bag for Mamiya TLR+bits

[Neil Grant]

...hi what are you people using for your C-types? I think the bag needs to be quite tall (as it's easier to stow the camera that way) but not hugely big as the additional lens pairs, meter and films are quite compact. Camera has prism - which i like to keep in place, and LH grip which i accept may need to be removed.

thanks!

 

[mgb74]

I always find it difficult matching MF gear to a bag. In your case, consider a bag that allows you to put your TLR on it's side, with the grip facing up. Might be a bit inefficient space wise but allows easy access to the camera.

 

[Dennis-B]

I found a nice used Tamrac Model 612, without the lens bridges. It had all the inserts, and I customized the spacing to accommodate all the lenses, body, finders, etc. Works perfectly. You can probably find a used one around, or even a similar Lowe Pro.

PS - I'm a fan of the US-made bags.

 

[Jojje]

For a walkaround bag I use Czech m/26 ammo mag bag. Very heavy canvas, fits camera and another lens. https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/used-czech-military-surplus-m26-mag-bag-khaki?a=644927

 

[MattKing]

I have an older, tall, no-name bag that works great with a body, two lenses, waist level finder and prism finder (and other small bits) but it is quite tight if I have the prism finder mounted.
You might consider older bags that were originally designed for largish video cameras.

 

[abruzzi]

I haven't used a Mamiya TLR, but I love my Domke F-803 for storing my Bronica lens down. It fits well, even if I have a longer 200mm type lens installed, so I would think it would work well for a tall TLR. It has a movable deep pocket that you could use to cordon off the rest of the main compartment for a couple lenses or film carrier, or other things, plus two good size pockets on the front.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that the above description is done by putting the pocket more or less in the middle of the bag creating three vertical compartments [ C ][ L ][ B ] (camera, lenses, and extra backs). However if you want to leave your grip attached, offset the pocket to the far end [ C G ][ L ] and it might work. I do this when I use my Bronica with a grip attached.

Geof

 

[MTomk]

I have a C33 and until recently carried it in a Lower Adventura 170, which accommodated the camera with an 80mm lens just fine. Also with pockets for spare film, lens cloth, small notepad and cable shutter release. This was a snug but adequate fit. More recently I've been using a 180mm lens and L grip. The Lowerpro can just about manage the bigger lens but I had to keep detaching the grip to slip the camera into the bag. On a walkaround, therefore, I had to choose between keeping the camera on my neck strap with the grip - a heavy combination - or in the bag without the grip - a nuisance. The camera fits the Lowepro but its rather cramped, if reasonably cushioned.

I've recently purchased a Domke F3-X Rugged Ware bag. It's perfect for the TLR, with plenty of space for the previously mentioned incidentals plus my handheld light meter (I've stopped used my gossen lunapro but even this will fit comfortably), water bottle and a little more. My travel tripod (Velbon 53) won't fit in with the camera but can 'stand proud' in a side pocket if necessary (not tried this in the field). That's not ideal and I'm sure I can identify a workaround for short, specific excursions that attaches the tripod to the outside of the bag. I'd rather work on this problem than commit to a larger bag. The Domke functions really well as a day bag with or without the camera - I never feel as if I'm carrying luggage. Bringing the camera into use out of the Domke is much easier than trying to do this with the smaller Lowepro. The bag isn't as well padded but I like its unstructured nature and I can add padding if I want to.