Which bag?

[Annibale G.]

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Which bags do you suggets for a M7 , a couple of lenses and accessories? I'm looking for one confortable to operate with, and one which can give the best proctection for the whole equipment. Maybe a billingham ?

[rosuna]

I don't like the Billinghams.

 

http://www.leicatime.com/000-CustomCases.htm

 

http://www.leicatime.com/OutfitCasesCamerasOut.jpg

 

I would like to buy a Crescenzi bag but... it is too expensive for me.

 

I recommed the "National Geographic" (Manfrotto made) bag.

[Bruno Frisch]

I would always go for a bag that doesn't resemble a photo-, or computer bag, I personally have a Burberry "Gents" bag which I had custom fitted with the compartments I needed.

[bsmukler]

The Billingham bags are beautifully made and offer the ability to expand with addition of Avea pockets. I have the Hadley Pro (big enough for two M bodies and about four lenses, plus meter and flash, plus odds and ends). The Billingham bag for Leica M is small--big enough for one body and two or three lenses. You could also look at the Alice (L2, I think), which is shown with a Leica setup next to the bag for size comparison.

 

Otherwise, I have long used both Domke and Tamrac bags, although others, such as LowePro, are certainly just as good. Some people like the Domke satchel-type bags for M cameras because they offer just enough protection, don't look like camera bags, and are usuable as brief bags (as is the Billingham Hadley series).

 

So: For style, it's Billingham. For lightweight functionality, it's Domke; and for overall use, protection, and cost efficiency, it's LowePro, Tamrac, or something similar.

[Falstaff]

Domke F803 or M-Classics bag. Both are satchels and versatile. The latter slightly larger than the Domke and I suspect longer lasting. I have both and like them both.

for M-Classics see: M-Classics - mClassics - camera bag for Leica and rangefinder cameras, and talk to Seth Levine - nice, incredibly helpful and very efficient.

[enboe]

You may want to check Fogg Specialist Bags - photographic bags and camera cases. They make lovely, although expensive, bags. I own 2, the Lyre and the B-Laika. The latter is probably the better choice for an M, 2 lenses, a flash, lots of film, and a little room to spare.

 

Billinghams are nice too, I have an Alice and an Airline Stowaway.

 

The M-classics are a higher-quality reproduction of the Leica photojournalist bags of the 1970's. I found an original Leica PJ bag for $20, and occasionally use it.

 

I'm sure Luigi's bags are wonderful. I have only one of his half-cases to compare.

 

Domke, yup, the small messenger size/style is cool. I think Samy's had some on special for a really low price, but they're embroidered with the White House logo. I only own 4 Domke's.

 

Crumplers are way protective and way bulky for the amount of internal volume. I have 2. You could preview them at your local Circuit City.

 

Tamrac, Tenba, Quantaray - I just don't feel the love, and only have two of these laying around, unused.

 

On vintage bags, beware the foam! I've purchased a couple of vintage Leica bags off of ebay, only to receive a disaster due to degradation of the foam.

 

So, if you don't blink at $400 for a Coach, D&B or other designer purse, I'd consider a Fogg.

 

Eric

 

P.S. Yes, I know I need help.

[Eoin]

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"Which Camera Bag".......Ahhh the eternal question,

 

From personal experiance, they all perform well, it's just a matter of taste and requirement.

I just happen to love the look and comfort of a billingham, somewhat old style classic. I would suggest some other bags may protect your equipment better from the elements, but if your looking for something that wares well and is comfortable to use a nice presstop Billingham may be the ticket.

[jacksparrow]

Just to add a new perspective to this discussion... how old are you? if you are younger than 50, I wouldn't go for the Billinghams... (no pun intended for those who own them). :-)

 

try instead artisan and artist, they're really nice.

 

http://www.artisanandartist.com/bags/index.htm

 

this is in the end just a matter of taste, most people don't like the Leica ever ready cases, but I like them.

[jank]

Anybody looked at Crumpler?

It has nice rearrangeable velcro dividers.

Well padded\

 

 

Jan

[Michael-IIIf]

Wear the M7 and stick a lens in both your right and left pockets.

 

Much cheaper

[mikej]

My vote goes to the Domke F-5XB - just big enough for a M with a lens, 2 more lenses, and a few small items (incl. film). Inexpensive, not flashy, not big, just works!

Cheers,

Mike

[Guest adlerw]

A different view: The ideal photo bag should be light, versatile, protective, unobtrusive, not too expensive, provide a quick access - and should protect your back as well as your equipment! (You always can buy new equipment but no new spine.) I know only one bag that fits the bill: Lowepro Photo Runner. Large enough for an M, three or even four lenses and some small additionals. I just love it and bought a second one short time ago.

 

My 0.02 $.

 

Regards, W.

[earleygallery]

I use a small backpack. The body and a few bits in the main part, and lenses/flash in the side pockets. It looks nothing like a camera bag, very unassuming and won't draw unwanted attention - and I don't just mean thieves.

[djcastelli]

I use the Domke Bags...but I came across a bag made by a company that supplies bicycle couriers. They make camera bags, really cool. My wife bought one when we went to London. The company is Courierwareusa.com (I think). Just goole them. The are light, come in different sizes and colors, and don't shout 'camera gear'.

[Harrison]

I use a small Lowepro bag, big enough for a body and two lenses / a body and lots of film, INSIDE a Jansport backpack.

 

When I dont have the camera on me (this is rare) its in a normal looking backpack, with easy access. Works for me:)

[Enoteca]

FOGG !!!

Nice

Individually manufactored

can use it even for other than a leica

perfect service

if standard is not asked, they will propose you all the measures, you will need

best material

lasts forever and a day

and again: it looks very good

[think]

I've recently tried a Crumpler Complete Seed and Bucket. Great bag, but way to large. Dropped down to a Crumpler Soup & Salad w/Bucket; I love it, but it doesn't hold all the odds 'n ends very well. Moved on to Domke...I use an F2 Khaki bag for my DSLR kit and I love it, but it's way to big for a couple of M's and lenses. So I decided on the J803. Nice bag, but still short on space for the miscellaneous pens, calc, keys, glasses, etc. It went back, too.

 

I keep unpacking the new bags and putting it all back into the Naneu Pro Echo sling/backpack that I picked up a couple of years ago. the bottom holds 2 M's with 35 & 50, 25,75 & 90 and SF20. Film bag w/ 1/2 doz rolls, filter pouch, Canon digicam, glasses case, wallet in the top with room to spare for water bottle, gloves, etc. iPod & phones have a dedicated pocket on the front. Other small pockets for keys, batteries, cleaning cloth and what have you.

 

There's also an organizer pocket in the bottom front for the work essentials.

 

This thing just holds everything and doesn't resemble a photo bag in the least. I highly recommend it.

 

http://www.naneupro.com/products.mdv?p=mo-e

[kensey]

Another vote for Fogg!

bee and Nigel are wonderful people to deal with.

[bill]

Safrotto.

 

Built like Domke used to be, and a third of the currently extortionate price.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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[stuny]

Annibale -

 

I find camera bags to be too noticeable, mostly to thieves. Therfore for years I've used small backpacks and kept camera bodies or cameras with lenses mounted in drawstring soft cloth bags, lenses in their cases, and other things, if "caseless" in more draw string bags, all in the backpack.

 

There are two downsides to this approach: First, to get gear not already out of the bag you must take the backpack off. Second, depending on how the backpack is configured, it might be difficult to find what you want.