My first Leica Bag

[nicks500]

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I thought I would put this in its own thread in and not ruin someone elses

 

My bags have always been big dslr bags but now I am hopefully picking up my Leica M and noctilux at the end of the month I would like a small well padded secure shoulder bag with maybe room for bits and maybe one more lens

So I dont like Billingham first of all (sorry Billingham) and I dont like bags who advertise themselves (i.e. Domke, unless there is ones without Domke written on them?) I like a bit of stealth.

I like the Think Tank retro5 but I would like a more secure flap, and more padding ( i have heard they are a bit thin??

I love the Wotancraft urban classic Ryker but dont know what they are like inside or whether you can get them in the UK.

Lowepro do a nice bag called the event messenger 100 thats nice and small, I dont know anything about it though(although Lowepro is wriiten on it)

So all that leaves is Crumpler which ticks all the boxes on the design front I was just hoping for something a bit more special

 

opinions please?

[CalArts 99]

You can clip off the Domke logo on all Domke bags with a small scissors. The labels are cloth and sewn on.

 

For something very practical and 'stealth' these are great: Incognito Camera Bags

 

Excellent build quality and made by a local decently paid workforce (in Vermont, USA.) Eric Turan will build it anyway you'd like (e.g., the padded inserts are black but he'll use gray if you prefer; the gray makes it easier to see things in the inserts.) You can ask for front pockets or no front pockets, etc.. I recommend the extra small size for a Leica and a few lenses. There are no logos on the outside of the bag (the photo on the webpage shows a small cloth label but mine has none. Just be sure to make a note that you want no label at all as a precaution.) This is a camera bag that is definitely "incognito" hence the name.....

[philipus]

*frak* my original post disappeared...I'll try to recreate it, though it was rather long.

 

I use a Crumpler Wonder Weenie which I designed myself years ago when Crumpler allowed customisation of the colours. Crumplers do have a logo on them, however.

 

If you like the Domke, why not just cut off the logo? Edit: I see CalArts just suggested that

 

Dothebags (sold at Monochrom inter alia) have received good reviews and are pretty stealthy, too, with a discrete logo.

 

Wotancraft's Ryker can be ordered from Barton 1972. I have ordered straps from Annie Barton several times in the past (including yesterday, actually) and have always received very quick and reliable service.

[nicks500]

I like Dothe Bags especially Dothebag mono_07 even nicer than the Wotancraft ones

[Guest MarcRF]

-Artisan & Artist ACAM-7100/7200

-Black Label Bag Oskars One Day Bag Mark II

-DoTheBag

-Domke (easy to cut off logos as other ppl mentioned, J-803 doesnt have one visible when flap is closed besides)

-Fogg (although that might be a bit too close to the billinghams which you dislike although I cant understand that...)

-Crumpler

-Thinktank Retrospective 5/7, Citywalker 10

-M Classics Bag

-Bare Bones Bag Evolution (highly recommended)

 

or just search for ANY messenger bag that suits you and put a A&A/Domke/other insert in it

 

pick one.

 

if you describe the kinda style you want, velcro/no velcro, flap or zipper access, unobtrusive look or camera bag style, colors preferred? gimme some more info

[CalArts 99]

-Bare Bones Bag Evolution (highly recommended)

 

or just search for ANY messenger bag that suits you and put a A&A/Domke/other insert in it

 

I agree, the Bare Bones is also very good. And just for the record, it is made by Eric Turan at Courierware (see my above post with the link: Incognito Camera Bags) He makes them to Stephen Schaub's specs who then sells them as the Bare Bones bag. I decided to get a bag directly from Eric since he allows for many custom options with the build of the Incognito Camera bag (Camera Bag Buy Now build options.) Both versions are the same excellent materials and same very high build quality. One can't go wrong with either version if one wants a messenger style bag that is definitely 'incognito.' Plus they don't cost an exorbitant amount of money.

 

I also agree that an insert can make pretty much anything into a good camera bag. I use this: Mountainsmith Kit Cube and it fits in many of the canvas Domke bags (like the F3-X and F-6) making them waterproof and dust repellent in really bad environments (it's padded and made of nylon with a drawstring top.) And Eric Turan's insert for the Incognito/Bare Bones bags can also be purchased separately without a bag.

[JDFlood]

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I have a Think Tank Retro 5, the flap is very secure and it never struck me that the insulation is thin. JD

[DigitalHeMan]

I came across Ona Bags the other day. They have a nice bag called the Bowery that is the perfect size for an M, and it looks pretty stylish as well.

 

ONA | Shop

 

I haven't seen this bag in the flesh, only on the web, so I can't vouch for the quality, but it's not expensive....

 

Has anyone seen or used these?

[JDFlood]

I agree, the Bare Bones is also very good. And just for the record, it is made by Eric Turan at Courierware (see my above post with the link: Incognito Camera Bags) He makes them to Stephen Schaub's specs who then sells them as the Bare Bones bag. I decided to get a bag directly from Eric since he allows for many custom options with the build of the Incognito Camera bag (Camera Bag Buy Now build options.) Both versions are the same excellent materials and same very high build quality. One can't go wrong with either version if one wants a messenger style bag that is definitely 'incognito.' Plus they don't cost an exorbitant amount of money.

 

I just got one. I must admit, it fits the bill in most respects. I wish one of the zippered pockets was not zippered so the iPad or iPad mini could be dropped in. But it has the right makings of a really useful bag. It did not strike me as cheap. the little one i got was over $150 if i remember correctly. and i just received some similar bags for $30 - $50.... geeze i'm going to have to have a sale. JD

[ymc226]

I have and have gone through quite a few bags including Billingham, Domke, A&A, and Fogg. I sold the A&A and Domke as it wasn't water resistant enough. I use the others sparingly as they are either too conspicuous or too nice to use.

 

The bags I use the most have been the most inconspicuous, simple messenger bags with inserts made and designed by the same company so the fit quite well.

 

The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger in black, sized extra small with Snoop insert is perfect for an M digital with lens attached and 1 or 2 more lenses, cleaning fluid, cloth, batteries, SD cards and compact charger. It even has a slot in the inside rear of the bag for either an iPad or MacBook Pro depending on the size of the messenger.

 

I also have it in small for 2 M bodies and lenses.

 

Classic Messenger - Timbuk2 Bags

 

Snoop Camera Insert - Timbuk2 Bags

 

Timbuk2 also sells short velcro straps that you cover the ones on the bag to make opening much quieter.

[Printmaker]

You can clip off the Domke logo on all Domke bags with a small scissors. The labels are cloth and sewn on. .

 

It is the first thing I do. My green Domke FX5b is perfect for a M9, 3 lenses, iPhone, 2 batteries and a few SD cards. It looks about as uncamera bag as a bag can.

 

I know you stated that Billingham is out but my black on black Hadley Pro fits in with all of the bags the lawyers and accountants carry in my office/studio complex.

[slgendron]

The Black Label Oskars bag is excellent. Big, secure flap, a few outside pockets, and even an outside attached sd card holder. Not too fussy, about $220 usd. Plain, no labels, plenty of padding, and LIGHTWEIGHT!

[rramesh]

Your thread should read 'My first bag for my Leica' as if you go down the path of this and many other similar threads you will not stop at one bag.

[JDFlood]

I discovered the source of the bare bones bag, it is a public custom house called Courierware. Looks like the guy that came up with Bare Bones just passes the order to them with his configuration. You can configure your own bags, camera inserts, pockets... Etc. so those of you that may have this "perfect bag" illness with which I am afflicted may want to check it out. JD

[CalArts 99]

I discovered the source of the bare bones bag, it is a public custom house called Courierware. Looks like the guy that came up with Bare Bones just passes the order to them with his configuration. You can configure your own bags, camera inserts, pockets... Etc. so those of you that may have this "perfect bag" illness with which I am afflicted may want to check it out. JD

 

You seemed to have missed my post here in this very thread. http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/271348-my-first-leica-bag.html#post2308862

 

I had Eric make my bag after seeing the Bare Bones bags. I also had bought one of Eric's messenger bags about 12 years ago and realized it looked just like the Bare Bones.

 

I also had Eric build it without zippers for the pocket and an iPad fits perfectly.....

 

When you decide on having him make you a bag, give him a call and discuss your needs. He's very receptive and will do custom orders that are even outside those specifics listed on his webpage. I highly recommend Courierware. I know people who have his bags going on 20+ years now and they still are in great condition. My 12 year-old bag is still in service with very little wear (and I use it almost every day.)

[JDFlood]

CalArts, yes I did miss your post... Or read and forgot. I am getting more interested in just specing out exactly what I want ... I could have saved a lot of money. JD.... Although the Black Bag Oscar's one day is starting to look more intriguing... I have to stop this obsession! Anyone know of a good 12 step program? I need help. JD