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Not just another camera bag thread


bill

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Well, I never thought I would start a "what bag should I buy?" thread.

 

But here I am...

 

With a twist.

 

I'm about to get a new lap-top. A Dell Latitude D420, to be precise. It measures 294 x 210 x 25mm (WxDxH). I shall have to carry it every day, along with it's charger. What I would like to do is get a new briefcase just big enough for the laptop and charger, sundry other papers (A4, 30 sheets maximum) and the odd usb cable, phone charger etc.

 

Here's the thing. I also want the case to be big enough to carry my M7 with 50mm Elmar-M and a couple of spare lenses, joined by a back to back coupler and a couple of rolls of film. That's the most I would want to carry from a photo point of view. If it's big enough for that, then I can carry my IIIc and a couple of lenses, or just a single body/lens combo.

 

The thing must be smart, leather, with a handle and a shoulder strap, and secure fastenings. I absolutely don't want a single compartment attache case or a funky messenger bag. I don't want something huge, either. It must be compact - otherwise I end up stuffing the thing, and carrying too much. I have other bags and briefcases for when I want to carry less, or more.

 

Please don't suggest a Tamrac, LowePro, Domke, Safrotto, Billingham, etc. I specifically don't want a camera bag that I can use to carry a laptop, I want a briefcase that I can use to carry a camera. Forget Tumi, too - too fussy and high-tech. Think something that looks good with a suit, not something that makes me look like a computer geek or road-warrior.

 

Suggestions?

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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Hi Peter, no, not fussy at all...:D

 

You've homed right in on the concept, though. I suppose I'm looking for a gentleman's photographic briefcase... I've looked at the Foggs - almost there, but if only they were made in black or dark tan leather, and with slightly more space for a laptop!

 

I'm not ruling out bespoke, but I'd rather not spend a fortune if I can avoid it.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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You can order the inserts for some bags from photo shops -- like Domke inserts, which are commonly used in lots of other kinds of bags. If I were you, I'd pick out an appropriate briefcase, and then customize the interior with the inserts. Worked for me for quite a while. You may have to buy some sticky-backed Velcro for the inside of the case, if you want the inserts fully anchored. You can get those at sewing supply stores. And frankly, I haven't seen any camera bags that really look like business briefcases -- they've always got to add buckles or extra pockets, etc., or some "hip" looking thing that ruins the QC vibe.

 

Also:

 

PRAT - Aquilon - RM10501

 

JC

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Think something that looks good with a suit,

 

 

Sounds like something like this

 

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An architect friend of mine has been using one like this for the last thirty years - like a Leica they look better with age. He takes it on building sites regularly, I had no idea they were so dear. If he knew, he probably wouldn't take it on site again :)

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This is very much a matter of personal taste.

 

With that caveat, here is a suggestion that may have the glimmer of an idea:

 

Glaser Designs in San Francisco makes some terrific cases, imho, that might adapt to photo equipment, espec. if you use photo specific inserts from Billingham, etc. along with Glaser's own stuff or on its own.

 

One thing quite sure is that Myron Glaser will be willing to talk about it.

 

Prices are not low absolutely by any means, but, imho (ymmv), there is considerable value for the quality.

 

If you do pull this off, with a Glaser or someone else's bag, please let us know how you did it. I have a largish Glaser "litigation" bag and have looked at some others, but have not gotten to the point of pulling the trigger on something (because I haven't had to, yet).

 

Here is the url for Glaser Design: http://www.glaserdesign.com/

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I seem to recall that several of the Crumpler bags have an insert for a laptop plus a layout for cameras. Just Google and do the research..... although larger Jacobs shops seem to have a lot on display, if there is one near you.

 

LouisB

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  • 2 weeks later...

Success!

 

Amica Impulse Leather Business Case

 

This case is big enough to take my laptop, some papers and the Hadley insert. It is smart enough for "City" use, and functional enough to act as an impromptu camera bag.

 

Perfect.

 

I found it locally, in an independent department store called Elphicks, in Farnham, Surrey.

 

And the best bit?

 

£75...

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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Have you considered a "vintage leather Eddie Bauer" brief case.

 

I carry a $5K laptop (sometimes two of these) and didn't want a obvious LAPTOP bag. So I opted for a vintage Eddie Bauer leather brief case with shoulder strap

 

Like one of these:

 

 

.

 

You can find similar ones on ebay:

Vintage Leather Briefcase, Men's Accessories, Women's Accessories, Handbags items on eBay.com

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