Re: [Leica] which Billingham bag, please?

[Dave Myers <myers@bluelake.org>]

Francesco...

A few weeks ago I thought I needed a new bag and researched the market
pretty thoroughly.  In the end I decided to update my 25-year-old Domke
F2.  I purchased padded deviders, a handle, and strap pad.  It is a great
bag.  You can replace parts if they wear out... but they don't.

Dave

Francesco Sanfilippo wrote:

> I am looking for the perfect bag to carry 2 M6 bodies
> and 4 lenses.  The lenses would be the 35/2 ASPH,
> 50/2, 75/1.4, and 90/2.  I also need a bit of room for
> maybe 6-8 rolls of film, a small Minolta light meter,
> a Lenspen, 2 ink pens, a small notepad, a few microfiber
> cloths, and a few other loose items.  I like my bags to
> be compartmentalized so that no metal rubs against metal.
> Everything needs to be very well padded, as this bag would go
> with me everywhere from the office to the beach to the
> rainforest.  The bag would have a comfortable shoulder strap
> and would be resistant to the elements.  It would not be bulky
> or boxy.  No camera backpacks, but waist packs are acceptable.
>
> I currently have a Lowepro MiniTrekker, which was great during the
> Nikon F5 days, a Lowepro Sideline Shooter, which is great for ONE
> M6 and 3 lenses, and a Lowepro Compact AW, which is great for
> 2 bodies and 4 lenses, but is a bit too big to carry EVERYWHERE.
> It is perfect for outdoor shoots and short-term carrying, but not for
> all day trips.  I love Lowepro (extremely sturdy and not overly
> luxurious), but I would be willing to venture into Billingham, Domke,
> or Tamrac.  I have checked out many Billingham bags at my local
> shop but they seem to be too floppy, not well padded, and the divider
> system sucks.  Anyone have recommendations?
>
> Francesco