Englander Posted March 25, 2007 Share #1 Posted March 25, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Think Tank has brought out a a new line of camera bags with the name Urban Disguise and they look like they would be helpful to M8 users. Some of the features put them ahead of typical messenger bags. http://thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_UrbnDsgs.php They even illustrate a magazine in the back pocket, a feature that Carsten is always asking about. I have been using their products for years and I think Guy said he had, too. They are always well made. I can't wait to get my hands on the Disguise 50; I think it will take an M8 and a DMR with a zoom. Joe Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 25, 2007 Posted March 25, 2007 Hi Englander, Take a look here Urban Disguise camera bags. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Guest guy_mancuso Posted March 25, 2007 Share #2 Posted March 25, 2007 I just bought the Antidote for the everything bag. It all fits with room to spare for more lenses which is a bad because i don't like holes in the bag ( might have to buy more glass). LOL But it also comes with a 15 inch laptop bag you can insert or remove . I am really liking this bag a lot Professional photography equipment - camera bags, camera cases - from Think Tank Photo The disguise bags look really nice also Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
think Posted March 25, 2007 Share #3 Posted March 25, 2007 I agree that they are nice bags, but I don't see them as much of a "disguise". Any roughly rectangular bag in urban environs, to me, screams "laptop" and I struggle to understand how this is better than screaming "camera". Even the oft touted Domke J/F 803 look like they'd likely contain a small laptop at first glance. The Crumpler, Tumbuktu or other oddly shaped messenger style bags are more likely to be disregarded as containing workout clothes, water bottles, lunch, book, jacket, etc. than something that looks like a business or student computer bag, especially if you leave an anorak sleeve and the top of a water bottle peeking out for effect. Some of the less "finished" looking sling bags like Naneu's Echo, etc also appear as more generic "l could contain stuff you really don't want to steal" bags. Just one man's opinion. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woody Campbell Posted March 25, 2007 Share #4 Posted March 25, 2007 Someone in another thread observed that if you're carrying a camera and a bag, the world is going to assumet that there is camera stuff in the bag. So much for stealth. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrc Posted March 25, 2007 Share #5 Posted March 25, 2007 I just got a black-on-black MClassics bag, and it's *very, very* good. I'm thinking I could get two M bodies, each with a lens, in each of two separate internal pockets, and probably four more lenses (stacked) inside. Narrow pocket good for magazine, map, or paperback, etc. in the back. Won't take a laptop, though. Three largish pockets on the front wouild take watter bottle, cell phone, flash, bit & pieces. Both hand grip and shoulder strap. The shoulder strrap is excellent, and adjusstable, but non-removable; it can be pushed into the magazine sleeve to get it out of the way. It ha three closing straps, the middle one is an actual buckle; the two end ones are snaps; the top is also held closed by a large strip of Velcro, which I know some people don't like (can't quietly open the bag -- sounds like somebody just split his pants open) but I do like it. You can close it with one hand, and if somebody tried to pickpocket your bag, you'd know it. As far as urban disguise goes, it's black on black -- when you look at it, it looks good, but just in passing, it looks more like a briefcase than a camera bag, and it's too short to hold much in the way of a laptop. Another feature that I like a lot -- the shoulder strap attaches on the back, rather than the sides, so the top of the case is not scrunched by the straps. You don't notice it just to look at it, but the entire top stays free and is very easy to lift. Material, I understand, is the stuff used on top-end convertible tops (Porsche.) Waterproof, very tough. I like it a lot; for the time being, it's the bago d'tutti bagos. JC Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidStone Posted March 25, 2007 Share #6 Posted March 25, 2007 I agree that they are nice bags, but I don't see them as much of a "disguise". Any roughly rectangular bag in urban environs, to me, screams "laptop" and I struggle to understand how this is better than screaming "camera". Even the oft touted Domke J/F 803 look like they'd likely contain a small laptop at first glance. The Crumpler, Tumbuktu or other oddly shaped messenger style bags are more likely to be disregarded as containing workout clothes, water bottles, lunch, book, jacket, etc. than something that looks like a business or student computer bag, especially if you leave an anorak sleeve and the top of a water bottle peeking out for effect. Some of the less "finished" looking sling bags like Naneu's Echo, etc also appear as more generic "l could contain stuff you really don't want to steal" bags. Just one man's opinion. As someone who shoots a lot of stuff in cities, I completely agree. I use an anonymous canvas bag that might, and frequently does contain some of the things that you list. It usually contains a Leica as well. All my cameras are black, and the first thing I did when I bought my black M6 some years ago was to take a couple of scraps of black gaffer tape and cover the "M6" and red Leica logos. When My black M8 arrives that will get the same treatment. Anonymity is good insurance. Real Urban Disguise. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mat_mcdermott Posted March 25, 2007 Share #7 Posted March 25, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) As another choice In the non-camera bag for camera use category, I've been using a Jack Spade vertical messenger bag. It is probably the best made bag I've ever owned (unfortunately with a price to match).The canvas is tougher than anything I've ever seen and the stitching is top-notch. It's really unobtrusive, especially in New York, as it sometimes seems every fifth person is carrying something from Jack Spade. The only downside is that it is not padded--which isn't really a concern for me because I generally have a book, notebook and other sundry papers with me that provide enough padding for the bumps you get just walking around the city if the camera isn't in my hand. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott kirkpatrick Posted March 25, 2007 Share #8 Posted March 25, 2007 I had my say on urban disguises, in post #84 of a really fine bag fashion show late last year on this forum: http://www.leica-camera-user.com/digital-forum/7657-lets-talk-bags-m8-5.html and actually I have not found a better bag for carrying the whole kit. Instead in weather where I wear a jacket I slip a second lens in one pocket, a cellphone and car keys in the other, and the camera stays in my hand or over a shoulder. scott Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stnami Posted March 25, 2007 Share #9 Posted March 25, 2007 Someone in another thread observed that if you're carrying a camera and a bag, the world is going to assumet that there is camera stuff in the bag. So much for stealth. .........carrying a bag, the world is going to assume that there is important stuff in the bag!!!!!!!!!!!So get off the stealth wagon. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nryn Posted March 25, 2007 Share #10 Posted March 25, 2007 I don't doubt these are well-made, but as others have mentioned, given their shape they're about as "stealthy" as a halliburton metal suitcase handcuffed to its owner. A messenger bag or army satchel with a rounded padded insert (or not) is probably a much better way to go if being nondescript is your aim. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted March 25, 2007 Share #11 Posted March 25, 2007 I use various non camera bags. I don't use a laptop bag for my laptop either, much prefer the sort of plain folio cases, or small rucksacks, which attract less attention than something which obviously contains some expensive kit. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill W Posted March 25, 2007 Share #12 Posted March 25, 2007 I just resurrected an old Domke reporter satchel. Not sure of the number, it is probably over 12 years old. I washed it and added a new 3 section insert. Not stealthy but useable. It holds the camera with lens attached plus 4 others and has room outer pockets for another lens of flash, even the charger if you were traveling. It is smaller that the current Domke f802. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/19754-urban-disguise-camera-bags/?do=findComment&comment=212092'>More sharing options...
Double Negative Posted October 1, 2008 Share #13 Posted October 1, 2008 I just picked up a TTP UD20 bag last week. Initially it seemed a little awkward, but after fiddling with the dividers I came up with a fairly workable solution and it's really growing on me. I wanted an incognito bag - I'm used to the Crumpler ___ Million Dollar Homes, of which I have the Six and Seven for my SLR/DSLR. They're great bags, but have some minor shortcomings that I won't get into here. In the bag I have a Zeiss Ikon w/lens mounted and three others. Four rolls of film in boxes, lens cleaning tissue and fluid, retracting brush, Q-tips, six filters, spare battery, a body/lens cap screwed together and camera strap (when not attached). The bag is quite small, comfortably loaded and svelte. My only gripe is it's obviously not a laptop bag at this size, it's a little more "man bag" looking. It fits my gear/needs perfectly and a larger bag would only make me carry more crap I don't need (I do this all the time - my 7MDH is obscene at times). All the usual things about a TTP bag to say... Materials, workmanship and quality of details and design are all TOP NOTCH. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erl Posted October 2, 2008 Share #14 Posted October 2, 2008 Just wondering if all you posters in this thread carry your "family Jewels" with you as well, in a suitably disguised bag of course! Probably thet are secreted in a bank vault somewhere in reality. That way they are really useful, but safe! When it comes to your cameras, the point of carrying them is to use them, not hide them. When I am out and about, my camera is either in my hand, or in my StreetShooter (readily obvious to an observer) so that I can use it!. Clearly, if I have a bag, it will be assumed it has more camera gear in it. that is just how real life works. I am wondering (sort of) how many of you have actually been robbed, as opposed to those who are fearful of being robbed, and what really contributes to being robbed, or not? I believe the fear of some undesirable event is worse than the actual event, which, mostly, doesn't happen. I don't expect much agreement on this. Just expressing a different POV. Now, back to finishing the last of my wine, after dinner. Cheers everyone. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografr Posted October 2, 2008 Share #15 Posted October 2, 2008 When it comes to your cameras, the point of carrying them is to use them, not hide them. When I am out and about, my camera is either in my hand... I don't expect much agreement on this. Just expressing a different POV. Now, back to finishing the last of my wine, after dinner. Cheers everyone. I'll agree with you, so that's two of us. If someone is going to steal from you, they won't care what kind of bag you have--they'll just steal it to see what's inside. I was on a shoot once and the writer who was traveling with me left his beat up old briefcase on the floor in front of the passenger seat. When we got back to my car, the window was smashed out and the briefcase gone. It contained a few papers and a couple of CDs--which is about what it looked like it might contain. Pinot Noir? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erl Posted October 2, 2008 Share #16 Posted October 2, 2008 Snipped..... Pinot Noir? Actually, it was a Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blend that I was tasting for the local wine shop. They give me a bottle, I taste it with dinner, well drink it actually, and write them a descriptive note that they display or quote to potential customers. Life is good. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted October 3, 2008 Share #17 Posted October 3, 2008 Actually, it was a Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blend that I was tasting ... Aren't all Sauvignon Blancs blended with Semillon to a greater or lesser degree depending on the particular year's harvest, John? (Paradise is a cooled bottle of Cloudy Bay on a cloudless day and the time to savour it. ) Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erl Posted October 3, 2008 Share #18 Posted October 3, 2008 Aren't all Sauvignon Blancs blended with Semillon to a greater or lesser degree depending on the particular year's harvest, John? (Paradise is a cooled bottle of Cloudy Bay on a cloudless day and the time to savour it. ) Pete. Pete, you would have really enjoyed that bottle. It was a 'cleanskin' and I summed it up as exactly like a NZ Cloudy Bay product, with the usual floral character one associates with NZ white's. Here in OZ, I believe, Semillons and Sav Blancs are bottled both separately and together, with varying results. Duh! That's what you said isn't it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted October 3, 2008 Share #19 Posted October 3, 2008 Pete, you would have really enjoyed that bottle. It was a 'cleanskin' and I summed it up as exactly like a NZ Cloudy Bay product, with the usual floral character one associates with NZ white's. Here in OZ, I believe, Semillons and Sav Blancs are bottled both separately and together, with varying results. Duh! That's what you said isn't it. I'm drooling uncontrollably as I write. <sssplash> Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrc Posted October 3, 2008 Share #20 Posted October 3, 2008 I'll agree with you, so that's two of us. If someone is going to steal from you, they won't care what kind of bag you have--they'll just steal it to see what's inside. I was on a shoot once and the writer who was traveling with me left his beat up old briefcase on the floor in front of the passenger seat. When we got back to my car, the window was smashed out and the briefcase gone. It contained a few papers and a couple of CDs--which is about what it looked like it might contain. I'm a writer who was out with a photographer (I'm not kidding here) and when I got back to my car, I found that somebody had knocked out the window and stolen a ratty old gym bag in which there was nothing but a ratty old karate gi (uniform). The total value stolen was probably $0; it cost a couple of hundred bucks to replace the window. I did some photography at the Republican National Convention and carried a Nikon 14-24 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8, plus a D3 and D300, in a Think Tank Urban Disguise 40 -- except that I could only fit two lenses and one body in the bag at any one time (this stuff is BIG.). The other body and lens I carried on my other shoulder. With the Nikon stuff, it was like walking around with a car battery hanging off your body. JC Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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