Thinking of Taking On a Year With My M3 - Bag for Everyday?

If you are going to use a bag I'd second one like scorpius73 posted. Picked up something similar for those days when I have more than just my camera with me. Built like a tank, some even have a divided interior. Most I've seen run about $12-$15.
 
a diaper bag doesnt shout camera bag....otherwise get a Domke or cool Billingham to store camera when traveling/not in use.

Cheers -
 
I carried a Zeiss ZM body with either a 50mm or 35 mm lens for about two years in a Mountainsmith Focus II bag. There are three sizes available. The bag has held up well. It does not look like a camera bag. It opens with a push button quick-release plastic clasp so access is quick and quiet. It has high-quality zippers.

When I sold the ZM and lenses I put the bag in storage. Recently I started to carry a X100 in the Mountainsmith bag. It was like seeing an old friend again. Now I carry the Mountainsmith everyday.
 
scorpius73 said:
I got this bag from an Army Surplus store in dowtown Philadelphia for $15. I bought a Domke insert for the inside for $20 or so from Adorama. It works for me. It allows me to carry a camera with film and an assortment of other things (Economist magazine) etc. Just another option for you.
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I was going to recommend the Retrospective 5 from Think Tank for $130.00 until I saw this! That looks like the perfect bag for my M3 w/Summaron 2.8. Thirty-five bucks! Wow!
 
Vics said:
I was going to recommend the Retrospective 5 from Think Tank for $130.00 until I saw this! That looks like the perfect bag for my M3 w/Summaron 2.8. Thirty-five bucks! Wow!
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Save yourself some money and spend it on film or scanning. This bag is bigger than my Domke f5xb and smaller than my Domke f6.
 
EthanFrank said:
^ Lovely bag but I should have noted I'm almost out of money from buying the camera, lens and replacement leather - Billingham and Domke are slightly beyond my reach at the moment :(
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Reconsider,

Domke (F2 is what I use) is worth the price especially their padded inserts (shop around, you don't have to pay more than $100 even for a new one).

Also, the reason I choose the F2 is because it is big enough to accommodate any camera I have (TLR, Medium Format folders, SLR, RF, 4x5 field, whatever). But at the same time it's not bulky, plus it looks like a plain shoulder bag.
 
shadowfox said:
Reconsider,

Domke (F2 is what I use) is worth the price especially their padded inserts (shop around, you don't have to pay more than $100 even for a new one).

Also, the reason I choose the F2 is because it is big enough to accommodate any camera I have (TLR, Medium Format folders, SLR, RF, 4x5 field, whatever). But at the same time it's not bulky, plus it looks like a plain shoulder bag.
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While an F2 is not that big, it's far too big for my use. However, I am reconsidering Domke's messenger bags. I have some extra inserts, so I'll be trying them with a cheap canvas Army Surplus bag, but failing that I think my best bet would be to spend a little more on a Domke.
 
You want the Bare Bones Bag - it is perfect for a single RF, film, little extras and maybe another lens ,but that's it.
It is slim ,small not over padded and very comfortable.
I only wish it came in a olive or camo fabric
 
Ethan, you might look at "field bags" from Eddie Bauer or REI. They are small with a vertical form factor. You'll have to add some padding. I use one for my M9 with lens and really like it.

John
 
EthanFrank said:
Right now, the only thing stopping me from carrying my Leica with me (that is, once my lens arrives) is the fact that I have no comfortable way to carry it. I own a Crumpler 6MDH for my digital gear, and a few dinky, uncomfortable camera bags for my film gear. I'm looking to take on Mike Johnson's idea for a Leica Year - for me, that means an M3 and a 50mm every day, for 365 days. I don't need a camera bag with me every day - what I need is a small, everyday bag with a way to carry my camera along with daily items - with some protection for the camera. Something slim, light, that doesn't scream camera bag (we've all heard that before.) Any ideas?

Thanks :)
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Why don't you just get a nice half case and strap? Until recently when I decided to use the M3 full-time for photo documentaries, I carried the M3 (going on 3 years) with just a strap/full case/half case. A bag would have been too much and I would not have carried the M3 on many occasions.:) I am not a fan of a man bag unless you just have to carry a lot of gear with you. An M3 with lens attached does not meet that requirement, but that is just my opinion, so I prefer a camera + strap. Occasionally, the cases.

Alternatively, I have used a small shoulder carry Crumpler bag which is barely large enough to fit the M3 with lens. It has a small pocket for extra film and a filter but that's it! That bag worked very well with the Nikon S3 2000 before that. But, using a case is way cool.:cool:
 
Dave,

I agree that a half case and strap are a great option, but I want the bag as I need a way t carry the camera all the time, without necessarily noticing I have it with me. At work, etc.

I've actually just bought a used Domke off of a user here...should be here soon, if Canada Post finally gets their crap together.
 
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