think Posted December 21, 2006 Share #21 Posted December 21, 2006 Advertisement (gone after registration) I think you're right on the money Stuny. The only time that I've ever lost equipment was when it was in a Billingham bag. These days anyone with a bag that says "equipment" of any type is a target especially when traveling or out of your local environs. A back pack too small to hold a laptop and not trimmed with fine cognac aged leather says something more like "sandwich, gym clothes and a paperback". It is a bit more difficult to access the gear, but if I'm hiking around with the bag on me I'm likely to have at least 1 body with a 35 or 50 in a pocket or small black waist pack so it is readily at hand. I don't find it to be that much of a hassle to swing the "sling" style backpack that I use around front to get to a lens, film or flash. Others mileage may vary. The Domke bags that I use for SLR gear are bought new, labels and tags removed and then hung out (unobtrusively) in the back of the house soaked with a hose periodically and allowed to weather for a few months. I've had both black and sand color weather, stain & fade nicely this way. They look like crap and draw less attention IMO. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 21, 2006 Posted December 21, 2006 Hi think, Take a look here Which bag?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
ddp Posted December 21, 2006 Share #22 Posted December 21, 2006 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. Artisan & Artist* Bags this is in the end just a matter of taste, most people don't like the Leica ever ready cases, but I like them. I always thought the Billingham styles were a bit too nice.....I've used Domkes for eons now. But after seeing a black on black Billingham Presstop - it changed my mind completely. I dropped the coin and bought one - more subtle than previous styles on their end. BTW - I'm Gen X - 39...not quite 50 yet. But an all black bag is usually my only requirement. I also looked at the Artisan & Artist bags first hand - didn't like them at all. Like you said - it's all personal taste. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbretteville Posted December 21, 2006 Share #23 Posted December 21, 2006 - I'm not over 50..... - I have had an all black Billingham L2 for a year - Couldn't do without it now, perfect travel size I'm actually tinking about getting a Stowaway Compact for days when I only need a one body, one lens kit. - C Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted December 21, 2006 Share #24 Posted December 21, 2006 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 ? A friend was enthusiastic about the Billingham for his Leica M and D2. Last February I visited the Billingham stand at Focus 2006 and was surprised that the reps didn't seem to know about the bag. It was suggested that Leica had a negotiated an independent contract with them and presumably market them through Premier Dealers. Is this so? David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted December 21, 2006 Share #25 Posted December 21, 2006 Annibale, I should have added that for general use I have found the little known Lowepro Omni bags ideal. I have two: Omni Sport for a simple kit and Omni Traveller for an M6 or D2 and a second camera. The smaller can be worn around the waist with top access; both can be carried like a small case or slung with a strong shoulder strap which is suppied. The Sport was produced from back-up stock at Focus several years ago when I described my requirement for a small, inconspicuous accessible little bag for use in street photography where ease of hiding kit can be useful in strange places. I usually pack the small one in a case for airline stowage and carry the larger one. Then I have the flexibility at my destination of choosing one or the other when some shoots don't require the full kit. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksparrow Posted December 21, 2006 Share #26 Posted December 21, 2006 "younger than 50, I wouldn't go for the Billinghams" I just meant that I find their design a bit too classic for me, but I'm sure they're awesome complements for the Ms, and anyway, as I said before, it's just a matter of taste. What about Leica ever ready case + girlfriend/wife carying the extra lens in her purse? :-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jobe Posted December 22, 2006 Share #27 Posted December 22, 2006 Advertisement (gone after registration) Another vote for Fogg. Highest quality and simple design. Use Domke, Billingham, Lowe Pro and Think Tank for SLR gear Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n Posted December 22, 2006 Share #28 Posted December 22, 2006 The Safrotto CF-700, which is a clone of the Domke F-803. I've used both bags extensively and the Safrotto is the better bag for severeral reasons, not the least of which is that it doesn't have the stiffener is the section where the top handle is. IMO that makes the F-803 really uncomfortable to wear. The Safrotto is excellent and less than 1/2 the price of the equivalent Domke. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandokan Posted December 22, 2006 Share #29 Posted December 22, 2006 I have a couple of Billinghams. the Press Top 206 is too big for M series but is good for R. It has a flap on top and then zip so is pretty good for protection which means getting at camera is a little slow. I have a L2 Small Camera bag which I bought for the M and is very good - except it is not perfectly comfortable across the shoulder (on one it is fine). It is convenient for access. It holds an M, 35 & 75mm lenses, Sekonic light meter, and Metz 54 flashgun all in main compartment. Two side compartments are also available if you have more gear and one is big enough to hold a flashgun. You could get a 2nd M body in it too. I have a Graco baby changing bag which goes across the shoulder (only right to left) but is very comfortable and convenient and does not look like a camera bag (it is for diapers etc). I mention it because I like it across the shoulder, offers easy access to camera in main pocket and small side pockets are good for lenses and film can sit in main compartment as well as a book and water in outside pocket. Unfortunately you need to buy a baby buggy to get it But it gives you an idea of the features you may want. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted December 22, 2006 Share #30 Posted December 22, 2006 The Safrotto CF-700, which is a clone of the Domke F-803. I've used both bags extensively and the Safrotto is the better bag for severeral reasons, not the least of which is that it doesn't have the stiffener is the section where the top handle is. IMO that makes the F-803 really uncomfortable to wear. The Safrotto is excellent and less than 1/2 the price of the equivalent Domke. Y'know Peter, sometimes I think we are the only ones 'round here singing the Safrotto song! It must be snobbery... Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LADP Posted December 22, 2006 Share #31 Posted December 22, 2006 I've got a Fogg B-Laika (black on black), and an Artisan and Artist Torpedo Bag (Black). They're both super well made and of the highest quality. The Artisan and Artist is a bit more weather resistant, and I am using it on my current shoot on location for that reason. Back home in L.A. I prefer the Fogg bag or daily use Fogg has superb customer service too. Bee and Nigel are the best. The Fogg bag has no label to speak of on the exterior, and I cut the small A & A logo off the front of the Torpedo. Both bags are small and don't call much attention to themselves. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddp Posted December 22, 2006 Share #32 Posted December 22, 2006 I have a couple of Billinghams. the Press Top 206 is too big for M series but is good for R. It has a flap on top and then zip so is pretty good for protection which means getting at camera is a little slow. . Press Top 206 is what I use for the M's - but as has been said before, it's a matter of personal taste. I need something I can fit 3 M bodies and at least 3 lenses, possibly up to 6. I almost thought the 206 was too small at first, but it's fine for my needs. Great bag. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eoin Posted December 22, 2006 Share #33 Posted December 22, 2006 "younger than 50, I wouldn't go for the Billinghams" I just meant that I find their design a bit too classic for me, but I'm sure they're awesome complements for the Ms, and anyway, as I said before, it's just a matter of taste. What about Leica ever ready case + girlfriend/wife carying the extra lens in her purse? :-) Jack, your right, it's just a matter of taste, but what brings a smile to my face is your choice of a classic chrome MP with chrome lenses, now thats real leica classic. Nothing personal or any thing like, I also prefer Chrome bodies and chrome lenses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksparrow Posted December 22, 2006 Share #34 Posted December 22, 2006 hummmm... Eoin, you caught me! you are right, chrome MP is not precisely Philippe Starck kind of stuff!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wparsonsgisnet Posted December 27, 2006 Share #35 Posted December 27, 2006 Annibale, like several of the other posters, I use bags that don't look like they contain a camera. This includes an f/64 bag with the logo removed and a packpack in which I use various protective cases. At the moment, with my M8, I am using -- and enjoying very much -- an Eagle Creek bag that cost about $20. It's light, has many pockets including 2 zippered ones, and holds the M8 and 2 or 3 lenses. It looks exactly like nothing and was recommended by several posters in a previous thread on this subject (older Forum, but you can search). Regards, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilyum Posted December 29, 2006 Share #36 Posted December 29, 2006 I LOVE the National Geographic bag that I just received from Adorama which is presently offering it at a deeply discounted price of $99 US with free shipping. It's deep and roomy, very rugged canvas and a nicely understated military khaki look. I also own a Billingham which is gorgeous, but the Nat Geo is roomier, tougher, washable and 1/3 the cost! Best wishes, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ai1 Posted December 29, 2006 Share #37 Posted December 29, 2006 One bag is never enough because needs change. Usually I use a Domke F6 or J-803. The F6 easily holds 2 M bodies, 4 or more lenses, and bunches of accessories. I someitme carry two M bodies, each either a lens mounted, as well as a Nikon F3HP + lens. The J-803 is similar to the F-803, but made of Cordura. When I purchased it, I was able to directly compare it (with my equipment) to a Billingham Hadley. I found the Domke easier to use, as well made (this was about 5 years ago) and much less expensive. For a pure M system, get the three-piece insert; if you want to mix and match with an SLR, use the single insert that comes with the bag. It is a great travel bag, and will hold newspapers, books, etc., plus all the camera gear. I just came back from a short city Christmas vacation, and wanted to carry a minimal amount of gear: one M body, the SF-20, and three lenses (21, 35 and 50) plus film. I picked up a Crumpler 4 MM bag (Circuit City had the best price). Not as much of a shooting bag as the Domkes, but smaller. Finally, I sometime just carry the camera. But, sometimes I add a Tamrac pouch to my belt. It will hold a spare lens and a couple of rolls of film. In short, there is not perfect bag, just different bags for different days. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hejenk Posted February 26, 2009 Share #38 Posted February 26, 2009 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. National Geographic bag - what size do you recommend for M7 plus 2 other lens and film? 2343, 2345, 2475?? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artorius Posted February 26, 2009 Share #39 Posted February 26, 2009 Never been fond of the A&A, or the Billingham bags. I've so many different ones(Lowepro, KATA) and I use them all, but I recently purchased the Lima Naneu Pro. For the M series, as well as the SM Leicas, besides my pockets this is my "Go To" all around bag. Holds my M8/or 3, and a Leica IIIc SM, about 20 rolls of film/batteries, filters, light meter, 5-6 un-mounted lenses, Leica Table-top tripod, and reading material. Weighs in at under 9 lbs. When just going out and about, my M8/M3 and a couple of lenses, I get it down to less than 4 lbs. I got mine on the 'bay for less than the MSR price. Shoot me a PM if you want a link to the seller. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
batmobile Posted February 26, 2009 Share #40 Posted February 26, 2009 I thought $70 for a Domke F6 was reasonable. Good bag too. One camera, two lenses (strapped under coat and lense/s in pockets) More than one body and more lenses (Billingham for Leica or domke F6 if taking a fair bit) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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