Dazed & Confused Posted February 1, 2011 Share #1 Posted February 1, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi, I'm new here, and have just dumped around 4 billion questions on the M9 forum as a way of announcing my arrival! Anyway, I suddenly thought, if I switch to an M9 as planned, by ridiculous camera backpack will no longer be needed. I need a new bag! I've just read every bag thread going, and think I know what I need. I'm quite young (20's), live in the city, and travel quite a bit. I'm looking for "a discrete bag that doesn't look like a camera bag". I bet you haven't heard that before! However, I have to strongly disagree with those who think a Billingham, Domke or Fogg bag looks discrete. It might be a UK thing, but a canvas bag with leather straps stands out a mile, and screams expensive camera inside to me. Even in black. A LowePro one is probably more subtle, just due to the fact that it is more common and so draws less attention. The only bag I have seen that looks a possibility is: Artisan&Artist* Bags As it looks like a normal messenger bag, but I'm struggling to find anything else. So I thought - why not just shove a padded insert into a normal messenger bag? So, can anyone recommend an insert that could take an M9 with a lens on, plus 2 other lenses? My only criterea are that all 3 items can be put in without stacking, and the insert is thin and pliable, to curve around my body as I carry it. I hate thick, rigid bags. Any ideas? Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 1, 2011 Posted February 1, 2011 Hi Dazed & Confused, Take a look here Hi - and bag inserts. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
smb Posted February 1, 2011 Share #2 Posted February 1, 2011 Create your own bag. Find something that you like that does not have dividers and purchase dividers. Try the fossoux partitions on ebay. There is not much info on them on the net. Also look into figitalrevolution's Bare Bones Bag. It just came out. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted February 1, 2011 Share #3 Posted February 1, 2011 I'm looking for "a discrete bag that doesn't look like a camera bag". I bet you haven't heard that before! However, I have to strongly disagree with those who think a Billingham, Domke or Fogg bag looks discrete. It might be a UK thing, but a canvas bag with leather straps stands out a mile, and screams expensive camera inside to me. Even in black. A LowePro one is probably more subtle, just due to the fact that it is more common and so draws less attention ... Any ideas? Hmm, not sure I agree with any of this. Nothing screams camera more than a LowePro bag. I think I'd probably say Get Over It. You have a camera, and you've got to take it out of the bag at some stage! Just don't get something that's obviously flashy with brass buckles and contrasting leather corners and straps - think Louis Vuitton or Burbery. For years, I used Tenba bags, and I have always been very happy with them. The Billingham Combination bag for M Leicas in black is the smallest, most practical and discrete bag I have seen or used - I cycle with it, walk with it, and toss it in the car. The only problem I have is that if I want to take my M9 and a few lenses, I also want to take a book or my iPad - the COmbination is too small. I've ordered a Monochrom dothebag mono_9 in black, which I'm hoping will do the trick. You will probably end up with more than one bag, so I wouldn't stress about it - least of all concerns about your bag "screaming amateur" or whatever is the latest angst among those in the UK with too much time on their hands. Get a bag which works for you, and get out and use your camera. I'd leave other people to squander their tragic lives and to deal with their problems themselves, frankly. Cheers John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazed & Confused Posted February 1, 2011 Author Share #4 Posted February 1, 2011 Thanks for the replies. John - I think you may have missed my point. Most likely because I explained it poorly. I know that it is going to be obvious at some point that I am carrying a camera - especially when I take it out. My point about LowePro was that if I was on a street with 4 other photographers, there's a good chance we'd all be carrying LowePro. So a thief would either go by the size of bag (i.e. big equals more stuff to steal),or at worst pick randomly. In which case I have a 20% chance of being the guy who loses my bag. Having known an ex bike thief well for a while, I can tell you that many theives are often better researched than their victims. I therefore wouldn't put it past them to be able to tell that the Billingham is more expensive than the LowePro, and therefore is more likely to hold more expensive equipment. I am not in any way worried about my bag "screaming amateur" - I don't know where you got that from. I'd prefer it to say 'amateur' over 'pro', as amateurs usually carry less expensive stuff, but I'd much rather my bag said nothing at all! "You will probably end up with more than one bag, so I wouldn't stress about it" - when the bag you recommend costs over £200 I can't help but compare that to how much food it will buy me, and therefore stress just a little. "I've ordered a Monochrom dothebag mono_9 in black" - that looks really lovely. Can you tell me where you found that? I'm sorry if I came across wrong, but I would feel much more comfortable on my travels with just a 'normal' messenger bag style, either specifically made for cameras, or with an insert. I guess it's just personal choice. Regards. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdtaylor Posted February 1, 2011 Share #5 Posted February 1, 2011 For a messenger bag that doesn't stand out, I use Courierware bags. Courierware-Camera Bag with Custom Features & Options The mini holds a camera/lens, with room for at least two more. I use back to back lens caps, which fit. Lots of pockets and options. And well made. Just make sure and order an extra divider. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted February 1, 2011 Share #6 Posted February 1, 2011 Having known an ex bike thief well for a while, I can tell you that many theives are often better researched than their victims. I therefore wouldn't put it past them to be able to tell that the Billingham is more expensive than the LowePro, and therefore is more likely to hold more expensive equipment. The black Billingham Combination has no labels or obvious leather patches, and is just plain black canvas - can't get any more discrete than that. I am not in any way worried about my bag "screaming amateur" - I don't know where you got that from. I'd prefer it to say 'amateur' over 'pro', as amateurs usually carry less expensive stuff, but I'd much rather my bag said nothing at all! My mistake. "You will probably end up with more than one bag, so I wouldn't stress about it" - when the bag you recommend costs over £200 I can't help but compare that to how much food it will buy me, and therefore stress just a little. And you're spending how much on a Leica camera and lenses? "I've ordered a Monochrom dothebag mono_9 in black" - that looks really lovely. Can you tell me where you found that? Monochrom® - Für die Fotografie I guess it's just personal choice. Of course. Perhaps I jumped to the conclusion that you cared what others thought about your choice of bag. My apologies. If your concern is over theft, you will never get over that. With an M9 & 4 lenses, I realise that I am wandering the streets with USD 23,000 of hard to replace equipment. A bag which shouts is not sensible, I agree. But the important thing is to look after it. Happy hunting. Cheers John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazed & Confused Posted February 2, 2011 Author Share #7 Posted February 2, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Thanks smb and Terry - I'll definitely look into those, they look promising. John - I'm glad we cleared that up. I do see your point about your Billingham in black - it is definitely more subtle than I was imagining. How thick and rigid is it when full? I'd like to see it in the flesh, or see a picture of someone carrying it. "And you're spending how much on a Leica camera and lenses?" - Too much! That's why I'm looking for a cheap bag! But maybe you're right - if I'm spending all that money, should I really then scrimp on a bag? I'm really not fussed what others think - in fact the less they think of me, the better. Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted February 2, 2011 Share #8 Posted February 2, 2011 There is nothing rigid in the Combination bag - all padding much like any other camera bag. I'd recommend looking at one in the flesh. They're made in the UK, and I managed to find one on the shelf even here in NZ (not something I managed with any other part of my camera kit - it was all purchased sight unseen ) Cheers John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
euston Posted February 2, 2011 Share #9 Posted February 2, 2011 If it’s discretion you’re after, you can be quite discreet with an old haversack and a Billingham insert. You can organise the insert to create discrete pockets for lenses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted February 2, 2011 Share #10 Posted February 2, 2011 Go to Gap, buy one of their many messenger bags for about £15, leave it in the front passenger footwell of your car for a week or three, then drop in a Billingham Hadley insert and off you go. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpattison Posted February 2, 2011 Share #11 Posted February 2, 2011 billingham hadley insert - Google Product Search John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xmas Posted February 2, 2011 Share #12 Posted February 2, 2011 Well it depends if you are in 3rd world country or 'little blighty on the down'. The blighty bag men (and women) only like cash and plastic, when they nick your bag it - apart from desirable items - goes into canal or Thames PDQ, money in their wallet, plastic maybe in canal or Thames, too traceable, they might hang onto one card cause they could say they found it and were about to hand it in to cop shop... ha ha ha So a ex- USA WD canvas bag is well exposed they will assume you are an iron a Billingham safe, who wants a hot M9 when unmarked 20s are available... Different in 3rd world... Noel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted February 2, 2011 Share #13 Posted February 2, 2011 Disguise it as a computer/messenger bag. Thieves have no interest in computers. Gym bag and Domke inserts. I know for a fact nobody wants your dirty sweaty gym clothing. Fishing bag. Pockets. Or buy the biggest LowePro shoulder bag. If it is big enough, there is no way they can grab and run. Mace, pepper spray, Bee and hornet spray, Smith & Wesson, Beretta all discourage people with nasty intentions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazed & Confused Posted February 2, 2011 Author Share #14 Posted February 2, 2011 Thanks everyone. I think my original post was not well explained - I already have old Gap and Banana Republic messenger bags. So no need to leave in a footwell - 10 years of ownership have done more than enough damage! My current favourite bag seems to be comprised more of fruit juice stains than actual fabric. The only person I can imagine wantin to steal it is the man from Del Monte. If I don't get a new bag, then I just need an insert that will hold an M9 with lens, plus 2 extra lenses. I will check out the Billingham Hadley, Domke and Fossoux. Any idea which of these is the most slim and flexible? And I'l probably get a couple of Berettas. Just to be sure. Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tgray Posted February 2, 2011 Share #15 Posted February 2, 2011 Buy a messenger of your choice of brand and size. Then purchase a Domke, Billingham, or Tenba insert of the appropriate size and stick it in there. I personally use a Timbuk2 bag and the Tenba insert a lot. The Tenba insert was the cheapest and has a bit more padding than the Domke ones from what I understand. I was also looking for something that could fit two cameras and lenses, so you might look at some of the smaller Domke or Billingham inserts. Alternately, some of the Domke bags don't really look that much like camera bags. The mostly look like little messenger bags. Check out the F5-xb or the F-831. Also, most of the messenger bag companies now make a camera bag version of their bag. Timbuk2 and Courierware do now. Of course, a messenger bag doesn't look out of place in a US city, but it might in other parts of the world, so your mileage might vary. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted February 2, 2011 Share #16 Posted February 2, 2011 I wouldn't bother with Domke inserts - overpriced, and no bottom padding. Safrotto is - as usual - superior in that respect, as is Billingham. I can't speak for Tenba. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tgray Posted February 2, 2011 Share #17 Posted February 2, 2011 The Tenba insert is about $20 and has sides about 1/2 inch thick. The only problem with it is that it is 13" long, so if you wanted something a bit smaller, you are out of luck. It is reasonably configurable though. It comes with three or four dividers. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted February 2, 2011 Share #18 Posted February 2, 2011 ANY bag made by Billingham screams "expensive camera". Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted February 2, 2011 Share #19 Posted February 2, 2011 ... Thieves have no interest in computers. ... Not so in the UK. Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
leebert Posted February 5, 2011 Share #20 Posted February 5, 2011 FWIW, I use a Timbuk2 bag (custom designed - not the camera bag), protect the equipment Domke wraps (1 body, 2 lenses), and have more than enough compartments for support equipemnt (batteries & recharger, lense cleaning, iPad) ; unless I have my tripod strapped to the bottom of the bag, it screams-not, and I like the design. IMO people tend to over-rotate on the padded protection, especially with Leica stuff which is engineered to survive. Lee Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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