Bag Assistance

[Essemmlee]

I'm looking to do a bit of trekking with the M8 and 6 or so lenses, and a tripod.

Just one easy to carry bag that does it all would be great. Everything in one place sort of thing. No need for laptops, phones or Stephen Kings latest novel - just the photo gear.

What should I be looking for, and where should I get it?

Although I'm UK based I travel a lot throughout Europe.

Thanks in advance.

[ljclark]

Your situation sounds similar to mine. My two favorite "Leica" bags are the Domke F-803 and F-802. Both are over-the-shoulder satchel-type bags and don't really look like camera bags. Each has two pockets under the main flap (and each of those pockets has a Velcro-secured flap), and an open top flat pocket on the back. There are two small flat pockets in the cover flap with zippers so you can access them any time.

The difference between the two is the size, with the F-802 being slightly wider and deeper (but the same thickness) than the F-803. The F-802 has an additional flat pocket between the main compartment and the two outside pockets.

I use internal dividers in both bags. In my F-803 a pair of two-compartment inserts. The dividers give the bag a little shape, without making it look "puffy" I put two lenses in each of the insert cells, and the camera body with lens off in the 4th cell. You'd have a little more room for the camera if you used a three-compartment insert for the lenses.

To make things work a little better, I started taping two rear lens caps together with gaffer's tape. That means I can always find the "empty" rear cap -- because it is attached to another lens in the bag.

You have slightly more space with the F-802, but I only use it when I need the extra capacity. The slight increase in size and depth are a little less to my liking.

There is no provision for a tripod, though you could rig straps easily enough.

[fotografr]

Sounds to me like you need a camera backpack. Here are some good ones. Lowepro - Camera

Tenba also has some very good models.

[35mmSummicron]

I second the Domke F-803 sachel. great bag that you can load TONS of stuff in.

My last trip with it (for 2 weeks), I carried a Canon 5D, 24-70, 17-40mm with all the hoods loads of other accessories and still had room for my Chanel sunglasses

.a

[marknorton]

Another vote for Lowepro - good value and a versatile range. If you are trekking, I'd certainly go for a backpack solution; much less tiring and keeps it out of harms way if you need to use your hands to climb.

I think there's a version of the Omni range which works as a backpack and which opens like an attache case, ideal for Leica M equipment where you don't need a lot of depth.

[Michael Tyler]

A small backpack if it's on your shoulders all day long, but as for size, a backpack is overkill. Coming from Canon, I love that six Leica lenses and a body can all fit into one small satchel like the Domke 803. The 802 is overkill unless you need to carry other items as well, like an SLR backup or a hardcover edition of War and Peace.

My new favorite bag is this brown leather getup from Banana Republic. It's dubbed "the camera bag" though few people who buy it are likely ever to be serious photographers. But it's the perfect Leica size, and very comfortable to wear. I'd recommend getting a few padded lens inserts from Domke or Billingham to put inside it.

[dpattinson]

If you're trekking, then a backpack with some extra space for a waterproof and water bottle is very handy.

The Lowepro AW ones are pretty good, but get the ones that have a separate camera gear compartment vs. other stuff. You don't want your water bottle or lunch leaking into your gear.

I have also used a waterproof top-loading daypack (actually an Aarn pack made in New Zealand), for short trips into Europe. It's carry on baggage sized, and I can fit the insert from my hadley small into it, making a secure non-obvious camera backpack. Actually I generally leave the backpack in the hotel and walk around with the hadley once I've arrived at my destination. I have a set of the front pockets for the Aarn pack, and intend to modify them to use as lens bags.

The problem with backpacks as shooting bags, even if you're trekking, is that you have to remove them to get at your other lenses or to put your camera away. I also use an Ortlieb waterproof camera bag which you can sling off the front of your backpack straps. It can probably hold 4-5 lenses and a body with lens mounted, and is submersibly waterproof when sealed up. I used it with the accessory harness to take a M7 and 4 lenses sea kayaking in New Zealand a few years ago. The supplied dividers for the Ortlieb bag are not M friendly, but you can use the ones from a cheap Lowepro bag as replacements.

[symmetron]

Check out the Domke J-803. It's a ballistic version of the F-803 and it has a few more pockets than the F-803. I've used both for major trips in Greece, Italy, and South America. They both worked fine, but I prefer the J-803.

[topoxforddoc]

Steve,

How much trekking will you be doing? If you're going for serious hikes, then get a back-pack like a lowepro. If it's just a stroll around, then a satchel bag.

I have both - Billingham satchel and 2 lowepro back-packs. Which I take depends on what I'm doing.

Charlie

[peter_n]

One of the best camera backpacks ever made is the Domke Armadillo 30. There are a few new ones currently on sale in the US and UK, even though Domke discontinued them years ago after they was bought out by Tiffen. You can still get the yellow insert kits for them from Kata too. Since you live in the UK check out the link below, £79.99 is a steal for this backpack.

Domke Armadillo 30 Backpack Black from Warehouse Express

[Dedalus]

check out Crumpler bags. They are wonderful.

Manuel

[eyedeebee]

Originally Posted by peter_n

One of the best camera backpacks ever made is the Domke Armadillo 30. There are a few new ones currently on sale in the US and UK, even though Domke discontinued them years ago after they was bought out by Tiffen. You can still get the yellow insert kits for them from Kata too. Since you live in the UK check out the link below, £79.99 is a steal for this backpack.

Domke Armadillo 30 Backpack Black from Warehouse Express

I would second this - Bill kindly donated his to me a few months back, and I think it's great. The key will be your requirements - some of the backpack bags can be on the large side.

[sthan]

These are not bad either, and often less expensive :
Alpha Backpack - Travel Backpacks & Digital Camera Cases for Photography Equipment & Electronics - Military Ops Series | NaneuPro.com

[rob_x2004]

What do you mean by trekking?

If you are carrying your own gear from A to B, plus your camera equipment then your only option is a satchel which you slip diagonally over your shoulder before you put your back pack on. You cant effectively carry two backpacks. To make life easier, gear you arent going to use can go back into your main carrying pack.

If you mean short daywalks with your camera kit while your gear stays in your accommodation or your car, then I guess a backpack would work if you think hauling six lenses is the right idea.

[rob_x2004]

ps a signals satchel, if you can get one, streets the naneu pro for small loads, and the stitching of the shoulder pad on the Naneu Lima etc. satchels is pretty sus, but the bag itself is well thought out and inexpensive.