Camera Bag Recommendation?

Would someone have a recommendation for a medium size camera/accessory bag that's good for walking around? Something to fit my large Nikon F Photomic Ftn, 2 additional lenses and a few extra rolls. I'm still experimenting on the best method for walking around with camera around neck, Gossen SBC banging on hip, second lens bag tucked in belt.

Thanks

As I've said before, I use a sling bag given away as a membership premium by the (Missouri) botanical gardens. I have a huge Tenba that I use to transport the complete kit, but this is handy for day use and doesn't look like anything particularly valuable is in it:

Thanks JDMvW, and actually I remember now I've got a beater bag I used for motorcycle commuting before retirement. Anything would help, and it's better than sitting a bag down somewhere and walking off.

 

Thanks again -

I used to use the shoulder bags airlines gave away, but some of those are now selling for prices high enough for people to steal them. The sling bags are more substantial and the cameras and lenses don't bang around so much.

 

Diaper bags are really good, especially if you rub a little brown umber on the exterior. :rolleyes:

Because you are using one of the cameras I used back in the day (and still use on occasion) and roughly the same gear, I'd suggest you look for an old Nikon FB 5. The FB 8 (2 camera version) is the best working case I've ever used. Fitted to the camera body, with metal bayonet mounts for the lenses, space for film, filters, etc.. Roberts Camera Used Photo Pro has one just now - Accepts offers!

I absolutely agree with Sandy on the Nikon reporter bags FB-5 and 8.

 

They are substantial, however. Can be hard to find, and the one with original fake leather is normally in terrible shape. Sandy recovered his and eventually I'll strip off the black tape and do the same. If you don't wrap the plastic one in tape, the black original faux leather will permanently mark your clothing.

I absolutely agree with Sandy on the Nikon reporter bags FB-5 and 8.

 

They are substantial, however. Can be hard to find, and the one with original fake leather is normally in terrible shape. Sandy recovered his and eventually I'll strip off the black tape and do the same. If you don't wrap the plastic one in tape, the black original faux leather will permanently mark your clothing.

PM me when you get ready and I'll send some specific details and watch outs. If the OP doesn't buy the FB 5 - I might. :D

Many thanks to both of you for this; JDMvW, while researching this FB5 I ran into your excellent post here from 2011 about them. On the FB 5, does that bottom metal lens bracket allow for a lens cap while 'clicked in' to the bracket? An opinion later in the thread mentioned this issue, and having the lens always capped does seem preferable.

 

Sandy, I saw that FB 5 bag on Roberts, looks a bit beat but serviceable. I spent all today with a just arrived from Roberts Nikon 105mm F2.5 listed as 'very good' condition - I can't tell it from new - I yearned for one 5 decades ago but had to wait for the price drop :) I'm hesitating on the bag, but I'll let you know very soon.

Thanks again -

Have had uniformly excellent experience with Roberts - that was the low end of FB 5 prices out there. There is one from Japan...almost mint, but with the shipping, a bit dear. Watch & wait usually works for me. The lens cap will work - the back cap, no as the lens mounts as on a camera, release button and all. Over decades, that was never a problem with film cameras. I kept the case closed most of the time and vacuumed the case after travel. There is a flange all the way around the case that the lid seats on to keep out dust. Though subject to failure, the synthetic was waterproof ( haven't tested the glazed goat I recovered the case with). Don't know how it would work with digital in regard to dust, but don't believe either the FB 5 or 8 can easily be converted fit digital Nikons. FB 11 will, with slight adjustment.

My film Nikon--either my FE or F4--lives in an old Domke J-3. The Domke bags are great: durable as all hell--mine, made out of ballistic nylon is ancient (nearly 20 years old) and has been beat all to smithereens, but is still functioning perfectly despite its scars (which merely lend it character), and a friend of mine has a canvas J-3 that he's been using to carry Hasselblad or flash gear for over a decade. There are loads of good bags, but the Domkes to me have the perfect combination of price, durability and ease of use: there's no faffing around getting stuff out of a Domke in a hurry, you just throw the top open and grab it.

 

And as far as Roberts--they're great folks. I grew up in Indianapolis, and I've bought from them loads of times, both new and used gear. Their new stuff is frequently as cheap as B&H, and they stand behind their gear, both new and second hand.

Thanks all for the recommendations, but for today's trip I'm going to try my old backpack to see if would serve permanently, I always overload anyway so this may make a more disciplined approach.

For transporting gear, I use a medium-sized backpack or roller (saves my back in airports). For just walking about, I carry lenses in a small fanny-pack style shoulder bag, like a Think Tank "Hubba Hubba Hiney." It holds up to 4 Nikon sized prime lenses (or one 70-200/2.8 zoom), while the camera goes around my neck. I use the bag with a shoulder strap rather than a belt pack. I have trouble keeping my pants up as it is.

 

I have found cross-shoulder camera straps like a Sun Sniper or Black Rapid work best. They keep the camera handy, with the weight centered on my spine. That's with a Sony A7. I can't imagine carrying a Nikon Fotomic around my neck any more. The strap I actually use is made by Magpul (1 or 2 point rifle sling) with a military quick connect that fits my Really Right Stuff L-bracket.