A (budget) bag recommendation

[kanzlr]

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hi!

 

Now that used M8 cameras are affordable, and great cheap lenses like CV can be bought, There are people like me who spend all their money on the camera and lenses and don't want to add a few hundred extra on bags, etc. Not that I don't want to, but it simply is not necessary.

 

So I bought an Olympus PEN Retro bag size medium.

 

It fits my M8 with lens attached + two other lenses. I currently don't have anything large, but it would also work with a 90/2 or similar.

it has a zipper in the flap where I have lens cleaning cloth, two side pockets for batteries or memory cards and a flat compartment on the back where I can put a map or something similar when on vacation.

 

The bag looks nice, brown faux leather, but ok. It is well made, the "olympus" writing is only visible if you secure the flap under the strap carrying the writing.

 

I would prefer a Billingham or A&A or Annie Barton bag, but for now, it suffices, looks nice, has the perfect size and it was just €35,-- brand new.

 

gets my recommendation! (and I use ThinkTank and LowePro bags for my SLR gear...)

 

Olympus - Micro Four Thirds Retro Bag Medium

[bill]

For a cheap, nondescript bag I go to GAP. I have three now, for a total outlay of under £30. I drop in a Billingham Hadley insert and off I go.

 

Simples.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[kanzlr]

thats, of course, always an option.

And I will most likely have a bag made by a leather tailor.

 

I like to have my camera with me during reenactment events, and camera bags look very out of place there of course. So I have a 15th century daybag, as seen on some paintings made by a specialized leather workshop (specialized in reenactment replicas) with the innards of a camera bag. But for everyday use, I think the Olympus is great, but yes, it looks a bit like a photo bag

[bill]

I like to have my camera with me during reenactment events, and camera bags look very out of place there of course. So I have a 15th century daybag, as seen on some paintings made by a specialized leather workshop (specialized in reenactment replicas) with the innards of a camera bag.

 

Nice! I was at one of those events last year and was struck by the incongruity of the medic in full (English Civil War) dress with a modern medikit slung over his shoulder on the "field of battle"

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[kanzlr]

lol, thats exactly what I don't want. A museum outfit + DSLR *G*

The M8 is way less irritating than a D700, and a brown leatherstrap also looks more in place than a neopren on.

For the D700, I had a selfmade canvas bag, but it was cumbersome to use.

But the small M, the lether strap, a historic lether bag...I am excited *g*

[bill]

I can see where you are coming from!

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[Photon42]

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As Bill suggested, any bag with maybe an insert of Domke / Billi etc will do. I quite like the Timbuktu xs messenger bag with two smaller Domke inserts (FA216/226). That way I can fit any M with lens attached and at least two other lenses. It even digests a Hasselblad 500 with the 80 and some extra stuff.

 

Cheers

Ivo

[symmetron]

Just get a Domke F-803 or J-803; a little over a $100.

[bill]

Just get a Domke F-803 or J-803; a little over a $100.

 

If you are going down that route, then get a Safrotto - far better made (the way Domkes used to be before they went bust) and far better value for money.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[MPerson]

Shop around, it is surprising what you can turn up. It really tee's me off that by saying something is a "camera bag" they can mark it up irresponsibly.

 

But then, they know that a fool and is money.............

[ismon]

Save your money for Leica equipment. Bags are bags. "Camera" bags are expensive. A new military-style bread bag has enough room for an M body or two and at least three lenses. Stoutly made, unobtrusive, for about $15-$20.

[dickgrafixstop]

My solution is a low priced (less than $60.us) tough nylon bag called military ops LIMA from Naneu Pro (Pro Camera Bags, Digital Camera Bags, Camera Backpacks, Laptop Bags - Naneu). It is small, comfortable, well-padded and durable.

It comes in military green, dark blue and the traditional black, and comfortably holds an

m9, three lens, chargers, extra cards, ipod, and "stuff". Good customer service but

hard to find at retail. They have larger bags with a unique messenger strap, but another feature of the "Lima" is that it fits nicely inside my carry-on when I fly those airlines which are picky about the number of bags they allow. Lets me keep the camera within easy

reach and still be available for use at the destination.

[Guest AgXlove]

Domkes are hard to beat - I have a couple and they are excellent.

 

I like this Tenba bag, too Tenba | Laptop Messenger Bag, Large (Olive Green) | 638-232 (don't have one, though).

[Ed_K]

If the OP were to look for something more minimalist, Domke has a small model F-5XB that can hold the M body with 3 small lens.

[cidereye]

Agree with many of the comments already made, is having a bag that screams "cameras !!" a good idea these day's? Certainly not if you do street photography or are travelling abroad in many countries.

 

I hate bags anyway and prefer travelling light but if I am out all day and have to use one I use something similar to bill suggested - A Rockport messenger bag bought on eBay for a mere £6 and a small Kata insert that will hold 2 M bodies with lens mounted & another lens + light meter.

[3rdtrick]

I am using my Domke FX5b. It is small but amazing what you can put in it. They are $69 US dollars. I can keep the M9, three lenses and the charger in it.

Pete

[kanzlr]

was thinking about that very domke, but the reports of sinking quality at Domke made me wait. The Safrottos look nice. Same price but said to be improved upon the Domkes. Would be nice to find a F-5xb equiv from them.

[bill]

was thinking about that very domke, but the reports of sinking quality at Domke made me wait. The Safrottos look nice. Same price but said to be improved upon the Domkes. Would be nice to find a F-5xb equiv from them.

 

I can only speak from personal experience. I have accumulated two Domkes and a Safrotto over the years. Don't ask me the model numbers, 'cos I can't remember off the top of my head. There's a big and a medium sized Domke, and a briefcase sized Safrotto.

 

The first Domke I bought was made like a tank - all the fittings are metal and the canvas is tough and thick. The Safrotto - much younger - is built to the same standards. The modern Domke is made from flimsier canvas and some of the fittings are plastic.

 

I know which I prefer.

 

Regards,

 

Bill