Re: Thoughts from a user

[ireland@blazenet.net (Robert Brummett)]

>>A trick I have found very useful is to use
>>the kind of velcro-attachable padded inserts available for bags like the
=snip=
>>
>Robert, I use the samllest Domke shoulder bag in the line with that 4 cell
>padded insert. I stand the cameras on end and can get two Ms, lenses
>attached and two other lenses in there. It's small enough to swing it behind
>my back where from the front it cannot be seen. I've given up one kit. Never
>again.
>
>Regards,
>
>Ben W. Holmes

Ben-

Don't get me started on bags! My wife says that when I pass on she's going
to open the RB Camera Bag Museum. Actually, this could be useful and
instructive thread in itself as I have never met a serious photographer who
didn't do a little fretting about how to get the stuff from here to there.

One of the worst bag investments I ever made was a canvas bag marketed by
Leica back in the 70s. I bought it, thinking that since it was "Leica bag"
it had probably had some thought (and quality) built into it. Wrong! The
strap was sewn on the back so that when loaded the bag tipped to the
horizontal. The material was flimsy, offering no real protection. I had the
strap moved and restitched, but it was still a loser. (Anybody want a
"collector's piece" of a labelled Leica carry-bag?)

Fred Picker's Zone VI (now at Calumet) sold a funky looking heavy-weight
WHITE vinyl bag that looks like a cheap stadium cooler. I hated it on
sight, but it is a good design (with a zipper that runs on railroad
tracks!) for keeping film and gear cool and protected and considering its
color it's pretty inconspicuous unless the thief is thirsty. On my European
jaunts with the 4x5 I've taken to packing this bag with stuff and putting
it INSIDE my big hardshell equipment trunk. Then when I settle in I put the
working stuff in Whitey and he goes along in the boot of the car. Works
pretty well.

I, too, have one of the little Domke bags. It's a great ramble-sack. I've
also recently re-discovered the quality and flexibility of one of the
original large (standard?) Domkes fitted out with a variable selection of
those handy inserts we are both, apparently, so fond of.

Sorry this has grown to essay proportions! I'd be most interested in some
of the creative working solutions other LUGers have used.

Regards,

Robert