following an earlier thread in this forum i ordered the extra small incognito field camera bag. it came today. it looks as it should, just not like a camera bag. it is very well done, you can see it is handcrafted, which i like. it is pretty heavy, mainly because they used high density foam for the insert. one thing i don't like too much is that the insert is not closed on the bottom. the bag has a cushioned bottom, but i would have liked that extra protection. the insert is not fixed to the bag, rather just slid in, which is okay, but i will attach some buttons to make it easier to open. the whole bag is pretty soft, even compared to my old domke bag, which is okay as it smoothes to your body if you carry it around. i ordered the shoulder pad, which is probably not necessary. it is rather pricey, but mainly because i got it sent to britain. uk-custom ripped me off another $60. criminals! the extra small bag is perfectly sized for my equipment, one m6 with 3 lenses, m-motor, flash, lightmeter and a couple of gadgets. there are enough pockets to loose coordination.

their webpage is: www.curierwareusa.com

stefan

-- stefan randlkofer (geesbert@yahoo.com), December 11, 2001

Answers

Actually the Domke F3X is similar size and can fit the same amount of stuff without the extra customs charges.

By the way, I tried the web addy. It didn't work :(

Alfie

-- Alfie Wang (leica_phile@hotmail.com), December 11, 2001.

i think it's http://www.courierwareusa.com/

-- Dexter Legaspi (dalegaspi@hotmail.com), December 11, 2001.

yes, i posted the wrong address....

some big advantages of the courierware bag over the domke (I own a f3x):

it looks water resistant, is rather slim, seems to give more protection, the lid closes it properly and best of it: it looks like a small messenger bag (it actually is a small messenger bag!) and it comes in nicer colors (both bright AND dull).

i will keep my domke bag for the home-stayers of my equipment if you live in the usa or know someone who lives there you could surpass the duty fees. next time i will.

-- stefan randlkofer (geesbert@yahoo.com), December 11, 2001.

You're definitely right about that. Domke bags aren't waterproof at all (especially with my papers) as shown this weekend. That is when I use Lowepro but I didn't think that their overstated colors help me in street shooting.

Alfie

-- Alfie Wang (leica_phile@hotmail.com), December 11, 2001.

My used (and water resistant) Tenba bag set me back 20 smackers. Ok so it smells kinda funny and the waterproofing stuff goops up my cable release in the front pocket, but hey that $160 difference goes a long way in the film dept...

-- Dave Doyle (soilsouth@home.com), December 11, 2001.

"The Perfect Bag" seems to be a never ending topic....Anybody with comments on the Billingham "Alice" (or its new equivelent)?

-- Todd Phillips (toddvphillips@webtv.net), December 11, 2001.

Todd: I picked up a Billingham L2 (Alice) bag a few weeks ago and am quite pleased with it. It holds an M6TTL w/50/2, a 90/2.8, a 28/2, an SF-20 and a few other small items quite well. The bag is nice and compact and well padded, and it's well made. I suppose that no bag is perfect for every situation, but I've been pleased with this one thus far.

-- Jim Reed (jimreedpc@aol.com), December 12, 2001.

Very nice camera bag, this Incognito Field Camera Bag! Too bad I'm quite satisfied with my Domke J803 Journalist Satchel (ballistic nylon version of the canvas F803).

-- Hoyin Lee (leehoyin@hutchcity.com), December 12, 2001.

I own both the Billingham Hadley Pro, and the Courierware Small Satchel. From my experience the best camera bag is NO camera bag. I'm really entertaining the idea of getting a multi-pocket vest from Tilley Endurables and storing the bulk of my stuff in it. 2 M bodies, (with 35 and 50 mounted) a 90 Tele, and a 24 elmarit... and on occasion a 75 lux. After my excursion into Montreal last weekend I see the logic about travelling "light" with a Leica outfit. Helps when your "incognito" too so you don't attract too much attention. The bag NEVER helps in this regard.

-- John Chan (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), December 12, 2001.