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Camera bags that don't look like camera bags


welly_kiwi

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<p>Tamrac manufactures the Express series of messenger bags that do not look like typical camera bags. They come in khaki and in black ultra suede. The Tamrac Adventure series are built on a similar chassis as the Express series, but are all nylon and do not have the ultra suede, and do not have a zippered pocket on the inside of the front flap (probably not a big deal). The Adventure series appear to have a more water resistent and durable outer cover, but at the price of appearing more like a camera bag. Both series appear to be well built and well padded, and are comfortable to carry.</p>
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<p>I can't recommend Domke anymore. Over the years their construction quality has taken a nosedive. I recently bought an F-5XB and the canvas was so thin you could actually see your fingers through it if you held it up to a ceiling light. The last F-5XB I owned from about 10 years ago was much better. I also agree with Peter N; it's a little ironic that the Chinese knock-offs that Tiffen complains about on their own site are actually better designed and built than the originals.</p>

<p>I have nothing against Crumpler products, but their websites are a lesson on how not to design a site. Every time I think about buying a Crumpler product, a visit to their site for more information always turns me off and I end up buying something else.</p>

<p>On the other hand, I've always been impressed by <a href="http://courierwareusa.com/objects/20.itml/icOid/20">Courierware's Incognito camera bags</a> and am still a little mystified as to why they aren't more popular than they are.</p>

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<p>As an "incognito" bag, I use a Timbuk2 messenger bag with some random Japanese brand of insert. They are bulletproof, waterproof, comfortable to carry...the list goes on. The issue would be buying one large enough to use at a wedding, but they come in many flavors.<br>

To me, Domke/Billingham/arbitrary canvas bag are what I think of as camera bags. <br>

And just as a gripe, did you know that in Japan, Timbuk2 sells a custom insert for their bags? Go into any camera store there and you will find Timbuk2 bags with camera inserts. They are well thought out and much nicer than Domke or the like.</p>

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<p>I like the Domke satchel bags. Not so much because they don't look like a camera bag. More because they are the right size and shape for what I carry. One body, two or three lenses. Flash. Other stuff.<br>

And, FWIW, I tried the Courierware bag and it's nice for the most part but a bit too "squishy". Makes it hard to work out of fast because the shape of the bag is always shifting as you put stuff in and take stuff out. I like the fact that the Domkes are slightly stiffer.</p>

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<p>Slings/messenger bags are nice for a few hours of shooting, although for a full day of walking/shooting, they can seem pretty heavy. All the weight is on just one shoulder at a time.<br>

If you're looking for just a messenger bag then Courrier ware has some very durable ones that you can even customize if you send in fabric. http://www.courierbags.com. They have some foam inserts available for support and padding (or depending on the bag you can make your own if you sacrifice a few external pockets) and its well disguised as a camera bag. The bags are made out of some really tough nylon and last forever. I've had mine for over 10 years and besides a camera bag it has also served as book-bag and a diaper bag ;)<br>

It seems that one constant among long-time photographers is the accumulation of a variety of bags that they have tried and now never use or use under specific conditions. Bring your gear with you when you're trying out bags and don't rush yourself. As others have said, it doesn't help you too much if your bag doesn't look like a camera bag since inevitably your camera will come out of it. I would focus on something comfortable to carry that accommodates how you use your gear.</p>

<p> </p>

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<p>An old photographer I knew was always leaving his gear lying around. He once left a Hasselblad with a couple of backs and lenses in a south London cafe. They were still there , lying in a corner where he left them, when he went back. They were in an old and battered ex British Army khaki webbing backpack. Maybe go look in your army surplus store!</p>
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<p>It depends on how much gear you are trying to schlep around. I use a old Mountainsmith Tour Lumbar pack. It's great to throw over your shoulder and has a waist-belt as well. I use it exclusively when I am traveling overseas and it doesn't scream camera gear. I can usually fit my Nikon F2SB, two or three lenses, a bunch of film, guidebook and a rain jacket inside. It also has a couple of outside mesh water bottle compartments that can be used as well (thinking like a small lens in an OP/Tech snoot boot).</p>
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<p>After looking at several bags that didn't scream "camera bag" I settled on this Artisan&Artist bag:<br /> http://www.aaa-shop.jp/fs/aaa01/g5ab/GCAM-7000<br /> similar: http://www.artisanandartist.com/bags/acam7100.htm<br /> <br /> Note that on the Japanese site you can find a larger selection of their bags (many of which do look more like camera bags): http://www.aaa-shop.jp/ and there is a note on that site that the "www.artisanandartist.com" site is no longer the official distributor. I got mine at Glazers Camera in Seattle.<br>

<br /> The bag is very well made from quality materials, have a clever design, and (in my opinion) look really good. I think most camera bags are u-g-l-y. For me choosing this bag was probably 90% about aesthetics and only 10% about camouflage.<br>

<br /> If need be, I can fit a D700, 105mm VR, 24-70f/2.8 and 14-24mm f/2.8 and a 13" MacBook in it at the same time, but is probably too small for a vertical-grip camera like a Canon 1D or Nikon D3. Before this bag I was using a similar looking non-camera men's messenger-style bag, but it's nice to have something actually designed for camera equipment, with padding and dividers.<br>

As far as theft goes, I'm not sure the non-camera-bag bag is a huge advantage. I was mugged once carrying a very plain backback. The thieves got away with only a paperback book and a banana. And I've also lost all my camera equipment in a home burglary, and those thieves made off with any sort of backpack or bag laying about the house. Point is you can probably get robbed at any time, no matter what kind of bad you are carrying. Having insurance and keeping your wits about you on the street is your best bet. If you do get robbed, hope you aren't injured, take a deep breath and tell yourself it's not the end of the world (even though it totally sucks).<br>

Good luck!</p>

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<blockquote>

<p>I quickly scrolled through the info and didn't see anything about a shootsac. I love mine and it's a messanger so I keep it right on me the entire time...</p>

</blockquote>

<p>That's because the ShootSac is an interesting idea on paper but doesn't work very well in practice. I know a couple of photographers whose lenses have fallen out of a ShootSac and shattered to pieces on the pavement.</p>

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<p>Tony, these days, how long would it take the London or NY City bomb squad to explode a ratty old khaki backpack found abandoned in the street?<br>

Anyway, I'm thinking it really doesn't make too much difference. A bag means one is carrying something. If it's at all heavy (and anyone half-way observant can tell the difference between the way people walk carrying a newspaper & lunch vs a camera or laptop) then it's either a computer, camera, or canned ham. Any of those can get one robbed in some areas.</p>

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<p>I have more camera bags than I will ever admit. Now, I carry a messenger bag and pad my equipment w little neoprene bags or domke wraps inside. "Real" camera bags are often terrible to work out of, look silly, are way overpadded and often don't fit your particular equipment so well anyway. A possible exception is old Domke. Another shortcoming of camera bags is that they rarely accommodate other stuff, like a windbreaker or lunch. I do still use my old battered khaki Billingham Hadley, but leave the insert out. Heavily padded camera bags seem best for taking all your stuff to an event such as a wedding where you can set it down in a corner and retrieve stuff as needed, not for wearing and shooting. If you are walking and shooting, you are best off with a bag that you don't mind wearing, not a specialized camera bag.</p>
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<p>If you don't have to carry much gear the inexpensive soft sided lunch bag mentioned above is ideal. I once sit mine down in a convenience store on main street in Houston while I was picking out a cold drink. Walked off and left it, got across the street to the bus stop before I realized what I had done. I could just see several hundred dollars worth of gear walking away. Got back to the store and it was sitting just where I put it. They have worked for me for the last five years. Even if I am carrying a camera and shooting it still says photographer dude with lunch not photographer dude with expensive camera gear in lunch bag.</p>
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<p>I second what Henry just said about the Billingham Hadley style bag. I use mine as a general shoulder bag as well as a camera bag but seldom use the inserts. This will hold a Hasselblad with lens and a spare back or a Century graphic. For anything more than this any good padded rucksack is the answer and will help avoid the back problems associated with carrying heavy gear on one shoulder. Also if you need to carry food and drink and waterproofs the rucksack is much more convenient.</p>
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<p>I use a large fanny pack made by Redhead and sold at Bass Proshops for use by hunters in the field. It has tons of pockets and holds three lens , flash and all the cords, filters, flash cards. batteries and a bottle of water. You can also attach a whole line of accessory pouches to it for extra space. It's weather proof, extremely sturdy, and only cost $30. Better and cheaper than any camera bag I've ever tried. And beiing a fanny pack no one can snatch it away. Check it out.</p>
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<p>a bag that looks unlike any camera or laptop bad would necessitate carrying a smaller kit. i use the following. cheap, durable yet fashionable. i carry a body with prime lens attached, another prime, a small flash and a few small face towels. mine has lasted for over two and half years.<br>

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_64127_1007749_-1</p>

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<p>Hi Guys,<br>

Wow I'm astounded by the number of responses, thank you for your input and valuble feedback. </p>

<p>I completely agree with Danny Wong that Crumpler bags are victims of their own success, I do love them to pieces, but they can't help but be known as a camera bag around the world. </p>

<p>I really like the idea of putting Domke inserts into old bags, but I'm still thinking of it as the back up strategy, as I like the idea that a bag might be designed from scratch to withstand impact. </p>

<p>For those who asked what the point was since when I bring the camera out everyone would know; I often travel through shady parts of town to get to a secluded area for shooting, so I may wait until the coast is clear to take the camera out, hence why I want to look pretty casual getting there. I do agree that if someone sets out to mug you then there's not a lot one can do, but I figure it can't hurt to mitigate the risk and bring the odds a little in your favour :)</p>

<p>Peter N, thanks for the recommendation on the Nikwax product, I haven't seen it over here but I'm about to go searching online, because the product I use leaves everything stiff and honestly isn't particularly waterproof.</p>

<p>AJ, ha, that's exactly how I feel with my crumpler bags right now.<br>

To everyone who gave a favorite bag recommendation, I've listed them all and am about to embark on an online website hunt to check out what you're using, thanks so much, word of mouth recommendations are priceless for this kind of thing. </p>

<p>Adrian, I know what you mean about messenger bags being a bit painful after a full day of shooting, but I'm not keen on backpacks and it seems like messenger is the next best thing, maybe I'll have to rethink that. </p>

<p>Esa, those Marimekko bags are stunning, a little too stunning I think or I would pounce on one right now!</p>

<p>David Franzen, I agree, it's really only a matter of odds, it was the thread a couple of weeks ago about Bob getting robbed that got me thinking about ways to minimize the chances of it happening, but I certainly like your come-what-may approach. </p>

<p>On another note, it was really good to hear what you guys were saying about the canvas quality in the Domke bags, it's put me off buying one altogether, so thanks for the tip.</p>

<p>As far as how much gear I carry around, this bag would be to carry the two large dslrs, 3 lenses and some small accessories. My laptop and tripod etc go in a different bag. Well, actually the tripod sticks out the top of a separate bag, flat out refusing to even get halfway into it.</p>

<p>To everyone who mentioned diaper bags and lunch bags, it's a really interesting idea, my only thought is I was kind of hoping for a bag I could use at weddings as well. I know it's a hard balance to strike, but I'm leaning towards the bag inside a bag idea, maybe a good camera bag inside a diaper bag so I can take it out of the diaper bag for weddings? Has anyone else done that?<br>

Thanks again everyone for all your help.</p>

<p> </p>

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