New 6X7 Owner (and, good MF bags?)

cfclark · 02-03-2010, 02:23 PM

After being semi-seriously involved in photography during my high school years (including a stint with a K1000, naturally

), scaling back my interest once I lost easy access to a darkroom, and eventually winding up with a DSLR, I've now begun to get interested in going back to my first love, working with film (B&W specifically), this time, in medium format. Having mentioned this to my wife, she gifted me with a nice 6X7 MLU for Christmas

with a 105mm/f2.4, to which I've added a 135mm/f4 macro.

So now I'm immersing myself in shooting with the 6X7, relearning my film-changing skills (having never spent much time with 120) and thus far, enjoying the results. However, I do have one question: Has anyone found, in this age where everything not custom and pricey is made for DSLRs, a good, reasonably-priced, sturdy bag for a 6X7 or something of similar size and weight? I'm using a Tamrac Velocity series bag (the backpack-like version that swings around to the front) and it tends to feel top-heavy when loaded. (Maybe I just need more stuff to fill up the lower reaches of the bag.)

Ben_Edict · 02-03-2010, 04:07 PM

I use mainly Billingham bags for my MF stuff (the 335 and the 550), but these do probably not fit your price expeactation. But they are very nicely made, robust and prevent water (rain) from seeping in. (well, they should be good at that, given their British origin…)

Ben

cfclark · 02-03-2010, 04:31 PM

Originally posted by Ben_Edict

I use mainly Billingham bags for my MF stuff (the 335 and the 550), but these do probably not fit your price expeactation. But they are very nicely made, robust and prevent water (rain) from seeping in. (well, they should be good at that, given their British origin…)

Ben

Well, if reasonably-priced isn't satisfactory, then unreasonably-priced may have to do.

But of course, less $$$ spent on bag means more $$$ spent on film.

Wheatfield · 02-03-2010, 05:26 PM

I have a Lowe Pro backpack of some sort for my 6x7 kit. I don't recall offhand which one, probably a Photo Trekker. It works well.
Mind you, I have a fairly extensive 6x7 kit, I'm carrying the body and 8 lenses so I need a largish bag.

andycogbill · 02-04-2010, 06:57 AM

IMHO:

For hiking, the Lowepro Slingshot has no equal.

For walking anywhere else, get a Domke.

Both brands will last you for years without any signs of wear!

tuco · 02-04-2010, 07:36 PM

Remember VHS camcorders? Well, years ago I picked up a VHS camcorder bag for my 67 gear. It holds a lot and it was well made and only cost $35USD. If it was called a "Camera Bag", the price would be 4X for the same thing! I still use it today. But that is for hauling around nearly all my 67 gear.

For walking around carrying a few lenses, filters and body, I picked up a National Geographic NG 2475 Earth Explorer Medium. I like it but added some thin plastic sheet in the back and bottom to make it a little more ridged for setting on the ground and staying upright.

knumbnutz · 02-04-2010, 08:49 PM

Hi There and Welcome,

My bag, seven lenses, handle and a couple of filters, inc 45mm,55mm,75mm,105mm,165mm,200mm,300mm, pano adapter and cirpolarizer.

Bag cost $150.

Cheers Neil

GeneV · 02-04-2010, 09:39 PM

I don't have a 6x7, but found a decent bag for my 645 in an odd place--the "thrown in" accessories for my K-x. I bought the K-x in a two lens kit from Adorama which included a bag. I was not expecting much, but what came was the house brand bag in the "Slinger" model. This thing is a bit large for a K-x but it is a perfect fit for a 645 with attached lens plus two other lenses. The outside pocket will fit two film backs, and other pockets hold other accessories. The squarish and deep size, coupled with the sling make the 645 very easy to access.

I'm not sure I would pay the $60 price they ask for it separately because it is not exactly built like a tank, but it was a surprisingly useful for a part of a package that I didn't even want.

PeterAM · 02-05-2010, 11:44 AM

I have an inexpensive, top loading bag that I use with my Mamiya 645 (one lens attached to body + one additional lens). I don't carry too much when I go out with this camera, so this bag works fine. Link: ACPRO1200 Digital SLR Camera Case

GeneV · 02-05-2010, 11:58 AM

Originally posted by knumbnutz

Hi There and Welcome,

My bag, seven lenses, handle and a couple of filters, inc 45mm,55mm,75mm,105mm,165mm,200mm,300mm, pano adapter and cirpolarizer.

Bag cost $150.

Cheers Neil

Nice. So what bag is that?

knumbnutz · 02-05-2010, 04:29 PM

Hi GeneV,
It is a bag by fancier made in china, but it is an exact copy of the lowepro compu trekker bag.
At the price i paid, and the price of the lowepros here in australia, it was way too good to pass up, $40au compared to $350au for the lowpro and you'd swear it came out of the same factory (and probably does).
Cheers Neil

desertscape · 02-06-2010, 12:25 PM

I have used Tamrac backpack type bags for many years for my P67 equipment. I wore out a 767 model after 16 years of tropical travel. I now have their 777 model. It is a mid size pack and seems to be better built than their 767. I carry two bodies, 45mm, 2 zooms, tubes and film. I use it for travel shooting mosly. If you carry only one body and own the smaller lenses, you could fit six lenses in it. It cost around $300 however.

02-03-2010, 02:23 PM	#1
cfclark New Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 8	New 6X7 Owner (and, good MF bags?) After being semi-seriously involved in photography during my high school years (including a stint with a K1000, naturally ), scaling back my interest once I lost easy access to a darkroom, and eventually winding up with a DSLR, I've now begun to get interested in going back to my first love, working with film (B&W specifically), this time, in medium format. Having mentioned this to my wife, she gifted me with a nice 6X7 MLU for Christmas with a 105mm/f2.4, to which I've added a 135mm/f4 macro. So now I'm immersing myself in shooting with the 6X7, relearning my film-changing skills (having never spent much time with 120) and thus far, enjoying the results. However, I do have one question: Has anyone found, in this age where everything not custom and pricey is made for DSLRs, a good, reasonably-priced, sturdy bag for a 6X7 or something of similar size and weight? I'm using a Tamrac Velocity series bag (the backpack-like version that swings around to the front) and it tends to feel top-heavy when loaded. (Maybe I just need more stuff to fill up the lower reaches of the bag.)

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02-03-2010, 04:07 PM	#2
Ben_Edict Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: SouthWest "Regio" Photos: Albums Posts: 3,309	I use mainly Billingham bags for my MF stuff (the 335 and the 550), but these do probably not fit your price expeactation. But they are very nicely made, robust and prevent water (rain) from seeping in. (well, they should be good at that, given their British origin…) Ben

02-03-2010, 04:31 PM	#3
cfclark New Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 8 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ben_Edict I use mainly Billingham bags for my MF stuff (the 335 and the 550), but these do probably not fit your price expeactation. But they are very nicely made, robust and prevent water (rain) from seeping in. (well, they should be good at that, given their British origin…) Ben Well, if reasonably-priced isn't satisfactory, then unreasonably-priced may have to do. But of course, less $$$ spent on bag means more $$$ spent on film.

02-03-2010, 05:26 PM	#4
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	I have a Lowe Pro backpack of some sort for my 6x7 kit. I don't recall offhand which one, probably a Photo Trekker. It works well. Mind you, I have a fairly extensive 6x7 kit, I'm carrying the body and 8 lenses so I need a largish bag.

02-04-2010, 06:57 AM	#5
andycogbill Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: New York, NY Posts: 74	IMHO: For hiking, the Lowepro Slingshot has no equal. For walking anywhere else, get a Domke. Both brands will last you for years without any signs of wear!

02-04-2010, 07:36 PM	#6
tuco Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pugetopolis Posts: 11,026	Remember VHS camcorders? Well, years ago I picked up a VHS camcorder bag for my 67 gear. It holds a lot and it was well made and only cost $35USD. If it was called a "Camera Bag", the price would be 4X for the same thing! I still use it today. But that is for hauling around nearly all my 67 gear. For walking around carrying a few lenses, filters and body, I picked up a National Geographic NG 2475 Earth Explorer Medium. I like it but added some thin plastic sheet in the back and bottom to make it a little more ridged for setting on the ground and staying upright.

02-04-2010, 08:49 PM	#7
knumbnutz Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 394	Hi There and Welcome, My bag, seven lenses, handle and a couple of filters, inc 45mm,55mm,75mm,105mm,165mm,200mm,300mm, pano adapter and cirpolarizer. Bag cost $150. Cheers Neil

02-04-2010, 09:39 PM	#8
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	I don't have a 6x7, but found a decent bag for my 645 in an odd place--the "thrown in" accessories for my K-x. I bought the K-x in a two lens kit from Adorama which included a bag. I was not expecting much, but what came was the house brand bag in the "Slinger" model. This thing is a bit large for a K-x but it is a perfect fit for a 645 with attached lens plus two other lenses. The outside pocket will fit two film backs, and other pockets hold other accessories. The squarish and deep size, coupled with the sling make the 645 very easy to access. I'm not sure I would pay the $60 price they ask for it separately because it is not exactly built like a tank, but it was a surprisingly useful for a part of a package that I didn't even want.

02-05-2010, 11:44 AM	#9
PeterAM Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Litchfield, CT Posts: 539	I have an inexpensive, top loading bag that I use with my Mamiya 645 (one lens attached to body + one additional lens). I don't carry too much when I go out with this camera, so this bag works fine. Link: ACPRO1200 Digital SLR Camera Case

02-05-2010, 11:58 AM	#10
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by knumbnutz Hi There and Welcome, My bag, seven lenses, handle and a couple of filters, inc 45mm,55mm,75mm,105mm,165mm,200mm,300mm, pano adapter and cirpolarizer. Bag cost $150. Cheers Neil Nice. So what bag is that?

02-05-2010, 04:29 PM	#11
knumbnutz Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 394	Hi GeneV, It is a bag by fancier made in china, but it is an exact copy of the lowepro compu trekker bag. At the price i paid, and the price of the lowepros here in australia, it was way too good to pass up, $40au compared to $350au for the lowpro and you'd swear it came out of the same factory (and probably does). Cheers Neil

02-06-2010, 12:25 PM	#12
desertscape Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,272	I have used Tamrac backpack type bags for many years for my P67 equipment. I wore out a 767 model after 16 years of tropical travel. I now have their 777 model. It is a mid size pack and seems to be better built than their 767. I carry two bodies, 45mm, 2 zooms, tubes and film. I use it for travel shooting mosly. If you carry only one body and own the smaller lenses, you could fit six lenses in it. It cost around $300 however.