View Full Version : Ultimate Rangefinder carry bag
Now that I have a Leica, Ive noticed how MASSIVE all my SLR carry bags are... big enough for about 50 lenses and 10 bodies at least. Have any outstanding rangefinder specific camera bags ever been made? Links or pictures of designs please!
My best friend does alot of leather work making wallets, shoes and recently a knife carrier for a friend whos a chef. He's agreed to work with me and design/build the ultimate rangefinder carry bag.
I would be interested to hear from people here as to what important design criteria are to make sure I dont overlook anything, and 50 heads are certainly better than one for brainstorming.
So far I've come up with..
* Store 1 body (with or without 35mm lens attached? - Im thinking with)
* Store 3 lenses, 15mm, 35mm, 85mm (Im going with Zeiss flavors)
* Store 1 accessory viewfinder
* Consider storage of lens hoods
* Easy access to lenses for changing, without having to stop and find a table somewhere
* Room for a few rolls of film would be good
* Think about how your going to get the lens out of the bag whilst holding the camera and changing lenses
* Think about dust build up in the bag
* Think about use in the rain, changing lenses in the rain
* Should look discrete? (not sure whether this is a absoloute criteria, for example, a ammo belt/sash design could a good idea ergonomically).
Daniel.
back alley
05-30-2005, 18:54
whilst...
are you a brit?
back ot, you are describing any number of bags, including the m classic and a few billinghams.
joe
Great, Leica made a bag themselves?? Any links to the Billingham bags?
PS. Im Australian, hence the english english.
Terence T
05-30-2005, 19:04
You just described the Domke J-803 digital satchel. I prefer the polyester material over their traditional canvas bags. Room to hold everything you described (with the optional 3 compartment insert). Smart looking and most importantly, does not look like a camera bag. Black, discreet, it can be dismissed as regular satchel bag. Tough construction and quality finish, I use one and readily recommend it.
I am partial to the Plano tacklebox myself. Seriously, Domke makes a few that are good for rangefinders. I use the F803.
back alley
05-30-2005, 19:10
m classic (http://www.mclassics.com/)
bottom of the page for billingham (http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=itemlist&cat1=Cases&cat2=Cases%20for%20Still%20Cameras%20and%20Gear&cat3=System%20Bags%20%26%20Cases)
RubenBlaedel
05-30-2005, 19:15
The Domke bags are great but recently I found that vintage Perring bags mad of California Tan Leather from the 1940-50ties are really great. The are so well made, the inner leather is like an italian shoe - sujper smooth - and the outher leather is heavy duty natural tan laether, with zippers to last a lifetime. The are foun on ebay with natural patina at about USD 30 - but go for the old ones - this last month I have bought 5 - two Perrin Contours and 3 larger ones on the way in the post - They are also getting very trendy and vintage cool so no my Teenage daughters do not mind walking with me :-) actually the want the bags! - good thing is that it does not give people any hint to expensive photogear - just vintage and perhaps trendy-nerdy :-)
--ruben
I prefer a bag that has a separate compartment for each lens, so that I'll have a place ready for each one when I need to change them.
One problem I have with most of the bags available is that the compartments are so deep that RF lenses get lost down them!
In my SLR bag, I've put foam blocks in the bottoms of the compartment for the 35mm and 50mm lenses, to hold them up at the same level as the longer lenses in their compartments. But of course this wastes space, which I hate to do in an RF bag since when shooting RF I like to travel light.
Any recommendations for bags with compartments that aren't too deep? My ideal would be a thin bag that could hold one RF body (alone or with lens attached) plus compartments for three lenses in the 21mm-50mm range.
Gabriel M.A.
05-30-2005, 19:38
Daniel: I think you've got it. So far, though, I've been reasonably happy with an interim bag; it's a Tamrac "Digital". Don't know the exact model (it was meant to be used with a mini video camera or two), but I can store three lenses in it, and put my M6 with a lens mounted on it on top, and be able to close the bag (with the carrying strap sticking out). In the bag I can also carry with me at least 8 rolls of film, three filters, a cleaning cloth, a cleaning pen, a writing pad and two pens (one for writing on the film which frame number I changed it -- in case I'm doing it mid-roll). Oh, and the vented hood can rest on top of the 50mm that happens to be in the bag, there's enough room on top.
Not elegant, but it's compact and it works. I paid less than $45 for it. I know many people have paid over $150 for a nice-looking bag that will fit two lenses and a body, and not much else. If I can fit all of what I have comfortably, without nudging or borrowing vaporware real estate, for under $100, I'll be in line with my check.
Leave room for the light meter? And x rolls of film?
I think I havnt explained myself well, Im looking to make something a a few wrungs above "a bag". Some which is a custom fit, of a quality level equal to the contents, and since were hand making it, considerations of whether it can be mass produced in china dont exist.
If a genie came out of a bottle and said, I will make you any camera bag in the word that you can dream off.. you would choose the Domke ?
Ive had a look at the Domke, Its still huge, I dont see any custom holders for rangefinder size lenses, when you where that bag, if your leaning over to take a shot, youll have to take the bag off or otherwise it will swing in the way.
The M-Classics looks ok, not quite what I was thinking of. I was looking for something more durable/sturdy than a soft fabric bag. Something not much more bulky than slinging the M over your shoulder and stuffing the film and a lens into your pockets.
http://www.mclassics.com/2752.jpg
Also the "speed pocket" is only speedy if the latches on the camera bag undone.. looks like you could kneel down, have the bag tip and all your lovely M glass crash to the ground..
Oh well, Ill post some photos here along the production process.
Daniel.
sometimes i try to find the bag johnny depp used in "the ninth gate". no luck yet. :(
jlw, there are lots of bags with shallow front compartments, but they look very "camera bag"-ish.
I wonder what bag the Sultan of Brunei uses for gold Leica and lenses.
I prefer a bag that has a separate compartment for each lens, so that I'll have a place ready for each one when I need to change them.
One problem I have with most of the bags available is that the compartments are so deep that RF lenses get lost down them!
Im thinking individual snug fit compartments for all the lens compartments so theres no sliding/banging around.
The problem with any shoulder mount bag, is when you bend over they swing around, if you lean sideways (or how rounded shoulders) they can fall off, there never seems a good place for them.
The problem with back packs, is you can't access them without stopping and taking them off.
I want a bag which sticks in one convenient location on the body, with ready access to lens without having to take things off.. Im thinking of something along of the lines of a gun holster and bullet belt type design.
The small size of rangefinder lenses lead themselves to some totally different possibilities than SLR zoom lenses the size of 2 litre coke bottles.
Daniel.
back alley
05-30-2005, 20:01
I think I havnt explained myself well, Im looking to make something a a few wrungs above "a bag". Some which is a custom fit, of a quality level equal to the contents, and since were hand making it, considerations of whether it can be mass produced in china dont exist.
If a genie came out of a bottle and said, I will make you any camera bag in the word that you can dream off.. you would choose the Domke ?
Ive had a look at the Domke, Its still huge, I dont see any custom holders for rangefinder size lenses, when you where that bag, if your leaning over to take a shot, youll have to take the bag off or otherwise it will swing in the way.
The M-Classics looks ok, not quite what I was thinking of. I was looking for something more durable/sturdy than a soft fabric bag. Something not much more bulky than slinging the M over your shoulder and stuffing the film and a lens into your pockets.
http://www.mclassics.com/2752.jpg
Also the "speed pocket" is only speedy if the latches on the camera bag undone.. looks like you could kneel down, have the bag tip and all your lovely M glass crash to the ground..
Oh well, Ill post some photos here along the production process.
Daniel.
nothing has fallen out of my m classic bag yet!
the original design for this bag came from leica and has been 'improved' upon over the years. it is waterproof. i put some closed cell foam at the bottom of each pocket and i was ready to go. easy camera handling in & out of the bag on the fly.
make what you want but most here would agree that there is no perfect bag.
also maybe you might want to look at the billingham s3 bag. one camera and 2 lenses or 2 cameras and lens in your pocket. bomb proof bag.
joe
A Dutch guy I know from the KievReport forum started designing a belt pack for the CV Bessa - maybe that's more like what you are looking for?
http://www.hanshockx.nl/bag.html
Roman
zuikologist
05-31-2005, 00:18
What about designing custom leather lens holder inserts for Domke/Billingham and other bags to accommodate rangefinder lenses and cams - it might be easier than designing a whole new bag and may fulfil a need for RFF members.
Roger Hicks
05-31-2005, 00:46
Any of a number of small Billinghams (I have several) will do what you want. I favour NOT having separate lens compartments as this adds greatly to the bulk of the bag. Keeping the lenses in chamois leather pouches (a common 1930s trick) gives adequate protection and only slows down lens changing slightly.
Cheers,
Roger (www.rogerandfrances.com)
Actually, I've never understood all the fuss about having a camera bag that doesn't look like a camera bag. I've had bags of all kinds, but the one that gets the most use is an inexpensive Lowepro Nova 2. Smallish -- just three compartments -- and I carry it courier style rather than on my shoulder. Very lightweight. When I'm using RF's I put a folded sock in the bottom of two of the compartments to make the compartment shallower for the short lenses. Utilitarian and well padded.
Gene
back alley
05-31-2005, 05:04
and you have have clean socks nearby!
joe
I don't think they were very popular 'back in the day' (largely because they were expensive) but now I wonder if there might be more of a market for the custom-fitted cases that used to be offered for some RF systems, such as the Benser case for Leicas (which had M-mount flanges fitted in it for holding lenses in place) or the system case Voigtlander offered for the Prominent.
and you have have clean socks nearby!
joe
LOL! :D
Gene
Placing several rolls of film (still in their cardboard boxes) in the bottom of deep narrow compartments keeps small lenses closer to the top, and stores film at the same time.
The Domke bags are great but recently I found that vintage Perring bags mad of California Tan Leather from the 1940-50ties are really great. The are so well made, the inner leather is like an italian shoe - sujper smooth - and the outher leather is heavy duty natural tan laether, with zippers to last a lifetime. The are foun on ebay with natural patina at about USD 30 - but go for the old ones - this last month I have bought 5 - two Perrin Contours and 3 larger ones on the way in the post - They are also getting very trendy and vintage cool so no my Teenage daughters do not mind walking with me :-) actually the want the bags! - good thing is that it does not give people any hint to expensive photogear - just vintage and perhaps trendy-nerdy :-)
--ruben
that's sounds good, how big are those?
I have a pretty big domke, big enough to carry most of my books to school..
so I'm looking for a smaller one
btw, I can't find any of those on ebay. What should I type in to search for them? Or did you bought them all :p ?
I like my Zeiss Ikon (for Contax IIIA) carry bag. As you can see in the pictures this leather camera case has enough room for a camera with 50mm lens, 85mm and 1 21mm biogon; 2 zeiss lens hood a lightmeter (zeiss) still working very well, spare film spools, a viewfinder for 21 - 135mm and some rolls of Kodak film and some zeiss filters. This is one of my best bags. Easy to carry around and not so heavy and medium size.
afaceinthecrowd
10-29-2005, 17:03
I think the spelling should be "Perrin" rather than "Perring" ... I have not seen one but they look pretty cool from what I have been able to find online :D
dan
ClaremontPhoto
10-29-2005, 21:00
I just bought a no-name bag on eBay for £4.99 that was advertised as a videocam bag, but fits my Voigtlander perfectly.
richiedcruz
10-29-2005, 22:18
I like my Zeiss Ikon (for Contax IIIA) carry bag. As you can see in the pictures this leather camera case has enough room for a camera with 50mm lens, 85mm and 1 21mm biogon; 2 zeiss lens hood a lightmeter (zeiss) still working very well, spare film spools, a viewfinder for 21 - 135mm and some rolls of Kodak film and some zeiss filters. This is one of my best bags. Easy to carry around and not so heavy and medium size.
How heavy is your case compared to a canvas or nylon case of the same size?
I have seen a similar case made for Leica cameras and was tempted to buy one, but I was concerned about just how heavy these style of fitted camera bags really are.
Richie
nwcanonman
10-29-2005, 23:43
I'll still stick with an inexpensive, protective ZING neopreme case. Put it on your belt, use the shoulder strap or even stouter with the chest strap.
Hey, post # 1300 is just in time for Halloween - oooooooow!
My first and favorite camera bag is just a khaki & olive canvas bag with a shoulder strap and three compartments: a big center zip one, two zip ones on the sides. I padded the bottom with a piece of closed-cell foam. My only qualm is that the side pockets don't expand and they're a bit narrow, plus they could use divders. It was made by Aspen Canvas Co., where I bought it.
"The problem with any shoulder mount bag, is when you bend over they swing around, if you lean sideways (or how rounded shoulders) they can fall off, there never seems a good place for them.
The problem with back packs, is you can't access them without stopping and taking them off.
I want a bag which sticks in one convenient location on the body, with ready access to lens without having to take things off.. Im thinking of something along of the lines of a gun holster and bullet belt type design"
Snaggs, I think you shold loo at the Crumpler bags such as wonder weenie and the like. This is a bike courier bag with an optional photographic insert. It is a shoulder bag. It has an extra strap which when fitted properly, secures the bag to your back like a backpack. In order to access your bag, you flip the latch and unbuckle a catch. It takes a few seconds. They are as tough as nails. This would be a good starting point for your design. The additional strap is called a third leg, and works very well. I ride my bike with work documets, camera and meter etc, bike pump. lock phone radio etc, and feel very comfortable going over bumps, gutters etc without losing the load. I can fully bend over without losing any contents, and run, if were inclined to do so.
More better, they're designed and made in Bendigo.
Cheers
RObert Budding
10-30-2005, 01:33
I wonder what bag the Sultan of Brunei uses for gold Leica and lenses.
I doubt that he carries them himself!
Robert
ClaremontPhoto
10-30-2005, 02:35
Sometimes on eBay there are 1950's Leica leather camera bags. Not at all expensive and very different from the Billinghams and Crumplers.
darkkavenger
10-30-2005, 02:52
I like my Zeiss Ikon (for Contax IIIA) carry bag. As you can see in the pictures this leather camera case has enough room for a camera with 50mm lens, 85mm and 1 21mm biogon; 2 zeiss lens hood a lightmeter (zeiss) still working very well, spare film spools, a viewfinder for 21 - 135mm and some rolls of Kodak film and some zeiss filters. This is one of my best bags. Easy to carry around and not so heavy and medium size.
This view makes me drool so much!!!! ;)
Pherdinand
10-30-2005, 03:49
ajvo, you've just wanted to show your contax gear, badly :D
ChrisPlatt
10-30-2005, 05:42
I think the spelling should be "Perrin" rather than "Perring" ... I have not seen one but they look pretty cool from what I have been able to find online :D
dan
*Perrin* bags are sewn shut at the top and have no way to access.
They are thus utterly useless, like all products sold at GROT stores...
Excelsior, you fathead!
-Chris-
When I first started back into photography, the best was this little bag that had a loop so my belt could go right through it. This was, of course, for a small digicam, and 'twas perfect: I could reach the camera any time, it was out of the way, and waterproof. But as I progressed into cameras, they just got bigger and heavier :( Most perfect would be as they have in the cartoons, just pull the camera out of nowhere :D
Why are the lenses in that leica bag without protective covers of caps? Just for show, or am I the only one who covers up the lenses?
ajvo: the strap on that bag looks like it would rub right through the shoulder, ouch!
I use this bag I found in the closet.. made of leather, well worn. Has two pockets up front where I keep filters and film, main pocket in center, with a paper-like pocket at the back. Some people have commented on the "purse-like" appearance.. dunno, looks like a satchel to me. No brand on it at all and I use a towel as a divider (never travel without a towel, anyway, hehe).
Carried over shoulder and neck, gets a little annoying when I bend down as it swings around, perhaps I'll start looking for something a little smaller. Maybe just a pocket to keep lenses in around the belt and have the camera around the neck *shrug*
back alley
10-30-2005, 10:04
for my money the mclassic can't be beat. no messing around with towels or individual sacks for lenses.
nothing falls out, ever.
the strap is long enough that it goes over my shoulder & around my ample belly then the bag can stay at my side or behind me in the small of my back.
cameras are easy to get and to put back into the bag. and without thick padded dividers it moulds to my shape and i barely know it there.
one camera or 3 fits or my favourite combo, 2 cameras fitted with 35 & 50 lenses. sometimes i put the 100 in also.
lots of film, meter lens cleaning cloth etc.
it's a great bag and there is a used one for sale on photo.net in the classified section, 35mm, rf section. (not mine)
joe
There is a conspiracy that wants to prevent me from saving money to purchase a new computer, which I need. Durn you Joe, I just read up on the mclassic bag and &*#($*&#$(!!!! Waterproof, small, I like the straps on the back instead of sides.. grrr. I've got to stop reading this website. :D
back alley
10-30-2005, 12:28
i'm a baaad man...:)
joe
bobkonos
08-25-2006, 12:43
Good food for thought here. Lots of sound responses but I'll chime in. I use a Lowepro Lumina 1 a lot, ideal for one body with a lens attached, and an extra lens (has only two compartments. I also use a larger Billingham that has three compartments so plenty of room for 2-3 bodies, 2-3 lens, film, etc. Something in between the two would be ideal for me as I most often like to use two M bodies, each with a lens attached, and one body carrying color film, the other black & white.
One thing I look for is compartments for camera bodies, as opposed to my 1984Billingham which has one large open space. I do not like having camera bodies banging around each other, and bubble wrap pockets are a bit cumbersome. I wonder if current Billingham dividers will fit this older design ?
Much as I like fine stuff carried in fine stuff, all we really need is a camera body, a 35 mm lens, lots of film, some time, and an imagination. But a nice bag that works is a joy to use.
rogue_designer
08-25-2006, 12:49
I've been drooling over some of the Artisan and Artist bags for a while - they make several small-ish bags. The Evans Walker, for instance, looks about right for what I carry.
http://www.artisanandartist.com/bags/index.htm
I've been drooling over some of the Artisan and Artist bags for a while - they make several small-ish bags. The Evans Walker, for instance, looks about right for what I carry.
http://www.artisanandartist.com/bags/index.htm
That Evans Walker does look nice. Looks like a slightly fancier Domke F 5xb with a bit larger side pocket. Would be interested to hear from anyone who has actually used the Evans Walker to learn what they think of it.
-Randy
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