Waistpack/belt bag for rangefinder equipment?

M

M like Leica M6

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A few weeks ago I found out that I am getting old... my shoulders hurt when I carry a small Lowepro shoulder bag with two Leicas, four lenses (Biogon 4.5/21, Summicron 2/50, Nokton 1.2/35 and Canon 2/100), a medium-sized lightmeter, an AUFSU and 10 films.

As I actually hate my Lowepro bags for different quality problems and their 'camera bag look' it's time to look for an alternative. And as photographers are as enthusiastic about camera bags as girls are about shoes I expect a great discussion :D

What kinds of waistpack or belt bag can you recommend? Are there any...

- that are unobtrusive (plain black on black and some black, but only in black, and, if possible, without a logo)

- that don't make the owner look like a mountaineer, like a member of an expedition, like a SWAT sniper or like a dork? I often wear a suit or other non-casual dark clothes (after the interview they said "The last suit you'll ever wear").

- that don't open up with a loud Velcro or zipper noise? (I am a street shooter and want to avoid using the flashy-thing neuralyzer too often)

- that, of course, carry and protect my camera gadgets and allow me (and not others) to use that gear quickly?
 
That's a lot of stuff for a beltpack.

I think you'll be hard pressed to find a small beltbag for the gear you want to carry.
The Nokton, Canon and FSU is one small bag already and is exactly what I'd leave at home for most outings.

But if you must, I really do like the lowepro AW series, but they are not small and might approach "dork" status for some (most:)) people.
 
In fact I forgot to mention that in most cases I will only carry one body and 2 or 3 lenses, and no lightmeter, and I can put the films somewhere else.

Lowepro AW, you name it... average DLSR dork bags ;-) Since they produce in China quality seems to be a problem, too. They love noisy velcro, noisy zippers, stupid clips brand logos, and they only have a few waistbags. I looked at them, tried them and dislike them.
 
It'll make your back ache intead of your shoukders.

Consider a vest instead.

If you're worried about looking dorky, and think you look like a dork when carrying a camera, give up photography. It's 99.9% attitude...

Cheers,

R.
 
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You might want to check out the Artisan and Artist bags. I use an "Oskar's Day Bag" for an M4, meter and two other lenses, plus some film. Looks like a small messenger bag. It does have velco, but also a clip.
Good luck - bags are a never -ending challenge.
Morry Katz - Lethbridge, Alberta
 
Roger Hicks said:
It'll make your back ache intead of your shoukders.

Consider a vest instead.

If you're worried about looking dorky, and think you look like a dork when carrying a camera, give up photography. It's 99.9% attitude...

Cheers,

R.
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Thanks for the instruction, this needs some explanation. I am a photographer since 32 years, and I don't feel that I look like a dork with a camera but that I would look like a nutcase with many of the bags I saw or, even worse, that I would not know where to find myself in this diagram:

http://www.greatwhitesnark.com/2010...eed:+greatwhitesnark/yqzr+(Great+White+Snark)
 
Morry Katz said:
You might want to check out the Artisan and Artist bags. I use an "Oskar's Day Bag" for an M4, meter and two other lenses, plus some film. Looks like a small messenger bag. It does have velco, but also a clip.
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Yes, I saw that one but it's a shoulder bag and not available in Europe unless I double the hefty price by adding shipping, VAT and taxes.

Morry Katz said:
Good luck - bags are a never -ending challenge.
Morry Katz - Lethbridge, Alberta
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I know, that's because the bag manufacturers don't listen to their customers... :cool: At the prices of the better bags I really wonder why they get away with it.
 
M like Leica M6 said:
Thanks for the instruction, this needs some explanation. I am a photographer since 32 years, and I don't feel that I look like a dork with a camera but that I would look like a nutcase with many of the bags I saw or, even worse, that I would not know where to find myself in this diagram:

http://www.greatwhitesnark.com/2010...eed:+greatwhitesnark/yqzr+(Great+White+Snark)
Click to expand...

Dear Clemens,

Of course a lot depends on your shape (for the waist-pack) and your attitude: I fully take your point about looking like a nutcase.

Personally I use a small Billingham (I have a modest choice) that will hold 2 Leicas (with lenses) and an extra lens or two or even three. Then one (or sometimes two) of the Leicas goes around my neck and the spare lenses stay in the bag.

Cheers,

R.
 
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this may sound stupid but i use insulated baby bottle bags. insulated and padded the 2 bottle sized ones are perfect for 2 x 120 folders or 1 with meter film etc

most of them cost under $10. i have a bunch left over from my daughter. they provide great protection and i can throw them in any bag i like and take my folders everywhere, safely.
 
not exactly all black and no logo but this is a nice waist bag. Might be a bit big but they're built great and good choice of accessory pouches if you need them. The important thing with waist bags is that they should open from the back and the top flips forward. Very little chance of anything falling out and allows you to access gear with fewer eyes seeing what you've got in there, if that matters.

Don't load them too full or else your back will feel it, trust me.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/speed-demon-belt-pack.aspx
 
I have a Domke F6 Little Bit Smaller Classic Canvas Bag
that I where around one shoulder/arm and neck.

It will hold a body/lens (or 2 bodies) plus it has a 4 pocket divider for 4 lenses. Plus a front pocket and rear flat pocket (for film and other small stuff).


I hate wearing a bag on one shoulder..too easy to slip off!
I don't notice the weight, it's there, but not a burden imo.
 
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I suggest you try a Domke 803 with a padded shoulder strap. They are lightweight, hug the body, don't look much like a camera bag and can carry either one camera and lens or a whole collection.

I have been using the black nylon model for almost ten years when traveling but it is a little heavier.

For small cameras & lenses etc. - small pouches with velcro sewn on one side are attached to one side of the bag (on the inside.) That leaves room for rain coats, food, etc. When the bag gets heavy I put the strap across my chest and over to the oposite shoulder.

One or more small pouches carried on the belt may also work.
 
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I would look at a Mountainsmith Day Lumbar Pack. It is a well-designed beltpack with a removable shoulder strap and an optional (sold separately) backpack harness. That and a couple of Domke inserts (2 inserts fit perfectly in the Mountainsmith Day), would meet your needs.

That's what I typically use for travel (ZI+ 2-3 lenses, a digital P&S, film, a Moleskine notebook and other items).
 
besk said:
I suggest you try a Domke 803 with a padded shoulder strap. They are lightweight, hug the body, don't look much like a camera bag and can carry either one camera and lens or a whole collection.

I have been using the black nylon model for almost ten years when traveling but it is a little heavier.

For small cameras & lenses etc. - small pouches with velcro sewn on one side are attached to one side of the bag (on the inside.) That leaves room for rain coats, food, etc. When the bag gets heavy I put the strap across my chest and over to the oposite shoulder.
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I like the ballistic Domke 803 also, essentually a camera bag disguised as a bookbag. Just big enough to fit a 12" notebook computer. Good for carrying two Leicas with lenses, but any extra glass tips it as being/getting heavy. I find that it puts less pull on my shoulder because it lays flat against my body and the effect of counterlevering is minimized. On the subway I just look like any other passenger with a bookbag.

The lens sleeve that comes with the bag will fit a Leica with a grip and lens so it can stand vertically which is very handy. I also use/ added an extra Domke side pocket insert from a Domke J-1 to hold and protect the second Leica (M6 with 75 Lux) that lays horizontally.

I also discovered that the Leica leather never-ready case made for a R7 or R8 SLR makes a nice one camera bag. I bought mine used for $100.00 at B&H. Although made for a Leica SLR, my M6 with 75 Lux fits like a glove. My Leica IIIG with a wide or normal lens lays upon a Gossen Luna Pro nicely also. Double zippers are joined by a leather teather to provide fast access and rapid opening. Very often I just use this bag like a big pocket to hold the other camera I don't have in my hands or around my neck. This bag has a belt loop, but I have never used it. The overall shape is like a Lowel Pro fanny pack made for a SLR.

I would highly recomend both, and now I am now spoiled. Both are a bit dressy. I would walk in Madhattan wearing a suit carrying these bags and no one would think it was out of place. Most of the time though I am wearing casual clothes though.

Cal
 
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Calzone said:
I like the ballistic Domke 803 also...
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Cal, that would be my second choice. Unfortunately I didn't find a first choice yet :bang:

Here in Europe Domke bags are incredibly expensive. Amazon USA sells the 803 for $119.99, the street price over here is more than $270.00 (and Amazon does not ship them to Europe).

Because I would like to have my first choice before I die I started this list:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1301106&postcount=86
 
M like Leica M6 said:
Cal, that would be my second choice. Unfortunately I didn't find a first choice yet :bang:

Here in Europe Domke bags are incredibly expensive. Amazon USA sells the 803 for $119.99, the street price over here is more than $270.00 (and Amazon does not ship them to Europe).

Because I would like to have my first choice before I die I started this list:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1301106&postcount=86
Click to expand...

Mike you need to visit NYC, or when you have a friend or relative visit have them buy you a Domke at B&H or Adorama for a little more than $100.00 (perhaps $120.00). I recommend B&H because it will be an interesting experiance for someone visiting, But Adorama is conveniently located downtown.

The R-8/R-9 case I mentioned works great, but advertises luxury goods are held within and also does not have multiple lens capability. Although it can fit my M with a 75 Lux it really only works for one camera with one lens.

The Domke 803 seems well suited for your needs. I bought it because I try to carry a camera all the time, and in NYC it is a good thing.

Believe it or not, I was told by another forum member that finding/locating a Domke in Canada can be difficult and limited. So far in the U.S. we do not have a VAT or a Federal Sales Tax and currently just run deficeits that are not sustainable. One day we will pay the price for all this short-sightedness, meanwhile I can see the future. I'm glad I already have my Domke 803.

Cal
 
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