New camera bag alternative...

[Pablito]

Just found these bags in the LLBean catalog. Very nice looking, and very good price. They look somewhat like those expensive "B" British bags, though of course not quite as posh, and no internal padding. I like to make my own internal padding anyway, though I have not tried these bags. I'd be wary of the shoulder strap coming undone and might be tempted to tape it once it was adjusted (shame to tape over that nice leather) Another potential highlight of these bags might be lack of velcro, which can be so noisy in sensitive situations. No info given on velcro content, I suppose once could call. If anyone has used one of these I'd be interested to hear feedback. In case the links don't work just go to the LLBean website and enter item LH49554 or LH49552 for the smaller bag.

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=40309&shop_method=qs&feat=qs&catalog_id=LH

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&feat=40309-ppxs&categoryId=40308&dds=y&catalog_id=LH

The usual disclaimer applies. I have no interest, financial or otherwise, in LLBean.

[mervynyan]

it probably doesn't have any fitted inserts or padding, judged by the price.

[Davor]

Atleast they look nice. I'm actually considering ordering one of those. Does anyone have any idea what they look like inside?

[planetjoe]

It looks like it'll just fit the Domke FA-230 with a bit of squidging:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=4382&A=details&Q=&sku=16065&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

...add a bottom board/pad, and you're all set. That's what I did with my little stealthy Manhattan Portage, and it's now a perfectly serviceable RF bag. B&H is out-of-stock on the Domke, but it's usually a regular item.


Cheers,
--joe.

[Zorkiiglaza]

I got one for my daughter as a book bag for college. It is lined on the inside and quite rugged. But of course no inserts- its a plain sholderbag

[Steve Bellayr]

Some of the old time cameras can take a lot of beating. I don't use a case with any 35mm. Some of the more inexpensive rangefinders don't justify an expensive bag, anyway. Any shoulder bag with a small towel or t-shirt stuffed in should work. I've bougth brand new lens pouches for less than $10.

[Pablito]

Thanks Zorkiiglaza, that's what I was wondering about.

[fishtek]

Hmmm......

You can buy hook-and-loop (velcro) strip on a roll in lots of home improvement/craft stores. Just sew (with waxed heavy duty thread, even though they're self-adhesive...) a couple strips on either side, then use the velcro'd seperators you've got laying around.

Bean products are ALWAYS of very high quality, and their warranty is unmatched on virtually any product. Buy with confidence. (no relationship with Bean...just a happy customer for many years.)

Regards!
Don

[tedwhite]

I second fishtek's comment about LLBean mechandise. Every item I've purchased has been of high quality.

I'm drawn to the Dusty Olive or the British Khaki. I've got an unused separator from my Domke Brick that would fit in nicely. Wait - am I talking myself into something?

Ted

[fishtek]

Go for it, Ted! I've got to figure out how to downsize my pile of bags before I order one...and then there's the Tamrac holster I just ordered for my DSLR/short zoom.....Oh, dang.....

See ya!
Don

[tedwhite]

A holster, Don? Tres chic. I've got an oxblood leather holster for a Glock 26 and carry my cell phone in it. Fits snugly, never falls out, and five months into wearing it every day no one has ever noticed that it's not a cell phone holder at all.

The first day I wore it I thought I'd be "made" immediately, but so far not.

[amateriat]

I like the smaller of the two bags; I can always have a partition sewn in for a camera "compartment", with maybe a touch of padding. A nice, smaller alternate to my 803 (and a place to keep both my Konica Auto S3 and Ricon GR1 in, full-time). Thanks for the link!


- Barrett

[mtbbrian]

I have one of these...
It costs $100 and holds my R2A, three lenes, two Holgas and ample film.
It's the medium bag.

http://photo.net/bboard-uploads/00Ikiv-33442084.jpg

[35mmdelux]

don't like any bag that doesn't have wrap around strap. For what these cost I'd rather get a Domke. tks

[Hibbs]

mtbbrian...where did you get the National Geo bag?

~hibbs

[Nando]

I've been craving one of these Lefoto bags from Giottos but I can't find anybody that sells them despite contacting several Giottos distributors. Actually, I wouldn't mind having the whole collection.:D

http://www.giottos.com/Lefoto.htm

The LL Bean bags are nice.

[Pablito]

One problem with the National Geographic bag is that it says National Geographic on it. For me personally that carries certain implications that are unacceptable.

[mtbbrian]

mtbbrian...where did you get the National Geo bag?

~hibbs


I have seen it listed on a few sites, but I got it here >>> www.pictureline.com (http://www.pictureline.com)
$100, plus shipping.
Brian

[mtbbrian]

One problem with the National Geographic bag is that it says National Geographic on it. For me personally that carries certain implications that are unacceptable.

I thought about that, but I thought I could live with it, because it such a nice looking and well designed bag.
Brian

[pcfranchina]

Anyone try this bag with the domke 803 insert?

Thanks!