Bespoke Camera Bag: How 'Suit'-able?

[TheFoo]

I realize I already mentioned this project in another thread, but I wanted to get some specific feedback on aesthetics. The idea is to come up with something that could go well with jeans, but still be wearable with a tweed jacket or flannel suit.

Here's what I've got so far:

The trim is natural cowhide leather, as will be the strap (not shown). The material for the rest of the bag is a water-resistent canvas. The hardware is nickel.

Thoughts?

 

[dopey]

You are a man who used "wear" in reference to a bag. Go kill yourself and come back when you are done.

 

[edmorel]



I realize I already mentioned this project in another thread, but I wanted to get some specific feedback on aesthetics. The idea is to come up with something that could go well with jeans, but still be wearable with a tweed jacket or flannel suit.

this is actually an issue you use your camera that much or will you be carrying the bag regardless of your photographic itinerary?

 

[TheFoo]



You are a man who used "wear" in reference to a bag. Go kill yourself and come back when you are done.

Sepfooku?

this is actually an issue you use your camera that much or will you be carrying the bag regardless of your photographic itinerary?

I am almost always in a jacket, if not a suit. So, yes, I need something suitable for carrying my camera in. Particularly when traveling.

 

[edmorel]

and I see you are going with the monogram too.....


why not a calf fanny pack? you can substitute it for a belt (two birds/one stone). Maybe a #8 cordo one and then never have to worry about it going with your shoes?

 

[schrag]

Matthew,

will it be as rigid as it looks? Any hard panels inside or will the ends and bottom be soft? I'd prefer something more malleable and narrower as having a box on a strap can be pretty annoying. What you've mocked up looks like it'll be bouncing off your body when you walk. How do you intend to attach the strap?

I use a brown tweed version of this bag from rickshaw - note how the straps are affixed to flaps and sit parallel against your body. The bag can follow the curve of your hip & back.

If not the materials, perhaps take a cue from the pattern.

 

[TheFoo]



and I see you are going with the monogram too.....
why not a calf fanny pack? you can substitute it for a belt (two birds/one stone). Maybe a #8 cordo one and then never have to worry about it going with your shoes?

I get it, you don't see the point. But WTF is the point in dressing yourself up all pretty if you're going to spoil it with an ugly black polypropylene camera bag from Best Buy?

Matthew,
will it be as rigid as it looks? Any hard panels inside or will the ends and bottom be soft? I'd prefer something more malleable and narrower as having a box on a strap can be pretty annoying. What you've mocked up looks like it'll be bouncing off your body when you walk. How do you intend to attach the strap?
I use a brown tweed version of this bag from rickshaw - note how the straps are affixed to flaps and sit parallel against your body. The bag can follow the curve of your hip & back.

If not the materials, perhaps take a cue from the pattern.

It will not be that rigid, but it will certainly have a defined shape. Yes, a softer bag is more comfortable against the body, but it also needs to be much larger in profile. Notice how small this bag is. Also, a tidy form looks better.

 

[schrag]

I concur, the bag pictured is actually quite small and could be scaled down further. I was using it for a practical example on strap attachment.

Another consideration that I've seen on a lowepro bag is to have a flap that opens away from you so you're not reaching around it to get into the bag. You'd need considerably less overlap or perhaps have a lip on the top for the hardware - probably wouldn't fit with the aesthetics you have in mind though - form given more weight than function. It depends how you go about shooting I suppose, and how frequently you need to access the inside of the bag.

 

[edmorel]



I get it, you don't see the point. But WTF is the point in dressing yourself up all pretty if you're going to spoil it with an ugly black polypropylene camera bag from Best Buy?

I see your point I guess my issue is how often do you carry a camera around, in particular when you are wearing a suit but if that is what you mostly wear, even on vacation, then I could see why it is worth the effort to you.

 

[Twotone]

I'd go for a smaller camera -- Olympus XZ1 or Canon S95 and leave the DSL in the studio. Unless you are printing larger than 16X20 or shooting fast moving sports, you will see no difference in print quality. If I'm wearing a suit and happen upon a "Kodak Moment" one of those two high-end point-and-shoot cameras is all I need. If I'm going out on a photo shoot, I'll wear jeans and lug the heavy stuff. The small camera that is always with you is better than the heavy DLS that is not. Same holds true for concealed carry too.

 

[TRINI]



I'd go for a smaller camera -- Olympus XZ1 or Canon S95 and leave the DSL in the studio. Unless you are printing larger than 16X20 or shooting fast moving sports, you will see no difference in print quality. If I'm wearing a suit and happen upon a "Kodak Moment" one of those two high-end point-and-shoot cameras is all I need. If I'm going out on a photo shoot, I'll wear jeans and lug the heavy stuff. The small camera that is always with you is better than the heavy DLS that is not. Same holds true for concealed carry too.

You missed the thread where :foo: got a custom film Leica.

 

[TheFoo]



I concur, the bag pictured is actually quite small and could be scaled down further. I was using it for a practical example on strap attachment.
Another consideration that I've seen on a lowepro bag is to have a flap that opens away from you so you're not reaching around it to get into the bag. You'd need considerably less overlap or perhaps have a lip on the top for the hardware - probably wouldn't fit with the aesthetics you have in mind though - form given more weight than function. It depends how you go about shooting I suppose, and how frequently you need to access the inside of the bag.

Also, to be quite honest, I am willing to sacrifice some comfort and utility for aesthetics. I will carry the bag when traveling and I expect to be out all day away from the hotel room. Otherwise, I will generally make do with the camera on its own, with some film in my pocket (or my wife's purse).

 

[TheFoo]



I'd go for a smaller camera -- Olympus XZ1 or Canon S95 and leave the DSL in the studio. Unless you are printing larger than 16X20 or shooting fast moving sports, you will see no difference in print quality. If I'm wearing a suit and happen upon a "Kodak Moment" one of those two high-end point-and-shoot cameras is all I need. If I'm going out on a photo shoot, I'll wear jeans and lug the heavy stuff. The small camera that is always with you is better than the heavy DLS that is not. Same holds true for concealed carry too.

I carry a rangefinder, not an SLR.

 

[Szeph el raton]

Just go and get a Billingham. They're awesome and top quality.

 

[TheFoo]

I have a Billingham Hadley Digital. I hate it. Too bulky. This bag is designed to hold more of what I need in a more compact space.