RE: [Leica] Leica bags report

["Dan Honemann" <ddh@home.com>]

Nathan,

Thanks for posting your impressions of these two bags.  Both were on my
"short list," but the one that finally made the cut was a courier bag (see:
http://www.courierwareusa.com/camerabags.html).  I'll post my review of this
bag as soon as it comes in--hopefully tomorrow!  From what I can tell off
the website, it is quite similar to the Domke F-803, but has velcro
fasteners and slightly more room (I bought the extra small version; you can
get it in small or medium, both of which have quite a bit more room).  It
also features a padded insert with three compartments.

Dan

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
[mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us]On Behalf Of Nathan Wajsman
Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2000 10:07 AM
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
Subject: [Leica] Leica bags report


Intrigued by various comments on the LUG, I have recently bought two
satchel-type bags for my M outfit. I know it sounds a bit frivolous, but I
like bags and I am forever in search of the perfect one. Considering the
value of the contents, the cost of another bag is peanuts. Anyway, the two
bags are the Domke F-803 satchel ($78 plus $18 each for the two inserts) and
the M-Classic bag from www.mclassics.com (around $95), also a satchel-style
bag.
The main selling point of these satchels is that they do not look like
expensive camera bags and that they are compact and easy to work out of. The
Domke writeup talks about avoiding unnecessary padding which adds bulk to
the bag and makes it swing away from your body when you walk. The M-Classic
web site also stresses the convenience and compactness.
In comparing the two, I am a bit ambivalent. Both are very well made, have
similar dimensions and each has some good and bad points. The Domke offers
better protection, as the material is thicker than the M-Classic. Also, the
inserts for the Domke are great, as they are closed at the bottom so that
little bits do not migrate from one compartment to another. In contrast, the
M-Classic is a bit weak on the protection side: the material, while rugged
and weather-resistant, is very thin and I do not feel comfortable setting
the bag down on a hard surface for fear of knocking the rangefinder out of
alignment. I have put some padding from another camera bag at the bottom to
alleviate this. The M-Classic lacks the handle of the Domke and I do not
like that way the shoulder strap is attached to the bag. On the other hand
it is more roomy than the Domke and has a more flexible closing mechanism:
either Velcro, or snaps, or a belt-type closure, while the Domke has one,
rather inconve! nient, keychain-type snap.
Both bags accomodate my two M6s and the 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 90mm and 135mm
lenses, plus a Manfrotto mini tripod, the SF-20 flash and some film and
other small odds and ends. The main difference is that the M-Classic allows
me to carry both M6s with a lens mounted while the Domke requires me to keep
on of them without a lens on.
In summary, I like the Domke because of the better protection but the
M-Classic is easier to work out of. I would not use the latter, however,
without the padding I have added in the bottom.
Nathan




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