Re: [Leica] Camera Bags and packs

["Roland Smith" <roland@dnai.com>]

I have a question.   I have not been able to find the perfect bag type
method of carry as a traveler sight seeing.   I prefer a backpack since a
camera bag carried on one shoulder restricts my arm movement.  I do not like
the front open designs preferring a top open.  A conventional day pack seems
to work for me but  it lacks padding.

MY QUESTION:  Does anyone sell fabric covered foam approximately one-half
inch thick in varying widths and lengths that could be used for lining the
internal perimeter of the pack and creating divisions?

BTW, I believe a daypack will attract less attention of thieves.

Roland Smith
roland@dnai.com

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Robert Appleby and Susan Darlow <laintal@tin.it>
To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Sent: Sunday, March 19, 2000 3:29 AM
Subject: Re: [Leica] Camera Bag Recommendation


> >>
> Date: Sun, 19 Mar 2000 18:16:50 +1100
> From: "Rick Dykstra" <rdandcb@cybermac.com.au>
> Subject: Re: [Leica] Camera Bag Recommendation
>
> This Domke F803 and Billinghom Alice shoot-out/discussion is useful.
>
> Could I invite users of these bags to describe what they can carry, for M
> and R systems.  And how they feel about the protection offered and
> convenience of use.  I'd want to carry two M bodies, four lenses, an SF20
> flash and a few rolls of film.
>
> I'm currently using a Leica Universal Bag, and its a nice bag, but I like
> the idea of a satchel style bag, for its body hugging centre of gravity.
>
> Thanks
>
> Rick (would have a ball with two bags) Dykstra
> >>
>
> I used the Billingham Alice over the last year as my carry-around bag.
It's
> a great bag. The large front pocket is especially useful, carries around
> ten rolls of film and other small items. The main body I used to carry one
> R body with lens, a single extra lens and a small hotshoe flash unit.
> Anything more would be too much, I think. If you don't use flash much, it
> would just take two R bodies back to back with lenses (short lenses!). My
> only gripe with the bag is that it's too rigid; for instance, it won't
> adapt to the shape of a body with motordrive. However it's extremely well
> made and nice to carry around. I'd recommend changing the strap (surgery!)
> for an Optech bag strap; much better grip and comfort. The Alice is
> definitely my favourite bag. Just a shame I left it with a friend in
Bombay!
> I also have a Photo Hadley which has more capacity but is a bit too deep
> for my taste. I _had_ one of their larger bags, but it was no good for
> working out of - bad access to the central body and too many fiddly
> closures. I got rid of it.
> I don't think I'd recommend any of the Billinghams for working out of if
> you need to change lenses frequently and want to carry all your gear
> around. But if your camera lives on your shoulder and you have just film
> and maybe an extra lens in the bag, either of these two is great. That's
> just my style of working - I hate carryng loads of stuff around. If it
> wasn't for the fact of needing to carry film and a flash, I'd never carry
a
> bag.
> One thing about Billingham which may justify their high prices is that
> their bags are genuinely weather proof and last for ever. I used the Alice
> throughout the monsoon last year and never had any problem with it. The
> Hadley has an even better flap design.
> Bags - can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. There's something
> mighty necessary about them!
> Rob.
> Robert Appleby
> V Bellentani 36
> 41100 MO
> Italy
>
> Tel: 0039 059 303436
>
>