Yet another photo bag suggestion...

While I know that on numerous occasions many of us here in the Forums have asked Tom for a camera bag. And on several occasions I have offered to show Tom several of my Domke bags as an inspiration for a new design. I am now thinking of a more practical appeal to Tom could be implemented quite easily.

I have been using Tom's eM2 bag to carry my Nikon D40. This case will fit the body with a mid-range zoom (18-70 or 16-85) and have a bit of room left over for a wrapped 50mm lens if desired. Its perfect for light weight travel as it provides some padding, good weatherproof zippers, and it certainly does not look like a camera bag.

Even better, it fits nicely into my Imago or ID bags with room for a flash or long lens in a padded case or wrap. While this is not a perfect solution, it is not bad if you are not contstantly changing lenses. What would make this even better are the following:

An elongated version of this case that has a clip loop on its back so one or two of these cases could be secured into Tom's bags like the brain cell. The added length would allow a camera with a longer lens to ride in the case. And, since not all DSLR's are small like the D40, a slighly deeper (front to back) version that might allow a camera the size of a D300 to take advantage of this arrangement would also be a nice addition.

This arrangement would allow people to mix and match these padded cases with their bags. Granted, a square is an unusual shape for equipment, but my D40 and lens seem to do just fine. And the best part of this is that it builds on Tom's existing clip system for brain cells. A bigger padded case should not be that hard to create from the existing eM2 design, and I would bet that people could come up with lots of things they would like to have padded or isolated when they are using a Tom Bihn bag.

What say Tom? I am open to testing a modified eM2 bag if you have interest.

--Ken

I have been eyeing the E=MC2 bag for a while. I think it is the only accessory I haven't bought.

The case I am using for my current camera is falling apart and I guess the MC2 could be the solution. Especially if it fits a camera that can be set up with different lenses.

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Originally Posted by backpack

I have been eyeing the E=MC2 bag for a while. I think it is the only accessory I haven't bought.

The case I am using for my current camera is falling apart and I guess the MC2 could be the solution. Especially if it fits a camera that can be set up with different lenses.

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My Nikon D40 fits sideways with the 18-70 or the 16-85 attached, and I still have room for a 50mm f/1.8 in a Domke wrap. It does not fit with a 105 f/2.8 VR, nor will it fit with a 17-55 f/2.8. But it would if Tom offered us a bigger version! Of course YMMV.

And just think, rahter than having a camera bag that looks like a diaper bag, you can have a camera case that looks like a Bento lunch box! (See my post in one of the diaper bag threads for more information.)

--Ken

I like the idea of a plain looking rectangular bag for stowing the camera, and there are already a few out there by the usual makers like Lowepro. But I never liked the shoulder style harness they use plus they scream camera bag. Something like the E=MC2 might be good if it had some of the good TB strap options. If it could be done messenger style with the QAM strap I'd be very interested.

As the proud new owner of a Nikon D300, I am happy to report that although tight, it does fit into an E=MC2 bag with a small- to medium-sized lens attached. And there still is room for a 50mm lens wrapped in a protective wrap. Its tight, but it fits.

--Ken

I will look into it (the EMC2)...right now I carry around my Canon 40D, 28-135mm, a sigma 10-20mm, and a sigma 70-300mm. I will be adding either a Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro or the Sigma 150 (maybe 180) macro. I have been considering something, even a Super Ego as all my lenses are in cases and it's got the room to spare, plus I have that fugly Camera Armor on my ne baby...it actually seems to provide some protection plus it adds strain relief for my hands. I just don't use the lens "hood" as that would look just plain silly, then again, it does look as it if provides nice shock protection.

Mostly I am wanting a sling style bag...a larger version of the Buzz. Given the amazing comfort of the Buzz a larger version sould seem ideal.

Sans that the Brain bag or Amart Alec with a couple snake charmers for ancillary stuff are likely my front runners.

After reading that the Lowepro SlingShot is not that comfortable for a day of shooting I have serious doubts about it as an option. Leaving only more traditional backpack style bags as reasonable solutions. Mostly I WANT it to say Tom Bihn on the bag. :)

I do not know if its going to meet your needs with all of that equipment. I primarily use the E=MC2 as an ultra-lightweight case for just the camera and a lens (and possibly a spare 50mm lens). If I need to carry a lot of camera equipment, I still look to my Domke bag.

--Ken

I'd like to see inserts for camera gear made out of the soft cell material that can insert into the current bags. The Imago, Ego, and Brain bag seem like they could be great for that.

An issue I see with a lot of camera bags, backpacks specifically is they look like someone else can open them easily when your wearing them. Not a quality you'd want in a camera bag. I saw a backpack the other day that had the laptop compartment designed to where you had to take the bag completely off to get access to it, I'm not sure how you could accomplish that with photo gear though.

I need that CAMERA!

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Originally Posted by Ken

As the proud new owner of a Nikon D300, I am happy to report that although tight, it does fit into an E=MC2 bag with a small- to medium-sized lens attached. And there still is room for a 50mm lens wrapped in a protective wrap. Its tight, but it fits.

--Ken

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Originally Posted by Zephyrnoid

I need that CAMERA!

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I am assuming that you mean that you need it because you want it? ;) It broke my piggy bank, and I am still wading through the 400+ page manual, but I am enjoying it so far. I will say that it is quite heavy. It handles well, but it is does not easily "disappear" like my D40 did when I am out for the day. But allis not lost for you, Nikon is supposed to be making an announcement this Monday, and I bet that they will have something else for you to add to your lust list.

--Ken

First time poster, but I've used Tom Bihn for over 8 years now. In fact, my Brain Bag has the original snaps for the Brain Cells, not the clips!

But I digress... has anybody converted a messenger bag to hold photo equipment? I'm also using a D300 (nice!). I'm thinking the ID bag, with some inserts or wraps or something...

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Originally Posted by ozone

First time poster, but I've used Tom Bihn for over 8 years now. In fact, my Brain Bag has the original snaps for the Brain Cells, not the clips!

But I digress... has anybody converted a messenger bag to hold photo equipment? I'm also using a D300 (nice!). I'm thinking the ID bag, with some inserts or wraps or something...

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My experience with the Imago and the ID is that they are good bags to carry equipment, but they are not easy bags to work out of like a Domke. The ID may be a bit better because of its size and top zipper, but I have not tried an insert with it.

--Ken

TO: KEN
which domke bag are you referring to?
Bigo

There are lots and lots of photo camera bags out there, so I know Tom Bihn has to find an appropriate niche and not invent the wheel again.

Seems to me that the way to go would be to put the clip system in the ID/Super Ego/Empire Builder into a bag the size of the Imago. And then offer a set of clip-in inserts constructed like the Brain Cells that included closed-foam velcro-configurable dividers. That way each of us could configure the thing for whatever camera/gear we have--and that it would be of use to lots of folks beyond just camera folks.

I think the reason so many of us keep begging Tom Bihn for such a product is that you folks seem to understand our desire for an _understated_ bag that doesn't scream cameras/steal me. So many photo bag makers are too focused on broadcasting their brand, which unfortunately makes them targets for thieves. I've looked and looked for something I can carry around everyday in the same way I use my brain cell to tote my MacBook every day. When I need more than the MacBook, I put the brain cell in my ID bag. Would love the same no-fuss flexibility for my Nikon D-80.

The gist of my suggestion: true protection in an understated modular system that makes it easy to have a camera on you all the time (the key to good shots). Here's hoping this gets Tom thinking about how he could _extend_ some existing products without getting slaughtered by the brand-name photo bag makers.

cheers

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Originally Posted by waywest

I think the reason so many of us keep begging Tom Bihn for such a product is that you folks seem to understand our desire for an _understated_ bag that doesn't scream cameras/steal me.

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I hear you! All of you may convince Tom to finally design a camera bag (or, more likely, an insert.)