I'm interested in feedback on a canvas/leather bag for a new M6 and a couple of lenses. Recommendations, websites, etc. Thanks Will

-- Will Freeman (freemanw@grinnell.edu), June 08, 2001

Answers

Hi,

I recommend Billingham bags. Somewhat expensive, but made very well and built to last: http://www.billingham.co.uk/

They sell them at B & H and Cameraworld.

Eddie

-- Edward Steinberg (es323@msn.com), June 08, 2001.

Domke makes nice durable canvas bags; what I like most about them is those don´t look like a camera bag, probably you can fine leather too.

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), June 08, 2001.

I'm a big fan of the Domke F6 "Little Bit Smaller" bag. I've got an emerald green canvas one, with spiffy leather trim and brass hardware. It's just right for a Leica, a couple of extra lenses, a few odd and ends and some film.

-- Paul Chefurka (paul_chefurka@pmc-sierra.com), June 08, 2001.

You can scroll down to the bottom of this main listing to a section called "Older messages by Category", have a look in Accessories, and find information regarding bags. For that matter, a lot of what we read today is covered by earlier messages, which I suggest new members consult before firing off another question. PN

-- Paul Nelson (clrfarm@comswest.net.au), June 08, 2001.

My prejudices as a travel photographer: I dislike bags without a zipper closure on the main compartment. Too easy for small items to fall out of, too easy for dust and pickpockets to get into. All the Domkes save one do not have a zipper main compartment. That one is the F5XB "Belt and Shoulder Bag", which is no bigger than a Webster's Dictionary yet by adding a couple dividers and buying the rear coupling caps, I can fit 2 M6's, 6 lenses, 3 viewfinders and 2 small flash. I replaced the OEM strap with an Op-Tech SOS Mini, which has a neoprene-elastic shoulder pad and makes the whole shebang feel half its weight. I use it in concert with the Domke wide canvas belt. The most compact, disecreet and comfortable way to carry an M outfit I have ever tried. Some people like the F-803 satchel. It doesn't have a zipper main compartment, so end of story for me. If you feel the Domke is beneath the Leica pedigree then you're into Billingham or Fogg territory. I've never seen a Fogg bag close-up, but they don't look much different from Billinghams. I have several Billinghams but they have one serious flaw: the shoulder straps are not removable. I am spoiled by the Op-Tech SOS straps. If you insist on a Billingham for the M outfit, I recommend the Series 3 rather than the oft-touted Alice, because the Series 3 has--you guessed it: a zipper main compartment. If you want to buy a Billingham, check the prices at any US dealer, then go to www.robertwhite.co.uk and buy on-line for about half the US price.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), June 08, 2001.

For travel, I agree with those that say use something that doesn’t look like a camera bag. My ideal bag would be a combination of the Domke 803 satchel and the Domke F5XB. But that’s another story. In addition to Domke, take a look at the Kinesis belt system.

http://www.kinesisgear.com

-- Bob (robljones@home.com), June 08, 2001.

Will:

Check out the M classics bag. (mclassics.com) I've got one, its great, but it does not hold all the gear I normally like to carry -- But it is super for 1 body and 2 or 3 lenses plus film. If you add a second body with lens attached, it gets "full". It's a copy of a bag Leica made a few years back, but made with high-tech materials. If you like it, let me know and I'll make you a deal on my barely used one! (FYI, I use a Domke F3X bag -- holds 2 bodies with lenses attached plus 4 extra lenses plus flash and film, and still rides pretty comfortably.)

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), June 08, 2001.

I like the idea of a bag that doesn't look like a camera bag. Problem is, though, if you're a guy, what can you carry, even though small, that won't be recognized as a camera bag? Men carried purses, briefly, in the 70's. Not now. But what else could a camera bag be mistaken for nowadays? all I can think of is a nylon cordura brief case with shoulder strap. Visiting Manhatten last December, all the guys had one of those. Not a leather attache. Not an aluminum Halliburton-like one either. And not a wooden one. That's all OUT! No, they all had Nylon Cordura shoulder bags: the lawyers, execs, and whoever else works there. So If we had a camera bag that looked like that, a crook would go crazy trying to figure out which one has the M6 in it. Not worth it. Imagine, having to read through all those legal briefs. We all get too much junk mail already. Better to find another line of work.

But I haven't seen an attache-resembling camera bag that looked right for a small Leica system. Oh, they're out there, Tamrac has a couple. But they're so BIG! They won't even let you into the art museum with one, I'm sure. So I vote for the smallest and most space- efficient bag available. I'm using the Lowepro Nova 1. It holds an M6 with normal or wideangle, and four more lenses. And it's about the size, of a .. uh, well, about the size of a purse. Hmpff.

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), June 08, 2001.

Fogg makes perhaps the nicest traditional canvas/leather bags Tamarkin NY carries them see: http://www.tamarkin.com/catalog/products/fogg/cases.html

I have got a Fogg Celia III Iwas about to put on ebay -perfect size for an M body and 2 or three lenses, to small for what I carry, if you are interested contact me off list.

-- Hank (hgraber@narrativerooms.com), June 08, 2001.

I second the choice of the Domke F6 and also like the Lowepro S&F 100. They are not large bags and perfect for an M6. The lack of a zip doesn't worry me on the Domke because unless you are working in exceedingly dusty conditions I don't think a zip is necessary. I have never lost anything out of my F6, because it didn't have a zip either as the compartments are quite compact and tend to hold the lenses securely. The Domke F6 is now available in olive green, which would be a nice un-camera like bag color to fool thieves.

-- sam smith (ssmith@hotmail.com), June 09, 2001.

I tout the Alice as an excellent, easy to work out of, rainproof, small bag. I just wish they made a slightly larger version for a couple of extra lenses or flash. However, for two bodies with lenses, a small flash and a bit of film, it come close to perfection, IMO. I've used it as my only bag on more than one occasion.

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), June 09, 2001.

>>> For that matter, a lot of what we read today is covered by earlier messages, which I suggest new members consult before firing off another question. PN >>>

Going over the same ground is fun - this is a social activity, after all, not a reference book.

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), June 09, 2001.

Seems to me this idea held by a lot of people that you want a camera bag "that does not look like a camera bag" is approaching Urban Legend standards. Do you think the theif is going to look at your bag and think "....hmmm, naw, he probably just has a ham & cheese sandwhich in that Domke 803. Besides at some point you have to take the camera out of the bag to take pictures, then the game is over anyway.

-- Steve LeHuray (icommag@toad.net), June 09, 2001.

I have to agree with Steve. In Europe and Asia, where most street crime is pickpocketing or slash-and-snatch, anything with a heavy- duty-looking shoulder strap (worn diagonally) and a waistbelt combo, where the lid zips shut, is going to be passed-over for easier prey. In the US, where armed robbery (mugging) is more prevalent (dare I say, the norm?)then a good insurance policy and luck and prayer are the only options. Even homeless people and beggars get robbed.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), June 09, 2001.

I agree with Jack on the 'Classic M' bag. Except I can get more stuff into it than he does. I routinely carry three Ms with lenses and hoods mounted (28/35/50). This way I can 'work' out of the bag with ease. If I want to bring a 90 then that goes in one of the front pouches. In the other two pouches goes light meter, 20 rolls of film, etc, etc. I have tried and tried to like my Domke 803, but no go. The Classic M is the best satchel bag there is.

-- Steve LeHuray (icommag@toad.net), June 09, 2001.

The reason I prefer a bag that doesn’t look like a camera bag has nothing to do with thieves. I simply don’t want to look any more like a tourist or camera geek than I already do. Plus, when traveling, I carry other things besides a camera. Such as maps, tickets, etc. That’s why I like the F-803. If I were designing it though, I would make a few changes. For example, adding a Velcro compatible interior. I tried the F5XB but didn’t like the zipper. It might make a difference in dusty environs though.

Also, it depends on the kind of travel you are doing. Sometimes I prefer to carry a small carryon size backpack. It has a pocket for a hydration system that comes in handy when doing a lot of walking. When I use the backpack I prefer to carry my camera equipment in a Kinesis E512 lens pouch because it fits better in the bottom of the backpack than the F-803. The E512 can also be carried on a belt or used with a shoulder strap.

By the way, three or four weeks ago I went to an airshow at the local Naval air station. Just finished photographing the stealth fighter when they announced an approaching thunderstorm. My EOS equipment got wet but my Hexar RF/3E combo was safe inside my E512 (carried on a belt that time) because I had a Kinesis rain cover that fit over the bag. The Kinesis rain cover could probably be adapted for other bags. The raincovers adjust with an elastic cord and cord lock. My backpack has a built in raincover.

-- Bob (robljones@home.com), June 09, 2001.

I own and use several bags (as do most of us I'm sure) depending on the shooting situation, or our mood. I have a Domke 803 that does double duty, sometimes as a camera bag (but in truth I don't like its deepness), and lately as a purse and diaper bag. I've owned a number of Billinghams, did't like the Hadley for the same reason as above, but love their briefcase (which even with 'office stuff' can still handle an body and a couple of lenses) and their daytimer. Have recently settled on (for now) the Lowe Pro S&F 100 for my rangefinder and the S&F 200 for my R gear. Very easy to work out of, two different rain hoods (one for light sprinkles, and another that completely encompases the bag for downpours), rides well, and seems sturdy. Over the years I've probably spent enough on bags to buy a nice used lens!

-- Bob Todrick (bobtodrick@yahoo.com), June 09, 2001.

Anybody use (or even see)the leica M combination bags? From the catalog picture they look like nicely built leather cases and in the new catalog the picture shows an impressed "Leica" instead of the bright red dot.

I can't find the dimentsions of these bags anywhere.

B&H carries both the small and large versions for $219.95 us. More than a domke but right in there with the M Classic, Billingham, etc.

-- Tim Kamke (tjkamke@excelimaging.com), June 09, 2001.

I've seen them and they're exactly the kind of bag I'd never use. Boxy things, rigid. The kind of divider setup where you can build a labyrinth for all your bits and pieces you never use and then have to take half your stuff out to get at the thing you need. They have "expensive cameras" written all over them. I don't think they'd be any good in intensive use. But then my main use for a bag is to carry film and a flash, the cameras stay round my neck and only go back in the bag at the end of the day.

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), June 10, 2001.

Another alternative to the traditional camera bag is CourierWare's "Incognito Field Camera Bag," which is essentially a heavy-duty bike messenger bag w/an insert for holding photo gear. As a lawyer, I already have enough briefcases & business bags (like those guys Bob Fleischman saw in NYC), so I opted to just buy the insert (a heavy-duty padded ring w/2 dividers & a separate bottom pad)--so far it's been working great. You can check out the details on their web site (http://www.courierwareusa.com/).

-- Christopher Chen (furcafe@cris.com), June 10, 2001.

Where does one purchase a "classic bag"?

-- Max Wall (mtwall@earthlink.net), June 10, 2001.

Have to agree with Rob on the Leica bags. IF you think back to the old style hard leather bags/cases of the '50s, these are a logical progression from those. Sort of in keeping with how slowly the M has changed since then. Whereas the M was a near perfect incarnation (IMO), those old bags thankfully went by the wayside.

-- Bob Todrick (bobtodrick@yahoo.com), June 10, 2001.

My favorite canvas/leather bag is the GELDER BURN, a Brady Fishing Bag, together with a Billingham Hadley insert When I need more security, inside the Hadley insert I add a Domke 3-compartment insert, made for the Domke Satchel F803. See page 33 in the Domke Catalogue.

The Gelderburn also one of the favorite of Sal DiMarco,Jr. (LHSA Viewfinder, Volume 33, Number 3 - 3rd quarter 2000- page 14)

Lucien

-- Lucien (lucien_vd@yahoo.fr), June 10, 2001.

Address for the Classic camera bag, CLICK HERE

Lucien

-- Lucien (lucien_vd@hyahoo.fr), June 10, 2001.

129 pounds (US$182) for a bag to put stuff smelling of fish into? I guess fishing enthusiasts are more nuts than we Leica photogs ;) And then you have to buy a Billingham Hadley insert for it? I guess if you use it for both pursuits, but then I'm not sure I'd want to put my Leica up near my nose after it's been in the fishing bag for awhile ; ( While we're on the subject of non-photo sources for good photo bags/cases, folks in the US should jog down to their local Home Depot. They've got zipper-top tool bags with shoulder straps, in olive-drab cordura with black trim...12" size are $10 and 16" I think are $25. They've also got a 16" with a rubber bottom for $40 (that one would probably make a good fishing bag). They also have shiny aluminum attache cases with foam inserts, like the Hasselblad cases, for about $20.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), June 10, 2001.

Re: that M-Classics bag...I saw one on a guy who came into the local camera shop, and I've got one of the originals from Leitz USA... aren't you guys who have them the least bit afraid your gear will get bashed against something or each other? Those bags have *zero* padding and the fabric is very thin, basically a cloth tote sack.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), June 10, 2001.

Just adding to Bob Fleischman's note. The Domke J803 (not F803) is made of ballistic black nylon, and looks exactly like an office/computer briefcase of the style that seems prevalent these days. It also has an inside pocket to hold a laptop or files in addition camera gear.

Sure it blends in, but any thief will figure that such a briefcase has a valuable laptop in it...

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), June 11, 2001.

Jay is right about the Classic M bag having zero padding which has not been a problem for me after two years of constant use. Maybe I am not a klutz, I would rather have the Classic M than walk around with a bag that looks like an oversized bread box. I think the value of heavily padded bags is probably overstated for most people.

-- Steve LeHuray (icommag@toad.net), June 11, 2001.

I agree about the heavily-padded bags (though they're great for travel transport), but something like the Domke-type have just enough padding so things don't knock together or against doorjambs, etc. and you can set the bag down on a hard surface if you need to. I'd go for the M Classics bag if it had even 1/4" of closed-cell padding.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), June 11, 2001.

True, the M-Classic bag has no padding, but so far my M6s haven't protested. It's a great bag for working out of quickly, and for putting your stuff away quickly if you have to run. Also, the strap is sewn on along the back of the bag, rather than dead-center around the ends, so it hangs better and feels more comfortable than Domkes (I also have a couple of 803(?) satchels and the little belt/shoulder bag. They are great, too, esp. the little guy when I'm carrying just one body and a couple lenses. But for anything more, I take the M Classic. (I have a black one, which is very discreet.)

-- Mike Smith (mikesmithpix@aol.com), June 12, 2001.

The last time I was in New York (1994), I look in those stores where you find used stuff from the army, they sell a small bag that the army use as a first-aid-kit, great to carry any kind of camera, and look like any thing but a camera bag, about 5'x5'x7'.

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), June 12, 2001.

Roberto, I looked at those kinds of bags in an army surplus store here in Japan-there appear to be a number of varieties, including the obvious red cross marked ones. The simplest was, as you say, 5x5x7, made of the same material as an army grey/green sweatshirt with an outer pocket. Don't know what they are called (cartridge bags?) but they will easily hold a lens or two coupled together and a few rolls of film and arouse no suspicion. Of, and it hugs the body/wraps around very comfortably. Hm, maybe its time to acquire that umpteenth bag.

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), June 13, 2001.

Just be careful not to get into a war zone. Good luck Mani

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), June 13, 2001.

All in keeping with getting a camera bag that doesn't look like one...

The one time, actually, that I saw an M6 while out for a walk seemed to be housed in an Eagle Creek fanny/shoulder bag. Small, padded- I believe it's this one. I believe it's the same the my bro-in-law uses for his small Nikon SLR and a couple small lenses. Zips only, tho'- so might be a bit small to whip things out. But it sure doesn't look like a camera bag.

I myself have been interested in a small shoulder bag/purse from Tom Bihn, tho' I've never seen one of these in person- the Cafe Shoulder Bag.

Or the Timbuk2 messenger bags, for that matter, like their small PeeWee.

I do tip my hat to the Domke F6. I cut off the tag.

-- Tse-Sung Wu (tsesung@yahoo.com), June 18, 2001.

I agree the Domke F6 is a fine bag, if...

Take the think Domke foam pads and toss them in the trash. Then replace them with some 1/8" to 3/16" foam from the local fabric store. Then its a bag that hugs your waste.

However, it is a little too big for an M (I use mine for a contax kit). I am using a Domke Camera Pocket fanny pack with an M6/50 'cron. A second lens could be carried as well.

-- Dan Brown (brpatent@swbell.net), June 18, 2001.

Crumpler bags are shoulder bags akin to a courier's bag, designed in the style which I suppose has to be described as "street wear". They have padded dividers and come in a few sizes and therefor accomodate most M6 users requirements.

-- Simon Loftus (simonloftus@yahoo.com.au), October 10, 2001.

I just picked up a bag by Manhattan Portage. It's made of black ballistic nylon, has several zippers and compartments. It'll fit an M6 and several lenses- probably need to make partitions for it. I like it so far- it's very discreet, but sleek urban wear. I decided against velcro because of the noise. I'm glad to have something for bopping around town with- it can hold a book, M6+35, portable CD player, phone, PDA-- everything for the well equipped urban foot soldier.

-- Tse-Sung (tsesung@yahoo.com), November 17, 2001.