what's a good bag...

damien.murphy said:
I find a pair of Domke's suite me perfectly, and use the F-5XA and F-5XB.

The F-5XA is the one I'd recommend for your load, as I find it fits a single rf/ compact slr quite easily, with spare space in the main compartment for a lens, and with two front pockets for film/ batteries etc. It is my one-body bag, with the F-5XB serving as my two-body bag, and after many years searching for the most suitable bag for my shooting rigs, I find this pair suit my needs perfectly and don't envisage buying any more bags.
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These are the two bags I use the most, in the same configuration (1 body or 2 body).

The 5XA is a bit short to include a water bottle, but this can also fit under the flap. If you will drink water/coffee/tea on your photo journey, please do think about taking a bottle / thermos with you to avoid needless styrofoam and plastic water bottle waste. :angel:

With either bag, when the camera is "ready" to shoot and not zipped away, I put both the bag and camera straps over the opposite shoulder together (bag strap relative to camera strap is adjusted for this). The camera may rest on top of the bag with flap closed, or facing into an unzippered bag with the flap covering the camera (especially in environments where potentially spilled products are a risk).

The 5XB has a wider front pocket and it's easier to carry a mini Xrite passport, fountain pen and pocket briefcase (3x5 index card holder). But, stuff can fall out of that pocket more easily.

The belt loop has never had a belt through it, but makes a nice holder for a mini umbrella, just push it through..

I'm trying to reduce gear carried to reduce back strain (a problem over time when always carrying).

The neoprene foam options are ok for carrying and protecting the camera, but the camera is not immediately accessible, and a larger problem is where to put the neoprene case when actively shooting.
 
^^ ahh, saw your post that the small Domke's would be too large. Fair enough.

The Crumpler 4-Million home is fairly similar in volume (bit taller but thinner profile). Here is the 4-Million with rangefinder sitting on top in "ready" mode. Given it's similar to the little Domke's, that won't work for you either.

btw, note the Domke strap with the rubberized side facing outward - makes grabbing and sliding the camera up a breeze, yet you still have a Gripper strap when needed.

1064027032_oJ6px-L.jpg


A friend has the Artist and Artisan - not sure if it's the smallest one. If so, that will be too large as well.

Coming back to the Zing Neoprene case - it might be worth a try.
http://www.amazon.com/Zing-501-101-...7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1288061948&sr=1-7

Here is an Epson RD1 with 35/2.0 Biogon with hood mounted in the Zing (regular size).

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Let us know what you find!
 
i'm starting to think i may be looking for a large pouch...the kind used for a digital point and shoot.
lots of suggestions here but i wonder if some have read what it is that i'm looking for...a bag for one camera with a lens attached...no other lenses or accessories...just a battery or two.
 
My one body, one lens, bag is the Billingham Stowaway Pola. You might be able to get away w/ one of the smaller size stowaways, but this gives me enough space to toss in a meter if I need it, or have the camera w/ external v/f on it with out being crowded. And it IS padded, but still pretty flexible.

-Brian
 
zigzhang said:
Why not a saddleback leather co. bag?
http://www.saddlebackleather.com/ca...Leather-Satchel-Medium-iPad-Dark-Coffee-Brown
They look amazingly well made, and think about the money you'll save in the long-run, instead of having to buy a Billingham or Domke bag every 3 years!
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I have one of those and I don't recommend them for a camera bag. They are extremely heavy. The materials and fasteners are very strong but crudely put together, which is part of the charm. It was my every day bag at one time but after about two years I got tired of lugging it around with me. I had the 16" satchel and used an Hadley Large insert with it when carrying camera gear.
 
BTMarcais said:
My one body, one lens, bag is the Billingham Stowaway Pola. You might be able to get away w/ one of the smaller size stowaways, but this gives me enough space to toss in a meter if I need it, or have the camera w/ external v/f on it with out being crowded. And it IS padded, but still pretty flexible.

-Brian
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that's the idea of what i'm looking for...just need to find a cheaper version.
 
back alley said:
i'm still looking...
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Joe: the right bag is one you can try in a store, put your gear in, walk around, and see if if works.

Any bag you buy based on specs and recommendations is a crapshoot.

Paying full retail for the right bag is a good deal. Getting a bag that does not work is a bad deal regardless of the price. Talk to your favorite photo shop and see if they will order what you think will work if they do not have it in stock.

I have bought 3 bags in the last 12 years. Use them all still (to carry gear in the car) because they were what I needed. That is economy.
 
Joe - you may want take a look at the Lowepro lens cases, specifically the 4S. It's a perfect fit for my ZI and ZM 35/2.
 
military surplus first aid kit bag. circa 1980. mine came complete with some fella's name written on it with sharpie. holds a ziploc of film, cards, few pens and whatnot, small field recorder and a rf body with lens.

cost about $5 ten years ago and has been the one i use the most. when travelling i use a padded roller that is later stashed in a hotel and out comes the little green bag. leave the back-ups etc. under the bed.

won't win any beauty pageants though.
 
i like a bag, camera goes in and comes out.
a case is always there and if it's a full case then you have that ugly top part dangling in the way all the time. i like bags for holding the camera when not in active use.
 
back alley said:
i'm starting to think i may be looking for a large pouch...the kind used for a digital point and shoot.
lots of suggestions here but i wonder if some have read what it is that i'm looking for...a bag for one camera with a lens attached...no other lenses or accessories...just a battery or two.
Click to expand...

Joe - take a look at the Newswear Small Press Pouch. They style them as pouches for a SLR lens, but it's the perfect size for a rangefinder with a compact lens (M4 with 35/2 Summicron fits fine), and with a pocket on the front flap for you cards. You can hang it on your belt, or slip a sling through it to wear it diagonally. Well made and great value at $25.
 
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