Do i need a camera bag?

Steve Smith · Aug 18, 2009

I have lots of camera bags and I don't really like any of them. The problem is that I often end up walking around holding the camera and carrying an empty camera bag.

The bags I have are useful for storing stuff in whilst at home but they don't often go out unless I want to take my RB67 with three lenses and two film backs. A bag is essential then.

However, there is one bag I like. I converted a small dark green army style canvas bag with a foam base which I cut out to take a Minolta SLR and three lenses. It is small and doesn't look like a camera bag. And best of all, it only cost £5.

Steve.

Andy K · Aug 18, 2009

David A. Goldfarb said:
Don't even ask that question, or you'll have a whole closet full of them before you know it.

Wise words. At last count i have...

<goes off to count>

... eleven! One for each camera kit, and several for different purposes, for example when I don't want to use a bag that screams 'Expensive gear in here!'

budrichard · Aug 18, 2009

A bag has two possible uses, organization and carrying in the field. As already Posted, a bag can organize your 'kit' amd have it ready to go.
The use of a bag while actually in the field, identifies one for possible theft and is an undeeded encumerance.
I keep two M7's with lenses, a third lens, flash, batteries etc in a large Leica bag(current catalog model) as a ready to go kit. Rarely do I take the bag but just grab cameras and stow in net compartments in my vehicle.
I can easily and have for many many years carried two cameras without a bag. A good multi-pocket jacket or vest certainly helps but not in hot weather.-Dick

Whiteymorange · Aug 18, 2009

Try a cheap soft-side cooler. I use the various lunch-box size that I have picked up at yard sales for carrying what I'm using on a particular trip. They are not as easily compartmentalized as dedicated camera bags but they are cheap, padded, insulated and it looks like you've left your lunch on the seat of the car and not an expensive camera. Very few people will try to steal your lunch.

Kvistgaard · Aug 18, 2009

hey- my advice is to get an inconspicious-looking (=cheap) messenger-style bag, and a couple of Domke inserts. Add a little foam padding to the Domke inserts, as they are not only padded on the sites, strangely enough. This is inexpensive, flexible, and does not attract too much attention.

keep in mind to get a messenger bag with a flap that you can make friends with - some of them are just plain cumbersome, and you'll - presumably- want quick, unhindered access to your stuff.

Also - another reason for not buying a dedicated camera bag is that these usually leave room for stuff like a rain jacket, drink bottle, books, and all the other paraphernalia that you usually carry around with you.

Paul Jenkin · Aug 18, 2009

Need a bag? Nope, you'll probably need about twelve or so. It matters not that you may only have one camera body and two lenses, this is the one issue where men are at least a match for women and their collection of shoes / handbags, etc.....

nsurit · Aug 18, 2009

Ugh, camera bags are a little like tripods, there isn't a perfect one. I have several, including a backpack, a smal one, a large one and several in between. A photovest also sometimes is the perfect piece of equipment. I guess my answer would be to find something that meets your current needs and realize they will change. Bill Barber

Sirius Glass · Aug 18, 2009

I have several bags.

For 35mm, I have an over the shoulder bag that holds two cameras and three lenses.

For MF I have a pack that loads from the top, not a bag that the whole back is zipped and shows off all the equipment to the world.

Steve

glockman99 · Aug 18, 2009

As was mentioned a couple posts above mine, get a photographer's vest. Most have alot of pockets & pouches, and are very hard to beat for the photographer "on the go". Also, when done with your shooting, you can just hang it up with your gear still in the pockets, ready for your next shoot.

MattKing · Aug 18, 2009

Whiteymorange said:
Try a cheap soft-side cooler. I use the various lunch-box size that I have picked up at yard sales for carrying what I'm using on a particular trip. They are not as easily compartmentalized as dedicated camera bags but they are cheap, padded, insulated and it looks like you've left your lunch on the seat of the car and not an expensive camera. Very few people will try to steal your lunch.

And they are the perfect size to fit a Koni-Omega (and not much else!).

Of course, if anyone picks one up thinking that your lunch is in it, they're going to wonder how you can eat that much food .

Matt

Do i need a camera bag?

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