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paolojackson · 10-17-2008, 09:42 AM

Sorry, another bag thread...

I am in the market for a bag that can hold at most, two zooms (one of them being a 50-135) and a prime. The messenger style is appealing because its rather casual and unassuming. I have a big rucksack and a small lunch box looking bag. This one is for more (again) casual times when I want to bring my camera around but not stick out like a sore thumb.

I've been searching and I found a few. Thinktank Urban Disguise, Crumpler Bags, Domke F-5XB. Even more so I've considered DIY options, maybe using some Domke inserts.

Anyone have any recommendations or ideas?

deuces · 10-17-2008, 10:48 AM

I have a Crumpler 5 million dollar home. Awesome awesome bag. Stylish. comfortable, and protective.

The 5M carries about as much as I'd want to carry around all day. It'll hold 2 zooms and a prime, but not if one of them is the mighty 50-135.

Perhaps the 6M bag.

I recommend the Crumplers for this without reservation.

wlachan · 10-17-2008, 11:02 AM

F-803 with homemade insert, not sure if it can handle the zooms you have. What I don't like the F-5 is the zipper which can scratch the delicated FA* finish.

paolojackson · 10-17-2008, 11:07 AM

Originally posted by deuces

I recommend the Crumplers for this without reservation.

Look like nice bags, have thought about the 6 million dollar bag but it might be too big...

Originally posted by wlachan

F-803 with homemade insert, not sure if it can handle the zooms you have. What I don't like the F-5 is the zipper which can scratch the delicated FA* finish.

Interesting, that looks like the perfect size. What did you use to make your inserts?

wlachan · 10-17-2008, 03:00 PM

Originally posted by paolojackson

Interesting, that looks like the perfect size. What did you use to make your inserts?

I bought some nylon fabrics off eBay and used regular 1cm thick camping mat as protection. Use 0.5cm if you need more space.

**rogerstg** · 10-18-2008, 07:25 AM

I use the Tamrac Adventure Messenger 4 - model 5534, for the same reasons you mentioned. In the main compartment I often carry my K10D, DA* 16-50, DA 55-300, 50mm prime, 540 Flash and various misc items. The flash could easily be carried in the front pocket instead of the main compartment.

bdery · 10-18-2008, 02:37 PM

I can only recommend the way I went. It seems it's what you're considering anyway.

I had a good messenge back from the college days, the kind that costs 20$. I bought an insert on eBay (sorta like the Domke) that fits EXACTLY in most standard messenger bags (some 15 inches long, tops). It holds

K20d plus 17-70 attached
A 50 f1,4
Vivitar series 1 70-210 (probably comparable to the 50-135)
a flash
Spare batteries
A teleconverter if I pack things tightly.

it has movable dividers, so you can create your own design.

cost : 15$. Shipping included in my case.

It is the best way to carry my gear, at least for me. And since it's not a camera bag, but a regular bag, no one knows what's inside.

**Kerrowdown** · 10-19-2008, 03:54 AM

Recommend you have a look at the Crumpler range of bags, they certainly suit my style or working.

LSR · 10-21-2008, 08:17 AM

I have the National Geographic Large Shoulder Bag. It is great but pretty big but they make smaller sizes. I love ti so much it has replaced my Domke F-1X!

I'd highly recommend the Nat Geo shoulder bags (not the backpacks though, the harness system sucks rocks on those), but try out any bag before you buy it, avoids disappointment when a mail/internet order arrives and isn't all you thought it would be.

figure-five · 10-31-2008, 12:01 PM

Hi,

I use this:

Tenba | Pro Digital 2.0 Photo Insert | 638-251 | B&H Photo Video

it's a nice photo insert with ripstop nylon on the outside, fits all of my gear in one piece which slides easily in an out of a messenger bag or backpack.

In mine I can fit a k10d with or without battery grip, with a lens mounted and room for the sigma 10-20 and either another large lens or two medium sized lenses stacked. It's very low profile, fits nicely into a small or medium size timbuk2 messenger. I use mine in a Manhattan Portage Flight Bag, which I've come to prefer because it has an easy-access zip closure on the top rather than a big flap to be reached around. This leaves enough room for other odds and ends too and is very discreet.

If you're interested I'll send a photo or two of the setup.

embrauer · 11-01-2008, 04:52 AM

Seconding (or thirding?) Crumpler bags. They're well built and don't scream "expensive camera in here!" - though perhaps they scream "expensive bag!". Anyway I have the new Muffin Top 5500 and I'm quite pleased with it.

heatherslightbox · 11-01-2008, 06:21 PM

Originally posted by figure-five

I use this:

Tenba | Pro Digital 2.0 Photo Insert | 638-251 | B&H Photo Video

I've got the same type of setup and it was CHEAP for a camera bag.
Tenba messenger bag insert: $24.95 shipped from B&H
Messenger bag won off a United Way fundraising auction: $4.00
Total price: $28.95.

My first trip with this setup will be later on this month when Husband and I fly up to Baltimore to see my sister and her family. I'll be carrying the K20, 16-45, 55-300, A50/1.7, and Sunpak flash with me. I haven't decided yet whether or not I'm going to be carrying the K200 with me or not.

HTH,
Heather

davek · 11-04-2008, 01:00 PM

+ 1 for the Crumpler 6Mil home. Carries my K10D with grip, 50-135, DA18-55 (or 50-200), FA50/1.4. DA21ltd & Sigma EF500 Flash.

Sometimes I replace the Sigma Flash with the DS & 21ltd mounted.

(I also picked up a little lowepro Terraclime pouch to go on the strap for quick access to filters & memory cards).

10-17-2008, 09:42 AM	#1
paolojackson Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 379	Low profile messenger bag Sorry, another bag thread... I am in the market for a bag that can hold at most, two zooms (one of them being a 50-135) and a prime. The messenger style is appealing because its rather casual and unassuming. I have a big rucksack and a small lunch box looking bag. This one is for more (again) casual times when I want to bring my camera around but not stick out like a sore thumb. I've been searching and I found a few. Thinktank Urban Disguise, Crumpler Bags, Domke F-5XB. Even more so I've considered DIY options, maybe using some Domke inserts. Anyone have any recommendations or ideas?

10-31-2008, 12:01 PM	#10
figure-five Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 86	a solution Hi, I use this: Tenba \| Pro Digital 2.0 Photo Insert \| 638-251 \| B&H Photo Video it's a nice photo insert with ripstop nylon on the outside, fits all of my gear in one piece which slides easily in an out of a messenger bag or backpack. In mine I can fit a k10d with or without battery grip, with a lens mounted and room for the sigma 10-20 and either another large lens or two medium sized lenses stacked. It's very low profile, fits nicely into a small or medium size timbuk2 messenger. I use mine in a Manhattan Portage Flight Bag, which I've come to prefer because it has an easy-access zip closure on the top rather than a big flap to be reached around. This leaves enough room for other odds and ends too and is very discreet. If you're interested I'll send a photo or two of the setup.

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10-17-2008, 10:48 AM	#2
deuces Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 168	I have a Crumpler 5 million dollar home. Awesome awesome bag. Stylish. comfortable, and protective. The 5M carries about as much as I'd want to carry around all day. It'll hold 2 zooms and a prime, but not if one of them is the mighty 50-135. Perhaps the 6M bag. I recommend the Crumplers for this without reservation.

10-17-2008, 11:02 AM	#3
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	F-803 with homemade insert, not sure if it can handle the zooms you have. What I don't like the F-5 is the zipper which can scratch the delicated FA* finish.

10-17-2008, 11:07 AM	#4
paolojackson Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 379 Original Poster	Originally posted by deuces I recommend the Crumplers for this without reservation. Look like nice bags, have thought about the 6 million dollar bag but it might be too big... Originally posted by wlachan F-803 with homemade insert, not sure if it can handle the zooms you have. What I don't like the F-5 is the zipper which can scratch the delicated FA* finish. Interesting, that looks like the perfect size. What did you use to make your inserts?

10-17-2008, 03:00 PM	#5
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	Originally posted by paolojackson Interesting, that looks like the perfect size. What did you use to make your inserts? I bought some nylon fabrics off eBay and used regular 1cm thick camping mat as protection. Use 0.5cm if you need more space.

10-18-2008, 07:25 AM	#6
rogerstg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 1,168	I use the Tamrac Adventure Messenger 4 - model 5534, for the same reasons you mentioned. In the main compartment I often carry my K10D, DA* 16-50, DA 55-300, 50mm prime, 540 Flash and various misc items. The flash could easily be carried in the front pocket instead of the main compartment.

10-18-2008, 02:37 PM	#7
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,363	I can only recommend the way I went. It seems it's what you're considering anyway. I had a good messenge back from the college days, the kind that costs 20$. I bought an insert on eBay (sorta like the Domke) that fits EXACTLY in most standard messenger bags (some 15 inches long, tops). It holds K20d plus 17-70 attached A 50 f1,4 Vivitar series 1 70-210 (probably comparable to the 50-135) a flash Spare batteries A teleconverter if I pack things tightly. it has movable dividers, so you can create your own design. cost : 15$. Shipping included in my case. It is the best way to carry my gear, at least for me. And since it's not a camera bag, but a regular bag, no one knows what's inside.

10-19-2008, 03:54 AM	#8
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,867	Recommend you have a look at the Crumpler range of bags, they certainly suit my style or working.

10-21-2008, 08:17 AM	#9
LSR Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Merida Posts: 126	I have the National Geographic Large Shoulder Bag. It is great but pretty big but they make smaller sizes. I love ti so much it has replaced my Domke F-1X! I'd highly recommend the Nat Geo shoulder bags (not the backpacks though, the harness system sucks rocks on those), but try out any bag before you buy it, avoids disappointment when a mail/internet order arrives and isn't all you thought it would be.

11-01-2008, 04:52 AM	#11
embrauer New Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 9	Seconding (or thirding?) Crumpler bags. They're well built and don't scream "expensive camera in here!" - though perhaps they scream "expensive bag!". Anyway I have the new Muffin Top 5500 and I'm quite pleased with it.

11-01-2008, 06:21 PM	#12
heatherslightbox Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Gainesville, FL Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,599	Originally posted by figure-five I use this: Tenba \| Pro Digital 2.0 Photo Insert \| 638-251 \| B&H Photo Video I've got the same type of setup and it was CHEAP for a camera bag. Tenba messenger bag insert: $24.95 shipped from B&H Messenger bag won off a United Way fundraising auction: $4.00 Total price: $28.95. My first trip with this setup will be later on this month when Husband and I fly up to Baltimore to see my sister and her family. I'll be carrying the K20, 16-45, 55-300, A50/1.7, and Sunpak flash with me. I haven't decided yet whether or not I'm going to be carrying the K200 with me or not. HTH, Heather

11-04-2008, 01:00 PM	#13
davek Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Elmira, On, Canada Posts: 461	+ 1 for the Crumpler 6Mil home. Carries my K10D with grip, 50-135, DA18-55 (or 50-200), FA50/1.4. DA21ltd & Sigma EF500 Flash. Sometimes I replace the Sigma Flash with the DS & 21ltd mounted. (I also picked up a little lowepro Terraclime pouch to go on the strap for quick access to filters & memory cards).

Low profile messenger bag

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