The
Wotancraft Canteener 3.5L arrived yesterday ... Timely, just as I was pulling on my walking shoes for a walk. I loaded the IIIc with another roll of Delta 400, fitted the Color Skopar 35mm and 35mm viewfinder, fitted the camera dividers, and put my small light meter, the camera, my wallet, my keys, and my phone into the bag. Went on a three-mile walk.
The bag itself is very light and handy, adds little bulk or weight to what you're carrying. The divider set is useful but not utterly necessary—I think the best part of it is the additional padding for the bottom of the bag, the separator bits are of limited usefulness and I'll likely leave them out. They consume a good bit of the interior space. The rear zipped pocket is great as a secure place to put my wallet. The side pockets are big enough to handle phone and BlueTooth headset case ... I don't know that the little retaining straps with quick release buckles are actuall needed/useful and might even remove them, they just make it a little clumsier to get the phone in and out. The standard shoulder strap is just right for a light kit of gear, and I have a couple of wrap-around strap pads to use on it should that seem good for a heavier load; the length is just right for me almost extended to max (I'm 5 ft 11 in tall).
The interior space with bottom pad is plenty big enough for IIIc and two/three lenses, or M and two/three lenses, and light meter ... depending on exactly what lenses and light meter will determine the max capacity. If I carry just camera and one lens, meter, then there is actually space for a 16oz water bottle and/or my light walking jacket rolled up tight. The Polaroid SX-70 type cameras fit nicely, with a spare pack of film and an empty film pack box to drop the exposed prints into, and enough space to carry the little MiNT flash unit as needed as well.
The case will work as well for my Voigtländer Perkeo II or Kodak Retina IIc folders. It might have enough space for a Hasselblad depending on the body, lens, and back fitted, but that's getting on the bulky and heavy side for it. (The 907x/CFVII50c + 45 or 65 fits best, of my gear.) Even the Fujifilm GS645 Professional Wide 60 fits nicely, with room for a couple other things.
The top closure is nice for exactly what I wanted ... A simple way to secure all contents when not shooting and riding a bus or other transit, mostly out of the way when walking and shooting. The drawstring lock gizmo is a little bulky and I worry about it scratching something if not tucked away, but I could just remove it and tie the drawstring for the times when I use the closure.
All in all, a useful little bag for outings with a light/modest amount of gear. Pretty much exactly what I was looking for, modulo the unneeded pocket straps. I'm pleased.
G
