Camera Bags, Straps, and Other Photographic Accessories Worthy of Sartorial Consideration

TRINI · Oct 11, 2011

Nicola said:
Why not go to B&H and look at the real camera bags? If the camera matters get something aimed at a camera. Not a bag that just happens to hold a camera.

mafoofan said:
As many of you may have noticed, most camera bags are hideous and over-complicated for my needs.

porcelain monkey · Oct 11, 2011

I use the Filson small field bag. The buckle is not a big deal as the bag stays closed even with it unbuckled, and unless the whole thing turns upside-down, everything is pretty well protected because of the length of the flap.

By the way, you said you were going to put "film" in you camera bag - what is that?

TheFoo · Oct 11, 2011

viator said:
The third option looks very much like a purse to me.

A little bit, yes. Doesn't mean it doesn't look good!

Nicola said:
I think he meant the Domke.
Aren't you in NY? Why not go to B&H and look at the real camera bags? If the camera matters get something aimed at a camera. Not a bag that just happens to hold a camera.

He was referring to Domke inserts put into a Filson bag, if I was reading correctly.

All the bags above, with the exception of the Filson, are specifically made for cameras. I don't see much value in going to B&H since most of the bags they offer are going to be of the aesthetically-marsupialed ballistic nylon variety intended for professional SLR users.

bwep · Oct 11, 2011

+1 for the billingham from b&h photo. recently returned from northern europe and used the billingham in khaki. held up superb even in downpour. looked great. cannot beat! end of story. agree with poster above who asked why try to convert a bag. i prefer to keep my photography accessories in good shape. billingham is superb!

dcg · Oct 11, 2011

The Billingham, to my eye, doesn't look quite as nice as the Filson (from a materials standpoint). However, I've had the benefit of seeing and owning Filson products, and in person I think they're nicer than in stock photos. The same may be the case for the Billingham. I consider it a major plus that the model you've posted doesn't have the oval logo that is present on many of their bags.

If there's a Domke insert that's a good fit for the Filson, I'd lean in that direction. Your third option looks very nice, but I think the canvas options are better suited for this purpose.

T4phage · Oct 11, 2011

mafoofan said:
Don't want to spend as much on the bag as the camera. Anyway, T4phage tells me they are no longer offering Laurier Evergrain.

correction...
the tannery is not longer offering any

and btw,
i was pretty busy
but will call tomorrow

Mr.K · Oct 11, 2011

Here are the pics of how I modified my Filson to look and function more the way I wanted it to. I do not like large buckles, so I replaced it with the quick release studs like on my Ettinger tote. I also added a padded insert in it and it makes a perfect bag for me. I like the fact that the Filson does not scream I have a camera. It has plenty of room for my camera stuff and my wallet and glasses and whatever else I happen to have on me.

Kaplan · Oct 11, 2011

M Classics - though probably too big, or

Fogg

Gout Watanabe

videocrew · Oct 11, 2011

No reason to assume the Billingham isn't durable, I just own other Filson things and feel that they're pretty much bulletproof. Short of rolling it under a bus, velcroing a few Domke inserts into a Filson bag will probably hold up to anything you can throw at it.

wooj · Oct 11, 2011

Recommend you go with the Filson Medium Field Bag, it's big enough to not look like a purse and you will come to appreciate the extra room.

Ebay "FOSSOUX LC". It fits like it was made for the Filson, is as cheap and as good as anything you will find at B&H and comes with a couple of extra dividers.

bwep · Oct 12, 2011

I own both bags for different purposes. My own impression of Filson is that it is ok. I have since replaced the Filson messenger with other bags. The billingham is nicer than the Filson. I understand that it is a matter of opinion. The only negative on the bag is that I would prefer it to have a more worn look to it. I guess that that will take time. The quality is excellent. I would also recommend going to and through B&H. I ended up needing a larger bag. The return via mail was easy and customer service with B&H is top notch. However, if you can look at the bags in person I would think that that would satisfy the issue. When one speaks with professionals, Billingham seems to be universally recommended.

TheFoo · Oct 14, 2011

Wow--those Watanabe bags look fantastic. I looked up their website and it looks like they specialize in canvas bags for bicycles. Definitely worth considering.

For anyone interested, here's a video I found showing how JnK puts together one of their half-cases. I'm no leatherwork expert, but the workmanship appears impressive:

[VIDEO][/VIDEO]

Anyone care to enlighten?

Bill Smith · Oct 14, 2011

One word, Domke.

TheFoo · Oct 14, 2011

Bill Smith said:
One word, Domke.

They seem like nice workman-like bags, but don't really approach the quality of the others.

TheFoo · Jul 22, 2012

Bump.

Camera Bags, Straps, and Other Photographic Accessories Worthy of Sartorial Consideration

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

THE FOO

New Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Member

New Member

THE FOO

Distinguished Member

THE FOO

THE FOO

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON: