"Vintage" Camera Bag Recommendations?

reivax · 08-30-2015, 06:16 PM

I'm hoping to find a camera bag that I can use as a day to day work bag. I'm looking for a vintage-style messenger bag that can carry my iPad/small laptop, mirrorless camera + couple of lenses (maybe a flash), my wallet, cell phone, and other small miscellaneous items. I already have a large Tenba messenger bag and a large Lowepro backpack that I can use when I need to carry a lot of equipment, but they are too big for day to day use (I'm a school teacher, so I don't need too many things on a day to day basis). I would prefer something with a removable insert. A vintage leather or vintage canvas bag would be ideal. Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

Not a Number · 08-30-2015, 06:43 PM

Maybe something like the Domke small or medium courier bag

Domke F-831 Small Photo Courier Bag 701-01A B&H Photo Video
Domke F-832 Medium Photo Courier Bag 701-02A B&H Photo Video

**pepperberry farm** · 08-30-2015, 06:44 PM

I carry a Land's End canvas messenger bag with a padded insert.. Room enough for my K-50, several lenses, my tablet, etc....

reivax · 08-30-2015, 07:00 PM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Maybe something like the Domke small or medium courier bag

Domke F-831 Small Photo Courier Bag 701-01A B&H Photo Video

Domke F-832 Medium Photo Courier Bag 701-02A B&H Photo Video

The Domke's look like great bags, but to be honest, I've never seen one in person. Do camera shops generally carry them? Closest city to me with a camera shop is San Diego.

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

I carry a Land's End canvas messenger bag with a padded insert.. Room enough for my K-50, several lenses, my tablet, etc....

Land's End makes some nice stuff. Do you have a link to the one you have?

Murfy · 08-30-2015, 07:08 PM

I got a canvas messenger bag at the local surplus/survival store (rothko I think was the brand) and then bought a padded camera insert on amazon.

AbeFroman · 08-30-2015, 07:10 PM

I have been using the ONA Brixton for about 3 years now, I have taken it on several vacations and use it on a daily basis. Price is high but so it the quality, its a fantastic bag.

ONA Brixton Camera / Messenger Bag

**pepperberry farm** · 08-30-2015, 07:12 PM

oops - took a look at my bag.. it's an L.L.Bean bag...

let me see if they still carry it....

---------- Post added 08-30-15 at 07:18 PM ----------

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/235524255485249726/

that's a picture of it, but I don't find it at L.L. Bean's site any
longer

Not a Number · 08-30-2015, 07:28 PM

Originally posted by reivax

The Domke's look like great bags, but to be honest, I've never seen one in person. Do camera shops generally carry them? Closest city to me with a camera shop is San Diego.

The big camera stores (are there any others these days) in LA carry them. But google and yelp search on stores in San Diego came up empty. Domke was the only bag that Herb Keppler would use and endorse.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Keppler
The Wit and Wisdom of Herbert Keppler | Popular Photography

reivax · 08-30-2015, 08:09 PM

Originally posted by AbeFroman

I have been using the ONA Brixton for about 3 years now, I have taken it on several vacations and use it on a daily basis. Price is high but so it the quality, its a fantastic bag.

ONA Brixton Camera / Messenger Bag

That is beautiful, but unfortunately out of my price range... But beautiful.

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

oops - took a look at my bag.. it's an L.L.Bean bag...

let me see if they still carry it....

---------- Post added 08-30-15 at 07:18 PM ----------

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/235524255485249726/

that's a picture of it, but I don't find it at L.L. Bean's site any
longer

That is also a nice looking bag. Will definitely be patient as I'm on the lookout for something like that.

RAART · 08-30-2015, 08:41 PM

I like the bags from Fossil and maybe you will be able to find something there. They do have also outlet stores throughout USA/Canada where you can find those bags much cheaper.

**geomez** · 08-30-2015, 10:47 PM

I've never had a vintage nor fashionable bag. I've only had ugly nylon bags and Domke bags. The Domke bags are, IMO are utilitarian in their design and aesthetic. They are really well made and strong. I'd recommend them for those reasons. If I was gonna go the vintage/fashion route I'd probably go with a Billingham bag.

Billingham Bags | Home

officiousbystander · 08-31-2015, 03:04 AM

I'm a teacher and I have a Lowepro Compuday 150. It's an everyday work messenger bag with all the pockets and dividers I need plus a clever side padded zip up pocket which is perfect for my Olympus EM-5. It'll also fit a K5 and a ltd prime. It means I always have a good camera with me.
http://www.thephoblographer.com/2011/06/23/review-of-the-lowepro-compuday-15.../#.VeQk8IoViUk
They're discontinued now but you can still get them, and at bargain prices. I love mine so much I bought a second which is stored away for when the first one dies. But there's no sign of that yet.
I also have a Domke F 832 which is fantastic for travel but too big for day to day work. There's also no pockets for storage of knickknacks.

atupdate · 08-31-2015, 04:53 AM

Here is a website that lets you compare several bags by type and by size. The link below is for shoulder/messenger bags that hold a 15" laptop. You can change the size of the laptop by clicking on the Size Drop Down Menu.

15in Laptop or less - Cambags

Tim

narual · 08-31-2015, 08:50 AM

a few options under $100. You can always add padding if you want it, or keep your lenses in individual pouches.

Amazon.com: TEST Rothco The Vintage Canvas Explorer Bag, One Size, Black: Clothing
http://www.amazon.com/SERBAGS-Military-Style-Messenger-Bag/dp/B00C3VBSYQ
http://www.amazon.com/Kattee-British-Leather-Messenger-Shoulder/dp/B00FOJ6SOO
http://www.amazon.com/Hynes-Eagle-Vintage-Business-Messenger/dp/B00LVT2W7S

or a touch smaller (some might be too small for a full sized iPad or macbook air though):
http://www.amazon.com/Case-canvas-Dispatch-M-1938-holder/dp/B00QFIR9XC
Amazon.com: Rothco canvas map case shoulder bag-earth brown: Shoes
Amazon.com: Rothco O.D. M-51 Engineers Bag, Olive: Sports & Outdoors
http://www.amazon.com/Bencore-Map-Case-Shoulder-Bag/dp/B00LAVZUWQ

**chuck_c** · 08-31-2015, 02:50 PM

Here is a vintage, canvas waterproof bag with a removable shockproof insert, front iPad pocket and secure inner pockets for your phone, wallet etc. Under $50. I've had it flagged on Amazon for a while, because if I needed another camera bag that would be the one that I would get. But I don't. Check it out. Sounds like just what you are looking for.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GYL9KK0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&...REFRKYHM&psc=1

08-30-2015, 06:16 PM	#1
reivax Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 826	"Vintage" Camera Bag Recommendations? I'm hoping to find a camera bag that I can use as a day to day work bag. I'm looking for a vintage-style messenger bag that can carry my iPad/small laptop, mirrorless camera + couple of lenses (maybe a flash), my wallet, cell phone, and other small miscellaneous items. I already have a large Tenba messenger bag and a large Lowepro backpack that I can use when I need to carry a lot of equipment, but they are too big for day to day use (I'm a school teacher, so I don't need too many things on a day to day basis). I would prefer something with a removable insert. A vintage leather or vintage canvas bag would be ideal. Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

08-30-2015, 06:43 PM	#2
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Maybe something like the Domke small or medium courier bag Domke F-831 Small Photo Courier Bag 701-01A B&H Photo Video Domke F-832 Medium Photo Courier Bag 701-02A B&H Photo Video Last edited by Not a Number; 08-30-2015 at 06:51 PM.

08-31-2015, 02:50 PM	#15
chuck_c Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Westerville, OH Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,588	On sale. Under $50 Here is a vintage, canvas waterproof bag with a removable shockproof insert, front iPad pocket and secure inner pockets for your phone, wallet etc. Under $50. I've had it flagged on Amazon for a while, because if I needed another camera bag that would be the one that I would get. But I don't. Check it out. Sounds like just what you are looking for. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GYL9KK0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&...REFRKYHM&psc=1

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08-30-2015, 06:44 PM	#3
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,766	I carry a Land's End canvas messenger bag with a padded insert.. Room enough for my K-50, several lenses, my tablet, etc....

08-30-2015, 07:00 PM	#4
reivax Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 826 Original Poster	Originally posted by Not a Number Maybe something like the Domke small or medium courier bag Domke F-831 Small Photo Courier Bag 701-01A B&H Photo Video Domke F-832 Medium Photo Courier Bag 701-02A B&H Photo Video The Domke's look like great bags, but to be honest, I've never seen one in person. Do camera shops generally carry them? Closest city to me with a camera shop is San Diego. Originally posted by pepperberry farm I carry a Land's End canvas messenger bag with a padded insert.. Room enough for my K-50, several lenses, my tablet, etc.... Land's End makes some nice stuff. Do you have a link to the one you have?

08-30-2015, 07:08 PM	#5
Murfy Veteran Member Join Date: May 2014 Photos: Gallery Posts: 803	I got a canvas messenger bag at the local surplus/survival store (rothko I think was the brand) and then bought a padded camera insert on amazon.

08-30-2015, 07:10 PM	#6
AbeFroman Junior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 34	I have been using the ONA Brixton for about 3 years now, I have taken it on several vacations and use it on a daily basis. Price is high but so it the quality, its a fantastic bag. ONA Brixton Camera / Messenger Bag

08-30-2015, 07:12 PM	#7
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,766	oops - took a look at my bag.. it's an L.L.Bean bag... let me see if they still carry it.... ---------- Post added 08-30-15 at 07:18 PM ---------- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/235524255485249726/ that's a picture of it, but I don't find it at L.L. Bean's site any longer

08-30-2015, 07:28 PM	#8
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by reivax The Domke's look like great bags, but to be honest, I've never seen one in person. Do camera shops generally carry them? Closest city to me with a camera shop is San Diego. The big camera stores (are there any others these days) in LA carry them. But google and yelp search on stores in San Diego came up empty. Domke was the only bag that Herb Keppler would use and endorse. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Keppler The Wit and Wisdom of Herbert Keppler \| Popular Photography

08-30-2015, 08:09 PM	#9
reivax Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 826 Original Poster	Originally posted by AbeFroman I have been using the ONA Brixton for about 3 years now, I have taken it on several vacations and use it on a daily basis. Price is high but so it the quality, its a fantastic bag. ONA Brixton Camera / Messenger Bag That is beautiful, but unfortunately out of my price range... But beautiful. Originally posted by pepperberry farm oops - took a look at my bag.. it's an L.L.Bean bag... let me see if they still carry it.... ---------- Post added 08-30-15 at 07:18 PM ---------- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/235524255485249726/ that's a picture of it, but I don't find it at L.L. Bean's site any longer That is also a nice looking bag. Will definitely be patient as I'm on the lookout for something like that.

08-30-2015, 08:41 PM	#10
RAART Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Oakville, ON Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,095	I like the bags from Fossil and maybe you will be able to find something there. They do have also outlet stores throughout USA/Canada where you can find those bags much cheaper.

08-30-2015, 10:47 PM	#11
geomez Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Roanoke, Virginia, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,760	I've never had a vintage nor fashionable bag. I've only had ugly nylon bags and Domke bags. The Domke bags are, IMO are utilitarian in their design and aesthetic. They are really well made and strong. I'd recommend them for those reasons. If I was gonna go the vintage/fashion route I'd probably go with a Billingham bag. Billingham Bags \| Home

08-31-2015, 03:04 AM	#12
officiousbystander Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery Posts: 916	I'm a teacher and I have a Lowepro Compuday 150. It's an everyday work messenger bag with all the pockets and dividers I need plus a clever side padded zip up pocket which is perfect for my Olympus EM-5. It'll also fit a K5 and a ltd prime. It means I always have a good camera with me. http://www.thephoblographer.com/2011/06/23/review-of-the-lowepro-compuday-15.../#.VeQk8IoViUk They're discontinued now but you can still get them, and at bargain prices. I love mine so much I bought a second which is stored away for when the first one dies. But there's no sign of that yet. I also have a Domke F 832 which is fantastic for travel but too big for day to day work. There's also no pockets for storage of knickknacks.

08-31-2015, 04:53 AM	#13
atupdate Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dayton, OH Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,724	Here is a website that lets you compare several bags by type and by size. The link below is for shoulder/messenger bags that hold a 15" laptop. You can change the size of the laptop by clicking on the Size Drop Down Menu. 15in Laptop or less - Cambags Tim

08-31-2015, 08:50 AM	#14
narual Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Bend (Notre Dame), Indiana Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,988	a few options under $100. You can always add padding if you want it, or keep your lenses in individual pouches. Amazon.com: TEST Rothco The Vintage Canvas Explorer Bag, One Size, Black: Clothing http://www.amazon.com/SERBAGS-Military-Style-Messenger-Bag/dp/B00C3VBSYQ http://www.amazon.com/Kattee-British-Leather-Messenger-Shoulder/dp/B00FOJ6SOO http://www.amazon.com/Hynes-Eagle-Vintage-Business-Messenger/dp/B00LVT2W7S or a touch smaller (some might be too small for a full sized iPad or macbook air though): http://www.amazon.com/Case-canvas-Dispatch-M-1938-holder/dp/B00QFIR9XC Amazon.com: Rothco canvas map case shoulder bag-earth brown: Shoes Amazon.com: Rothco O.D. M-51 Engineers Bag, Olive: Sports & Outdoors http://www.amazon.com/Bencore-Map-Case-Shoulder-Bag/dp/B00LAVZUWQ