majk

Check out Rob Galbraith's

<a href="http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=6007">CF/SD Performance

Database</a>. Very useful.

There's the Tamrac Velocity series. I have the 9, which is large enough to take a Nikon DSLR

with 80-200 2.8, with hood reversed.

Some options: <a ref="http://www.huntsphotoandvideo.com/">Hunts</a> or <a

ref="http://

www.calumetphoto.com/ctl?

ac.ui.pn=compinfo.CompStoreLocDetail&ac.comp.locID=CA">Calumet</a>

I have one and used it for a while. I liked how well it handled larger lenses like 80-200 2.8

zooms with the hood. You can use it as a shoulder bag or a backpack. It's reasonably

comforable as a backpack. It holds a lot, and is well constructed. Ultimately I found I was

carrying too much for my shoulder and went back to cloth domke bags, which I find more

comfortable and easier to work out of (not comparable bag,s though.) It still has a role

when I need the small backpack format.

My only real complaint is this: it's a good shape and configuration when you're carrying

the bigger zooms, but the flap is kind of big and in the way, which makes it harder to

work out of, in a dynamic over the shoulder way. Depends on what you need and what

your usage pattern is.

Check out <a href="http://www.zuiko.com/">CamTech</a>. I haven't used them

personally, but many swear by them.

Take a good look at the AF-S 28-70mm f/2.8, it's really a very useful lens in this context.

I'm not so enamoured of the 105 macro as a portait lens. I think the quick and quiet

operation of the AF-S lenses is of value especially during the ceremony. Just my $0.02.

I you want an extended service agreement, consider a Mack (available from B&H). I would

tend to trust them more than Best Buy, and it costs substantially less. I have never had to

make a claim; perhaps people who have can provide more information.

I don't think you can go wrong either way. I love the F-3X for throwing in a couple of

lenses and travelling light. It won't hold it all, but it's a great bag.

I like the A80 as a camera, but IMHO battery performance -- especially shelf life --

make digitals questionable as a backup. You just can't let them sit and then expect

them to be ready. At least that never works for me.

I don't know if you've seen this already, but there is some information online that

may answer some of your sizing questions:

http://www.saundersphoto.com/html/domkest.htm

You can also get different inserts to suit your needs. Wraps or neoprene lens bags

can supplement the padding without adding bulk.

This are great bags. I find they're the best "working out of bags" I've seen. These are

not bulky bags. As such, the "too big" label is mostly a matter of weight: if you load

up a big bag with your entire system, it could be a drag.

I personally have the F-2 ("original"), F-4AF ("pro system"), and F-3X ("super

compact"). I find the F-4AF a little better sized for modern AF camera (F-100) and

2.8 lenses; the F-2 now contains my OM-1 system, which doesn't get out as much.

Lately I choose the combination I want to bring and put it in either the F-4AF or F-3X.

Anything more than a loaded F-4AF puts too much load on my shoulder, and I find a

Trekker (backpack) more appropriate.

I find the "post-office style" shoulder pad to be very worthwhile.

I think of these as on-the-go, working-out-of bags, and when that's what I want I

have found none better.

Hope this helps.

I use the Ricoh GR-1v as a take-anywhere pocket camera and generally love it, except

for one annoying problem: I keep turning the date imprinting on by accident, and not

noticing it right away. I never want the date imprinting on, and was wondering if

anyone out there has any experience with this. Other than the obvious of

remembering to check before each use, does any know of a (preferably

nondestructive) way to disable this feature? Or any other suggestions? Like I say, I

never want the date imprinting on... Thanks.

The OM-2000 has both spot and center-weighted metering, the FM-10 only the

latter. With the Nikon you have a more complete and modern lens selection

available, a system to grow into. While there are many fine Olympus lenses out there,

it appears to be a dead end. I believe these are similar cameras made by Cosina. You

can do better than the zoom supplied -- consider a quality prime -- but the way its

priced you might as well get the kit and go from there.

Some other options to check out:<BR>

Wein Cell Zinc-Air batteries<BR>

MR9 battery adaptors from www.zuiko.com<BR>

<BR>

Here's a fine write-up of the issue:<BR>

http://olympus.dementia.org/Hardware/PDFs/batt-adapt-US.pdf