Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/06/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Donal, I had the same experience with the Billingham 225. I thought this would be an ideal bag for my M6s, but it is just too hard to work out of. It is indeed very nicely-built. For working on the run, the Domke J1 is great. But as I said in a previous post, it is a little deficient in terms of padding and sealing. When I know I'll be traveling through nasty climactic conditions, the LowePro Magnum AW is hard to beat. There's even a water resistant hood that you can draw up over the whole bag when needed. I strapped that thing to a camel in the Syrian desert once, and though it became covered with dust and sand, the equipment inside was perfectly protected. A Domke J bag would have let in alot of dirt. For the M6s, I can't say enough about the little LowePro "Off Trail" bag. It's perfect for an M6 body with lens mounted plus two more in the side pouches. I attach Gara Gear belt bags as needed to hold film and accessories. This is a very, very high mobility setup...and very comfortable as well. For security and even easier carrying, it can be easily stashed inside any daypack. I have bag upon bag, and that little LowePro gets alot of use! - --Jim Laurel - -----Original Message----- From: Donal Philby [mailto:donalphilby@earthlink.net] Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 1999 5:37 PM To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us Subject: Re: [Leica] Re: LOWEPRO Jim & Jim, I use the Lowpro largest commercial bag and have one major complaint (other than that I can barely lift it). It is like a sponge for moisture. Set it on something wet and watch what happens. I have a Billingham large bag which I love for the feel and the protection, but the inserts are too small for AF lenses and it is a major pain to get all the buckles and zips and flaps open to use it. It is not for working out of. Too bad, because nicely made. I may have to go back to a Domke. I just threw one away when I moved from the studio that had been on assignments with me for 20 years. It looked more weathered than I do. I wish Lowepro would make a real waterproof bag with gortex or something. Then it would be great. Perhaps a Tenba bag is next. Designed by a photojournalist, they should be good to work out of, not just for looking good. Like camera systems, most manufacturers get much right and much wrong. donal - -- Donal Philby San Diego http://www.donalphilby.com