M classic bag & New M bag from M classics

Anyone used the M classic Bag or the recently released new M Bag from M classics of Boston ?

Would appreciate any comments on the bag(s).

Would be even more grateful if the following queries can be answered.

1. Is there no padding at all and do you find this a problem?

2. Is the newer version better in anyway?

3. Do they offer good protection from the elements?

4. Are they heavy?

5. Are they better than a Domke 803?

6. Can they carry more than a 803?

<p>

many thanks in advance.

I got one of these bags and they are great. I was reluctant to use it

at first because of the lack of padding. Once I used it I realized it

fully protects the gear.(I did put folded cloth napkins on the botton

areas but this is probably not necessary). It molds to you body and

can carry way more stuff than you would think. Probably the best "M"

bag out there. I have never used the Domke 803, but this bag is more

functional than other Domke's I have owned.

I know nothing about the "new" M bag from M-Classics, but I have one

of the original Leica bags from which the original M-classics bag was

cloned. I classify it as a "cool collectible" but not something I'd

want to use unless I put some kind of padded insert in it. If you

set it down, you need to do it very softly. Since it has no

structure, you need to make sure nothing will shift after you let go,

or the bag can fall off whatever you set it on and everything hit the

floor--hard and unprotected. You don't want to get shoved or jostled

against a wall or other hard surface. You don't want to put something

in it quickly, without making sure it won't hit something else. You

don't want to depend on the little pieces of Velcro to hold it closed

if the bag gets upended, but the alternative is to fuss with the

buckles each time. The Domke 803, or better the F5XB, are more

functional and more comforting to entrust thousands of dollars of

high-precision photo gear.

Yes I have been using the Classic M bag for about three years. To

answer your questions: 1 There is no padding and that has never been a

problem for me. 2 I heard about a new version but the only thing I know

about it is it is black instead of sand color. 3 Depends on the

elements. I have exposed mine to many days of using in the rain with no

problem. 4 Very light. I also have the Domke 803 and prefer the Classic

M. 6 With the Classic M I can carry more gear (but I try not to). I can

put three Ms in the Classic with lenses & hoods mounted, plus lots of

film, meter, etc, etc.

<p>

Also I would like to say that IMHO heavily padded bags are over rated.

I use my unpadded Classic bag everyday and have never had a problem.

Tom Abramhson has travelled all over Europe and North America with a

Classic bag with no problems. A PJ friend of mine uses two Brady

fishing bags (which are canvas and look like the Classic) one fishing

bag carries three black paint M4s the other carries three M6s. He has

done this for many years with no problems.

I recently took the M classic bag to Australia and it stayed on my

shoulder the entire month. It is an extremely comfortable bag,

although I stuff a towel in the bottom of the main compartment

because I was worried about my second body hitting the floor.

<p>

I routinely carried two bodies, lightmeter, five lenses, and twenty

rolls of film in the bag, and everything stayed put, and was

immediately available.

<p>

Everything stayed dry in two hours of light rain one day.

I thought the "old" M Classics bag is unpadded, and the "new" (50%

more) M Classics bag is padded. I went for the "old" bag myself, but

I don't carry a lot of equipment, just a RF body and 50mm lens. I

like light and compact, without having any decisions to make.

Arthur:

<p>

I have used the old M-classics, a new M-classics, and the original

Leica bag it's patterned after. Both old bags had one outer layer of

material with a thin white fabric liner. The new M-classics bag now

uses the outer fabric for the liner, in effect giving you a double

layer of the tougher material. I sold my first M-classics, because I

did not like the strap atteachment point. I have since had Seth make

me a custom version of the new bag, with the straps attached to the

side of the bag, not the rear -- I like this arrangement much better,

as the bag hangs better off my shoulder, but it is a little more

difficult to quickly grab equipment than the standard arrangement.

<p>

As for the bags, they are SUPER! In fact, IMO it is the best Leica

bag out there. I regularly carry two motorized M bodies with lenses

attached, two or three extra lenses, film, flash, cleaning gear, and

still have room for the travel guide of the country I'm in. Love the

bag! You could fit a third non-motorized body with a compact lens

attached in lieu of the exrta lenses. And it is a bag that does not

scream "Expensive gear inside!" FWIW, I also lined the bottom of the

bag with some closed-cell foam for extra protection.

<p>

;-),

Jay: Except I don't have to fuss with that %%@#*&*^% zipper!

<p>

;-),

I like the design of the M-Classics bag, but find it just a bit larger

than I prefer. Someone mentioned the Domke F803 ... That

remains my preferred M kit bag. It's more "small attache" shaped

but it holds what I want a little better, I find its selection of

pockets and such just about exactly right for a body, three

lenses, film and flash. Plus all my usual travel stuff as well.

<p>

Regards the "lack of padding" ... I have never found it a problem.

A little bit of closed cell foam on the bottom of any bag is a good

idea (I cut up thin sleeping pad material ... it's closed cell, will not

hold moisture ... DON'T use polyurethane open-cell foam!) ...

Otherwise, I am happier that these bags are more comfortable

to carry, mold to the shape of their contents. If an item needs

more protection, a Domke wrap or suitable individual case

works better and takes up less space than those monstrous

padded bags from other manufacturers.

Jack: The only zipper on an F6 is the front pocket. The main

compartment is covered only by the flap which is secured with 2

hasps. Just like the original F2, only as they say "little bit

smaller" (and doesn't have side pockets). Personally I'd never leave

home with a bag that didn't have a zippered main compartment. No law

says you have to keep it zipped, but it does seal the bag up better

against sand, dust and unauthorized fingers.

Jay: Sorry, I am not totally Domke-fluent -- I was thinking you were

referring to your (usually over-stuffed) F5XB. I find the F6 nothing

more than an original F2 without the utilitarian pockets, and thus

seems like a "why bother" to me, but I know others love it. Probably

the closest thing in Domke to my custom M-calssic is the 803, but it

is just enough smaller to prevent getting the motorized M's in.

<p>

:-),

I carried a Leica M6 w/2 lens and a Konica Hexar QD-black w/flash for

3 months in Pakistan and Afghanistan while on assignment last year.

With a Domke 15" square gear protection wrap pad folded in the base

for cushioning - it is an ideal carry-all-day bag. Though I wasn't

exposed to monsoon like conditions I must say it did a good job of

keeping my gear safe and clean during dust storms. The snaps and

buckle keep things from tumbling out. The bag is light and forms to

your hip - making it easy to navigate through a crowd as it doesn't

protrude like luggage (Domke and Billingham bags have this

characteristic). I looked long and hard before going with the M

Classic and would recommend it - especially if you carry a simple

kit. The pockets on the face of the bag are ample enough to carry

cleaning supplies, batteries and extra film. My only grip - the M

bag needs a hand strap atop the bag as a carrying/portage option. I

own the black model. Good luck.

I don't ever remember seeing an option for a black bag at

www.mclassics.com. If black is an option, then I may have to get

an M Bag. I hate the tan color and therefore never considered the

bag.

Black is now the only option -- but you can get with black or tan

trim. Seth has not updated the website...

<p>

:-),

In response to my query, Seth sent me the following email.

Should answer some questions.<p>

<p>

Thanks very much for your interest in the M Classics bag.<p>

<p>

I am writing to let you know that there are now two different types

of M Classic Bags. The Original M bag and the New M bag. If

you�d like to order one, please let me know which one it is:<p>

1.Original M Bag with Khaki cloth,<p>

2.New M Bag with black cloth & black trim, or <p>

3.New M bag with black cloth & brown trim.<p>

<p>

There have been a lot of favorable comments lately among Leica

users at the LUG and at other product review sites. Some have

been talking about the NEW M Classics bag as opposed to the

Original M Classics Bag, so I want to let you know about the

differences between the Original M Bag and the New M Bag.

To be happy with your purchase, we want you to order the one

that suits you best.<p>

<p>

SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT<p>

<p>

The Original M Bag is the khaki colored one that can be seen

and ordered directly from the website: www.mclassics.com. The

New M bag comes in Black with Black leather trim or Black with

Brown leather trim. The New M Bag is not yet on the website so

we have to process orders by hand via email or telephone or fax :

pepe3@bellatlantic.net or 617-787-2105. My fax at home is:

617-787-2424<p>

I am sorry for the inconvenience. My buddy John is going to help

me get it onto my website sometime soon.<p>

<p>

The Original M bag is made from Propex with cotton sheeting

urethane-laminated to it. The New M bag is also Propex but it

has a double layer of urethane laminated Propex and so it has a

bit more �body� or shape to it. By the way, Propex is an

extraordinarily strong fabric that is resistant to puncture, tearing,

abrasion, mildew, and even harsh chemicals. It cleans up with

soap and water !!<p>

<p>

On the New M bag, there is a lot more leather trim and binding.

The use of additional leather is aesthetic but it is structural as

well, strategically adding shape and form to the bag.<p>

<p>

The Original M bag has a polypro shoulder strap with a single

slide adjuster. The New M bag has a cotton web shoulder strap

that is adjustable from both ends, allowing a higher carry under

the arm. This is often preferred by photojournalists who may

have to run with their bag to catch a shot.<p>

<p>

The New M Classics Bag has a slightly larger inner �speed

pocket�; large enough to hold a M body with a 90mm collapsible

Elmar lens in its extended position and ready-to-grab!! I love this

feature. Also in the New M bag, the flap of material inside the

bag�s main compartment, that wraps around other gear, can

now be positioned with Velcro to accommodate your specific

needs. The interior can be effectively custom compartmentalized

without the need for cumbersome padded dividers. This gives

the bag a speed and ease of access to your gear that can�t be

found in even the high end padded bags.<p>

<p>

Both bags use brass hardware and only top quality leathers and

they are all bench-made by crafts-men and women in our small

New England shop. The bags have been designed with features

desired by working photojournalists; people who need and use

their gear quickly, efficiently, and comfortably.<p>

<p>

Both the Original and the New M bags are of the same basic size

and design. Approximately 11 x 14 x 3.5 and weigh approximately

2 lbs. The straps are attached at the rear of the bag for a very

comfortable angle of hang from the shoulder. If you�ve only used

bags with side mounted shoulder straps, this design will please

you. They are real shooter�s bags and are very fast to use. They

are designed for speedy and efficient access to your gear. They

are perfect for Leica style photography and they will comfortably

hold a surprising amount of gear.<p>

<p>

The New M Classic bag sells for $139 +7 domestic shipping via

Priority Mail (usually 3 days).<p>

<p>

International orders can be accepted via email and fax. <p>

$139+ Int�l shippingShipping costs to most of Europe are

$32.50.<p>

Asia is $30.<p>

South and Central America are $29.<p>

We use USPS International Express Mail.<p>

It usually takes only four to five days to arrive in the destination

country, can be tracked on the Internet at WWW.USPS.COM and

it is automatically insured. Lately, however, after September 11,

international mail has been a little slower, so don�t worry if it

takes a bit longer.<p>

<p>

MC or Visa can be accepted for the NEW M Bags via e-mail or

phone or PayPal.<p>

<p>

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ORDER A NEW M CLASSICS BAG:<p>

<p>

1. Please specify which color combination you want:<p>

Black/Black leather or Black/Brown leather.<p>

2. E-mail me credit card information and your address as it

would appear on a shipping label. Or use PayPal at

WWW.PAYPAL.COM<p>

3. If you have already ordered an Original M Classics Bag at the

website, I will cancel the order and will process the order for the

New M Classics bag as soon as you contact me via email or

phone.<p>

<p>

I hope this is helpful. Call or e-mail me if you have any

questions.<p>

Thanks and best wishes,<p>

Seth Levine<p>

M Classics<p>

617-787-2105 (Boston)<p>

IMHO, the Domke F803, which I own in Olive Drab, looks much

less appealing to those thieves out there than the M Classics

bag which looks, to me, much more likely to contain something

expensive.

Thanks everyone for your answers and help.

Seems like the only feature that is occasionally found needing is some

bottom padding.