Medium Format camera bag

RichardJack · Nov 10, 2016

Hi,
I'm looking for some suggestions for a shoulder bag for my Bronica 6x6 and a few lenses. I'd prefer one that opens on the top or front with a zipper and has compartments. MF bags are not popular these days.
Used is fine, I'd like a few brand names and models to search for on Ebay.
thanks,
Rick

mfmike · Nov 10, 2016

Hi, Rick - I always found my Billingham 445 to be a good medium format workhorse, easily taking a Hasselblad kit with 2-3 lenses, all pointing up towards the top bag opening.
Cheers,
Mike

Kirks518 · Nov 10, 2016

I use a couple of different bags, depending upon how much I want to bring, but for general out and about with either my M645 or the RB67, I usually use my LowePro Nova 35L. It was recently discontinued, and I picked it up from Adorama for $20. There are a few new ones on ebay for about $30. It holds the RB with back and 4 lenses. With the M645 I can fit 5 lenses. It's a very roomy bag without breaking the bank. When I'm going lighter, I use a canvas messenger bag I found on ebay for $25.

There are a lot of the previous generation (or two) bags out there from LowePro, Tamrac, etc., that are very roomy, and aren't more then $75.

I buy/use a bag based on my needs, and one of those needs is to retain as much of my money, so bags like Billingham are out of the question for me (not aimed at Mike).

jimjm · Nov 10, 2016

I almost always use a Domke F2 when shooting with my SQ-A. Easily carries a body with lens, film back, prism finder and speed grip attached, plus 2 or 3 more lenses and a couple of extra film backs. The side pockets can hold a ton of film and even the SQ Pro bellows hood will fit. I like that the bag itself is not heavy, with padding only on the bottom, but the standard canvas material is very durable. Opens on the top, but with a flap. Mine's been going strong for over 10 years and is holding up great.

Marcelo Paniagua · Nov 10, 2016

+1 on Domke F2. I usually carry my sl66 with 2 lenses on it, or sometimes my sl35e with 5 lens. Pretty good bag.

CropDusterMan · Nov 10, 2016

I too suggest the Domke F2

I had a Blad, left hand grip, 80mm + longer lens, two backs and a polaroid back and it was ideal.
They are well made bags and I've used their gear for 20+ years.

paul ron · Nov 10, 2016

Google messenger shoulder bags

Jeff Bradford · Nov 10, 2016

I have a LeMans medium format bag made by Diamond. It holds my Pentax 645n, three lenses, six roll-film holders, and a bunch more stuff.
Here is a link to an example on the auction site.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LeMans-Diam...711852?hash=item3f6e508aec:g:-C8AAOSwvzRXyOOp

bdial · Nov 10, 2016

Another Domke F2 vote. It doesn't have a zipper, but easily swallows a body, lenses, film, backs, meter with some room left over.
Easy to carry with the "postal" pad on the shoulder strap. There is also a harness available that allows it to be carried on your back.

wombat2go · Nov 10, 2016

I am not fashion correct so i still use an old "Video bag" from about 1982.
It (just) holds the 4x5 Speed, easily holds the RB
https://app.box.com/s/bnbrarchfdrvvz9r0m66mn0suz6avp72

TheTrailTog · Nov 10, 2016

Not a shoulder bag, but if you can find one used on the big auction site, I've been very happy with my F-Stop Kenti backpack. It has dual side access. There's plenty of room for my S2a, 3 lenses, film, meter, filters, etc with a ton of dividers to keep it all organized and that's not even utilizing the main top pocket or the front pocket. The side straps also work great for a small tripod. I tried the shoulder bag route with my Billingham, but found it to be too much weight for one shoulder.

M. Axel Wikstrom · Nov 10, 2016

Another vote for the F2. Have two of them - practical for me.

Soeren · Nov 11, 2016

Wauv you Guys are way into backpack territory with those amounts of kit.
In my lowepro passport sling i only carry the mamiya 645Pro and some extra filmbacks. For multiple lens Kits I use my F-stop Guru with either a small Pro or medium slope ICU. Granted the ICU's are not made for MF gear but it works great anyway with my RZ67PROII and 3 lenses in a medium slope.

Poisson Du Jour · Nov 11, 2016

The trouble with medium format is that it tends to grow and grow and grow... and rapidly outlive any bag you can throw at it. I've worked my way through four, and now into large backpack territory and soon, a walking staff for good measure! So, you have a Bronny and "a few lenses". You'll travel the same path. In time...

jchabalk · Nov 11, 2016

Another Domke user here.

+1 for the Domke F2. I'm on my second one in 15 years or so for my hasselblad kit. 500cm body/back/80mm, 3 or 4 additional lenses, compendium hood, filters, film, meter. no sweat.

And if you're looking for something a little different (that better limits the amount of gear you can stuff into it) i've started using the Domke F-4AF bag. It smaller (or at least a different shape) and holds less stuff than the f2 but has a little more working room around the gear you do carry.

juan · Nov 11, 2016

I went to Lowes and bought a bag made for carrying power tools. It has a reinforced bottom and a large strap for carrying, plus plenty of room for my RB-67, lenses, finders and film. It cost abou $30.

chromacomaphoto · Nov 11, 2016

I guess this is why I love a Rolleiflex vs a multi module and parts system for MF, either no dedicated special camera bag needed or any old small padded bag will do. If I was doing a MF system and lenses, I would also add yet another vote for a Domke F2 as I've owned one before and it would seem to be about right for your needs.

baachitraka · Nov 11, 2016

https://www.amazon.de/Plano-PL51300...=sr_1_86?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1478864915&sr=1-86

macfred · Nov 11, 2016

I had a Domke F2 for a very long time and I like it !
Meanwhile I prefer a backpack to carry my medium format stuff :
Summit Expedition Pack by Frost River https://www.frostriver.com/shop/day-packs/summit-expedition-pack/ with a F-Pro medium slope ICU http://shop.fstopgear.com/us/medium-slope-icu.html

R.Gould · Nov 11, 2016

mfmike said:
Hi, Rick - I always found my Billingham 445 to be a good medium format workhorse, easily taking a Hasselblad kit with 2-3 lenses, all pointing up towards the top bag opening.
Cheers,
Mike

I second the Billingham, plenty of room for my Etr, lenses, spare back and all the other odds and ends, meter, flash if needed and a stock of film, plus it is tough,waterproof, and as it ages it does not scream out photographer,

benjiboy · Nov 11, 2016

R.Gould said:
I second the Billingham, plenty of room for my Etr, lenses, spare back and all the other odds and ends, meter, flash if needed and a stock of film, plus it is tough,waterproof, and as it ages it does not scream out photographer,

I just sold my Billingham 335 after about 25 years use because with the same equipment inside it as my Domke F2 it apparently weighs twice as much as the Billingham

EarlJam · Nov 11, 2016

I started with the F2 for my 501CM and 3 lenses, 2 backs, meter, etc., and found the weight of the system to be too much to comfortably carry on one shoulder, when out shooting for the day. I opted for a small backpack instead, the Dakine Mission Photo. Seems to fit everything, plus some, and has straps that accommodate a compact tripod as well.

R.Gould · Nov 11, 2016

chromacomaphoto said:
I guess this is why I love a Rolleiflex vs a multi module and parts system for MF, either no dedicated special camera bag needed or any old small padded bag will do. If I was doing a MF system and lenses, I would also add yet another vote for a Domke F2 as I've owned one before and it would seem to be about right for your needs.

This is why I very rarely use my Bronica gear, just to heavy and to much to carry, for me these days it is either Rolleiflex,cord,microcord or one of my folders, my Euromaster, an orange filter, a pocket full of film, maybe a rangefinder with a folder, and that's it. My old shoulders thank me every time I go out

M Carter · Nov 11, 2016

I'm with the backpack crowd for MF (I tend to take an RB, several backs, and 2 or 3 lenses - heavy). The main decider is, do you want to be able to whip your camera out at a moment's notice, or are you looking for scenes to shoot more contemplatively?

I found a great deal on a used ThinkTank backpack. Man, they make excellent stuff.

Marcelo Paniagua · Nov 11, 2016

EarlJam said:
I started with the F2 for my 501CM and 3 lenses, 2 backs, meter, etc., and found the weight of the system to be too much to comfortably carry on one shoulder, when out shooting for the day. I opted for a small backpack instead, the Dakine Mission Photo. Seems to fit everything, plus some, and has straps that accommodate a compact tripod as well.

View attachment 166956

On the same note, I have one of this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TAMRAC-5273...959867?hash=item5b2877bd7b:g:RFQAAOSw3xJXnlKX

Fits a SL66, 2 lens and 2 back with no problem and its pretty comfty to carry around.

Only problem is you cant take the camera out as fast as you would on a F2. Backpack for long walks, F2 for small walks and fast deploy.

Medium Format camera bag

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