Bag Suggestion - M10/50LUX/VISIO + M246/ZM35 1.4/VISIO

[nameBrandon]

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Hey all, I've been doing some searching on internal dimensions and a bunch of paper research, but figured I'd lean on the collective hands-on experience of you all.

I'm looking for an every-day carry kind of bag that will fit the following.

• M10 + Visio (mounted) + 50 Summilux ASPH mounted
• M246 + Visio (mounted)  + Distagon 35 1.4 ZM mounted

Ideally I'd like to have the cameras back to back (LCD to LCD), baseplates flat on the bottom of the bag, with some padding in between. I know taking the Visios off is an option, I would rather not do that. If I could superglue them on I would.

I have the Billingham Hadley Small Pro which *almost* worked, but the main problem I'm running into with the Hadley line is that the depth just doesn't work out well. I could fit the M10 / M246 bodies in sideways (bottom faceplate facing the front of the bag, lenses pointing at each other), but when you add in the Visioflex the depth of the bag (any of the Hadley series, actually) won't allow for the cameras to go in sideways.

I have a Domke F-2 and it would work great, but it's actually too big (long) by about 4-5 inches (it has some very big pockets on the outside), and I've never been a big fan of how "floppy" Domke bags can be.

So far I've identified the following options which I *think* may work, but I'm looking for some suggestions / feedback on these or any other ideas I may have missed. Also, on the Billingham options below, if anyone has one or has used one, I would love to just verify that the depth of the bag can handle an M10 or M240/246 body with baseplate down (so that the sensor is pointing towards the sides of the bag (and not the front / back)). It seems like each bag should be OK @ ~5.9" but want to make sure.

• Billingham 207 - Interior Dimensions    13 x 5.9 x 8.6" / 33 x 15 x 22 cm
• Billingham 225 - Interior Dimensions    12.01 x 5.91 x 7.48" / 30.5 x 15 x 19 cm
• Think Tank Photo Retrospective 10 V2.0 Shoulder Bag - Interior Dimension 12 x 9.5 x 6.7" / 30.48 x 24.13 x 17.02 cm

Thanks!!

 

 

Edited February 16, 2020 by nameBrandon

[dkmoore]

Well, my suggestion will not help you for storing the cameras back to back. That bag, if it exists, would be to wide in the wrong direction for me.

A solution that I have found that works excellent and is reasonably affordable is I purchased a Filson original briefcase and purchased the Billingham insert and I can easily store two M bodies laying on their butts with tons of accessories (and my 15" MacBook). If I want to bring my 3 M cameras I can still fit them standing on their sides. 

I like the messenger style because I can have it slung across my shoulder and have easy access to everything. Full disclosure I have a bunch of bags. But, I end up using this combination the most when traveling. 

Just providing an option in case that happens to be what you are looking for.

Edited February 16, 2020 by dkmoore

[Jeff S]

Agreed. Storing the cameras like that would require a far deeper bag than I'd want to carry for a small M outfit.  And harder to grab a camera to take out. There are loads of bags that easily handle 2 bodies if stored differently.  And dozens of threads on the topic.

Jeff

Edited February 16, 2020 by Jeff S

[nameBrandon]

20 minutes ago, dkmoore said:

Well, my suggestion will not help you for storing the cameras back to back. That bag, if it exists, would be to wide in the wrong direction for me.

A solution that I have found that works excellent and is reasonably affordable is I purchased a Filson original briefcase and purchased the Billingham insert and I can easily store two M bodies laying on their butts with tons of accessories (and my 15" MacBook). If I want to bring my 3 M cameras I can still fit them standing on their sides. 

I like the messenger style because I can have it slung across my shoulder and have easy access to everything. Full disclosure I have a bunch of bags. But, I end up using this combination the most when traveling. 

Just providing an option in case that happens to be what you are looking for.

Thanks, I'll check into that. "Laying on their butts" = LCD (or back of camera) down on the bottom of the bag, with hotshoe facing either the front or back of the bag? The issue with that is the Visioflex. When you add the Visioflex mounted on the M body hotshoe you're adding ~2 inches, bringing it to roughly 5 inches. The length of the M10 is 5.5" so you're really at the same depth as the way I want to store the cameras (back to back). In fact, I'd be fine with your approach but we're back to essentially solving the problem as I described it, a bag that is roughly 5.5" deep.

Edited February 16, 2020 by nameBrandon

[dkmoore]

27 minutes ago, nameBrandon said:

Thanks, I'll check into that. "Laying on their butts" = 

base plate

Visoflex fits perfectly if needed. I'll take a picture for you in the AM to show what I am talking about. I wouldn't want a super thick bag.

Edited February 16, 2020 by dkmoore

[nameBrandon]

Just now, dkmoore said:

base plate

Visoflex fits perfectly if needed.

No lens mounted? I guess that dimension is slightly less of an issue, the Distagon 35 1.4 is pretty long, ~2.5" without a hood. The M246 I have it mounted on usually would bring that to 4.3".. so now I would need a case that has about 12" internal width so that two bodies could sit side by side.

This is the bag you're talking about? https://www.filson.com/rugged-twill-original-briefcase.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAyp7yBRCwARIsABfQsnRCBcdiHTXe8nLssp47nxThYKlW-iAT1xsmh28vVEiBhpEV3yhQpOsaArJaEALw_wcB#sku=11070256-fco-010077101

and which Billingham insert?

[Jeff S]

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There are other bags that are very deep, but designed for much bigger outfits.  This Oberwerth, for instance was designed for an entire SL outfit, including a prime and both big zooms, one being the 10 inch 90-280.  Expensive, but I've seen discounted...

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1298720-REG/oberwerth_pt_cs_ld_2002_porto_photo_bag_cordura.html/specs

The Ms would fit as you describe, but would otherwise swim in the remaining interior volume.

 I would just remove the Viso until I got to my location and have a much wider choice of smaller, narrower bags, of which there are many.  

Jeff

[otto.f]

If you want a Billingham, which is a decision in itself, you do not need a big 207 or 225 for these two camera’s. I use the Hadley Small for two camera's and up to even 4 lenses, two on the bodies and two in the middle. If I take my 90cron or 75lux it would be three. My iPad fits in it too, if I would need to bring that (only in flights). I have it in black canvas/tan leather but nowadays I might take the green olive, beautiful (but a bit too british perhaps).

[poli]

The wotancraft ryker (small or medium) might also work for you. 

[nameBrandon]

19 hours ago, otto.f said:

If you want a Billingham, which is a decision in itself, you do not need a big 207 or 225 for these two camera’s. I use the Hadley Small for two camera's and up to even 4 lenses, two on the bodies and two in the middle. If I take my 90cron or 75lux it would be three. My iPad fits in it too, if I would need to bring that (only in flights). I have it in black canvas/tan leather but nowadays I might take the green olive, beautiful (but a bit too british perhaps).

Thanks! I have the Hadley Small Pro and had the Hadley Pro, it doesn't work how I want it to, the entire Hadley line has the same depth which is the issue. In fact the only way it does worth with the Visioflex is either diagonally taking up the majority of room in the bag, or lengthwise (baseplate down, lens pointing to front of bag) and then the depth with 35 Distagon 1.4 mounted becomes an issue @~ 4.5" / 115mm). 

18 hours ago, poli said:

The wotancraft ryker (small or medium) might also work for you. 

I love the Ryker and looked at getting the large, but it still won't work, sadly. That damn Visio just ruins all the good bags.  Looks amazing though.

 

Edited February 17, 2020 by nameBrandon

[Jeff S]

This should be deep enough for you. And you can stow your lunch.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/search?N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Ntt=Tarmac stratus 21

Jeff

[otto.f]

5 hours ago, nameBrandon said:

That damn Visio

Personally I’d prefer stowing the Visoflex separately above a too big bag. A big bag is much more conspicuous and ado than putting on my Visoflex in cases I really need it. A 50 and a 35 do well with the rangefinder. But that’s personal, as the whole bag choice is of course.

[budjames]

You Can't go wrong with Billingham bags. I own several of them, including the Billingham Thomas soft-sided briefcase.

For my M10 kit, I use my Billingham Hadley Pro 2020. This should provide ample room for your 2 body kit.

Regards,
Bud James

Please check out my fine art and travel photography at www.budjames.photography or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/budjamesphoto.

 

[Mute-on]

207

http://findingrange.com/2020/02/04/billingham-207-camera-bag-review/

225

http://joerivanderkloet.com/billingham-225-review/

I have many Billinghams, but neither of these.  I think I have a 335 somewhere. 

Both bags will take your Leicas baseplate down with the lenses attached, and running lengthways.

The 207 is a little more compact, and doesn’t have the zipped outer pocket that the 225 has.  It is also a little more premium in construction, with leather grab handles. If you don’t need the extra outer pocket volume of the 225, that makes the bag both wider, and more balanced away from your body, the 207 is the better choice.

For a daily carry, I’d put my money in a 207. For storing gear, the 225. 

I prefer the look of the 207 ...

J

Edited February 17, 2020 by Mute-on

[nameBrandon]

2 hours ago, Mute-on said:

207

http://findingrange.com/2020/02/04/billingham-207-camera-bag-review/

225

http://joerivanderkloet.com/billingham-225-review/

I have many Billinghams, but neither of these.  I think I have a 335 somewhere. 

Both bags will take your Leicas baseplate down with the lenses attached, and running lengthways.

The 207 is a little more compact, and doesn’t have the zipped outer pocket that the 225 has.  It is also a little more premium in construction, with leather grab handles. If you don’t need the extra outer pocket volume of the 225, that makes the bag both wider, and more balanced away from your body, the 207 is the better choice.

For a daily carry, I’d put my money in a 207. For storing gear, the 225. 

I prefer the look of the 207 ...

J

Thank you! Very helpful! I even looked at the 107.. I think I like the idea of the "doctor's bag" opening on the series 7 bags. I think the 207 is probably the one.

[nameBrandon]

4 hours ago, otto.f said:

Personally I’d prefer stowing the Visoflex separately above a too big bag. A big bag is much more conspicuous and ado than putting on my Visoflex in cases I really need it. A 50 and a 35 do well with the rangefinder. But that’s personal, as the whole bag choice is of course.

I think you're in the majority with your opinion for sure.

There seems to be a very large majority who have used the focusing patch for years and that when Leica introduced a display with Liveview and an EVF, they see it as a secondary option for visualizing the frame. There is a small contingent, including myself, for whom Liveview and EVF's are the norm and the optical focusing patch of the RF is a secondary option. Unfortunately due to the size and weight of the SL system, many of us prefer the M system.

Without a locking mechanism and the rather flimsy quality of the EVF2 / Typ 020, constantly adding and removing the Visioflex is a recipe for accelerated wear-out or accidental knock-offs and a lost EVF. Leica seems to be catching on to this with the rumors (even at this forum) of an EVF-driven M-series body (which I imagine is blasphemy to many), but we'll see. For now, for those of us who prefer EVF, we get the clunky Visioflex and the annoyances it entails (such as a deeper bag than should be necessary, either to accommodate the extra EVF dimensions or to accommodate a lens sticking "into" the side of the bag dimension).

 

 

 

Edited February 17, 2020 by nameBrandon

[nameBrandon]

Just wanted to circle back on this for those searching for the same in the future. I found a bag that works well and isn't too huge. Can fit two M-bodies width wide (sides at front and back of bag, baseplate down) and is tall enough for the Visio flex. It's the Think Tank Signature 10.

 

https://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/signature-10

Internal Dimensions: 
11.8” W x 7.8” H x 5.1” D (30 x 20 x 13 cm) 
Exterior Dimensions: 
13” W x 9.1” H x 5.9” D (33 x 23 x 15 cm) 
10" Tablet Pocket: 
11.4” W x 7.8” H x 0.8” D (29 x 20 x 2 cm) 
Weight: 
2.8 lbs. (1.3 kg)

 

[otto.f]

1.3 kg 😲 That’s two M’s

[nameBrandon]

18 minutes ago, otto.f said:

1.3 kg 😲 That’s two M’s

True, it's about 0.2kg heavier than a Hadley Pro that a lot of people like to use. It does have a nice shoulder pad though!!

I've got the following packed in there and it's not too bad to carry around.

• M246 with mounted Summaron 35mm 3.5 LTM (and M adapter)
• M10 with mounted Summilux 50 1.4 ASPH + Visioflex (020)
• 35 Distagon 1.4 ZM
• 75 Summarit 2.4
• extra batteries / body caps / lens caps

That being said, I am going to pick up an Ona Bowery for days I just want to keep it simple with just a body and one lens mounted.

Edited February 26, 2020 by nameBrandon

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[rramesh]

Try the Billingham S3 or S4. See the photos of camera layouts at billingham.co.uk and decide what will work for you.