Did anybody ever find their 'perfect' camerabag?

**Kerrowdown** · 07-10-2016, 06:25 AM

Originally posted by Clavius

Aye... mines a medium sized pick up truck, as shown here.

Clavius · 07-10-2016, 06:28 AM

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

oh, if we're gonna show the bags we want vs what we have...

HoldFast Gear Roamographer Camera Bag (Brown, Regular) RCB01-BR

It may be a cultural thing, but that looks very feminine. With the current influx over here in Europe a bag like this might result in worse events then bag that screams camera.

I'm going with the small kata.

audiobomber · 07-10-2016, 07:13 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by jcdoss

One thing I don't have and would like to acquire is the means to carry my M400/5.6 around. Looking for a lens case or a large holster that will hold the lens + body attached. Suggestions welcome!

I was carrying my K-3 and DA*300 on a sling and not worrying too much about the weather. When I bought the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8, I started searching for a case that would protect it. I always use a hood and much of what I shoot requires a quick response, so I needed a carrier that would fit the camera and lens with hood in shooting position. The only one I could find was the Think Tank Digital Holster 30 v2.0. The DA*300 and Tamron are close in size and it fits either with the hood deployed.

I prefer the K-3 with grip with large lenses, and the gripped K-3 does fit, but it's snug. Sometimes it's hard to get my fingers locked on, which slows down my quick draw. I still prefer to use this system with the grip.

Unique holster developed for a regular size DSLR with a 70-200mm f/2.8 and lens hood in shooting position
https://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/digital-holster-30-v2

**yucatanPentax** · 07-10-2016, 07:36 AM

Originally posted by Clavius

It may be a cultural thing, but that looks very feminine. With the current influx over here in Europe a bag like this might result in worse events then bag that screams camera.

I'm going with the small kata.

This, "very feminine"?

Attached Images

virusn3t · 07-10-2016, 07:54 AM

Originally posted by yucatanPentax

This, "very feminine"?

It look like a diaper bag is you ask me... A really nice leather diaper bag.

Saltwater Images · 07-10-2016, 07:57 AM

There isn't a perfect camera bag; but there are perfect camera bags for specific shooting needs / situations. Most of us amateurs may have 3 camera bags. 1) Gear intense all-around bag loaded with lenses and creative lighting options, 2) the light, travel & multi purpose bag, 3) the adventure, sports and wildlife backpack that holds longer glass. Based on your post I believe #2 is your focus.

A couple of years ago I purchased a Timbuk2 snoop messenger. Great bag, protective and functional. Just over a year ago my wife gave me a Domke F-4AF bag. It's now my primary camera bag. I even cannibalized the Timbuk2 for extra dividers for the Dome bag! In one word the Domke bags are "superb" - they're not quite as luxurious as the Billingham Hadley bags but the Domke line is reasonably priced and available in a weatherproof wax wear finish. Most of all the Domke bags look very casual and blend in like an old pair of jeans.

The Dome F-5XC or F-5XB (the XB is smaller) are ideal for a small kit Camera with lens + a lens or two. The Dome F-832 medium photo courier bag in a weatherproof wax wear coating is also worth looking at.

If you wish to keep the budget down a little more; Vanguard manufactures excellent equipment and has a "Havana" line that would meet your needs as well. http://www.vanguardworld.ca/photo_video_ca/products/camera-bags.html?series=279

**gaweidert** · 07-10-2016, 08:24 AM

Not sure if I have, but my all time favorite camera bag is called a Costar Limited 505. I have had it a long time am I am not even sure where I got it but I think it was a camera store. If not, maybe a K-Mart when they had a camera section. No matter what I have purchased since I always go back to it. Even my Tenba 684-341 does not match it in my eyes. And I got it after a long hard look. The little beast hold 2 bodies, one with a lens on and anywhere from 4 to 6 additional lenses. Or extension tube set and tele adapter in lieu of two lenses. The pouch on each side can carry 6 rolls of film each and the zipper pouch on the front holds a lot of filters. The little zippered compartment on the bottom of the top cover has held all sorts of thin little accessories from film tab retrievers to K-mount adapters to memory cards. The side pouches now carry other items like memory cards, remote cable, battery grip and charger. Plus extra batteries wherever they fit.

The bag had held up well for 30 years or so. It just works for me and I always find myself going back to it. It is not a large bag either. Actually smaller than the Tenba too. Just very good at what it does

**ChrisPlatt** · 07-10-2016, 09:47 AM

Originally posted by Parallax

There is no such thing.
Camera bags only come in two sizes. Too big and too small.

I always keep coming back to Domke bags.
They're well-made and easy to work from.
They make models in sizes to fit all needs.

Chris

Driline · 07-10-2016, 09:52 AM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

I always keep coming back to Domke bags.

I've got three. They're just so comfortable and versatile. Here's a quick video comparison of some of my Domke bags and the Billingham Hadley Pro.

Youtu.be

HopelessTogger · 07-10-2016, 12:51 PM

Originally posted by Kerrowdown

Aye... mines a medium sized pick up truck, as shown here.

LOL!

D-Max. That's what I use. Got a 4 door crew cab and a 2 door king cab. Old mind, like 2004/2005.

**Kerrowdown** · 07-10-2016, 12:54 PM

Originally posted by HopelessTogger

LOL! D-Max. That's what I use

For me... certainly gets all the kit from A to B, no matter where.

HopelessTogger · 07-10-2016, 12:59 PM

Originally posted by Kerrowdown

For me... certainly gets all the kit from A to B, no matter where.

I don't just use them for photography. The D-Max's.

The old woman got so fat (5'6" and 125 kgs) after the last kid we couldn't get her in the passenger bit and instead had to load her into the rear bay like a commercial load to go anywhere.

I've overhauled the suspension since. (Seriously).

**Kerrowdown** · 07-10-2016, 01:01 PM

Originally posted by HopelessTogger

I don't just use them for photography. The D-Max's.

I trust she's not reading this over your shoulder?...

HopelessTogger · 07-10-2016, 01:03 PM

Originally posted by Kerrowdown

I trust she's not reading this over your shoulder?...

Nah, I'm 6500 miles away. D-Max for Thailand, VW for the UK.

Clavius · 07-12-2016, 01:27 AM

Hmmm... I'm now thinking about the Lowepro Messenger 180 AW:

It's not an obvious camerabag, carries a large amount of kit and certainly looks good. It's just much bigger then I planned. The 160 AW is supposed to be smaller, but I can't find it in the stores anywhere.

This weekend on a typical family trip, I take my K5IIs, HD DA 35mm ltd and SMC DA 15 ltd. So the bag can really be smaller, but there are no unconspicuous bags of a smaller size. The smaller ones always end up being holster style camerabags.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Best Flea Market Find Ever MARK II	kmurphy220	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	8	09-05-2015 11:22 PM
How to find perfect infinity focus (Rokinon 14mm)?	uday029	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	25	08-30-2015 04:59 PM
Best Flea Market Find Ever	kmurphy220	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	13	08-10-2015 06:41 AM
Anybody had their AA filter removed?	Frank Fletcher	Pentax DSLR Discussion	3	12-08-2009 12:17 PM
Has anybody ever kicked their LBA habit?	maxwell1295	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	89	05-28-2008 08:31 PM

07-10-2016, 06:25 AM	#46
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,863	Originally posted by Clavius Did anybody ever find their 'perfect' camerabag? Aye... mines a medium sized pick up truck, as shown here.

07-10-2016, 06:28 AM	#47
Clavius Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: De Klundert Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,150 Original Poster	Originally posted by pepperberry farm oh, if we're gonna show the bags we want vs what we have... HoldFast Gear Roamographer Camera Bag (Brown, Regular) RCB01-BR It may be a cultural thing, but that looks very feminine. With the current influx over here in Europe a bag like this might result in worse events then bag that screams camera. I'm going with the small kata.

07-10-2016, 07:13 AM - 1 Like	#48
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by jcdoss One thing I don't have and would like to acquire is the means to carry my M400/5.6 around. Looking for a lens case or a large holster that will hold the lens + body attached. Suggestions welcome! I was carrying my K-3 and DA300 on a sling and not worrying too much about the weather. When I bought the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8, I started searching for a case that would protect it. I always use a hood and much of what I shoot requires a quick response, so I needed a carrier that would fit the camera and lens with hood in shooting position. The only one I could find was the Think Tank Digital Holster 30 v2.0. The DA300 and Tamron are close in size and it fits either with the hood deployed. I prefer the K-3 with grip with large lenses, and the gripped K-3 does fit, but it's snug. Sometimes it's hard to get my fingers locked on, which slows down my quick draw. I still prefer to use this system with the grip. Unique holster developed for a regular size DSLR with a 70-200mm f/2.8 and lens hood in shooting position https://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/digital-holster-30-v2

07-10-2016, 07:36 AM	#49
yucatanPentax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas / Yucatan Posts: 1,841	Originally posted by Clavius It may be a cultural thing, but that looks very feminine. With the current influx over here in Europe a bag like this might result in worse events then bag that screams camera. I'm going with the small kata. This, "very feminine"? Attached Images

07-10-2016, 07:54 AM	#50
virusn3t Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 676	Originally posted by yucatanPentax This, "very feminine"? It look like a diaper bag is you ask me... A really nice leather diaper bag.

07-10-2016, 07:57 AM	#51
Saltwater Images Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Newfoundland Photos: Gallery Posts: 501	There isn't a perfect camera bag; but there are perfect camera bags for specific shooting needs / situations. Most of us amateurs may have 3 camera bags. 1) Gear intense all-around bag loaded with lenses and creative lighting options, 2) the light, travel & multi purpose bag, 3) the adventure, sports and wildlife backpack that holds longer glass. Based on your post I believe #2 is your focus. A couple of years ago I purchased a Timbuk2 snoop messenger. Great bag, protective and functional. Just over a year ago my wife gave me a Domke F-4AF bag. It's now my primary camera bag. I even cannibalized the Timbuk2 for extra dividers for the Dome bag! In one word the Domke bags are "superb" - they're not quite as luxurious as the Billingham Hadley bags but the Domke line is reasonably priced and available in a weatherproof wax wear finish. Most of all the Domke bags look very casual and blend in like an old pair of jeans. The Dome F-5XC or F-5XB (the XB is smaller) are ideal for a small kit Camera with lens + a lens or two. The Dome F-832 medium photo courier bag in a weatherproof wax wear coating is also worth looking at. If you wish to keep the budget down a little more; Vanguard manufactures excellent equipment and has a "Havana" line that would meet your needs as well. http://www.vanguardworld.ca/photo_video_ca/products/camera-bags.html?series=279

07-10-2016, 08:24 AM	#52
gaweidert Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,327	Not sure if I have, but my all time favorite camera bag is called a Costar Limited 505. I have had it a long time am I am not even sure where I got it but I think it was a camera store. If not, maybe a K-Mart when they had a camera section. No matter what I have purchased since I always go back to it. Even my Tenba 684-341 does not match it in my eyes. And I got it after a long hard look. The little beast hold 2 bodies, one with a lens on and anywhere from 4 to 6 additional lenses. Or extension tube set and tele adapter in lieu of two lenses. The pouch on each side can carry 6 rolls of film each and the zipper pouch on the front holds a lot of filters. The little zippered compartment on the bottom of the top cover has held all sorts of thin little accessories from film tab retrievers to K-mount adapters to memory cards. The side pouches now carry other items like memory cards, remote cable, battery grip and charger. Plus extra batteries wherever they fit. The bag had held up well for 30 years or so. It just works for me and I always find myself going back to it. It is not a large bag either. Actually smaller than the Tenba too. Just very good at what it does

07-10-2016, 09:47 AM	#53
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,697	Originally posted by Parallax There is no such thing. Camera bags only come in two sizes. Too big and too small. I always keep coming back to Domke bags. They're well-made and easy to work from. They make models in sizes to fit all needs. Chris

07-10-2016, 12:51 PM	#55
HopelessTogger Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Roi-et, Thailand Posts: 773	Originally posted by Kerrowdown Aye... mines a medium sized pick up truck, as shown here. LOL! D-Max. That's what I use. Got a 4 door crew cab and a 2 door king cab. Old mind, like 2004/2005.

07-10-2016, 12:54 PM	#56
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,863	Originally posted by HopelessTogger LOL! D-Max. That's what I use For me... certainly gets all the kit from A to B, no matter where.

07-10-2016, 12:59 PM	#57
HopelessTogger Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Roi-et, Thailand Posts: 773	Originally posted by Kerrowdown For me... certainly gets all the kit from A to B, no matter where. I don't just use them for photography. The D-Max's. The old woman got so fat (5'6" and 125 kgs) after the last kid we couldn't get her in the passenger bit and instead had to load her into the rear bay like a commercial load to go anywhere. I've overhauled the suspension since. (Seriously).

07-10-2016, 01:01 PM	#58
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,863	Originally posted by HopelessTogger I don't just use them for photography. The D-Max's. I trust she's not reading this over your shoulder?...

07-10-2016, 01:03 PM	#59
HopelessTogger Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Roi-et, Thailand Posts: 773	Originally posted by Kerrowdown I trust she's not reading this over your shoulder?... Nah, I'm 6500 miles away. D-Max for Thailand, VW for the UK.

07-12-2016, 01:27 AM	#60
Clavius Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: De Klundert Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,150 Original Poster	Hmmm... I'm now thinking about the Lowepro Messenger 180 AW: It's not an obvious camerabag, carries a large amount of kit and certainly looks good. It's just much bigger then I planned. The 160 AW is supposed to be smaller, but I can't find it in the stores anywhere. This weekend on a typical family trip, I take my K5IIs, HD DA 35mm ltd and SMC DA 15 ltd. So the bag can really be smaller, but there are no unconspicuous bags of a smaller size. The smaller ones always end up being holster style camerabags.