Mamiya Universal Press - Camera Bag or Backpack Recommendations

[sharpnikkor]

Hi Everyone,
I have a couple of Universal Press bodies and lenses recently got.
Looking forward to trying them out.
They are heavy and bulky however, and will need a good camera bag to carry them
around in the field.
Any recommendations for a camera bag or backpack for this system?
Thanks,

 

[Paul Howell]

I use a largish photo backpack, it has zippers that allow it to open horizontal rather than vertical like a standard backpack so the body, backs and lens are in one layer. What I had to do was buy fire foam to cut inserts. I only carry one body but 2 backs, and 3 lens, a wide, the standard 100 and the 150, a set of filters and a light meter. As I have grown older I now usually carry a 2 1/4 by 3 1/4 Speed Graphic with 6 film holders and 2 lens, a 55 and 105, much lighter.

 

[bdial]

A Domke F-2 with the “postal carrier” strap pad would work, though you might need adjustments to the standard interior pads/partitions. You can add straps to convert it to a sort of rucksack to carry on your back, I’ve never tried that arrangement, but a friend who shoots with a Fuji MF rangefinder likes it.
Another option might be to carry the camera un-bagged, and use a smallish bag for lenses, film, etc.

 

[reddesert]

It depends how much stuff you are going to carry. Like, a Mamiya Universal will certainly fit in a Domke F2, but if all you were going to bring was the one camera, a light meter, and some film, then you could even use a smaller bag. If you are going to bring a few lenses and backs then you need a largish bag or backpack, like the F2. The common Domke insert with four lens-sized compartments won't work that well as it divides the bag into too many small spaces, so a configurable insert where you can move the dividers around would be useful.

I wouldn't really want to carry two Universal bodies, if that's what you were implying.

 

[Chuck1]

I'm looking for a universal body...

 

[sharpnikkor]

Thank you for your answers. I'll find a roomy bag and
see how the Mamiya Universal fits and will post photos of the kit in the field.

 

[aconbere]

I take my Universal with me hiking in the summers. I use a Tenba insert in my backpack.

If I’m carting my gear around town I have a large domke bag I tuck it into (shown with my 4x5 gear since I don’t have a picture with the universal).