So, got the M6 TTL, still haven't developed any film, but I'm sure it will be crispest/clearest thing I've ever seen, otherwise it is all operator error.

Now I need to reasonable protect my camera, and I saw these things http://www.optechusa.com/slr.htm#rangefinder Anyone tried them? Seem much more sensible than a $150 leather case from Leica

Also looking for the perfect Leica bag - I've seen the LowePro, Domkes etc. - realizing that the perfect Leica bag has yet to me made. Maybe I should make one?

Cheers,

-- Patrick (svenburg@yahoo.com), February 25, 2002

Answers

I'm not one to use "neveready cases" myself, so I can't comment on that, but the Domke 803 is just about perfect for what I do with RF's.

Three large compartments, easily holding an M6 plus a short lens in one, then at least one lens each in the other compartments. I put the 21mm in one compartment with the variable wa finder, and the 135mm or 90mm in the other compartment. If I had lens pouches (and I think I'm gonna make my own), I could put the 90 and 21 in one compartment by themselves, and stick the varable finder under the body in the middle compartment. There are two flap zippered pockets (lens tissue just fits on one side, and cable release and spare car key in the other). On the front are two velcro pockets that are covered by the top flap, and these hold 6 rolls of film, a Vivitar 252 flash (small) and some extra AA batteries or more film or lightmeter. The back flat pocket (open on top) holds a few cotten shoprags (well worn and soft), and pair of large plastic trashbags (for in case of sudden rain). Best of all it comes in olive so it looks like an old army satchel instead of a "steal me" camera bag. I put mine thru the wash a few times so far, and its only gotten nicer and funkier (some neat fading like old jeans).

-- Charles (cbarcellona@telocity.com), February 25, 2002.

I use a Zing neoprene SLR case, size "small", when I'm carrying the M6. It has fit everything I've got in way of lenses without any problems, including M6TTL plus RapidWinder plus 24/2.8ASPH with hood and viewfinder. It won't fit the 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M, but everything else seems right in there. The Op/Tech looks very similar.

I have a raft of Domke camera bags, my favorite one for travel is an F803 Camera Satchel. They all work well for different purposes, situations but the F803 is a nice shape and size when you're carrying a lot of stuff in addition to the camera and a few lenses.

-- Godfrey (ramarren@bayarea.net), February 25, 2002.

Yeah, I saw the Zing SLR one at Penn Camera (local DC chain) unfortunately they only carry it in "large" which was way big, but it seems to work reasonalbe well. I all for trying one of those.

-- Patrick (svenburg@yahoo.com), February 25, 2002.

btw, anyone tried one of these Lowepro stealth reporter bags? http://www.lowepro.com/pages/series/stealth/stealth600.htm

I would be sweet to be able to haul the camera easily/safely to work, on business trips etc?

cheers,

-- Patrick (svenburg@yahoo.com), February 25, 2002.

I have the Op/Tech neoprene rangfinder case. I totally love it. Perfect! Get one.

-- Dan Brown (brpatent@swbell.net), February 25, 2002.

I have not tried the Op/Tech's Soft pouch rangefinder yet, but like you, hope to read people's opions about it. I have two bags for my M6. A Domke 803 & Crumpler "Home Stayer" from Jobo Co. Their bolth satchel type bags and I'm happy with bolth. The Domke does'nt seem to have the padding I want to protect the camera but it does fit more and hang better when your walking. I'm thinking of getting a extra insert for the 803 maybe then I'll be happy. Happy Hunting. Scott

-- Scott Evans (scottevans@attbi.com), February 25, 2002.

I also like my neoprene case. The only thing is that I don't have a place to put it when I take it off- I don't have it attached to my camera strap.

Currently I'm using a small Manhattan Portage bag to carry mainly one camera and lens, and sometimes I thow in the 90/2.8. It's one of the smaller ones that would fit a portable CD player, a phone and a paperback book. In black ballistic nylon- very urban, and not at all like a camera bag. Wide shoulder strap; clip, not velcro for more discreetness.

The thing about padding, IMHO, is that it's certainly important in luggage situations, but it can get bulky without necessarily buying you any more protection. I think in carrying about town, you need a bag that gives you feedback on where your camera is, that's all.

It's kind of like a hard hat. Sure, it will protect you from small bumps, but not from something really big. Rather, it's designed to make your more mindful of where your head is.

I think that the Domkes are great for this purpose- they hold your gear, they're not too bulky, and they tell you when you're about to bump into something potentially damaging your gear. I wouldn't carry my stuff in anything as thin as a plastic bag or pillowcase. But a canvas bag gives you enough time to realize that you might be about to swing your precious stuff into the door jamb.

So the Domke is part of a system: carries your gear, let's you get at it quickly, and helps you carry it more carefully. It won't protect it from a 50 ft drop a cliff- but for that you'd have a totally different system.

My 2c.

-- Tse-Sung (tsesung@yahoo.com), February 26, 2002.

well, finally found the Op/tech pouch at Adorama. It's on the way - along w/ some other stuff. Gotta make good use of that shipping cost, right... ;-)

cheers,

-- Patrick (svenburg@yahoo.com), February 26, 2002.

I've just received an OpTech Rangefinder pouch. I'm not decided about it. First reactions are that it is a fiddle to get on and off because it fits so closely. You still have to have a strap attached to the camera of course, which seems to foul the case slightly where it emerges. But being a bit psychopathic about anything new I will reserve judgement for a bit. May get used to it. I know that some find it excellent, so maybe I will too.

-- James Harper (drjh@btinternet.com), February 27, 2002.

Patrick, for me, those Lowepro Stealth bags aren't stealthy, they're  HUGE!   If you happen to prefer a TTL (like I do), then get something like a Lowepro Orion Mini instead. With or without this, my TTL is usually in its own Leica half-case.

-- Michael Kastner (kastner@zedat.fu-berlin.de), February 27, 2002.

Michael, I'm aware of the size of the Lowepro Stealth reporter series, the objective is to be able to safely haul the M6 on business trips/to work - to avoid carry a camera bag and a laptop bag! When shooting I haven't brought along any bags at all so far. Cheers,

-- Patrick (svenburg@yahoo.com), February 27, 2002.