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[blustocking]

There is a market out there for camera bags that don't look like camera bags, can function, hold what they need to hold, and protect from the elements. Gentlemen (and women), start your businesses.

Seriously, I never thought it would be this hard to find a damn bag. The usual brands are out, since I ordered a Tamrac and it fit like a cardboard box. Lowepro just looks clunky and screams "expensive stuff inside! take me!" I'm liking Domke for that old-school look, but feel I could get the same with an army surplus bag and a Domke insert (which is what I might do).

Then there's Crumpler with their handbaggy-looking deals. I like them, even though their website begs me to hate them. STOP IT WITH THE KOOKY HIPSTER LINE DRAWING FLASH CRAP ALREADY. I'm torn between the 5 Million Dollar home and the 6....

Then there's Timbuk2. I've tried one on, it's nice. They're expensive but durable. One of my classmates used one in China and I always admired it.

I don't need to carry a lot, just one body (with lens), additional lens, and possibly a flash later on (as well as filters, cards, etc).

What I really wanted was this one but it's not available right now, due to redesign. I don't know. I should probably just wait.

Right now, I have about 16 items being watched on eBay and it's hard not to just buy one. I'm watching a Crumpler, some Army bags (which requires me to build inserts), a couple Timbuk2s and a Domke (heheh, donkey. I'ma buy me a donkey! Carry ma stuff.)

Any pho-togs out there with recommendations? Warnings?

Comments

[m-fallenangel.livejournal.com]

Back when I was reporting and photoging I never carried a case. A Domke vest held everything I needed (body, telephoto, 2x adapter, 28mm, flash, batteries and film) and was easier to access than a bag.

I got nothin'. Happy hunting, though.

[blustocking.livejournal.com]

Yeah, but I don't want to look like a giant DB.
No offense.

[nic.livejournal.com]

You're so right about the Crumpler website. I want to stab things every time I go there. The bags are really good, though. I've had a couple in time. The only other bag I looked at recently was a Lowe and didn't get it for the same reason you won't - it looks too damn professional.

I am afraid I have no other recommendations, but do shout if you choose one!

[blustocking.livejournal.com]

It sucks! Every time I think I choose one in my head, I change my mind. Like I said, no perfect one. I think I'm going to stick it out, see what the Naneu Pro redesigned Echo model looks like. Should be out soon.

I passed up a 5 Million Dollar Crumpler on eBay today though. I'm having second thoughts about them since they look so much like a handbag. I want something a bit more...I don't know, tough. How did your hold up? Which ones have you had?

[nic.livejournal.com]

Oh, I wouldn't worry about their toughness, I'd say they can handle a lot of rough-stuff. The stitching is solid, the material is durable. I'd say the most likely victim of anything on the Crumpler would be the velcro but they are so generous with patches of it that you'll have a hard time messing it up.

Both the bags I have had are discontinued. A Ben's Pizza was the first one. It got nicked (with camera inside :P ) and the one I have now is too small for my lenses. I just went back to the website - the crumpler.co.uk site has been made much much nicer to navigate!

[blustocking.livejournal.com]

"Accidentally" won a 7 Million Crumpler on eBay....so, that's that. I'm just waiting for it to get here!

[ponsonbybritt.livejournal.com]

I don't see any specific camera bags at a cursory glance, but I've bought a couple of things from Tom Bihn which I can recommend.

[blustocking.livejournal.com]

I liked that Cafe bag on the site. I just don't know if the mid-size version is big enough. That's another thing that sucks about buying bags online, you can't try them on and I don't live in a major city with a camera store that has anything other than Tamrac and Lowepro.

[hearteststill.livejournal.com]

I use a timbuk2 for my camera needs, or a chrome bag. both are more messenger style so I can use it for class or other things if I need to.
I have a glove/soft case for the body and cases for the lenses. and it suites me just fine.

[blustocking.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was wondering how people outfitted their Timbuk2s for cameras and gear. I did try on a small messenger and liked it. Ugh....we'll see. This decision is only made worse by the fact that I'm a Libra. I realize how dumb that sounds, but it's true.

[hearteststill.livejournal.com]

I'm a bag-a-holic. and I totally understand.
I think I have a small timbuk2. it even (barely) fits my macbook pro 15", so on class days I carry it, a moleskin, book, and i'm good to go.

the gf has a few timbuk2s and loves them. she's also got the crumpler 5 million dollar home, and uses it for her digital nikon. she hasn't complained yet, but she doesn't use any extra lenses yet.

[blustocking.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that was my concern with the Crumpler 5 Mil. It seems like it would be roomy enough, but I've read some people seem to be deceived by them. I only have 2 lenses (or will) at the moment, but maybe the 6 or 7 is a better investment.

I'm most likely getting a 15" MacBook Pro next year, that will start a whole new bag debate. Not sure how much I'd carry my photo gear and laptop at the same time, unless I was going on a trip.

[hearteststill.livejournal.com]

for the laptop and gear, I'd start looking at Chrome Bags. They are a lot like timbuk2 but go bigger, and I love mine. I use it mostly for trips because I can fit my laptop, all my photo gear, and then some. Good padded shoulder strap too.

[blustocking.livejournal.com]

I've seen a couple of those around school and they do look nice. I'll check them out more when I finally get a laptop.

Thanks!

[i-muad-dib.livejournal.com]

oh I gave up on that shit years ago. Just make sure the lenses are well protected. I have found that the more obvious the bag, the more there is a chance you will get robbed. Just get something with lots of compartments.
I have a Timbuk2 as well. Damn nice but I am also a bag whore and I have a zillion different bags and I do not always use that one. Still, if I go on an expedition, I just make sure everything fits nicely and is protected from bumps....and try not to lug too much shit or you will end like me; a 31 year old cripple with the lower back of a geriatric diamond mine worker.

[blustocking.livejournal.com]

Yeah, so I got a little click-happy on eBay and won a Crumpler (7 Million) bag. It's black, looks like it will serve me well, but in the end, I think I only saved $40. Friggin' bags are expensive.

I just ordered some Liquid Light and I can't wait to play with it. I have some cyanotypes I need to scan too. Digging this photo class, just feel overwhelmed with possibilities.

[i-muad-dib.livejournal.com]

oh man...
old processes rule. I love cyanotypes.
Does this mean you are doing large format work?
Make sure you post some!

[blustocking.livejournal.com]

Somewhat. For the most part, I'm using digital negatives.

[i-muad-dib.livejournal.com]

Heretic...

[blustocking.livejournal.com]

And how.