Shoulder/waist bag for Mamiya 6 with 50, 75, 150 lenses

Matus Kalisky · Jul 10, 2010

I soon should become an owner of Mamiya 6 with 3 lenses (few weeks to wait). Now I am wondering what kind of bag would be a good match to it.

The usage:
During short day trips (cities, seaside). For long trips I use a backpack. I am unsure how much weather protection should the bag offer.

What I expect:
Apart from the camera and lenses there should be space for 5 - 10 films, cable release, cleaning cloth, close-up adjustment, small notebook (A5 at most) and possibly a small pocket where some personal documents and wallet could be stored (A6 size). To have a side pocket for 0.5l bottle would be great too.

The bag I have is the Crumpler Stunner. While it is VERY strong and very well made it has a bit too little space for the accessories (only one external pocket). It is also quite bulky for what fits inside (a bit too "over-designed" I would say)

I am considering different products - from "classical" camera bags (Crumpler, Lowepro, Thinktank, etc.) to leather bags like this or this - these are maybe a bit less protective (though some custom insert could be made), but I like the look.

So I would like to ask - what do you use for your Mamiya 6 (or 7 or RF645)? If you would have a photo of your camera it the bag it would be great!

AgentX · Jul 10, 2010

I use a Courierware Incognito, size M, for one or two twin-lenses, and an extra lens panel or two if they're Mamiyas, with plenty of room to spare for a water bottle and other stuff (inside, though). Has inner and outer laptop-size pockets in back.

The small size might work for you. No pics now but I could maybe take some tomorrow. Love this product. Like the Incognito (with padded cells) more than the Courierware-made "bare bones" bags with no padding/dividers.

Dead Link Removed

MikeSeb · Jul 10, 2010

Domke F-6 for a Mamiya 7 with 50, 80, and 150mm lenses, some filters and small accessories, and a few rolls of film.

pgomena · Jul 10, 2010

I put my Hasselblad, 3 lenses, meter, lens shades, film, filters, accessories into a Domke F-1X "little bit bigger" bag. It's just right.

Peter Gomena

Matus Kalisky · Jul 11, 2010

AgentX, the courier bags look interesting. I am looking forward to see you pictures as those on their webpage are very small.

Looks like Domke bags are quite favored here

I have spent some time looking at different bags and realized that I quite like the messenger styled bags. These often allow to remove partly or completely the padding and turn into "normal" bags. Also these seems to be practical when on travel. Som does anyu of you have an experience with bags like Domke F-803, Tenba Messenger small bag, Naneu Lima-N or similar?

I also had a look at the National Geographic Medium NG-2475 - at 1.3 kg a bit heavier than I would like, but looks great too.

There are also some interesting bags from Kaliahari.

I had also a look at Billingham bags (quite nice webpage they have) and while most seemed a bit too heavy (I would prefer to stay around 1 kg or below) the Dead Link Removed bags - in particular the bigger f/1.4 look really great. The only thing that makes me a bit unsure is that the the bags is kept closed only by the main top flap - no zippers, not velcro for the front pocket. Would you find it safe enough?

I have actually made a few possible configurations to see how much space the gear actually needs. For a bag where you can put two lenses beside each other (like in Domke F-6) it would be like (L x D x W): 20 x 15 x 14 (cm). In the case of a "slimmer" bag (like messenger bags or the Billingham f/1.4) it would be: 30 x 15 x 11.

Looking forward for more proposals from your side

Matus Kalisky · Jul 15, 2010

OK - a little update. After checking may different bags I came to a conclusion that rather than getting a dedicated padded bag I would rather get some "normal" (though a bit strong) canvas bag and store the camera and lenses in small pouches. For the pouches I have something like this in mind:
- camera pouch - shoulf fit mamiya with either 50 or 75 lenses
- lens pouch (2 of them) for the lenses.

My idea is to attach the lens pouches from inside the camera bag (so that they do not fly around).

So - now I am looking for suggestions for a non-padded but strong and stable bag (imagine a non padded Billingham Hadley Pro or similar) - bit of messenger style. After some googling it seems that fishing bags may get close to what I am looking for.

Matus Kalisky · Jul 15, 2010

OK, another update

I am now looking mostly into bags like:
- Bare Bones Bag BBB2
- Dead Link Removed
- Dead Link Removed custom bags (size small)

- any experience with these? I know that BBB bags are made by Courierware, though they are a bit different. I have read many good things about BBB, I am just wondering how it (or similar) would suite the purpose intended. I got quite sold on the low weight of these bags.

AgentX · Jul 16, 2010

I am unable to upload pics of my Courierware at the moment--sorry--in the middle of moving internationally and I don't have home Internet anymore, and can't plug any outside appliances into the work system.

If I can, manage it (friend's computer, maybe) I will soon.

But in the meantime, let me say that one of the reasons I love my courierware over the Bare Bones version is that the courierware neoprene cells give the bag more structure...I find it much easier to work out of than the Bare Bones. And the cells are easily removable...take them out, and you have something much the same as a Bare Bones (and a totally useful general-purpose bag if you need). So I think it's the better of both worlds.

I got my Courierware with the detachable strap option...would not recommend it. I much prefer the sewn-on strap of my Bare Bones (which is standard on the Courierware as well). I also opted for the slider adjuster...if I could do it again, I'd get the standard quick-adjust. (SCUBA-belt type friction buckle, much quicker to adjust and seems pretty standard on messenger bags...)

jeffreyg · Jul 16, 2010

I used a shoulder supported bag for my Hasselblads until I tried a backpack and never went back. They are a much better way to carry the weight. For short excursions with the need to carry less equipment I got a very lightweight North Face backpack that is weather resistant and use camera wraps to protect the equipment. They make an extensive line of packs. The one I have has two large zippered external pockets.

flatulent1 · Jul 16, 2010

For camera + 2-3 lenses I use Domke F3. Canvas, small, simple. Sewn-in dividers that can be pushed outta the way at need.

I use a Dead Link Removed with Tenba wedding insert when I want a messenger-type bag. They're kinda expensive, but very well made and will last forever. I can barely fit a 5D + EF16-35 and F4 + Nikkor 18-40 together. Its usual usage is the F4 w/lens mounted + a spare lens. May be too small for your needs, unless you're willing to stack lenses in their pouches.

Matus Kalisky · Jul 16, 2010

AngentX, thank you. Do not worry about the photos too much. Still - if possible I would have a few more questions:
- When I look at the following two models, namely the "Camera bag [small]" and the "Super DeLuxe Courier Bag [small]" it seems that apart from tiny size difference the only difference left is the photo insert. So - how do you find that usage of the bag with the insert removed?

- I guess once you are on the move you have little chance, but would you accidentally know how heavy is the bag (without photo insert) ? BBB2 is about 500g and once I decided to get a bag without a single zipper I would like that the weight stays down.

I still fear getting keys of wallet lost (from a bag that is not full up to the top) when turned or flipped accidentally (in airplane, bus, shop). How do you find the security of the bag? I have contacted Courierware asking for a possible additional pocket flaps, bit got no answer yet.

Also - if you were to make the choice again - would you go for Courierware bag or would you also consider the Timbuk2 bags (though more expensive, but quite customizable)?

EDIT: I am able to find the Timbuk2 bags in Europe so that would be an advantage of the other two, tho the bags are somewhat heavier (well, have more features ...) so therefore I would like to hear some opinions about those too

AgentX · Jul 18, 2010

Having never owned or even seen the non-camera Courierware bag, I can't really say what the differences are; sorry. I also haven't used it much without the inserts, but it does fine without it in my limited experience. It's a much simpler bag inside than my wife's Timbuk2, and I'd stick with the courierware myself.

Can't weigh anything right now, but the insert seems heavy. Then again, the bag itself is very light and unstructured, so it balances out. If I was going to the trouble of ordering a Courierware, I would DEFINITELY get the camera insert, and if I hated it, I'd give it to a friend or sell it on Ebay. Again, I feel it's a massive advantage over the naked bag, and you'll only know how it works for you if you try it. It's not particularly rigid, which is why I like it so much-good balance of softness, structure, and moldability of the bag to your body.

My bag has the exterior clips to hold it shut, and it works pretty well--slower than big single clip, but more secure along the fairly long flap on the medium bag. No problems with security of stuff on the inside pockets even when the bag isn't stuffed full.

I like the stabilizer strap, too.

AgentX · Aug 13, 2010

Sorry;dunno if these are still useful, but here she is with 2 TLRs, spotmeter, film, laptop, cords, and accessories... Plentyh of room to spare and space to work in/out of.

Matus Kalisky · Aug 15, 2010

AgentX - thanks for the photos.

I actually did get the Courierware messenger bag (size Small) and had Courierware to make a few minor changes. I did not get the version with photo insert though.

As I am leaving for vacation on Friday and still have plenty thing to organize I may not be able to post a more detailed review of it. But the first impression is very good quality of materials and workmanship. The bag seems to just do what I need it to - to hold a Mamiya 6 with 3 lenses and all the rest of the stuff one may need during a one day trip. What I would also like to mention is that Eric at Courierware was very helpful and fast to communicate with.

Stay tuned for a review of this bag.

AgentX · Aug 15, 2010

Sorry for the delay but glad you've got something you're happy with! These are great bags.

Matus Kalisky · Aug 16, 2010

review is here ...

So, the promised review is (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Shoulder/waist bag for Mamiya 6 with 50, 75, 150 lenses

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