WTB Camera bags.

JimL

JimL

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Joined
Jun 13, 2005
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Ever since I sold off all of my Contax gear (relax, it was a SLR!) I've found that my M-6 gets kinda lost in my vast camera bag. I need something smaller.

I travel pretty light these days: M-6, 3 lenses (one of which is always on the camera), lightmeter, small flash, a few films, some filters and the usual other bits and pieces. I may add another body and one or two lenses, but that's all. And, living in Scotland it needs to be waterproof.

Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.
 
Welcome to the forum Jim,
Just been to the Hebrides myself, I know what you mean.
I use any bag available or most suitable. Handlebar bag on the bike, small backpack when walking, silly small backpack (free advertisement type) in the city.
All bits and pieces have their own pouch. Cameras in Neverready cases.

Rob.
 
Either of the Domke 803 series, the F-803 if you like canvas, the J-803 if you want ballistic nylon. Spray the outside of a canvas bag with 3M water repellant spray that you can get in a camping store. The Safrotto CF-700 is an F-803 clone at less than 1/2 the price. Enter "like Domke" in the eBay search engine.

 
I've got the Crumpler 15 love, and its very durable, built like a tank. I'm not sure how weather proof it is, but the material does repel water nicely (i just tested it for you).

Dave
 
I just got the Lowepro orion AW.

On the expensive and large side,
but very well made, water resistant and versatile.
- Camera pack alone can be used as shoulder or belt! pack.
- With back-pack extension as a true back pack with the possibility
to quickly dislodge the belt pack, turn it to your front and open it
(conveniently opens away from you as opposed to most belt-packs)
without taking the back-pack from your back.

They claim it is whether proof; I have not tried it in the rain.

As said on the large side.
I carry 1 body, 4 lenses, a flash, small binoculars and films etc.
Still would have space for a second M body.

Mad_boy.
 
Rather than searching for a waterproof camera bag just use a regular, non-waterproof one but store your equipment in small waterproof plastic storage bags with a dessicant.

You might consider a waterproof camera case from Aquapac International in London <http://www.aquapac.net>.
 
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I have a Domke F-803 the kids bought for me last Christmas. What a great bag!. I carry pretty much what you described, along with filters, even a magazine or newspaper in the outside,(next to me ) pocket. It "hangs" properly from my shoulder, doesn't stick out wide, can be easily carried to the rear, on your backside with little effort. Mine is black, and doen't scream" STEAL ME". The shoulder strap has Domkes rubbery thread on the side against yhe shoulder, just wont slip off your shoulder, even when kneeling or bending.
 
I bought my brother a Domke Little Bit Smaller Bag for his most recent Birthday and he loves it. He carries his Leica screwmounts and related gear.
 
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions, I'll give them all some thought.

The Domke bags in particular look like they might meet my needs. I need to be careful though, if I buy a bag that's too big I won't be able to resist the urge to buy more cameras or lenses to fill it!

Regards, Jim
 
How about a Billingham L2 Alice. Small and made for the Leica IMO. I can carry every lens I own except for the Noctilux (with the small pouches on the ends). When I go out with both MP's I have one on the never ready case around my neck and the other in the L2 with lens attached. It can get cramped in the bag but I cope pretty good. I have also had this bag in many jungle downpours in the jungles of Colombia. I tell you man, it does not come down any harder then in the jungle! Nothing got wet. Also have used the Hadley Pro. A very good bag but was a little too big for me.

Glenn
 
I also use the Billingham alice for my M system and i like it a lot, its well padded and more important it is compact but holds enough gears.
i have an MP with 24/2.8 on it, then 3 other lenses (35, 50, 90), a small lightmeter, and some films in the bag
 
if bought new, the m classics bag is kinda pricey but it will do what you are asking of it.

i found a barely used one at a price i could live with and i love this bag.

m classic bag

btw, i now have several very nice bags and have had others in the past, i do not normally give these kind of high marks easily.

joe
 
Have you considered the bags made by Artisan and Artist? They have lots of small bags especially made to fit one or two M bodies and lenses.
-RF
 
My sister has just given me a loan of a Billingham (335) to use until I get another bag. I hadn't really considered any Billinghams but I have to admit that this is pretty much ideal for my needs; it's the right size, very well made, tough, waterproof and has reasonable access. I may just keep using it and hope my sister forgets about it.....
 
Jim, if you're looking for a Billingham in another form factor, do try out the Hadley small; it should be just nice for what you mentioned. :)
 
The original Leica Kombitasche Gross is just right for what you list, very sturdy and fits the camera exactly. They do get offered on e-Bay from time to time. And it is out of nice water resistant leather.
 
Jaapv, your last post reminded me that I have the small Leica Combination Bag. I dismissed it offhand, thinking it was too small to be of any use and was going to sell it. However, I've just dug it out and, much to my surprise, everything fits in except the flash! I've never used the flash with the M-6 so I doubt very much that I'll miss it. Either that or I'll miss that once-in-a-lifetime shot!

Thanks again to everyone for their contributions.
 
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