INconspicuous Leica M bag?

I'm searching for an inconspicuous bag or case for my Leica M with

f2/35 attached whilst on a trip to the middle east. Something which

doesn't look like it has a Leica inside! This can't be a new problem -

any suggestions or tips, please.

You'll get a lot of opinions about this I'm sure. I went through the same thing, I didn't want a bag that looks like a camera bag especially one with valuable Leica gear.

 

I decided on the Crumpler bag (forget which size). It doesn't look like a camera bag, more like a hipster messenger bag. Very well padded, with detachable dividers. Comes in different colors as well.

I really do not understand the "inconspicuous" bag thing. Even if you are using a diaper bag (some people do), at some point I assume you are going to take the camera out of the, then the jig is up. Plus, a thief is going to assume that any bag is going to contain something besides a ham 'n cheese sandwhich. I travel routinely in 'rough' areas with two Ms and a Rollie TLR and have never had any problem.<div></div>

David, I use book bags with a padded insert. Book bags tend to be rather

inexpensive (I've picked them up for as little as $5). The inserts I like are made by

Tenba. The partitions are adjustable and held in place with velcro.

DOMKE F-803 w/ insert. Color: Sand.

Perfert for a M camera and a few other pieces of gear.

 

 

b.

Get a <a href="http://www.courierwareusa.com/level.itml/icOid/20">Courierware

bag</a> or a Domke Satchel.

David, if you dont want a bag that says leica inside (or rather, rich person, mug me):

 

1. Dont wear expensive clothes

2. Dont wear a flash watch

3. Dont use a camera bag

 

I just wrap my gear in some clothes and shove it in my rucksack, but I personally think if you are gonna be mugged its because of the way you look, not what type of bag youve got.

Domke F-6

Louis Vuitton makes some nice bags. Nobody at the spa will suspect you are packing

a Leica...

My favorite Leica bag is one that I had made by a lady in Mill Valley who sewed canvas bags and luggage. It was made of heavy beige canvas with reinforced seams. Held one M body and 3 lenses, usually 28, either 35 or 50 summicron and 90 Elmarit. It had a pocket on one side for filters, knife and slim accessories. The other lens was on another body outside the bag being used. I carried it all over Mexico and it never attracted any attention, I guess because it was so plain. Currently it is holding Leica R lenses, 28, 35 or 50 cron, 90 and the little 180 Elmar. One of the best investments I ever made. Best!

If you are only carrying an M and one lens get a fanny pack. I don't like bags on my shoulder. I feel more mobile and secure with a waist bag over a shoulder bag. I have a padded fanny packs that has divider insider I use all the time.

David

 

I use plastic diaper bags, but I have Domke separators and padding

inside them You can get them at Sears, WalMart, Target etc.

 

Jerry

<<I really do not understand the "inconspicuous" bag thing. Even if you are using a diaper bag (some people do), at some point I assume you are going to take the camera out of the, then the jig is up. Plus, a thief is going to assume that any bag is going to contain something besides a ham 'n cheese sandwhich>>.

 

I agree with Steve. If you can find an ostomy bag big enough to hold your camera, that might do the trick ;>) Otherwise, choose a bag based on your comfort, and keep your wits about you. A bag with both a waist and shoulder strap, worn together, are more secure against snatch-and-grab, and a bag with a double-pull zip closure is much more secure than one with just a foldover flap secured by a clip or a brass button and leather flap, plus in sandy regions it keeps the gear cleaner. In other words, forget stealth and go for security.

Domke 803 in OLIVE, or any one of the many surplus military items out there - which you can easily add Domke inserts to.

I use all kinds of cheap bags with Billingham inserts.

Almost anything can be converted to an inconspicuaous photo bag with the help of Domke inserts and a little foam (I use a gray closed cell rather hard non outgassing foam that was -is still perhaps- sold by Sam-Alga a professional cinema equipment rental company near Paris). Currently my bags are Millet and Eastpack (kinds of city backpacks) with 3 compartments (inline) Domke inserts and 2 cm (nearly 1 inch) of that gray foam (which name I ignore) at the bottom.

As I almost always have a computer with me, I find a Karrimor Megabyte very usefull. It's black, looks cheap and holds iBook, Leica, 2 lenses and a Ricoh GR1V without looking in the least tempting. Well, it works for me :-)<div></div>

For one body and one lens you can't beat the Domke F5XB. It also has zippers below the main enclosure, something the F-803 doesn't have, and will keep dust out. The Domke F6 is also a good bag. The F-803 is inconvenient if you use a softie, as the width of the bag is not enough to accomodate the softie's height, and this could cause battery drainage if you leave the camera "on." Availability of Domke's is a bit of a problem these days. You could also try the Domke wrap, and then put it in a pink diaper bag. Nobody steals pink bags.

this is an easy one. if you want a bag that nobody will think has leicas inside,

get a big yellow one with nikon printed in huge black letters...!

The Tenba inserts are great and give me various options to carry 2 cameras with lenses, an extra lens or 2, filters, some film. I have a 13" version with zippered top and dividers that fits alternately in: (i) a compact black Eddie Bauer brief case, a larger Tumi bag with work papers and laptop, or any backpack.

When I travel a lot more goes into the camera bag then just the cameras. Might even be one of those ham sandwiches in there.

Billingham products are as durable as you can get. I've been in about 30 countries. Never a problem.

 

My camera is usually out of the bag anyway.

Just purchased a small Lowepro bag called a "Runner" or some such thing. Size-wise it's perfect for one camera, meter and a few rolls of film; however, the bloody thing flips upside down when the camera is removed, dumping the meter and film all over the sidewalk. Great, thank you Lowepro!

I just wanted to get that off my chest... thank you.

Lowepro has just discontinued a perfect hip pouch for a Leica sized camera. The LowePro Camera Pocket is cheap and perfect for keeping your Leica at the ready and close to your body. All you need then is a wrist strap and you're set. When I travel light, I carry in it: Leica M6 with 50mm Summilux/cron, Hexar Flash, and a CV 15mm with viewfinder. It all fits in this little bag.

 

You can find a picture of it here:

 

http://www.hotbuyselectronics.com/lowepro_camera_pocket.htm

 

tk

You're right, it's not a new problem, try searching the archives (via Google if necessary). Personally, I'm w/the "use any bag you want w/padded inserts" school. I use messenger bags, briefcases, backpacks, etc. depending on the situation.