How do you carry your lenses?

[Kent10D]

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I know ... in a bag.

 

But I mean if you don't have individual compartments for each lens, and need to pile a couple of lenses on top each other, how do you protect them? Separately purchased lens pouches? Wrap them in micro-fibre cloths? Old socks?

 

I currently carry my M8 and lenses in a Billingham Hadley, which is plenty big enough for that plus an SLR if the need be, but as my M8 lens collection grows I'm beginning to see a need for individual protection. And M-mount lenses tend to be relatively tiny compared to the compartments/dividers provided in most camera bags.

 

Any ideas from experienced Leica users would be appreciated.

 

Kent.

[cwf]

I for one use some quite old (20+ years) Domke wraps with hook-and-loop in a couple of sizes. They are big enough that there is at least two layers of the slightly padded fabric over all the lens once wrapped. Since there are no zippers, they are fast to open up. Laid out flat they make a clear and relatively clean surface to carry out any associated lens, body, etc. manuvers.

 

I have thought about getting different colors, but so far I seem able to detect lenses well enough by shape and remembering what got put where.

 

This strikes me as a matter of personal preference more than anything else. I'd be glad to see some clever ideas from others in this thread.

[Joe Mondello]

Well in my small Hadley I use the center area for the camera with a lens and often an external finder attached.

 

The side areas take 2 CV lenses each*.

 

I put the first one in lens cap DOWN and rear cap UP and the second one rear cap DOWN and lens cap UP so the rear caps contact each other. Works fine and requires no old socks or little bags to fiddle with.

 

 

* I own 5 CV lenses so as an example: 28/1.9 with 75/2.5 on one side and 40 Nokton with 15/4.5 on the other, 21/4 on the camera with finder in the center compartment.

[farnz]

Kent,

 

Rear lens caps are inexpensive and glueing two back-to-back will prevent the lenses from touching each other. The two lenses are less than the height of most padded dividers so the capacity is effectively doubled without the need to wrap the lenses. Your old socks are safe!

 

As a variation on the theme, 4 roughly equal size lenses could be managed in the same way by attaching 4 rear caps to a light but strong board. (How long till this appears on Blue Peter? Just thinking what I could do with some sticky-backed plastic ... )

 

Pete.

[dfarkas]

Pete,

 

Your idea is pure genius!

 

I might actually try this. Thanks.

 

David

[farnz]

I should have patented the idea! D'oh!!

[c6gowin]

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I use a small Domke bag (F-5X I think) and use cut pieces of a thin pilates mat to provide additional padding on the sides and between lenses.

 

Mark

[Kent10D]

There are some great ideas there!

Glue two end caps back-to-back ... brilliant. The idea of using wraps that open flat and provide a handy work surface as well as lens protection is also a good one. And I guess I'll need to take a look at the small Hadley bag.

 

It's certainly nice to know that I'm not the only person who considers this an issue worth of serious thought. All very inspirational.

 

Thanks,

 

Kent.

[losta]

I keep mine in little op/tech neoprene pouches and then put them in a camera bag or vest (waistcoat) pocket.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/387593-REG/Op_Tech_USA_7801162_Snoot_Boot_Lens_Pouch.html

[chris_tribble]

Domke satchel. My own interior divider (sewn up using heavy duty nylon with closed cell foam padding). Up until now the lenses have been back to back - most frequently used on the top, least on the bottom. I might consider the gluing idea now - what a useful place this forum is!

[Tim Robinson]

Been using the 2 rear lens cap idea for many years but like to take different lenses out for a walk when i'm on holidays so I use heavy duty HOOK & LOOP glued to the caps so I can stick together any combination instantly or pull them apart and pop 1 lens in my jacket pocket etc. Works well.

Tim

[ericperlberg]

I use rock climber's chalk bags. Many are lined, come in different colours for ID'ing lenses and close with a draw string. And they're inexpensive. Available in most outdoor style shops or online.

 

That being said, I rarely go out with more than the lens on the camera these days. I like the one lens discipline.

[Eoin]

Normally carried in the Billingham in the car boot, get to the destination and choose 2 focal lengths, 1 on camera and the other in my jacket pocket, if it's a warm day and no jacket the missus ends up carrying it in her handbag. ..... well those expensive handbags must be put to some good use I suppose!.

[pete_g]

I find large Selvyt cloths useful for wrapping bodies and lenses in. I haven't managed to get my hands on a new M lens yet but had assumed that they would be supplied in the zippered leather cases the older lenses came in. Obviously not.

[stunsworth]

I just put them one on top of the other in the bag - usually lens cap end up. Nothing other than that. One or two of the lenses have minor paint wear, but nothing to worry about. I'd rather have fast access to the lenses when I'm shooting. If you have Voigtlander lenses you'll notice that the screen printed text on the lens cap wears off after time, again nothing to worry about.

 

Oh, and when I mount a lens the lens cap goes in my right hand trouser pocket.

[spydrxx]

I have used the rear lenscaps glued together for years, and then place the lenses in a small felt drawstring bag I sewed together to fit the combination. This either goes in a small waist pouch when I'm out walking, or in a small discrete carpenter's bag in the car.

[johnwolf]

I like cargo pants with two big pockets and a lens in each. In the bag I use Leica lenses cases. They stack nicely in a satchel bag.

 

John

[Bill W]

I have used squares of 1" thick foam rubber to stack lenses on top of one another for years. I have traveled with them extensively and never a problem. I don't remember where I got the foam but it is gray and a little denser than what you see normally. I will put a square in the bottom of each slot as well unless it makes the total height too much. I always have access to any lens and I would be frustrated with a bag for each lens.

[carstenw]

Novoflex has a neat product which I have not tried yet, but mean to:

 

Novoflex

 

It is a kinda soft blue wrap with a little velcro, which can be wrapped around a lens. Should be ideal for small bags with little room.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[earleygallery]

small bubble wrap bags are very useful