Re: [Leica] the right camera bag

["SonC (Sonny Carter)" <SonC@sonc.com>]

The right camera bag...I've been after that animal for a long time.
My first one was a rigid Benser-type box  case that held everything I owned,
but it was a hard box, and difficult to use.

I had one of those handsome soft leather Leica bags that look a little like
a Domke until I went on a shoot and took my young Chocolate Lab along.  She
chewed most of the top before I realized why she was being so quiet in the
back seat.

Currently, I use three bags.  Mostly,  the small Leica maroon bag like Fr.
Charles was talking about.  I added some closed cell padding to the bottom,
and use it for a shooting bag when I need just one body and an extra lens or
two.  I take it to work with my Leica CL on board every day.

For a larger shooting kit I have the Domke little bit smaller F6.  It holds
four lenses, the M6 and CL, a flash head and film, small binoculars, and
other goodies like aspirin and micro-fiber cloth.

My little bit bigger Domke F1X, I use when I don't know what to expect.
Most all of my regular gear fits along with my quantum battery and charger,
phone charger, a radio and some overnight stuff just in case.

Things I have discarded for regular use include:

The handsome Leica Combi bag.  (Too hard to get to the gear, and doesn't
hold enough.)

A NATO surplus first-aid bag.  (Ugly enough that people won't steal it, but
I was afraid the gear would clank on itself, and the strap is too short.)

Fanny Packs (enough said)

Orvis canvas fishing bag. (looks a lot like the Domke in configuration, but
has lots of leather.)  In all honesty, I used this one for about fifteen
years, it works well, and I still have it, now going on 25 years. I just got
tired of it.   My oldest son uses it for a  a ditty bag for his cables and
microphones and whatever else a rock bassist might carry.

I'm still searching, and when I find the perfect camera bag, I'll let you
know.  Right now these are doin' OK.

Regards,

SonC
http://www.sonc.com