TimBuk2 bag

I've been eying them, too. They are really nicely built.

I'd really like recommendations on inserts that are large enough for my Bronica RF645 and my 45, 65, and 100 lenses. I might get one for my Mamya 645 sytem, too. But I might prefer a bag with wheels for that!

Robert
 
Hi Fred,

Yes, I often use my small Timbuk2 bag to carry my camera gear. I can carry my Bessa R (or small SLR) plus an extra lens, a compact digital camera, a small tripod, my iPod, a jacket, snacks, film, extra batteries for the digital and a paperback book.

The bag has no inserts of any kind but I have used the small interior pockets to carry my extra lenses. When I pack the bag I try to use my jacket or a hat to keep the cameras from bumping together. If you were creative you could make inserts on your own. The Timbuk2 bags don't have any "shape" -- they tend to conform to whatever you're carrying in them. This might make the application of inserts rather tricky, but I'm sure it can be done.

I like the Timbuk2 bag because it's simple and durable with the advantage that it doesn't look like a camera bag. I always wear mine "messenger style", slung across my chest and kept close to my body. This helps keeps the contents secure when I'm in a crowd or when I'm riding my bike. I can keep both arms free and I don't have to worry about the bag slipping off my shoulder. It's a great bag to use for walking or tourist-type photography.

There are only two things I don't like about the bag. One, small items like film cassettes have a tendency to find their way into the folds at the corners of the bag and can be hard to reach. Two, the bag is so well waterproofed that it will hold water inside like a pail. Be mindful of this if you carry a water bottle or other liquids inside the bag with your cameras!

Timbuk2 bags are expensive (even on the big auction site) but in my opinion are worth every penny. I've carried mine on several multi-day trips and I have had no problems. Highly recommended.
 
Hi,

I am carrying a Timbuk2 as my everyday bag, where I ahappen to have a Leica IIc inside. The camera is in a Dohmke like camera pouch. I got a little oversized pouch due to its better "padding" works like a charm.
I will try the Classic M bag and see if it holds up for carrying camera nad luch box...

Joerg
 
Hi there. I have what I think used to be called the Dee Dog - now marketed as size Medium. I picked it up at REI 7 or 8 years ago and use it as an every day bag, for lunch, light jacket, and camera of course. I've also used it as a beach bag, boat bag, overnight bag, etc. There is no padding so it would be wise to protect your gear w/a jacket or something. They are a little pricey but mine has lasted quite a while and is still going strong. Spring for the $10 shoulder strap pad if you get one.
 
I was looking at the Timbuk2 recently.. the small version.. probably spent 2 solid work days selecting different color combos to see what I'd want to get.. LOL

they have one called the Billboard Messenger that I found interesting.. the middle panel is made out of a white flat vinyl that is marketed as a place to put stickers.. I thought it would be useful as a section to write notes with a dry erasable marker.. but I wasn't sure if that would work, so I sent an email to the company to ask if they could check it out for me.. within 24 hours I got a reply from their marketing people saying they tested it with various markers and the results were that you could write on it, but the marks wouldn't entirely wipe off

I was slightly disappointed that my idea didn't pan out, but I was very impressed with the response of the company.. they seem to be a class act and really care what their customers want.. I've also read that the custom bag that you design and order is shipped the next day and arrives at most destinations within just a few days
 
Timbuk2 to you

Timbuk2 to you

I have a satchel style bag from Timbuk2. The one I have is just right for a rf body and a lens or two. I tried using it to carry a Bessa L and R2 together with a Domke insert, but it was a lilttle too tight for using on the go. The bag is strong with a lot of pockets and maybe too many zippers, but the velcro and snap top was really nice. The strap allows for quick adjustment from shoulder to across the shoulder adjustment of the strap. I paid about $60 for mine and am happy with it. I also added a layer of foam padding on the bottom.

Eric
 
I have a dee dog as well, which saw several years of battle as my everyday bag for work. Keep in mind that I beat the heck out of my bags, and usually destory one every 3-4 years. My timbuk2 bag looks horrible on the outside, but it's still going strong, structurally.

Using closed cell foam from sleeping bag pads, I've made about 5 different inserts for various arrangements. I used the bag with a big, full-bag insert for Paris that carried 2 canonets, a Nikon SLR and 4 lenses. I have another insert that carries my fed3a that has room for 3 lenses (though I only have 1...). And making inserts for film is no deal, either.

allan
 
Boy are they desirable. I have two one medium and one extra large. The wife has one. The extra large is enormous!!!! They are really well made and very long lasting. I've had one of mine for years and you can hardly tell the wear. The only problem is as they mould to your shape you feel whats in the bag. Lunch boxes with sharp corners can dig in rather.... Just need to pack carefully.
 
You can rob the inserts out of another brand of camera bag. I have couple of satchels, one an old Army medic's bag and another which is a Crumpler-style woman's purse. One of my local camera shops used to have a box for flotsam discontinued items which didn't sell and I found a couple of bags with padded pouches with dividers that work perfectly.
 
I have a Crumpler Wonder Weenie which is about the same size as the small Timbuk2. I use the wonder weenie insert when I carry more gear or inserts from either my Tenba and Safrotto bags in it when I want room for other stuff like film or a guidebook.

Here's a pic with the wonder weenie insert on the left, and the wonder weenie bag on the right with an insert from a Tenba 415 bag.
 
an easy way to make inserts is to use closed cell foamies.
it can be cut in small pieces and then use duct tape to hold the peices together in whatever shape you need.
works easy and well.

joe
 
Last edited:
Fred,

I have the small messenger bag and it serves me well. I made my own insert (out of foam-backed automotive headliner material) to keep cameras and lenses from bumping together. I usually carry my Bessa R and 2 or 3 lenses, Digisix, film, and sometimes a Zorki. WIthout the insert it is large enough to carry the Bessa and a Canon SLR.

The construction is first rate and the materials are nice. Another aspect of it that I like is it that it doesn't have an enormous patch of velcro that screams "I'M GETTING MY CAMERA OUT" every time I open it. Also, the strap as it is quick to adjust if you are the type to make frequent changes.

Here is a link to a review of their service to create a custom bag: http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/review/timbuk2_bag_in_a_box

A couple of others have mentioned Crumpler bags. I have handled them in my local shops and they are also excellent, and extremely well-padded. I just couldn't get past the styling.

SRMC
 
I prefer messenger bags from another SF Bay area company, Chrome (http://www.chromebags.com), for my equipment, using inserts from Domke, Billingham, & Tenba. They don't have the color customization options of Timbuktu, but I like their seat belt closure for the strap, as it makes it much more convenient to put on & remove the bag (as opposed to constantly pulling it over my head).
 
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