Godfrey
somewhat colored
As if I didn't have enough bags already ... !
I've been looking for a bag solution to two entirely different issues. Right now, I've been using a Lowepro Teraclime 100 fitted with an A&A ACAM 1000 bag insert as a do-all day casual day bag, but it irritates me too much. Unless I have all the dividers in place, it has no structure—when you try to push something in quickly, it just folds up and makes you stop, use both hands, and carefully push in what you want to put away without dropping it.
Unfortunately, given the gear that I am trying to use, having all the dividers in place isn't feasible most of the time.
So, use case 1 is for when I'm walking in "minimalist" mode with something like the Leica X2, Olympus E-PL1 with the BCL-15, or the Voigtländer Perkeo II. I want my iPad mini, the camera, and a bare minimum of anything else along (wallet, keys, maybe sunglasses). For this, I've ordered an Incase "Point & Shoot Field Bag." Slim, compact ... Looking at reviews, it looked as if it might work even for the new Leica X but that would be tight. Most reviews said, "Brilliant but too small, can't carry enough!" ... Um, that's just what I want: something that doesn't carry anything more than the above. Maybe it will work. A little pricey at $70 but I like the style...
http://www.amazon.com/Incase-CL58056-Point-Shoot-Field-Bag
Use case 2 is a bit weirder. I like to go walking with one of my Polaroids now and then (SX-70, SLR670m, or Spectra mostly) and the iPad mini. One of the issues that comes up when trying to do so is how to carry the darn thing. All of them are somewhat large. All of them fold up for storage, but having to open and close them all the time when walking in a shoot is both annoying and distracting. The default neck strap eyelets let them hang in ways that almost guarantee they'll get bashed into something along the way, never mind that I don't really trust them (plastic on the Spectra, thin little rods on the SX-70). Plus there's the additional hassle with both body types that if I need a lens attachment (ND filter, tele lens, close up lens, wide lens, etc), I have to keep taking it on and off to fold the camera. AND on top of that, the Impossible film is still a bit light sensitive coming out of the camera, so I need a bag with an easy to reach pocket that I can quickly nip the print (covered by my hand) and stuff it somewhere dark so it can process properly. I need a bit of space for these accessories, maybe for some additional film, in a vertical form factor that I can stuff the open camera with accessories fitted for easy carrying between snaps.
For this mess I've looked all over the place at bags that would work. Most seem too big or too small, or simply too unwieldy to be worth trying. But yesterday I happened a site for CLIK elite gear. The Schulter shoulder bag looks like it might work. The style is a little fussier than I usually go for, but eh? function is first. I've ordered one to see whether it does the job ... I found Amazon has them listed at $50, so it's not a huge amount of money...
http://clikelite.com/product/shoulder-bags/schulter/
G
"There's nothing so embarrassing as needing Yet Another D**n Camera Bag."
I've been looking for a bag solution to two entirely different issues. Right now, I've been using a Lowepro Teraclime 100 fitted with an A&A ACAM 1000 bag insert as a do-all day casual day bag, but it irritates me too much. Unless I have all the dividers in place, it has no structure—when you try to push something in quickly, it just folds up and makes you stop, use both hands, and carefully push in what you want to put away without dropping it.
Unfortunately, given the gear that I am trying to use, having all the dividers in place isn't feasible most of the time.
So, use case 1 is for when I'm walking in "minimalist" mode with something like the Leica X2, Olympus E-PL1 with the BCL-15, or the Voigtländer Perkeo II. I want my iPad mini, the camera, and a bare minimum of anything else along (wallet, keys, maybe sunglasses). For this, I've ordered an Incase "Point & Shoot Field Bag." Slim, compact ... Looking at reviews, it looked as if it might work even for the new Leica X but that would be tight. Most reviews said, "Brilliant but too small, can't carry enough!" ... Um, that's just what I want: something that doesn't carry anything more than the above. Maybe it will work. A little pricey at $70 but I like the style...
http://www.amazon.com/Incase-CL58056-Point-Shoot-Field-Bag
Use case 2 is a bit weirder. I like to go walking with one of my Polaroids now and then (SX-70, SLR670m, or Spectra mostly) and the iPad mini. One of the issues that comes up when trying to do so is how to carry the darn thing. All of them are somewhat large. All of them fold up for storage, but having to open and close them all the time when walking in a shoot is both annoying and distracting. The default neck strap eyelets let them hang in ways that almost guarantee they'll get bashed into something along the way, never mind that I don't really trust them (plastic on the Spectra, thin little rods on the SX-70). Plus there's the additional hassle with both body types that if I need a lens attachment (ND filter, tele lens, close up lens, wide lens, etc), I have to keep taking it on and off to fold the camera. AND on top of that, the Impossible film is still a bit light sensitive coming out of the camera, so I need a bag with an easy to reach pocket that I can quickly nip the print (covered by my hand) and stuff it somewhere dark so it can process properly. I need a bit of space for these accessories, maybe for some additional film, in a vertical form factor that I can stuff the open camera with accessories fitted for easy carrying between snaps.
For this mess I've looked all over the place at bags that would work. Most seem too big or too small, or simply too unwieldy to be worth trying. But yesterday I happened a site for CLIK elite gear. The Schulter shoulder bag looks like it might work. The style is a little fussier than I usually go for, but eh? function is first. I've ordered one to see whether it does the job ... I found Amazon has them listed at $50, so it's not a huge amount of money...
http://clikelite.com/product/shoulder-bags/schulter/
G
"There's nothing so embarrassing as needing Yet Another D**n Camera Bag."
burancap
Veteran
Ooooh, I really like that Schulter bag!
On the Incase, I had one. Beautifully made but >tight<. Of course, that is what you are looking for -I think you will be happy! Reference: http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135885
On the Incase, I had one. Beautifully made but >tight<. Of course, that is what you are looking for -I think you will be happy! Reference: http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135885
burancap
Veteran
Oh, on reviewing my link -keep in mind the Incase is more of a "sling" type hang!
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Yes, the Schulter looks like it might really work for my weird need. This video gives you a bit better feel for how large/small it is:
http://youtu.be/_Fj_dez9paY
Yes, your review was one of the reviews I looked at and read carefully on the Incase. I noted the 'sling-like' hang ... I've got a couple of sling bags that work well for some stuff (the Lowepro Passport is very good with my Hasselblad, the Sony Sling has voluminous capacity but not much else to recommend it), but this bag's shape is quite different and it might just work. I don't care too much if I don't use the side access pocket.
Here's a video review of the Incase, gives me a decent feel for its size:
http://youtu.be/FH9nXZFcqfs
G
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Bad news. Both bags arrived. The Incase is too small. The Schulter is too weird (too large and too floppy). Both are going back.
The hunt continues.
G
The hunt continues.
G