Need help...Where to try Kata 3N1 Bag?

HermanLee · 10-08-2008, 03:37 PM

I am considering this bag to carry my Pentax gear.
I need to know whether it will fit my K100D and FA*80-200 attached or not, together with my other lenses.

Does anybody know where I can try this bag in Los Angeles area?

Thanks.

Rico · 10-08-2008, 10:48 PM

Herman It will depend on which size bag you want to get and how much and what type of gear you want to carry.

There are three Kata 3n1 sizes the 10 20 or 30. The 10 being the smallest. All three have the feature that the base of the top compartment unzips which allows much longer lenses to be attached to a body sliding the whole thing through the top of the bag.

Sorry I am not familiar with LA. It would be interesting to know were one would go.

Quicksand · 10-09-2008, 11:21 AM

I can't tell you where to look, but I can try to answer any questions about the bag at least.

I bought the 3N1-20 a couple of months ago, sight unseen, and I'm reasonably happy with it. The layout isn't quite as flexible as I had hoped (not enough velcro dividers come with it, in not enough sizes) but I have been able to work around the limitations myself and have a decent amount of stuff crammed in there.

It seems to be a pretty solid bag, and I like the way it handles. I'm 6'5" and I'm able to adjust it for a comfortable fit, and being able to sling the bag around front is nice. I haven't tried to wear both straps at once like a backpack, but from appearances it looks fine.

I keep my camera accessible from one of the side panels, so I can swing the bag around, pop open the side, and pull it out. With a lens attached, there's not a tremendous amount of room that way, but it has been good enough for me.

Camera plus a Tamron 70-300 (without hood) will fit sideways across the bag. My Takumar 200mm f/3.5, with metal hood, BARELY fits sideways across the bag with no camera attached, and that's about 9" long.

If I wanted to, I could drop that combination (Takumar 200mm + hood + body) in from the top, as Rico noted, but then I wouldn't be able to take advantage of the sling form factor and pull the camera out from the side. I think the FA* 80-200 is about the same size, isn't it?

This combination might work with the 3N1-30, but I suspect the -20 might be a bit small for what you have in mind.

HermanLee · 10-09-2008, 02:17 PM

Rico, I think I have to opt at least the 20 otherwise I don't think it will fit my FA*80-200 with camera attached.

Quciksand, thanks for the description. You're right about using the unzip top compartment will certainly cripple the original intended function of this Kata 3N1 bag.
Do you think that size 30 is too big?
I'm only 5'6".
Last time I tried a Lowepro Slingshot 300 and that was way too big for me.
I'm planning to buy another body (maybe when K30D/K300D available) plus a DA16-50. So I intend to use this bag to carry my K100D+FA*80-200 plus the future K30D+DA16-50 and 540 flash and maybe some primes + TC.
I know it's getting more & more hehehe...that's why I'd like to try it in person to see if all my gear will fit or not.

Quicksand · 10-09-2008, 04:38 PM

I didn't get the -30 because I was afraid it would be too big.

Below is a list of LA-area Kata retailers, taken from the website of Bogen Imaging, their US distributor. If I were you I'd call ahead to see if they have those specific bags:

Band Pro Film/Video Inc.
3403 W. PACIFIC AVE., BURBANK, CA 91505
Phone: 1 818 841 9655
Fax: 1 818 841 7649

Brands stocked:
Kata Bags
Manfrotto

Bel Air Camera & Video
10925 KINROSS AVE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90024
Phone: 1 310 208 5150
Fax: 1 310 208 7472
Toll Free: 800-200-4999
Email: mcooper@belair.com
Sales Email: mcooper@belair.com
Web Site: BelAirCamera.com

Order accepted by: Web Email Phone
Brands stocked:
Avenger
Formatt Filter
Gitzo
Kata Bags
Manfrotto
Reflecmedia

Birns & Sawyer
6381 DE LONGPRE AVE, HOLLYWOOD, CA 90028
Phone: 1 323 466 8211
Fax: 1 323 466 7049
Email: info@birnsandsawyer.com
Sales Email: info@birnsandsawyer.com
Web Site: www.birnsandsawyer.com

Order accepted by: Web Fax Email Phone
Brands stocked:
Kata Bags
Manfrotto

Calumet, Los Angeles
1135 N. HIGHLAND AVE, HOLLYWOOD, CA 90038
Phone: 1 323 466 1238
Fax: 1 323 466 1906
Web Site: Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Photography Equipment - CALUMET

Order accepted by: Web Phone
Brands stocked:
Avenger
Elinchrom
Gitzo
Gossen
Kata Bags
Lastolite
Manfrotto
Metz
Rotatrim
Will Crockett

Canoga Camera
22065 SHERMAN WAY, CANOGA PARK, CA 91303
Phone: 1 818 346 5506
Fax: 1 818 346 9376
Toll Free: 800-201-4201
Email: Sales@CanogaCamera.com
Sales Email: Sales@CanogaCamera.com
Web Site: Canoga Camera | Lenses, Cameras & Accessories | Canon, Nikon, Sigma & Sony Camera Store

Order accepted by: Web Phone
Brands stocked:
Gitzo
Kata Bags
Lastolite
Manfrotto
Metz
National Geographic

Express Video Supply
1620 FLOWER STREET, GLENDALE, CA 91201
Phone: 1 800 238 8480
Fax: 1 818 552 4591
Toll Free: 800 238 8480
Email: sales@evsonline.com
Sales Email: sales@evsonline.com
Web Site: EVS - Express Video Supply, Inc

Order accepted by: Web Fax Email Phone
Brands stocked:
Formatt Filter
Gitzo
Kata Bags
Manfrotto
Reflecmedia

Film Tools
1400 W. BURBANK BLVD, BURBANK, CA 91506
Phone: 1 818 845 8066
Fax: 1 818 845 8138
Toll Free: 888 807 1900
Email: customerservice@filmtools.com
Sales Email: customerservice@filmtools.com
Web Site: Filmtools: Hollywood's source for grip, electrical, lighting, sound, video and film supplies

Order accepted by: Web Fax Email Phone
Brands stocked:
Avenger
Formatt Filter
Gossen
Kata Bags
Lastolite
Manfrotto

Samy's Camera
4411 SEPULVEDA BLVD, CULVER CITY, CA 90230
Phone: 1 310 450 4551
Fax: 1 310 450 8590
Web Site: Digital and Film Photography and Consumer Electronics | samys.com

Brands stocked:
Kata Bags
Metz

Samy's Camera
431 S. FAIRFAX AVE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90036
Phone: 1 323 938 2420
Fax: 1 323 937 2919
Web Site: Digital and Film Photography and Consumer Electronics | samys.com

Brands stocked:
Avenger
Elinchrom
Gitzo
Kata Bags
Lastolite
Manfrotto
Metz
Rotatrim

Samy's Camera
3309B S BRISTOL STREET, SANTA ANA, CA 92704
Phone: 1 714 557 9400
Fax: 1
Web Site: Digital and Film Photography and Consumer Electronics | samys.com

Order accepted by: Web Fax Phone
Brands stocked:
Kata Bags

Silvio's Photo Works
22409 HAWTHORNE BLVD, TORRANCE, CA 90505
Phone: 1 310 791 7100
Fax: 1 310 791 1609
Email: silvios@silvios.com
Sales Email: silvios@silvios.com

Brands stocked:
Elinchrom
Gitzo
Gossen
Kata Bags
Lastolite
Manfrotto
Metz

Simon Camera
1213 N HIGHLAND AVE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90038
Phone: 1 323 463 8585
Fax: 1 323 463 8691

Brands stocked:
Avenger
Kata Bags
Manfrotto

Videotape Products, Inc. {Vtp}
2721 W MAGNOLIA BLVD, BURBANK, CA 91505
Phone: 1 818 566 9898
Fax: 1 818 566 8989
Toll Free: 800 422 2444
Email: johnp@vtpcorp.com
Sales Email: johnp@vtpcorp.com
Web Site: .::VTP Professional & Broadcast Video Equipment::. - Home

Order accepted by: Fax Email Phone
Brands stocked:
Gitzo
Kata Bags
Manfrotto
Reflecmedia

Rico · 10-11-2008, 11:01 AM

Quicksand you should try the cross strap feature. Since you are using it as a sling bag already. It is simple and relieves the stress from one shoulder.

Herman the 20 will most likely work for you. I have the 10 which works for me as I don't have any big zooms to contend with. The top load feature does defeat the purpose of the sling bag but it does allow anyone with a really large zoom like the bigma or a long telephoto the option of being able to carry such a lens attached to the body.

I have owned several bags now and the Kata 3n1 has come closest to what I was looking for. Ease of access and overall comfort. The quality of construction is also high.

HermanLee · 11-10-2008, 08:30 AM

Hi guys,
sorry for late reply.
I just came back after a long vacation and honeymoon

Quicksand,
thanks for all the list. That's really helpful.
I'll try to contact them and maybe try it on.

Originally posted by Quicksand

I didn't get the -30 because I was afraid it would be too big.

Below is a list of LA-area Kata retailers, taken from the website of Bogen Imaging, their US distributor. If I were you I'd call ahead to see if they have those specific bags:

Rico,
Are you saying that the top load can be adjusted / removed to accomodate a big lens like bigma or FA*80-200/2.8 attached to a body?
Do you think that th 20 will fit such a lens plus a 16-50/2.8 and flash and maybe 2 primes?
Thanks

Originally posted by Rico

Quicksand you should try the cross strap feature. Since you are using it as a sling bag already. It is simple and relieves the stress from one shoulder.

Herman the 20 will most likely work for you. I have the 10 which works for me as I don't have any big zooms to contend with. The top load feature does defeat the purpose of the sling bag but it does allow anyone with a really large zoom like the bigma or a long telephoto the option of being able to carry such a lens attached to the body.

I have owned several bags now and the Kata 3n1 has come closest to what I was looking for. Ease of access and overall comfort. The quality of construction is also high.

keith.s · 12-14-2008, 11:31 AM

Originally posted by HermanLee

I am considering this bag to carry my Pentax gear.
I need to know whether it will fit my K100D and FA*80-200 attached or not, together with my other lenses.

Does anybody know where I can try this bag in Los Angeles area?

Thanks.

You can try their online bag choser - Video bags camera bags Kata - Manufacturer of camera bags

It's pretty good. Takes into account various sized lenses, flash, laptop etc. before making a suggestion.

10-08-2008, 03:37 PM	#1
HermanLee Veteran Member	Need help...Where to try Kata 3N1 Bag? I am considering this bag to carry my Pentax gear. I need to know whether it will fit my K100D and FA*80-200 attached or not, together with my other lenses. Does anybody know where I can try this bag in Los Angeles area? Thanks.

11-10-2008, 08:30 AM	#7
HermanLee Veteran Member	Thanks Hi guys, sorry for late reply. I just came back after a long vacation and honeymoon Quicksand, thanks for all the list. That's really helpful. I'll try to contact them and maybe try it on. Originally posted by Quicksand I didn't get the -30 because I was afraid it would be too big. Below is a list of LA-area Kata retailers, taken from the website of Bogen Imaging, their US distributor. If I were you I'd call ahead to see if they have those specific bags: Rico, Are you saying that the top load can be adjusted / removed to accomodate a big lens like bigma or FA*80-200/2.8 attached to a body? Do you think that th 20 will fit such a lens plus a 16-50/2.8 and flash and maybe 2 primes? Thanks Originally posted by Rico Quicksand you should try the cross strap feature. Since you are using it as a sling bag already. It is simple and relieves the stress from one shoulder. Herman the 20 will most likely work for you. I have the 10 which works for me as I don't have any big zooms to contend with. The top load feature does defeat the purpose of the sling bag but it does allow anyone with a really large zoom like the bigma or a long telephoto the option of being able to carry such a lens attached to the body. I have owned several bags now and the Kata 3n1 has come closest to what I was looking for. Ease of access and overall comfort. The quality of construction is also high.

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10-08-2008, 10:48 PM	#2
Rico Veteran Member	Herman It will depend on which size bag you want to get and how much and what type of gear you want to carry. There are three Kata 3n1 sizes the 10 20 or 30. The 10 being the smallest. All three have the feature that the base of the top compartment unzips which allows much longer lenses to be attached to a body sliding the whole thing through the top of the bag. Sorry I am not familiar with LA. It would be interesting to know were one would go.

10-09-2008, 11:21 AM	#3
Quicksand Veteran Member	I can't tell you where to look, but I can try to answer any questions about the bag at least. I bought the 3N1-20 a couple of months ago, sight unseen, and I'm reasonably happy with it. The layout isn't quite as flexible as I had hoped (not enough velcro dividers come with it, in not enough sizes) but I have been able to work around the limitations myself and have a decent amount of stuff crammed in there. It seems to be a pretty solid bag, and I like the way it handles. I'm 6'5" and I'm able to adjust it for a comfortable fit, and being able to sling the bag around front is nice. I haven't tried to wear both straps at once like a backpack, but from appearances it looks fine. I keep my camera accessible from one of the side panels, so I can swing the bag around, pop open the side, and pull it out. With a lens attached, there's not a tremendous amount of room that way, but it has been good enough for me. Camera plus a Tamron 70-300 (without hood) will fit sideways across the bag. My Takumar 200mm f/3.5, with metal hood, BARELY fits sideways across the bag with no camera attached, and that's about 9" long. If I wanted to, I could drop that combination (Takumar 200mm + hood + body) in from the top, as Rico noted, but then I wouldn't be able to take advantage of the sling form factor and pull the camera out from the side. I think the FA* 80-200 is about the same size, isn't it? This combination might work with the 3N1-30, but I suspect the -20 might be a bit small for what you have in mind.

10-09-2008, 02:17 PM	#4
HermanLee Veteran Member	Rico, I think I have to opt at least the 20 otherwise I don't think it will fit my FA80-200 with camera attached. Quciksand, thanks for the description. You're right about using the unzip top compartment will certainly cripple the original intended function of this Kata 3N1 bag. Do you think that size 30 is too big? I'm only 5'6". Last time I tried a Lowepro Slingshot 300 and that was way too big for me. I'm planning to buy another body (maybe when K30D/K300D available) plus a DA16-50. So I intend to use this bag to carry my K100D+FA80-200 plus the future K30D+DA16-50 and 540 flash and maybe some primes + TC. I know it's getting more & more hehehe...that's why I'd like to try it in person to see if all my gear will fit or not.

10-09-2008, 04:38 PM	#5
Quicksand Veteran Member	I didn't get the -30 because I was afraid it would be too big. Below is a list of LA-area Kata retailers, taken from the website of Bogen Imaging, their US distributor. If I were you I'd call ahead to see if they have those specific bags: Band Pro Film/Video Inc. 3403 W. PACIFIC AVE., BURBANK, CA 91505 Phone: 1 818 841 9655 Fax: 1 818 841 7649 Brands stocked: Kata Bags Manfrotto Bel Air Camera & Video 10925 KINROSS AVE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90024 Phone: 1 310 208 5150 Fax: 1 310 208 7472 Toll Free: 800-200-4999 Email: mcooper@belair.com Sales Email: mcooper@belair.com Web Site: BelAirCamera.com Order accepted by: Web Email Phone Brands stocked: Avenger Formatt Filter Gitzo Kata Bags Manfrotto Reflecmedia Birns & Sawyer 6381 DE LONGPRE AVE, HOLLYWOOD, CA 90028 Phone: 1 323 466 8211 Fax: 1 323 466 7049 Email: info@birnsandsawyer.com Sales Email: info@birnsandsawyer.com Web Site: www.birnsandsawyer.com Order accepted by: Web Fax Email Phone Brands stocked: Kata Bags Manfrotto Calumet, Los Angeles 1135 N. HIGHLAND AVE, HOLLYWOOD, CA 90038 Phone: 1 323 466 1238 Fax: 1 323 466 1906 Web Site: Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Photography Equipment - CALUMET Order accepted by: Web Phone Brands stocked: Avenger Elinchrom Gitzo Gossen Kata Bags Lastolite Manfrotto Metz Rotatrim Will Crockett Canoga Camera 22065 SHERMAN WAY, CANOGA PARK, CA 91303 Phone: 1 818 346 5506 Fax: 1 818 346 9376 Toll Free: 800-201-4201 Email: Sales@CanogaCamera.com Sales Email: Sales@CanogaCamera.com Web Site: Canoga Camera \| Lenses, Cameras & Accessories \| Canon, Nikon, Sigma & Sony Camera Store Order accepted by: Web Phone Brands stocked: Gitzo Kata Bags Lastolite Manfrotto Metz National Geographic Express Video Supply 1620 FLOWER STREET, GLENDALE, CA 91201 Phone: 1 800 238 8480 Fax: 1 818 552 4591 Toll Free: 800 238 8480 Email: sales@evsonline.com Sales Email: sales@evsonline.com Web Site: EVS - Express Video Supply, Inc Order accepted by: Web Fax Email Phone Brands stocked: Formatt Filter Gitzo Kata Bags Manfrotto Reflecmedia Film Tools 1400 W. BURBANK BLVD, BURBANK, CA 91506 Phone: 1 818 845 8066 Fax: 1 818 845 8138 Toll Free: 888 807 1900 Email: customerservice@filmtools.com Sales Email: customerservice@filmtools.com Web Site: Filmtools: Hollywood's source for grip, electrical, lighting, sound, video and film supplies Order accepted by: Web Fax Email Phone Brands stocked: Avenger Formatt Filter Gossen Kata Bags Lastolite Manfrotto Samy's Camera 4411 SEPULVEDA BLVD, CULVER CITY, CA 90230 Phone: 1 310 450 4551 Fax: 1 310 450 8590 Web Site: Digital and Film Photography and Consumer Electronics \| samys.com Brands stocked: Kata Bags Metz Samy's Camera 431 S. FAIRFAX AVE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90036 Phone: 1 323 938 2420 Fax: 1 323 937 2919 Web Site: Digital and Film Photography and Consumer Electronics \| samys.com Brands stocked: Avenger Elinchrom Gitzo Kata Bags Lastolite Manfrotto Metz Rotatrim Samy's Camera 3309B S BRISTOL STREET, SANTA ANA, CA 92704 Phone: 1 714 557 9400 Fax: 1 Web Site: Digital and Film Photography and Consumer Electronics \| samys.com Order accepted by: Web Fax Phone Brands stocked: Kata Bags Silvio's Photo Works 22409 HAWTHORNE BLVD, TORRANCE, CA 90505 Phone: 1 310 791 7100 Fax: 1 310 791 1609 Email: silvios@silvios.com Sales Email: silvios@silvios.com Brands stocked: Elinchrom Gitzo Gossen Kata Bags Lastolite Manfrotto Metz Simon Camera 1213 N HIGHLAND AVE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90038 Phone: 1 323 463 8585 Fax: 1 323 463 8691 Brands stocked: Avenger Kata Bags Manfrotto Videotape Products, Inc. {Vtp} 2721 W MAGNOLIA BLVD, BURBANK, CA 91505 Phone: 1 818 566 9898 Fax: 1 818 566 8989 Toll Free: 800 422 2444 Email: johnp@vtpcorp.com Sales Email: johnp@vtpcorp.com Web Site: .::VTP Professional & Broadcast Video Equipment::. - Home Order accepted by: Fax Email Phone Brands stocked: Gitzo Kata Bags Manfrotto Reflecmedia

10-11-2008, 11:01 AM	#6
Rico Veteran Member	Quicksand you should try the cross strap feature. Since you are using it as a sling bag already. It is simple and relieves the stress from one shoulder. Herman the 20 will most likely work for you. I have the 10 which works for me as I don't have any big zooms to contend with. The top load feature does defeat the purpose of the sling bag but it does allow anyone with a really large zoom like the bigma or a long telephoto the option of being able to carry such a lens attached to the body. I have owned several bags now and the Kata 3n1 has come closest to what I was looking for. Ease of access and overall comfort. The quality of construction is also high.

12-14-2008, 11:31 AM	#8
keith.s Forum Member	Originally posted by HermanLee I am considering this bag to carry my Pentax gear. I need to know whether it will fit my K100D and FA*80-200 attached or not, together with my other lenses. Does anybody know where I can try this bag in Los Angeles area? Thanks. You can try their online bag choser - Video bags camera bags Kata - Manufacturer of camera bags It's pretty good. Takes into account various sized lenses, flash, laptop etc. before making a suggestion.