There's been discussions on the best bag for Leicas but they were focused on M models. Now that I have 2 screw mount Leicas I'd like to get a small efficient bag to hold 2 bodies, 3 small wide angles, a 50mm, 85mm, and 105mm. I'd need some space for some viewfinders as well.

Any sugestions? Don't want a bag that screams "Steal me!"

Thanks!

-- Tony Oresteen (aoresteen@mindspring.com), October 17, 2001

Answers

I can highly recommend the Filson field bag.

http://smtp2.thewwwstore.com/filson/230.HTM

I feels natural on the shoulder, easy access to the innerds and built to last. I have the green one and I don't think anyone figures that I have $3K worth of camera stuff in it. The thing even smells good.

There is a small snap-close pocket that I keep a palm pilot in and there's a slot pocket on the back for newspaers/magazines, plane tickets, etc. There are also small but deep pockets on both sides, perfect for a cell phone and a powerbar, or a film case if you're actually going to take pictures;).

-- Tim (tkamke@wi.rr.com), October 17, 2001.

While an M is marginally larger than a III series Leica, the difference isn't enough to warrant completely different bag solutions. Most of the same carrying gear works identically well for either.

-- Godfrey (ramarren@bayarea.net), October 17, 2001.

Tim,

These bags are nice looking, almost elegant. Do you think a Leica M3, 2 lenses and a small leica tripod would fit in it?

-- Angelique (abischop@earthlink.net), October 17, 2001.

I think the Filson screams, "Steal Me". Nice bag though. You could run the Filson through a cement mixer for an hour or so. That would help :-). Failing that, go to your local army surplus store and get some thing mean and ugly. I use a bicycle courier bag in the same colours as the Irish flag which screams, "Steal Me and I Will Find You!" The whole subject of camera bags is too personal for anyone's recommendation to help much. I have seven or so and I still have not found one that suits every occasion. In some situations I do not use a bag at all just three or four rock climbing chalk bags on a belt. They give you quick and easy access, plush interior, draw string closure and a plastic stiffened rim that makes it open all the way.

Cheers,

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), October 17, 2001.

I too have screw mount cameras and after trying quite a few have settled on two. The M Classics bag is my everyday carryall. Not a lot of padding, but a copy of the original Leitz bag that retains the classic feel of the LTM's. When I think I'll be in a situation where things might get banged about a Lowe Pro Street and Field 100 or 200 (depending on the size of your kit) provides protection against knocks and all but a hurricane weather-wise.

-- Bob Todrick (bobtodrick@yahoo.com), October 18, 2001.

One of my favorite small bags is the Timbuk2 peewee messenger bag:

http://www.timbuk2.com/products/peewee.html

Available in canvas or nylon, any color combo you like. I use 2 domke inserts in the bag with an extra piece of foam on the bottom. Very light and comfortable and when you are working you can use the waist strap to keep the bag from sliding around.

-- Hank (hgraber@narrativerooms.com), October 18, 2001.

Don't get those crappy fancy bags. They are a sign for others to jack your M stuff.

I prefer Lowepro. A nice and elegant design but like the M are built to last. Shoot, the bag is waterproof and rugged and can protect the equipment better than the photographer!

Alfie

-- Albert Wang (albert.wang@ibx.com), October 18, 2001.

I have the small Filson field bag and it has in fact become my Screwmount Leica bag. A Domke two-pocket insert fits nicely inside and it works great for my small set up. For the gear that you are wanting to carry you may want to consider the medium size field bag though. I haven't run the bag through a concrete mixer, but I did accidently spill a bunch of cement (that grey powdery stuff used to make concrete) on it and the bag is slowly aquiring a pleasantly weathered patina. The bag definately doesn't scream 'steal me' anymore.

In an ironic twist of fate I also happen to have a medium size Timbuk2 bike messenger bag in the colors of the irish flag. Obviously great minds think alike! So far this bag has been used exclusively as my bike commuting bag. However, I was just thinking the other day of sewing in some velco strips so that I could secure some domke inserts inside so that I could also use the bag to carry my M gear around. I think the Filson screams, "Steal Me". Nice bag though. You could run the Filson through a cement mixer for an hour or so. That would help :-). Failing that, go to your local army surplus store and get some thing mean and ugly. I use a bicycle courier bag in the same colours as the Irish flag which screams, "Steal Me and I Will Find You!" The whole subject of camera bags is too personal for anyone's recommendation to help much. I have seven or so and I still have not found one that suits every occasion. In some situations I do not use a bag at all just three or four rock climbing chalk bags on a belt. They give you quick and easy access, plush interior, draw string closure and a plastic stiffened rim that makes it open all the way. Cheers,

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), October 17, 2001.

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-- Tom Finnegan (tomf@piengr.com), October 18, 2001.

One of the slickest bags I've seen is the M Classics. www.mclassics.com

-- Leicaddict (leicaddict@hotmail.com), October 18, 2001.

Has anyone found a good fannypack? I'd like something for the M6, couple lenses, table top tripod, and maybe a few other things- a notepad, or paperback. Something that I can take on my mountain bike or knocking about the city or the trails. (gad, sounds like ad copy...)

Any specific recommendations- Dana Designs, Eagle Creek, LowePro...?

-- TS Wu (tsesung@yahoo.com), October 18, 2001.