just received my Courierware incognito extra small bag yesterday.
Have to say I am liking it so far. All it needs now is a field test.
Will try to post my experience with it when I have some time.
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Hope it works out for you. I've got two Courierware bags that are holding up very well. Incredibly well built, and I like the fact that the material is so water resistent.
 
JayC said:
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've had my Hadley Pro for around 10 years I think, carried it all round Europe most weeks while away working and it still looks new. The leather edged seams are a bit scuffed and it has a small stain were a friend managed to knock a hot candle (big one) all over it. I just let the wax cool and peeled it off. The inserts dictate the shape so if you go for thinner inserts you may get the shape you like but loose safety for your gear.

I've recently bought a 445 Billingham to carry the Nikon kit. Nice bag and I expect it wont look much different in 10 years either.

Billinghams are the perfect bag!
 
I feel Joe's pain regarding the perfect bag. I am very happy with my Domke F2 but thought that I would like a separate smaller bag i.e. one lens, one body (and bits) for street and carrying around. I opted for a Domke F803 and bought an extra insert for it also

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-domke-f-803-camera-satchel/p1013941

So, after 2 weeks I am still trying to sort out this bag! It's right and at the same time it's not quite fitting the bill (thus far).

As far as quality goes. it's excellent. As far as room... just that little bit more width and it would be perfect. I'm just a 'big girl's blouse' when it comes to this bag - I must have packed and unpacked it 15/20 times trying for perfection.

Al
 
There's a bag (item 290540058814) being offered on eBay right now for $11.99 including shipping that's pretty well-suited for carrying the longer lenses in the Olympus Pen SLR system. I just got one and it gives you a couple of compartments to hold the 50-90mm zoom and the 150mm lenses, a couple of shorter lenses (you can stack one on top of the other if you leave them in the cases) plus some filters, film and a small flash in the pockets, etc. Even has a nice little pocket in the top flap to hold your business card.
 
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alistair.o said:
I feel Joe's pain regarding the perfect bag. I am very happy with my Domke F2 but thought that I would like a separate smaller bag i.e. one lens, one body (and bits) for street and carrying around. I opted for a Domke F803 and bought an extra insert for it also

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-domke-f-803-camera-satchel/p1013941

So, after 2 weeks I am still trying to sort out this bag! It's right and at the same time it's not quite fitting the bill (thus far).

As far as quality goes. it's excellent. As far as room... just that little bit more width and it would be perfect. I'm just a 'big girl's blouse' when it comes to this bag - I must have packed and unpacked it 15/20 times trying for perfection.

Al
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I'm not knocking your choice (I have one of Domke's reporter's satchels myself); I'm just amused as to how it's promoted as something that "doesn't shout cameras." Yeah, it just shouts, "laptop!" Which is another way of shouting, "Steal me!"
 
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