I am using a LowePro mini waste belt to hold an M6 annd one lens.

Any suggestions on a small and inconspicous case to hold it, espcially where it is easy and quick to pull it out and shoot, then put it back.

Thanks, in advance.

-- Dan Brown (brpatent@swbell.net), February 01, 2001

Answers

Try a Lowepro Sreet & Field Reporter 100 or a Domke F5X.

-- Paul Chefurka (paul_chefurka@pmc-sierra.com), February 01, 2001.

I also use an M6 and 50/2. I like the Eagle Creek field case, it is black cordura nylon, 8"w x 10"h X4"d. There is no padding, so I use a Domke insert. I had to add some velro to the top edge of the insert and inside the bag to hold it in place, plus I added about a 1/2" of closed cell foam to the bottom of the Domke insert, since they don't come with any padding on the bottom. It makes a small package that doesn't look like a camera bag and still has room for film, wallet, etc.

-- Jeff Voorhees (debonketkou@yahoo.com), February 01, 2001.

I use the Domke F5XB "Belet and Shoulder Bag" with extra dividers to hold 2 M's and 4 lenses (using the double rear caps) plus a tiny Olympus flash, finders for 28 and 15, spare batteries and cable release. For just an M6 and 50/2 (and perhaps another lens in its leather case) I have a neat little waist pack from Orvis in green and brown leather with a braided steel cable running inside the waist strap so no one can cut it. The top opens away from me so no one needs to see inside, either. The pack isn't padded but that's not hard to do with some foam.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), February 01, 2001.

I just went through the process of looking for a bag to fill the same need. I was using a small Tamrac bag that was a perfect fit, but not particularly inconspicuous. I decided to go back to my Dmoke 803 which was in 'hibernation' during my sabbatical from using a Leica M.

The Domke 803 is a bit bigger than what I need, but seemed to be the best for my needs and I already had it anyway. I also considered the Domke F-5XB, which is noticeably smaller and can be used as a shoulder bag (my preference), or a waist pack w/ an accessory belt. However, I prefer a bag w/out a zipper, especially in such a small bag, to avoid scratching the camera when working out of the bag quickly. Eagle Creek now makes a bag similar to the Domke F-5XB that is their Padded Excursion bag, which can also be used either as a shoulder, or waist pack and has 1 insert divider. The Eagle Creek is pretty nice, but a little more padding than I wanted.

-- KL Prager (www.pragerproperties@worldnet.att.net), February 01, 2001.

I am also using a small Eagle Creek, 10" x 7" x 4" with a top zipper, and a front compartment. I keep a M6, 50mm and 90mm inside, along with a Sekonic meter. In the compartment I keep a table-pod, and other stuff. Make sure you put a good strap on your bag, what ever kind it is, and fasten it with metal "o-rings". P Nelson

-- Paul Nelson (clrfarm@comswest.net.au), February 01, 2001.

I'm using the Domke F6 bag to hold my outfit (3 lenses, 1 body, 1 flash, and 1 meter + 20 rolls of film). I don't know if its just me but you can adapt the extra strap (short) to go around your waist and secure the bag to your mid-drift while using the shoulder strap for major support. I've got a size 28 waist so this works for me but I find that a little support for the bag around the waist allows for faster access to the bag because it doesn't flop around as much. The shoulder strap still provides the majority of the support but the smaller strap goes into 3 of the belt-rings on my jeans.

Anyone else try such an arrangement? Seems more secure to me when travelling.

Cheers,

-- John Chan (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), February 01, 2001.

Thanks, everyone.

Has anyone used or handled a Fogg Flute bag, they claim it holds the M6 with lens in place. Nobody seems to carry Fogg bags, but Tamerkin. Any comments from users wold be appreciated.

-- Dan Brown (brpatent@swbell.net), February 01, 2001.

I have the same combo and I use a Lowepro "Off Traill" fanny pack. It has just the rigt amount of room for the body and lens in the center pack and I can store plenty of film, some filters, a extra lens or a cold german import in the side pockets, which can also be removed if not needed! It's well padded and best of all, it really dos'nt look like a camera bag!

-- mike pailliotet (pailliotet@telocity.com), February 01, 2001.

I looked at Fogg as well as the Billingham (Alice and 206). If it were my money and I had to choose between the two then I'd take the Billingham 206 as they seem to be weatherproof. The Foggs are nice, handbuilt bags that remind me of what Ralph Fiennes would have carried in "The English Patient" but are they good user bags????? Personally, I like my Domke. Its cheap and easy to work out of. Billingham and Fogg??? Definitely upper-crust but by no means as shooter-friendly as the Domkes. The Domkes are not as weather-proof though but they ARE more inconspicuous (especially when you cut off the Domke tag on the bottom corner of the bag).

All IMHO.

-- John Chan (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), February 01, 2001.

I'm embarrassed to admit in this inventive company that I use a small Leica hard case to carry one body and three lenses of which one is attached to the body. The body and lens slot in very nicely into the compartment built for that purpose. It is easy and quick to pull out the camera, shoot and put back. The camera goes in side-down into a padded slot and is held so your hand can grip it and pull it straight out, to your eye...

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), February 05, 2001.