Camera Bag for the Contax 645 System

I am wondering which camera bags people use to carry their Contax 645

systems. Assuming that I'll eventually have 3-4 lenses, 2-3 film

backs, the AA power grip and of course the body with viewfinder, what

do people recommand as a carrying case for this system?

I would be partial to a Tenba 595 or 795 bag (black or gray available at B&H). These are wonderfully thought-out bags that I have used for years. The great thing is that you can get to any piece of equipment with one hand. They could be easily configured to a 645 system.

 

A pointer- get the additional liners for the pockets and the top compartment. You would be able to store some of the shorter lenses probably up over 100mm in the pockets. Also, you could store flashes or light meters in the top compartment. Get Tenba's rubber shoulder pad for the strap, too.

I quite like F/64 bags. I have two SCX bags, one for my Canon system and one for my Bronica system. Some time after purchasing the SCX and setting it up for the Bronica, I discovered that they offer the same model with dividers better suited to medium format, so I would recommend that one for your system.

While I use Domke bags for all my 35mm equipment, I highly recommend the Lowe-Pro Mini-Trekker for a mid-sized medium format system. The Mini-Trekker nicely holds a Hasselblad, 3 lenses w/hoods mounted, extra backs, accessories and film. Plus, there's a nice pocket for holding a tripod. It's much more comfortable to carry around all day than any shoulder bag and is fairly easy to work out of.

Thanks for the responses so far. I already have several camera bags, including a Mini Trekker, for my fairly extensive Nikon system. But I am new to medium format and only have a couple of lenses so far. However, I already find it difficult to carry both systems, and I haven't really thought about converting some of the backpacks to medium-format use.

I think that the Lightware cases are the class act, and functional too. With a little bit of effort you can customize them perfectly. Check them out at www.lightwareinc.com.

For working around in the city where I may need to pull out the camera quickly for capturing that fleeting moment, I find one of those medium sized Billigham bags especially the newer designs with the Press top useful. CCS and Heritage are other good British options. I like the Billinghams because they do not announce themselves as CAMERA BAGS. The irony is that when new, they do look expensive so look for a shop-worn one :) The one caveat is that all shoulder bags no matter how well made are hell on the shoulder. You can always recognise an old pro by his lopsided shoulders.

 

For use out in the woods, a backpack style bag from Tenba or Lowepro is my preference.

 

For professional assignments, I rely on my tough Lightware cases. My assistant gets paid to lug those.

 

For air-travel, I got myself a hardy Thermodyne.

 

I guess I am covered for most situations :)