Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/03/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>> Date: Sun, 19 Mar 2000 18:16:50 +1100 From: "Rick Dykstra" <rdandcb@cybermac.com.au> Subject: Re: [Leica] Camera Bag Recommendation This Domke F803 and Billinghom Alice shoot-out/discussion is useful. Could I invite users of these bags to describe what they can carry, for M and R systems. And how they feel about the protection offered and convenience of use. I'd want to carry two M bodies, four lenses, an SF20 flash and a few rolls of film. I'm currently using a Leica Universal Bag, and its a nice bag, but I like the idea of a satchel style bag, for its body hugging centre of gravity. Thanks Rick (would have a ball with two bags) Dykstra >> I used the Billingham Alice over the last year as my carry-around bag. It's a great bag. The large front pocket is especially useful, carries around ten rolls of film and other small items. The main body I used to carry one R body with lens, a single extra lens and a small hotshoe flash unit. Anything more would be too much, I think. If you don't use flash much, it would just take two R bodies back to back with lenses (short lenses!). My only gripe with the bag is that it's too rigid; for instance, it won't adapt to the shape of a body with motordrive. However it's extremely well made and nice to carry around. I'd recommend changing the strap (surgery!) for an Optech bag strap; much better grip and comfort. The Alice is definitely my favourite bag. Just a shame I left it with a friend in Bombay! I also have a Photo Hadley which has more capacity but is a bit too deep for my taste. I _had_ one of their larger bags, but it was no good for working out of - bad access to the central body and too many fiddly closures. I got rid of it. I don't think I'd recommend any of the Billinghams for working out of if you need to change lenses frequently and want to carry all your gear around. But if your camera lives on your shoulder and you have just film and maybe an extra lens in the bag, either of these two is great. That's just my style of working - I hate carryng loads of stuff around. If it wasn't for the fact of needing to carry film and a flash, I'd never carry a bag. One thing about Billingham which may justify their high prices is that their bags are genuinely weather proof and last for ever. I used the Alice throughout the monsoon last year and never had any problem with it. The Hadley has an even better flap design. Bags - can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. There's something mighty necessary about them! Rob. Robert Appleby V Bellentani 36 41100 MO Italy Tel: 0039 059 303436