Mamiya 7II owners- good bag?

In all honesty I need a new bag like a hole in my head, but I have really been enjoying my Mamiya 7II + 80mm and really want to make sure I can take it everywhere. I've been traveling almost nonstop the last month and on long trips I carry a Think Tank Antidote 2 (last time took the M7II AND my Super Graphic + laptop) .

But this weekend, for example, I have a 3-day trip to Chicago and need to travel light, so I am stymied. On trips I need it to double as the carry bag when I'm wandering around. Part of the problem is the awkward, almost square shape.

I'm a small woman and really don't want to carry some monster bag (I rarely even carry a purse). I'm leaning towards the Think Tank Urban Disguise 30 vs 40, but I'm a little concerned regarding access with that single zipper top.

Anyone want to weigh in?

Much appreciated,

Jil

Who doesn't need Yet Another Bag?

I use a Domke F-6 for my Mamiya 7 system, consisting of the body and the 50, 80, and 150 lenses and a few accessories. It's about the right size (it's the same size as their f-2 but without the external pockets on the ends) and is lightweight and easy to access. I also own a Domke F-1x which is their largest (I think) bag, but that would be too large for the M7. A Domke F-2 would be good also--those end pockets add some size but it's still not huge.

I use a Tenba bag for my Mamiya 7 system. I think it won't fit your style request. Think Tank stuff is wonderful but I like the styling of the Crumbler line of camera bags. Perhaps I'm too flashy. HA!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/606421-REG/Crumpler_MD_06_09A_6_Million_Dollar_Home.html

*If* the rangefinder accuracy is good...

When it is released and someone's independent test of rangefinder accuracy confirms sufficient precision, the new Bessa III sounds like what you're looking for, not a Mamiya 7II case. I've never found a good, compact bag to use for travel with just my 7II+ 80mm lens.

JCT said:

I'm leaning towards the Think Tank Urban Disguise 30 vs 40, but I'm a little concerned regarding access with that single zipper top.

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I've no idea what that particular camera looks like compared with what I have, but I own the UD 30 and I'd suggest trying to find a place to try one hands-on before buying. The cubic inches are there, but organizing them and accessing them can be tedious. It comes with an assortment of dividers, including two long ones that can set up a sort of lens-down holster arrangement for an SLR. The space that's left is difficult to get at. The bag is nicely made, and doesn't shout "camera case!" but I wish they at least had made the opening a flap that unzipped around three sides.

It's my non-photo mission traveling snapshooter rig which can carry an EOS40D [face turns red :rolleyes:] with a modest zoom plus my Perkeo II, a bunch of 120 film, Gossen Digisix, etc. Anything other than the holstered SLR is not as handy as it could be and generally I need to pop the SLR out to reach down in for the other stuff.

The UD30 is only about the ninth or tenth camera carrying device I've bought or inherited (my latest, a Lowepro CompuTrekker to set up for the Bronica kit) -- I'm only 67, so I may yet find the perfect answer (although I keep getting different cameras).

DaveT

Good morning, Jil;

I am not sure if you are asking about a bag to carry a camera while you are in Chicago, or a bag to use for carrying the camera on the plane while traveling to Chicago. Others have addressed the first interpretation. I will go for the second one:

For carrying my stuff, I normally use a regular hard sided airline carryon size rolling case. I can put my change of clothes in the top section with the elastic and nylon retainer/divider, and I put the cameras and the Bogen 3021S tripod in the regular bottom or back section of the wheeled case. My socks and some other stuff serve as padding when required. The film fits into the recesses between the sections where the collapsing telescoping handle slides into the back of the case body. So far, everything has made it through my trips, although I do also put the cameras and the lenses in padded drawstring bags for additional cushioning. I do prefer to handle my bag with my cameras myself, thank you, so I know if it has been dropped or knocked hard. The standard commercially available carryon bag size case also grants you an element of anonimity or lack of advertising about cameras.

OK, so at least I know I wasn't asking a simple question!

I have to admit that I am a bit torn about *exactly* how I want to use this -- when I head to France this summer I will take the airport antidote 2.0 (full scale backpack that will also carry my laptop) -- but will need a second bag when wandering around. Sort of why I lean towards the idea of the UD40 because it can perform double duty as my second carry-on to carry my work stuff for the trip.

And now I am hanging my head in shame and embarrassment -- I am actually a big Domke fan (have, oh, maybe **4** of their bags between my film and digital gear). And a Crumpler, too. Carries a D2x, but most of their bags are a little too rigid and "loud" for me.

Is there a 12-step program for camera bags?

Sal! Are you trying to get me killed? My better half is in no mood for new camera acquisitions. Holy cow!

Dave-- points well taken and *exactly* my concern. I am a bit worried about the practicality/ergonomics and will definitely get my hands on one first.

At least I know I am not alone in this addiction.

Thanks guys,

JT

There's a diaper bag available from Babies R Us that some have found to work well as a "disguised" camera bag. I no longer remeber the name.

I use a small Timbuk2 messenger bag with Domke inserts.

JCT said:

...Sal! Are you trying to get me killed? My better half is in no mood for new camera acquisitions. Holy cow! ...

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Well, assuming the Bessa rangefinder's accuracy turns out to be sufficient, you could always sell your M7II + 80mm and some of your extensive bag collection to partially finance the purchase. That should minimize the violence.

I use the LowePro Orion Beltpack for safely hauling around and organizing a complete M7II kit (camera w/lens mounted, 43mm, 80mm, 150mm, spotmeter, filters, film, notebook, extra batteries, flashlight, matches, etc.). I can hide it, all safely padded against bumps, in a larger bag - or in my backpack for overnights and trails - when desired. Then withdraw it, wear it, and spin it around to the front, where I can access everything via a supported "shelf" from the midriff, hands free.