EVERY insert available - Page 2

Rod Fung · 08-12-2007

I have an A&A Evans Walker and I actually now use the insert in my Saddleback leather bag instead. http://www.saddlebackleather.com/briefcases.htm . The Saddleback bags are heavy/low tech, and kinda of expensive but built to last a lifetime. Besides the A&A Walker I also use a Hadley Pro; both are great bags but neither hang comfortably on me. The Saddleback can be used as a backpack as well as a satchel bag and it works equally well for moving quickly though airports as well as shooting on the streets. My Saddleback carries my laptop, an M, 3 lenses, ipod, phones, passport, and other misc travel items. It's getting beat up enough (developing a nice patina) so it looks like an old leather bag. The bag (along with an M) goes all over the world with me.

foto_fool · 08-12-2007

God I have to stop following this thread!

Rod - the Saddlebacks are pretty special. However, I can't see spending over $400 for the small, which would serve only as a camera bag, no matter how nice.

BUT - just over $500 for the large or x-tra large, which would serve as maybe my last ever camera/laptop/brief/overnight bag, is very do-able. Now, which lens to sell....

- John

meeker · 08-12-2007

John, you forgot to factor in the A&A bag you'll have to buy to get the insert.

Rod Fung · 08-12-2007

I saved a little on my Saddleback by buying it from them off ebay. Dave (the owner of Saddleback) is a good guy and lists under the name 'againsttheflow'. As expensive as they are...they really are worth the money and will last a lifetime.

foto_fool · 08-12-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by meeker

John, you forgot to factor in the A&A bag you'll have to buy to get the insert.

Hah! Up-thread I mentioned I picked up a Sierra from Naneru Pro for about $75. Two useful-looking inserts. I'll let you know after I get it.

The Saddleback has hypnotized me with its siren call, but I'm going to have to wait at least until next month before I dash myself on those rocks.

- John

MelanieC · 08-12-2007

Those Saddleback bags are gorgeous, especially for someone who has spent a lot of time around horses and loves the smell of good leather, like me. But I bet they're really heavy and I have a real aversion to carrying more weight around than I need to, not to mention if I'm going to spend that much money I'd rather spend it on, I don't know, a puppy or something.

Anyway, my Lima bag is due to arrive on Tuesday, very excited, yay. Why would any of you order the green anyway? It's ugly. Black is always better.

For some reason the A&A bags have never done anything for me. They're overpriced and terribly plain and not all that stylish.

jbf · 08-12-2007

Quite the contrary... The black seems too bland and boring. It looks no different than half of the other black bags out there. :P

The green at least has something to it.

Nevermind that ugly SLR that the guy is holding... i think the green bag looks better.

amateriat · 08-12-2007

"Bland" and "boring" (and, usually, black) sort of fit for me as the perfect M.O. for a camera bag, particularly when traveling. My 803 started out as unassuming brand-new, and has since mellowed into near-invisibility on my person. At least it feels that way to me...call it slightly shabby stealth.

- Barrett

jbf · 08-13-2007

You can still have a bag that looks nothing like a camera bag that isnt boring.

meeker · 08-13-2007

I've been hunting around some more for inserts and I think the Crumplers look to bulky (plus I'd want to cut the lid off), and the Domkes look flimsy. So, I am leaning towards a Hadley insert of some kind. I need detailed dimensions to decide which one though - the sizes on B&H just don't seem right. For example the "Insert - for Billingham Large Hadley Shoulder Bag (Replacement)" at B&H lists:

Exterior Dimensions as 10.5 x 14 x 2.5" (26.67 x 35.56 x 6.35 cm) (WxHxD)

That can't be right, can it? The pic makes it look like it's wider than it is high, and 2.5" exterior depth doesn't seem right either.

B&H link

ChadHahn · 08-13-2007

With the Saddleback bags it would be nice if the guy had actual pictures where you could see things about the bag rather than what a good time he has travelling the globe.

I like Filson bags, they might not last as long but they are warrantied forever and they show you nice clear pictures of what you are buying.

MelanieC · 08-13-2007

How about the Tenba insert? Much cheaper. Maybe too small?

http://www.adorama.com/TBPP12.html

It's shown in a large case but could go into a bag.

meeker · 08-13-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MelanieC

How about the Tenba insert? Much cheaper. Maybe too small?

Hmmm... the tenba is L12 x H9 x D41/2" [L304 x H230 x D102mm] - seems ideal actually. I'll probably add one to my next B&H/Adorama order - thanks!

trittium · 08-13-2007

I have two crumpler inserts. They are built like the bags, and are heavily padded. They also keep there shape. One thing to concider about any insert is that the rf gear is small. You are probably going to have to add more dividers. I know this is easy with crumplers, but I don't know about other brands.

MelanieC · 08-15-2007

The Lima bag is here. So far, I like it but I haven't toted it around yet. I'll put up some pictures tomorrow. Right now I have it loaded up with a Rollei + accessories, an M3 with 50mm Summicron mounted, an Elmarit 90, and various accoutrements (lens cloth, light meter, filters). That's about as much as I'd want to carry in it as it's packed pretty snug. Anyway, you'll see.

jbf · 08-15-2007

I got my Lima bag today as well. A great little bag. Without inserts it would make a great small/medium sized bag for everyday items such as some notebooks, paper, whatever you want, but it also functions great as a camera bag i think.

If anyone looking at buying one I'd say definately go for it.

I love it's form factor.