Which bag for the SL

[Ron Weissman]

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My local Leica Store (SF) told me today that within the next few weeks they'll be carrying a new bag designed for the SL w 90-280mm. No more details than that, but stay tuned.

[wlaidlaw]

I also thought hard about the 225, but decided against because of the zip: I like an open access, and on the small Domke FX5B I find the zip occasionally irritating while reaching for my M+75mm.

But I cannot tell a lie: I'm sure the 225 would have done the job, but lust comes into the frame when I look at fogg bags.

 

Paul, 

 

I agree the Zip access is irritating and if they felt a zip was necessary for weatherproofing, I would have designed it with a stiffening frame round the top of the main section and a flap which zipped round three sides of the top frame. You would then when unzipped, have much better access to the main pocket, You would still leave the outer flap with its leather pop on straps, as this would hold everything still safely inside but is very quick to undo. I might suggest this to Billingham. They were quite receptive to my alteration of the Leica Combi M, with the leather grab handle on the top but as Leica own the design rights to this back, when Billingham asked, Leica said no to the very sensible alteration. Why? N.I.H. I suspect.

 

Wilson

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Edited July 30, 2016 by wlaidlaw

[ramarren]

I bought the Billingham 225 hoping it would work well with the SL kit, but found it too small and access too restrictive for my druthers. However, it does work beautifully for my Hasselblad SWC and two backs, with plenty of space for the focusing back, prism or magnifying finder, film, etc, so it stays in my cabinet. 

 

While currently my needs are being met nicely by the Billingham L2 (for my typical two normal, or one big lens carries) and the Tenba Messenger Mini (for my less typical carry the zoom, the 15mm, and the 180 or 250 primes carries), I happened to have the large kit with me when I was at the camera shop a week ago. They have the new Tenba Cooper bags in stock, and they had the 13SLR on the shelf. I suspect this would be an excellent choice for anyone with the SL24-90, SL90-280, and a third medium to largish sized lens as well; it fit my SL kit and a Nikon D750 kit outfitted similarly very nicely. It's a nicely conceived and finished bag, with sensible pockets and features, good materials and construction too. Worth taking a look at... 

[Guest]

I hae acquired a Croots Byland Cartridge bag. It normally would carry 100 shotgun cartridges, however it does fit my SL with 21mm attached or 50mm and one other lenses in a Nofoflex wrap. When I only want a small outfit this is it. The rest batteries, cards etc in my pockets. The bag is a quality leather made in England. I also may acquire a Billingham 25 Rucksack in place of my Peak Design bag which I have sold, I found it too uncomfortable in use. If I don't like the rucksack then I will use a waistcoat.

 

http://crootsengland.co.uk/croots-country/range/byland/cartridge-bag.html

 

That's the link for Croots.

Edited July 30, 2016 by Guest

[Arai]

I hae acquired a Croots Byland Cartridge bag. It normally would carry 100 shotgun cartridges, however it does fit my SL with 21mm attached or 50mm and one other lenses in a Nofoflex wrap. When I only want a small outfit this is it. The rest batteries, cards etc in my pockets. The bag is a quality leather made in England. I also may acquire a Billingham 25 Rucksack in place of my Peak Design bag which I have sold, I found it too uncomfortable in use. If I don't like the rucksack then I will use a waistcoat.

 

http://crootsengland.co.uk/croots-country/range/byland/cartridge-bag.html

 

That's the link for Croots.

That's one quality bag..Peak just launched new Peak backpack 20L&30L..might worth a look. I ordered 20L backpack and sling Edited July 30, 2016 by Arai

[Guest]

Looks good Aral the colour doesn't attract attention for sure. In all probability I won't go for the Backpack, because I am not so happy carrying anything too heavy anymore. The SL and 4 M lenses is the limit and as I found out depending on activity and place most of the time 2 lenses are just fine for my images. Hence the Croots Byland. I think I could get by with a waistcoat most of the time. Only occasionally like when flying somewhere do I prefer to put everything in one bag, but day to day, the Croots is all I need.

[LocalHero1953]

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I hae acquired a Croots Byland Cartridge bag. It normally would carry 100 shotgun cartridges, however it does fit my SL with 21mm attached or 50mm and one other lenses in a Nofoflex wrap. When I only want a small outfit this is it. The rest batteries, cards etc in my pockets. The bag is a quality leather made in England. I also may acquire a Billingham 25 Rucksack in place of my Peak Design bag which I have sold, I found it too uncomfortable in use. If I don't like the rucksack then I will use a waistcoat.

 

http://crootsengland.co.uk/croots-country/range/byland/cartridge-bag.html

 

That's the link for Croots.

Looks good for a high quality M bag as well: e.g. M + 2 lenses. With that heavy duty leather, does it need extra padding?

[Guest]

Good question probably not. But if you add another lens beside the one on the camera yes as there are no dividers.

[wlaidlaw]

I have a John Dickson of Edinburgh heavy waxed cotton game bag, left over from the days when my legs still worked over hills and I shot. It has a waterproof oilskin liner, which comes out as it is held in with pop studs. I tried it for a while with my M's as a camera bag but found for me, it did not really work. It was the wrong shape and everything fell into a heap at the bottom, the two front separate pockets for cartridges (or more usually for me 0.22 for rabbits or .243 for larger vermin), were not really big enough for lenses and again they slipped to the bottom and were difficult to get out. 

 

Wilson

[Guest]

Looks good for a high quality M bag as well: e.g. M + 2 lenses. With that heavy duty leather, does it need extra padding?

 

Indeed in the Leica Store Zürich today we looked at that, M and 3 lenses no problem.

[kikouyou]

I have settled for the Billingham 107. It fits the SL+24-90 mounted and 3 to 4 M lenses with accessories. 

It is very modular with a good handle or shoulder padded loop, It can be carried as a back pack with the Billingham harness or ThinkTank harness that may be more comfortable

 

I have also the Billingham Hadley Small, but it is too small if I want to take some M lenses, It fits the SL with 24-90 so it is still usable and very discrete.

This one is also perfect for taking only M lenses with the SL

 

The Wotancraft Ryker all leather is also very nice, similar in size to the Hadley small, maybe a little bit more roomy.

[Guest]

The Billingham 35 rucksack is a pretty good small rucksack too for the SL or M with lenses.

[LocalHero1953]

I have settled for the Billingham 107. It fits the SL+24-90 mounted and 3 to 4 M lenses with accessories. 

It is very modular with a good handle or shoulder padded loop, It can be carried as a back pack with the Billingham harness or ThinkTank harness that may be more comfortable

 

I have also the Billingham Hadley Small, but it is too small if I want to take some M lenses, It fits the SL with 24-90 so it is still usable and very discrete.

This one is also perfect for taking only M lenses with the SL

 

The Wotancraft Ryker all leather is also very nice, similar in size to the Hadley small, maybe a little bit more roomy.

I wasn't aware of the Billingham harness till you mentioned it. I can't see it on their website, but it is for sale from some retailers - I wonder if it is discontinued. 

How comfortable is it in practice?

Edited August 5, 2016 by LocalHero1953

[kikouyou]

Sorry for my late reply. The billigham harness is very uncomfortable. I would rather recommend the think tank harness to carry any bad which have a handle and 2 attach points on its bottom back.

[wlaidlaw]

I would suggest anyone thinking of ordering an f-Stop bag and paying in full in advance or a deposit, read this first http://resourcemagonline.com/2016/08/an-inside-look-at-f-stop-a-bag-company-falling-apart-at-the-seams/68877/ 

 

Wilson

[LocalHero1953]

That does not sound good: an embittered employee whinge is one thing, but to be followed by the kickstarter failure adds a semblance of truth.

I have the F-stop Loka, and find it a great pack for hiking and travel. I'm relieved my reliance on the company ended with that purchase.

[jrp]

This backpack looks as if it should do the trick: https://www.thinktankphoto.com/collections/urban-approach-backpacks/products/urban-approach-15

 

Most backpacks are too deep, so smaller lenses rattle around.  This looks about the right size and not too heavy.

[ramarren]

re: the think tank backpack page ... 

 

Whew. Looking at that bag full of gear makes me wince. I'm not very good at being a pack mule. 

[wlaidlaw]

re: the think tank backpack page ... 

 

Whew. Looking at that bag full of gear makes me wince. I'm not very good at being a pack mule. 

 

Somehow I have never been able to persuade my wife to carry my photo bag. 

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Hallo,

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[dkCambridgeshire]

If anyone is seeking a 'different' pro quality flight case capable of accommodating an SL plus both zooms and a lot more, a certain Scottish d..d..dealer has a beautiful s/h Linhof case listed in the LF section with adjustable compartments. I already have 3 such Linhof cases and will be adapting one for my SL and lenses for storage purposes and for location work. But it's a bit heavy to use as a case when on the hoof. 

 

dunk