Shoulder bag recommendations for MF kit

ggervais · May 18, 2011

Greetings all.

I'm looking for a good sturdy waterproof shoulder bag for either my Pentax 6x7 with 45, 75, 105 & 200mm + extension tubes, some film & a couple of filters.
or
My other MF kit which consists of a Pentax 645N with 45, 55, 75 & 120mm lenses +extension tubes, 2-3 film inserts & a couple of filters.

Thank you for your time.

Guy

c.w. · May 18, 2011

I have a Lowepro Rezo 190 I use for my Bronica ETR kit, which should be pretty close to a Pentax 645 kit. I can fit 2 bodies, 3 lenses (50, 75, 150), wind grip, 4 backs, a prism, and a light meter in it. It's not exactly super handy in that configuration, but it all fits. Once one of the bodies is out and in use, it's handy enough though.

polyglot · May 18, 2011

I've been using a Crumpler 7 Million Dollar Home (bought when I was starting out with a DSLR because it can fit a 300mm lens vertically) for that purpose. However, I would recommend from painful experience that you do not put a big medium format kit[1] into a shoulder bag as it will cause you spinal issues due to the asymmetric loading; I've just bought a photo backpack (Kata 3N1-30) to solve that very problem and am eagerly awaiting its arrival.

[1] my typical loadout is RZ67, 2-3 lenses, a flash or two and 2-3 backs. It hurts after a couple hours and is very bad for walking.

Luseboy · May 19, 2011

I have an older domke shoulder bag with a 4-lens padded seperator. Fits my bronica s2a with 3 lenses, 2 film backs, lots of film, 10 filters, etc. with no problems. It's a great bag, and these things last forever, my dad, who up until recently, was a newspaper photographer, used one for over 10 years, for 2+ shoots a day, 350 days a year. Great, comfortable bag that I love. Or if your the camera belt type, the think tank belts are great. I personally do not like the belt systems, so i don't use one, but my dad's friend who also was a newspaper photographer was basically the inventer of the belt system, and i was given one a while back, it's a nice set up, would be great for weddings or sports.

Mark Fisher · May 19, 2011

a bigger Domke like the F2 would be worth looking at. Personally, I couldn't carry that much on my shoulder all day so I'd recommend looking at a backpack.

fmajor · May 20, 2011

I have the Kata 3n1-30 and it's a excellent bag - my favorite for dSLR's and/or 35mm (no contest), but not so much for my RB67 Pro-S gear. The opening's aren't so well configured/configurable for the large-size of the RB (in my 15 months of use anyway).

For my RB67 kit i use a simple day-pack - nothing special because once i'm in the 'zone' i carry my camera on my beloved Tamrac strap (and an improvised extension) so it's long enough to rest at my side as i'm walking. When i 'see' a photo i hand hold it for the shot and then it's back to sling mode.

ggervais · May 20, 2011

Thank you for your replies.

I'll go with a backpack instead. Easier on the old back...

segedi · May 20, 2011

I too have the Kata 3 in 1 30 and it fits my Hasselblad and two lenses and leica and 2 lenses in the bottom and I can fit a light jacket and light meter in the top compartment.

For a long hike with an rb or RZ you might want to cross the straps across your chest. Makes removal slightly more inconvenient but more comfortable. I find the straps a bit thinner than I like but it's my favorite bag at the moment.

Shoulder bag recommendations for MF kit

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