jorn ake Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 I live in the Czech Republic and shoot a lot of street photography. Pickpockets live here too, as in other European cities. Fact of life. I carry my M cameras in an old beat-up courier bag with Domke wraps to be inconspicuous. I would like a bag with a few dividers though so I can carry a camera and a pound of coffee without entanglement. I would also like to ditch the wraps - too slow. All the M-suitable bags that I have seen are way too pretty (M-Classics, Billingham) or look like camera bags (Lowepro etc) or (ugh) waist packs. Even the courier bags are too pretty now. I have an old Domke bag from a retired AP photographer that is lightly padded black canvas, has been washed like 30 or 40 times, and shot full of holes. Perfect - except I would like a big zipper under the flap to prevent hand intrusions. While my camera is around my neck or in my hand most of the time, hiding a camera without outward advertisement occasionally is invaluable - like on the metro. Any suggestions, beyond sewing and washing and shrapnel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bas1 Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 A worn out M-classics bag can hardly be described as too pretty for street photography. I like mine and I don't feel like I'm advertising it or drawing unwanted attention to myself when carrying it. Don't forget that the only ones interested in Leica's are the Leicaphiles. Most others prefer a rebel over a Leica anytime. Exception might be the new shinny MP's... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_layton Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 I've recently begun putting my favorite bag (a well worn Atan) with its top-flap open, inside a plain canvas shoulder bag, the kind with an open top. With this arrangement over my shoulder, the outer bag completely hides the inner, even from people standing right next to it (the "open" top actually stays "closed" from the tension of its own shoulder-strap), and, since the inner bags top flap is folded back and stuck between it and the outer bag, access to cameras is actually quicker/easier/more discrete than it I'd been using either bag alone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin_oelkers Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 I use a Domke F5XB for a low-profile, small M excursion kit. I think it could handle a pound of beans without drawing too much attention. And if you like, you can wash it 30 - 40 times to give it your retired AP look (don't forget to put a few bullets through it as well). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin_oelkers Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 I forgot to mention, if you're not familiar with the bag, it has a zipper as well as the flap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rolfe_tessem Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 The least conspicuous is probably an ammo bag. Here is a link to a good deal on these. Under $13.00 for two bags -- it doesn't get much cheaper than that! http://www.sportsmansguide.com/index.html?tp=showad.html%3Fad_id%3D70919 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry_lehrer Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 Jorn To avoid the attention of the notorious La Jolla gangs, I use a cheap plastic diaper (nappy) bag with various Domke inserts to hold my camera kit. Nobody would steal a diaper. Jerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay_. Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 I carried 2 M6's and 4 lenses all over Prague in a Domke F5XB and the only person who noticed I was carrying Leicas was another Leica photographer. Nonetheless, no matter how un-camerabag-like a bag is,or how ratty looking, *any* bag is going to arouse the curiosity of a street thief. Believe it or not, pickpockets are interested in other items besides Leicas--such as money. My personal choice for urban areas (in cooler weather anyway)is a lightweight vest with zipper pockets, worn underneath a slightly-oversized zip-up windbreaker. Out of sight, out of temptation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larry_horricks__prague__cz1664876400 Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 Ahoj Jorn... Maybe I'd like your Beat up Domke...I'll trade you a 1 year old Domke if your interested or I'll just buy yours if you want to sell. I use Czech Army Ammo bags that I get at a Army shop on Zitna, Call me if youre interseted on my mobile 602682658 or home at 257311424...I live in Mala Strana...been living in this country for 10 years. I have honestly never felt any danger in this part of the world as long as I keep an eye on my gear...and I use Leica M's and Rollei TLRs daily. Maybe meet for a pivo if you have time. Zatim Ahoj, Larry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_flanagan Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 Why specifically a camera <I>and</I> a "pound of coffee"?<P> Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert_Lai Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 The ammo bags look tempting, and the price is great - $13.00 for two bags. Does anyone know if they are padded, or do you have to provide your own? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rolfe_tessem Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 They aren't padded, but you could easily use Domke inserts or wraps. They are sort of like the Domke 803, but the material is a little thinner and more flexible. I think the website says they are 100% cotton. And yes, the price is hard to beat! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee_shively Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 I've had equipment stolen. Theives steal anything they think they can sell. Buy good insurance, don't worry about it and take pictures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jorn ake Posted March 30, 2003 Author Share Posted March 30, 2003 Coffee 'cause in order to take photographs, first I have to wake up. And plus, you just need a multi-tasking carry-all as Prague is really a pedestrian city (unlike most US cities) and the weather is cold-wet-warm-sunny-snowing (in the spring, sometimes everything within a 20 minute period.) Then there are crowded metros and trams and running to catch them. Military bags (and diaper bags! excellent) look like good ideas. And while I have never felt in danger anywhere here and I have insurance, street photography is an inconspicuous art so seems like a bag should be as quiet as the click of my camera's shutter. Part of the whole thing I suppose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew n.bra hrefhttp Posted March 30, 2003 Share Posted March 30, 2003 I've been using a [<A HREF="http://www.crumpler.com.au">Crumpler Courier Bag</A>] ("Roll-o-notes") for a few weeks now. Strong material and strap, plenty of padded room inside, outer flap is secured with velcro and clips and most importantly, looks absolutely nothing like a camera bag.<P> You can get them in a range of (sometimes fluro) colours. I got bright blue.<P> The Billingham Hadley Small just sits in a closet now - no matter what I did to it or how worn it got, it still looked like a "Camera Bag!" and would attract a little too much attention whenever I was shooting in department stores or supermarkets... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen Herbert Posted March 30, 2003 Share Posted March 30, 2003 Sort of like me, but i get by. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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