Bag recommendation for Mamiya C series system?

Kirks518 · Nov 1, 2015

I find I'm using my Mamiya C330 more and more, and I need an appropriate bag for the system. I have the 55mm, 80mm, 135mm, and 180mm lenses. I also have the left handed grip with the angled cold shoe for it.

Currently, I'm using either an old junker small-medium gadget bag that fits the body and either 2 lenses or one lens and flash. It will not fit the grip (either installed or off to the side). I also use an Amazon Basic sling bag that I picked up at Goodwill for $3. It's actually a lot better then I expected it to be, and has been pretty close to great for the M645 system, but it's not very good for the TLR.

Anyway, ideally, I'll like to be able to carry the body with lens, 2-3 additional lenses, flash (285HV), grip, and 5 rolls of film. I don't care if it's a gadget bag, sling bag, or backpack. Not looking for the hard shell type like the original case. I have other Lowepro bags for other systems, and I've been happy with the value of their bags, but I'm open to other brands. Not looking for the Bellingham price tags.

So, what are your recommendations?

juan · Nov 1, 2015

I went to Lowe's several years ago and bought a bag that was made to carry power tools - drills and saws, etc. It has a rather hard bottom for protection, but the sides are rather soft material. It has plenty of room for my RB67 and a couple of lenses - or my C220, and extra lens, a 35mm rangefinder, filters and film.

The best part was it cost $30. I've seen similar bags at Home Depot.
juan

RobC · Nov 1, 2015

do a search for fishing bags. Some of them are ideal and are a fraction of price of a "camera" bag.

something like: http://www.chubfishing.com/en-gb/products/luggage/utility-bags/rova-bag/

Kirks518 · Nov 1, 2015

Both of those suggestions are great! Thanks!

paul ron · Nov 3, 2015

the tool bag is a great idea. ill bet you can put on a long strap to sling over your shoulder.

these are tough n job site tested by contruction workers

http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/canvas-tool-bags/deluxe-canvas-tool-bags

this is another heavy duty company

http://www.rothco.com/category/rothco-tool-bags

paul ron · Nov 3, 2015

RobC said:
do a search for fishing bags. Some of them are ideal and are a fraction of price of a "camera" bag.

something like: http://www.chubfishing.com/en-gb/products/luggage/utility-bags/rova-bag/

thats a great looking bag... padded too?

MattKing · Nov 3, 2015

Not surprisingly, the best bags for a Mamiya TLR tend to have a differently shaped space for a camera than many of the commonly available ones.

I prefer a bag that allows me to store the camera vertically, and to reach the camera from its top. If possible, with the prism finder installed.

Kirks518 · Nov 4, 2015

I went to Lowe's, and picked up this tool bag: http://www.lowes.com/pd_552554-1492-3L-2216___?productId=50331641&pl=1&Ntt=apw
I ended up returning it. Too big, somewhat heavy, and I wasn't crazy about it.

After thinking about it now for a few days, I'm going to stop by a local Army Navy surplus store, and see what they have for messenger bags. I like the idea of a canvas bag, and I can either make my own inserts or by an insert for it.

I want something 'stealthy' that doesn't look like a camera bag, and I don't want it to look like a purse.

I do like the Rothco stuff, saw a bunch of them on Amazon, but they don't have pics of the interior for most of them, so I'm hesitant.

Like Matt, I want the body to be held vertically, be able to hold at least 2 additional lenses and a flash. I've seen stuff on youtube where the messenger bag has straps that come around from the bottom, and you can (sort of) put a tripod/monopod there. That would be a nice bonus.

The camera body with 55mm/80mm measures roughly 4.5" on each side, and I'd like to keep the bag as thin as possible, so maybe 6" exterior width. I don't think I would need something very long.

If I find something today at the A/N store, I'll post pics.

mgb74 · Nov 4, 2015

Check out soft coolers too.

John Koehrer · Nov 4, 2015

Domke F2? It's not padded though.

RobC · Nov 4, 2015

Nearly everytime someone asks about cheap camera bags it turns out that what they really want is a cool looking fashion accessory bag. They look at all the cheap options then go and buy the fashion item they really wanted which is never cheap.

Kirks518 · Nov 4, 2015

The Domke F2 is way bigger then what I want for this kit.

RobC - you're probably right!

I went to the army navy store, and all they had was this one - http://www.rothco.com/product-details/rothco-vintage-unwashed-canvas-messenger-bag which isn't wide enough to fit the body.

There are a few on ebay that I kind of like for <$30. I'll probably end up with one of those. :-(

SJRichardson · Nov 4, 2015

I use a Lowepro Nova4 bag for my C220. It will hold it vertically with adjustable dividers for other items.

Kirks518 · Nov 5, 2015

Well, even the ones on eBay weren't exactly what I was hoping for...

SJR - I have a Nova 4, but for what I want (a grab-n-go bag), it's just too big in this case. I also have a Nova 2, but it's too small.... Yeah, yeah, maybe the Nova 3, but....

I also have a LowePro Reporter RL 200, and it fits the body with lens, 3 add'l lenses, and light meter (Sekonic L-408), and film just fine. No hope for the flash and grip though with this bag. Bonus features are it has a zippered opening on the top flap, so I can just grab what I want that way, and it has a tripod holder. It's going to have to work for now.

Barry S · Nov 5, 2015

Timbuk 2 makes some excellent camera bag inserts that work well in messenger bags. I have this one-- http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1001543-REG/timbuk2_869_2_2076_snoop_camera_insert_s.html

Kirks518 · Nov 5, 2015

Barry - what messenger bag do you have?

Ron789 · Nov 5, 2015

I have a C330 with some lenses and accessories as well. Great camera! Best means to transport it: a wheelbarrow....

RobC · Nov 5, 2015

got the fishing shop and have a browse around. There must be hundreds of them in Flori-DUH.

Kirks518 · Nov 6, 2015

There are, but anything and everything that has to do with boating/fishing is priced worse than anything camera related....

I'll stick with the Reporter until something perfect comas along

Barry S · Nov 6, 2015

Kirks518 said:
Barry - what messenger bag do you have?

I have a Timbuk2 and a few other messenger style bags--suggest you stop by an REI store if possible. The Domke F-3X ruggedwear is also a great bag. Very simple and well-made, plus the waxed canvas sheds water much better than the regular canvas Domke uses. The size is very convenient for carrying a small kit with room left over for other essentials.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/697106-REG/Domke_700_30A.html

RobC · Nov 6, 2015

Kirks518 said:
There are, but anything and everything that has to do with boating/fishing is priced worse than anything camera related....

I'll stick with the Reporter until something perfect comas along

Things sound topsy turvy in Florida. In the UK fishing bags are much cheaper than the "Fashion" camera bags.

Mark Fisher · Nov 6, 2015

I used to carry a hasselblad and 3 lenses (one mounted) in a Domke F3x. The C330 and lenses are quite a bit smaller so it would be great. I also have a small Timbuktu bag with an insert for my 35mm, but I think that would be tight......a medium Timbuktu would be a great option too.

Kirks518 · Nov 24, 2015

Just an update. I bought this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/361402980310 for a whopping $25 including shipping.

It is perfect! The body with the 80mm/55mm fits perfectly in the padded area, and then I can fit 3 more lenses; 2 on on side, and one on the other. Where the single lens is, I have my light meter (Sekonic L-408), but a flash (285HV) would fit just fine as well. Lots of large pockets for film and other stuff, and it doesn't look like a camera bag or a purse (IMO). The canvas seems durable, and the strap is wide enough to be comfortable.

For $25 I'm a very happy camper... but my 15 year old style-conscientious daughter just told me she thinks it's ugly.

Here are some pics

Sirius Glass · Nov 24, 2015

MattKing said:
Not surprisingly, the best bags for a Mamiya TLR tend to have a differently shaped space for a camera than many of the commonly available ones.

I prefer a bag that allows me to store the camera vertically, and to reach the camera from its top. If possible, with the prism finder installed.

No longer manufactured, so if you can find them the Tamrac 750 and 752 Photo Backpacks are top loaded and the partitions are movable which would allow the Mamiya TLRs to be stored vertically and hold several of the lenses. The weight of these backpacks is transferred to the hips so that one can hike long distances with them I took one to Europe this May with the Hasselblad. I have several one for the Hasselblad 503 CX with four extra lenses, one for the Pacemaker Graphic with two lenses, and Grafmatic 45s, and one for the Graflex Model D with two lenses, and Grafmatic 45s. I picked up two of these backpacks on APUG.

RobC · Nov 24, 2015

fashion victim

Bag recommendation for Mamiya C series system?

Kirks518

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