Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

36 minutes ago, 250swb said:

I have the Wotancraft Pilot 7L and would rate it average at best, but potentially 'the best' if they could sort out the internal and external pockets. I get the impression whoever designed it may have listened to photographers but maybe isn't a photographer themselves. I put a roll of film in one of the internal mesh pockets and with the camera and lenses in the bag the already tight elastic on the pocket became so tight and the film so far down I couldn't reach it. I had to take everything out the bag to get the film back. The main flap isn't big enough, the end pockets aren't big enough for a light rain jacket and so tight they crush a bottle of water. And the 'secret pocket' is begging for somebody not to zip it up because it's 'out of sight out of mind' and they'll loose everything in it. And all these things spoil what should in essence be a very versatile bag. 

Exactly my thoughts.

The front pocket should be expandable, otherwise access to it is difficult and use is limited. A secret pocket is not needed at all, it only eats up the useful space of the front pocket.

Edited by Smogg
  • Like 2
Link to post
Share on other sites

x
29 minutes ago, Smogg said:

It's surprising that no one makes a slimline version of the Billingham Hadley Small insert. The standard insert eats up too much useful space.

I am curious, do you have lens on your camera when you put it in the Hadley small? front to rear it wouldn't really work if it was narrower! 

For the life of me I can't picture how you  use this the case? I put my M11 with a lens on it (50 or less facing forwards and two more lenses, one each side. Visoflex 2 under one of the lenses. flash and magnifier and shades in from pockets with spare battery and an iPad mini between the inset and rear of the case? 

I find myself using the Hadley digital a lot lately with similar equipment (one lens less if I take a 90mm with me and no iPad ) squeezed in it. 

Link to post
Share on other sites

On 4/16/2023 at 10:32 PM, mark1958a said:

The Dome F6 is a great shoulder bag for the  M11. I am able to fit M11 with lens attached, Leica Q2 and at least  3 additional lenses, EVF viewfinder and small flash. 

The front pocket is for my extra batteries and other accessories. Not super padded but I pack this inside my carry on and still able to bring a laptop bag. 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

I discarded my Domke as I don't see my M11 against canvas unpadded as protected!

Link to post
Share on other sites

58 minutes ago, Smogg said:

Exactly my thoughts.

The front pocket should be expandable, otherwise access to it is difficult and use is limited. A secret pocket is not needed at all, it only eats up the useful space of the front pocket.

Yes, with you here. I feel though that with a few changes, like the front pocket being expandable enough so you can get your hands inside for stuff that invariably is stuck at the bottom of the pocket, and yes the internal "secret pockets are a bit silly and that space could be better used, but all said I think it's a very good choice of bag so for me  for a M kit it's the Domke F8 / F6, Wotancraft 7L and the always underated Crumpler Proper Roady all juggling for podium for various reasons.

Edited by Smudgerer
  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Jeff S said:

The Fogg bags’ linen interiors provide a nice blend of softness, yet sturdiness, with no abrasiveness to gear (including black paint Ms), and no signs of deterioration after 25+ years of use from my earliest samples.  The more recent Fogg bags use a slightly different linen material, but I suspect that they would have similar longevity.  Pricey, but high quality.  The Billingham interiors are softer; haven’t used them long enough to determine long-term durability.

Jeff

I have long wanted to get a Fogg bag but it seems they’re all out of stock and I don’t know if the company is even still in business?

Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

36 minutes ago, kiwidad said:

I am curious, do you have lens on your camera when you put it in the Hadley small? front to rear it wouldn't really work if it was narrower! 

For the life of me I can't picture how you  use this the case? I put my M11 with a lens on it (50 or less facing forwards and two more lenses, one each side. Visoflex 2 under one of the lenses. flash and magnifier and shades in from pockets with spare battery and an iPad mini between the inset and rear of the case? 

I find myself using the Hadley digital a lot lately with similar equipment (one lens less if I take a 90mm with me and no iPad ) squeezed in it. 

The Hadley Small has no problem with the M11's capacity. I carry 2 cameras with a 35 and 50 on them facing forward and still have room. But if the insert was thinner, the bag would be more versatile for other cameras as well.

Link to post
Share on other sites

10 minutes ago, TheEyesHaveIt said:

I have long wanted to get a Fogg bag but it seems they’re all out of stock and I don’t know if the company is even still in business?

Nigel is apparently gathering resources to continue on after bee’s unfortunate passing. On the East coast, Bergen County Camera and Leica SoHo were among the limited US suppliers, but the latter has recently closed up shop.  You might contact Bergen to check their situation. Tamarkin may also still have access.
 

Jeff

  • Like 2
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Tried out some bags recently....from left to right: Wotancraft 2L Pilot, Oberwerth Hydro Q3 Bag, Oberwerth ReLon M, Billingham / Leica M Combination Bag, Oberwerth Hydro M Bag, Peak Design Sling 5L, Billingham Small Hadley Pro.

I was looking for (yet another) bag that was more for day-to-day city use and didn't have such a rugged / industrial design to it from an aesthetics standpoint. Intention was to carry an M11 or M-P, along with 2-3 lenses (including 1 or 2 of Summilux size from time to time). More thoughts below.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Wotancraft Pilot 2L [Own it] - First Wotancraft and been very impressed. Took this one to London recently and it is a great day-bag that fit in my backpack on the flight over. Very comfortable shoulder strap, really nice locking mechanism, excellent accessory module system. The only drawbacks I found were 1) it is small, so a Summilux means you don't have much room for anything else and 2) the inner lining is very rough and can chew up your fingers.

Oberwerth Hydro Q Bag [Bought it] - Never have owned an Oberwerth, but their Hydro line intrigued me. I don't like boxy bags and this one is just small enough that it feels ok. Amazing color on this one and texture of the leather. The Loxx closing system is both convenient and inconvenient in that it is easy to open, but fiddly to close quickly. I can fit the M11 + 35 Summilux + 1 or 2 other lenses in the bag if configured correctly (for example, by using the Peak Design shelf insert - see below). This one fit the bill for me in terms of more sophisticated than the Wotancraft while also allowing me to carry an extra lens over that one. I'm not fully convinced of how it'll fare in a rain shower, but seems small enough with internal flaps to cover everything properly. The only drawback is the height is just a tad shorter than I think it should be to comfortably allow for an M body sitting vertically, but it works. Also, the front pocket is limited in terms of what it'll hold - a lens cloth, a filter, that's it.

Oberwerth ReLon M [Returned it - but for another color] - Newest Oberwerth line on the market, some conflicting opinions I've seen. This is where nothing beats trying it out yourself. I really liked this bag. The locking enclosure was my favorite of any bag (outside of the Wotancraft) - very easy to open with one hand and importantly, it auto-latches itself to close. The lid design takes inspiration from Billingham so feels much more weather-resistant than other Oberwerth bags. Not too boxy, but can fit a fair amount (two M bodies with lenses, an M11 + 3 lenses + accessories). Very nice front pocket that can hold a surprising amount (including my RRS pocket tripod + BC-18 ballhead). Smaller than Oberwerth's other "M" bags, but a perfect size IMO. The maximum dimensions I'd want in a shoulder bag. Shoulder strap doesn't have a built in shoulder pad like the Q bag, but felt very comfortable nonetheless when the bag was loaded up. The blue is a hideous color IMO (compared to the amazing blue they used for the Q bag), so I'm going to grab another color.

Billingham Leica M Combination Bag [Returned it] - Too big and boxy for my taste and purposes. Would work fine if you're a bigger person. High quality as per usual with Billingham. The front zippered pocket should've had some compartmentalization though.

Oberwerth Hydro M Bag [Returned it] - Far too big and boxy (and heavy) for my taste and purposes. This, unlike the Q bag, feels like it would let in a fair amount of water from the sides, especially into the front pockets. Felt like there was too much gap around the bag.

Peak Design 5L Sling [Own it] - I still use this from time to time, but I bought it when I was shooting my Sony system, so it is more space than needed for my Leica kit. And due to that, stuff bounces around too much for my liking. The bag is well made, with my favorite insert designs, and though a larger bag, because of the sling design, really hugs the body / back well, so feels smaller than it is when carrying. Bit of a tech bro aesthetic though.

Billingham Hadley Small Pro [Own it] - I bought this thanks to the internet and though I never take it out of the house (the tag is still on it), I doubt I'll ever sell it either. It's just a really well made, handsome bag. Love the colorway on this one. Larger than I want in a shoulder bag (would rather use a backpack), but still probably the most beautiful bag I've ever owned.

Anyway, hope that helps somebody out there!

  • Like 9
Link to post
Share on other sites

I have the Billingham Hadley Small Pro and love it to pieces. I can fit two M11 with 35 & 50 Summilux attached, and SEM 21 and APO-Summicron 75 in addition on the inside. In the pockets, I have small batteries, cards, Visiflex 2, handgrip, and other assorted pieces. I have been using the all black version the past 2 years that I recently got the sage green and black.

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

  • Like 5
Link to post
Share on other sites

51 minutes ago, bcaslis said:

I have the Billingham Hadley Small Pro and love it to pieces. I can fit two M11 with 35 & 50 Summilux attached, and SEM 21 and APO-Summicron 75 in addition on the inside. In the pockets, I have small batteries, cards, Visiflex 2, handgrip, and other assorted pieces. I have been using the all black version the past 2 years that I recently got the sage green and black.

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

I always have a soft spot with billingham, got the 225 sage and 307 in khaki but sage keeps growing in me 

Link to post
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, bcaslis said:

I have the Billingham Hadley Small Pro and love it to pieces. I can fit two M11 with 35 & 50 Summilux attached, and SEM 21 and APO-Summicron 75 in addition on the inside. In the pockets, I have small batteries, cards, Visiflex 2, handgrip, and other assorted pieces. I have been using the all black version the past 2 years that I recently got the sage green and black.

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Could you possibly post a photo of the interior with the items you listed? My navy/chocolate Small Pro just arrived. 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Here is a quick phone snap of my black one. The M11M with 50mm on the left, the M11 with 35mm on the right, the APO Summicron 75mm in the middle and the SEM 21mm is in the middle under a divider below the 75mm.

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Received the Oberwerth ReLon M bag in the green color. I feel the images on their site might be a little suboptimal in showing off the true color of the bag. In person, this is the perfect green for me - sort of a forest / military green that's not too dark and certainly not too light or bright. The piping in their product images looked almost lime green, but is nothing like that in person. The bag is a perfect size IMO - easily fits an M11 with 2-3 lenses plus some accessories without being too big and bulky, and can hold just the camera and an extra lens without leaving too much room for things to bounce around. Also could fit two cameras with smaller lenses attached. The photo below shows the M11 with the 35 summlux plus the SR plus the 50 summilux (you can configure the inside however you'd like - but you may need extra divider pads). Very nice quality and the strap is very comfortable even without a shoulder pad (which ironically makes it more convenient to switch from off the shoulder to crossbody and vice versa). Really great bag on initial impressions.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

.   Edited by TheEyesHaveIt
  • Like 3
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 11 months later...
Am 20.5.2022 um 21:10 schrieb Appmax:

I just purchased the Hardgraft Quintessence Pack.   https://www.hardgraft.com/collections/coal-black/products/quintessencepack-black

It is very small but fits the M11 and a small (e.g. APO 50O spare lens.  Very comfortable to carry and use.  In addition, I am now using it as general carry bag for wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses, etc. when not using it for my camera.  It looks great, is secure and doesn’t look like a camera bag.

They make a larger bag, the All-Rounder Pack, which I also have and enjoy using.   https://www.hardgraft.com/collections/coal-black/products/allrounder-blackcoated   This bag is twice the size of the Quintessence and is ideal for my M11 and a couple of lenses.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Hey, searching for reviews for the hard graft allrounder. There are no separators inside right? So using the bag for two Ms is maybe not the right thing or is there a way to separate two cameras. And do you have a few pictures? Thanks!

Link to post
Share on other sites

I bought recently this soft pouch that I use as an insert in my usual backpack bags. Can fit easily the m11 with 2 lenses and some space for a couple of tools. I found it very useful and also discrete as it seats in a bag that is not a camera bag. 
I believe I paid 45€ or close so no risk of not happy. 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Edited by thierry40
  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

A rather unconventional „camera bag“ is the following: https://www.fjallraven.com/de/de-de/taschen-ausrustung/rucksacke-taschen/hufttaschen/abisko-hip-pack-6/

I bought it recently for carrying my M11 and three lenses when riding my MTB or racing bicycle (wanted to avoid the vibrations that are associated with bags mounted on the bike). One has to add some neoprene padding or the like though. Works pretty well so far, not only on the bike but also for walking.

When using the zippered pockets on the belt, one could carry even two additional lenses.

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Depending on my location I just chuck it in a Tesco or Walgreens plastic bag. Easily fits a couple of lenses too. 
I double bag of course… I’m not crazy. 
 

but really, I do like a Billingham. 

Edited by mikeamosau
Crap spelling.
  • Haha 4
Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...