Yet Another Bag Thread - SL2 with Grip

[Guest]

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Hi,

I am after a stylish yet functional shoulder bag that is just big enough to house my SL2+ grip+24-90.  Basically I want the combo to sit snug in the bag so that I minimise the bulk that I have to carry.

I have tested billingham, Ona and some other bags but none have a bag small enough for this combo.  They are either too large or too small.  I do fancy one of the Oberwerth bags but unless you go for one of their biggest bags you are out of option.  Has anyone here got a recommendation for me?

Thanks

Edited December 3, 2019 by Guest

[ron777]

If you're searching for a messenger styled bag (shoulder strap with top handle),width—due to the added depth afforded by the grip—is going to represent the rate limiting factor. I know this because I had been engaged in a similar quest.  My solution, and the only messenger styled bag that I could find that was wide enough for that combination, which is similar in dimensions to the original SL+Grip, is the Ona Astoria (currently on sale).  Even the largest Oberwerth, the Porto, will be a tight fit. I have two Oberwerth Munchens and they are too narrow as well.  But remove the grip and the options increase significantly ... even the Oberwerth Munchen will fit like a glove.  In fact, I am using a Munchen for an S1r that will allow the carry of 24-90 or Lumix 90-200 attached with room to spare.  

One of the Billiingham Hadley's should work as well, but they are wider and, IMO, a nuisance to open and close rapidly in the field, I own two of them—different sizes— and they sit on a shelf, unused.

Sorry for the lengthy post, but the search for the perfect bag is a lifelong quest and one that may never be fulfilled. 

[Jeff S]

On 12/3/2019 at 12:16 PM, maziatr said:

Hi,

I am after a stylish yet functional shoulder bag that is just big enough to house my SL2+ grip+24-90.  Basically I want the combo to sit snug in the bag so that I minimise the bulk that I have to carry.

I have tested billingham, Ona and some other bags but none have a bag small enough for this combo.  They are either too large or too small.  I do fancy one of the Oberwerth bags but unless you go for one of their biggest bags you are out of option.  Has anyone here got a recommendation for me?

Thanks

FYI, if you haven''t yet made a purchase, Leica Bellevue Store (Washington state, US) is currently running a sale on their Oberwerth floor display bags.  There's a Porto left for 30% off, $664 instead of $949...and several other models.  But I don't know about international shipping and fees.

Jeff

[ron777]

I'd sworn off posting for the time being, but I'd come across your query, and since I had just completed an extensive search for a bag to accommodate a similarly sized camera and lenses, I have the following observation/recommendation:

I own two Oberwerth Munchens that I'd purchased for an SL and Panasonic G9, and more recently used for an S1r.  The camera with lens just fits, but very little, if anything else.  The Porto is a tad wider and might be a better choice, but it too cannot hold much more than the camera lens combo, especially if you have a long lens attached.

After many purchases and returns, I'd come across the Capagnon Little Weekender.  It accommodates the S1r, and by extension the SL2, with lens attached and leaves room for one to two more lenses.  There is storage for the usual accessories along with a laptop, if you so desire.  It is a top loading, shoulder carry bag that has a top handle —Billingham style— and a top lid that closes either via zipper or magnets.  It's all leather and is lighter than the available waxed canvas or ballistic nylon bags that I've tried.  I've purchase two of these bags, one fo the S1r and one for a GFX100.  And since it takes the GFX100 without issue, it will also accommodate the S1r with its battery grip, so I assume that the SL2 and grip would fit as well. The best part is that it is made in Germany and sells for a little less than half of the all leather Oberwerth Munchen and or Porto.  Not sure where you're located, but the only reseller that I could find in the USA is B&H.

Good luck with your quest.

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Edited December 31, 2019 by ron777
syntax

[Jeff S]

1 hour ago, ron777 said:

The Porto is a tad wider and might be a better choice, but it too cannot hold much more than the camera lens combo, especially if you have a long lens attached

The Porto fits the 90-280 vertically on one side, the SL2 with an SL Summicron or SL 24-90 attached in the middle facing down, and the other lens in the opposite corner.  Not a problem.  The Billingham Hadley One, on the other hand, does not accommodate these, despite its similar overall size, due to its much more restrictive interior and insert.

I recently ordered a Compagnon Messenger (generation 2) bag, but was very disappointed with the fit and finish (exacerbated by the total absence of packing during shipment...from Amazon in a plastic bag, bent out of shape), including clasps on the front that provided no flexibility for raising or lowering  the front flat to accommodate differing interior contents.  I immediately returned it for a full refund.  It was significantly discounted, so maybe it wasn’t genuine or up to normal standard, as reviews were positive.

Jeff

[ron777]

I would have to agree that the packaging from Compagnon leaves much to be desired.  My guess is that they bulk ship/pack to save money, as B&H had shipped both of my Little Weekenders as you've described (plastic bags) and, in fact, one arrived damaged but it had been promptly replaced. However, the Little Weekender appears to be an entirely different animal than the Messenger bag.  It has considerable structure and is a top load affair that has none of the flap closure issues that you've described. In fact, I've found the Oberwerth to be problematic in that regard, since the clasp closures are not length adjustable, and the bag cannot be expanded.  

But, as for the porto, I am not accustomed to carrying my cameras lens down, so I guess that my preferred method of carry is less space accommodating than what you've described. But, that aside, while I do not own the 90-280, I can fit the S1r with Lumix 70-200 attached, the SL 24-90 inserted vertically and one other lens inside the Little Weekender, and that's more than I would normally carry for a day out shooting.  Furthermore, it can easily accommodate the S1r with its battery grip attached. I'm not sure whether or not the Porto can handle those dimensions, but I'm 100% certain that the Munchen cannot.

Edited December 31, 2019 by ron777

[FlashGordonPhotography]

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I don't have a grip for my SL2. I did on my SL and didn't like it. So I am guessing.

How about the tapered shape of the Peak Design shoulder bags or the bigger of the sling bags? I can put my SL2/S1R in the big sling with lens attached and room around the body to spare. I think it would fit with the grip. The SL does with the smaller RRS grip.

Gordon

Edited December 31, 2019 by FlashGordonPhotography

[Jeff S]

2 hours ago, ron777 said:

I would have to agree that the packaging from Compagnon leaves much to be desired.  My guess is that they bulk ship/pack to save money, as B&H had shipped both of my Little Weekenders as you've described (plastic bags) and, in fact, one arrived damaged but it had been promptly replaced. However, the Little Weekender appears to be an entirely different animal than the Messenger bag.  It has considerable structure and is a top load affair that has none of the flap closure issues that you've described. In fact, I've found the Oberwerth to be problematic in that regard, since the clasp closures are not length adjustable, and the bag cannot be expanded.  

But, as for the porto, I am not accustomed to carrying my cameras lens down, so I guess that my preferred method of carry is less space accommodating than what you've described. But, that aside, while I do not own the 90-280, I can fit the S1r with Lumix 70-200 attached, the SL 24-90 inserted vertically and one other lens inside the Little Weekender, and that's more than I would normally carry for a day out shooting.  Furthermore, it can easily accommodate the S1r with its battery grip attached. I'm not sure whether or not the Porto can handle those dimensions, but I'm 100% certain that the Munchen cannot.

The Porto was specifically designed to accommodate the SL with the two long zooms and a third lens, along with various other accessories.  It is described as such on the Oberwerth site with a diagram of these items (although not placed inside).  The front closure works well with these items.,The Munchen was known to be too small, hence the Porto. Some dealers (e.g., Leica Miami) borrow this description for their ads. I can’t speak to a grip... never owned one for any camera.  I also rarely work out of a bag; more used for transport, or else partially packed with needed items in cold or snow.

Jeff

 

Edited December 31, 2019 by Jeff S

[ron777]

Yes, I had forgotten about the diagram on the Oberwerth site, and there is no question about the quality of their leather, but I do work out of a bag, and for almost half the cost the Compagnon does the job well, actually more efficiently than the Oberwerth does for my needs. As stated, I own two Oberwerth Munchens that are beautifully constructed but no longer suit my needs.

For me, these are days bags, and are not  designated for carrying a bunch of lenses and other seldom used paraphernalia. My usual max for any given day trip is 2 lenses, one on camera and the other one in bag..

 

Edited January 1, 2020 by ron777

[Jeff S]

I got the Porto for about $300 off... still high priced, but helped me justify the expense.  I wouldn’t have needed another bag at all except for the newly acquired, and huge (for me) 90-280. My other bags are mostly decades old and have served well. By spending more for quality up front, never had a need to replace.  I also have a couple of backpacks, different sizes, for trails or transport.  

Enough about bags....anxious to have some worthwhile 2020 pics and prints.

Jeff

 

Jeff

[ron777]

Agreed. Happy New Year 

[Jeff S]

On 12/3/2019 at 12:16 PM, Guest said:

I am after a stylish yet functional shoulder bag that is just big enough to house my SL2+ grip+24-90.  Basically I want the combo to sit snug in the bag so that I minimise the bulk that I have to carry.

 

Evidently the ideal bag for you...

Jeff