Camera Bags for the GF1

[tonydina]

Camera Bags, and More Bags for the GF1 or other cameras. Over the years I have purchased, or received a number of Camera bags. I have pictures of 7 different bags that could be used with the GF1. All have been purchased for under 20$ Canadian, with the exception of the Swissgear bag that cost 39$.Great compact over the shoulder quick use bag. None of the Bags have Velcro on the main flap. I hate velcro for the awful noise it makes in quiet places.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SBDcbI52mkU2TsbJLhiC6A?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YctQr_x6y9Cu1GGtqVp9Wg?feat=directlink

1- Optex Neoprene 8x6x4 in. has 5 Zippers, belt loop, & 1 compartment, for one camera. The GF1 with a 14-45mm lens would fit perfectily. The side zippers can fit a mini tripod, lens cleaner etc. 15$ at Walmart a few years ago.Nice and lite.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1p1yLDi4njCPacnBha3tww?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7S6UBEI3KsEtq7Xhgo5dfQ?feat=directlink

2-Case Logic 7x6x5 has 5 zippers and 1 compartment. Two side pockets will fit some compact acc's and a Kodak Zi8 for no fuss YouTube uploads. My wife loves this video cam since its so simple to use and shoots 720p & 1080i HD. Simple no fuss bag for 10$ at Bureau en Gros (Staples elsewhere).

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GRp20oJfm5p5DqQvqZ_odQ?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8rTBrde7TzjJogCuu2ySKA?feat=directlink

3-Lowepro 9x7x4 has 4 zippers and 2 compartments for a camera and a lens. This bag is designed for a video cam. I keep on comming back to this bag since its so versatile. I can put in the GF1 manual, a bunch of connection wires, mini tri-pod, Zi8, etc. It expands as you fill it up but still stays close to your body. Also has a belt loop. I got this for a video cam about 10 yrs ago for 20$

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kV3eMt145uQQQ1XPwguayA?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rEcKar7O6eSsYtfvLXqflQ?feat=directlink

4-Eagle Creek 7x10x2 is not a camera bag, has 3 zippers, one area for the camera, and another 2 for documents. It is padded enough to put the GF1 with the pancake lens, the manual, a street map, passport, documents etc. If you don't want to look like you are carrying a camera, this is a good alternative. Also has a belt loop. Bought it at a sports shop for 12$.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UV1SlLVplBIlkfGwijGBbQ?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ao0eUgKrcKJopu2DE23I3g?feat=directlink

5-Fuji Film 9x16x7 Messenger Bag. 4 Zippers, 5 padded compartments for cameras and lenses. This bag is great if you also want to carry a 10in Netbook. I just bought this for 20$ at a camera store and plan to use it for carrying my camera gear, computer, magazine, manual, on the plane.No way would I check camera gear, since I already have had 2,000$ worth of gear stolen by your friendly baggage handlers on a trip to Italy.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/43s5jXV2oKO7uuHp12W-Og?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gmbMZDiHMYpmgDbIjmjCZQ?feat=directlink

6-No Name small Messenger bag. 10x10x2 Picked this one up in Boston for putting all the touristy publications, and ended up also putting in a e420 Olympus, which bulged a bit, but not overly. No velcro, has a magnetic enclosure for the main flap. Only 10$ US. Not padded though, so you have to be careful when you put it down on the floor, so I just let it hang of a chair when sitting down. Almost the cost of a McDonalds combo. So, its almost disposable.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/f-bnN9LudvX5QpJGmDTHXA?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/apXz3nWfggmdRRURVEIBSw?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2S68jbP_Eldl1i1T-urRYQ?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9HIIxQnxEKzWrEjxiRiARg?feat=directlink

7-Swissgear 9x16x7. My favourite for all day picture taking. Really compact and a charm to use. Fully padded, 3 zippers, 3 sections for camera and lenses. One could carry a Canon Rebel, 2 lenses, and the GF1 14-45m, in the top compartment. Has a rain cover, removeable memory card wallet, built in lens cleaner, water bottle holder, left or right over the shoulder, handle, safety buckle, carribinger loop, mesh back to keep one cool. Has a bunch of small front loops, for I think old 35mm camera fim.

All in all I have about 140$ worth in my 7 camera bags. Have I found the perfect bag, of course not!

--
TonyDina

 

[lxcellent]

Covered the velcro...only 12 inches across and 9 inches high.

 

[tonydina]

That is cool. I could use such a set-up for the No Name smal messenger bag that I have that does not have any bottom and side protection. Could you post how you went about assembling the foam enclosures.
--
TonyDina

 

[sean000]

None of the Bags have Velcro on the main flap. I hate velcro for the awful noise it makes in quiet places.

You know there is an easy fix for velcro closures. Several fixes actually, but the easiest one in my opinion involves... more velcro! You simply get a roll of velcro material at a craft store, hardware store, or even an outdoor store (not all outdoor stores sell it, but some sell it for adding more velcro to gear). Cut the velcro to size and stick it on one side of your velcro flap. Now instead of hook on one side and loop on the other you'll have hook and hook... or loop and loop. It won't stick, and no noise. I usually want some stick, so I cut the velcro so there is just a small amount left. It's just enough to keep a flap closed, but not enough to make much noise. The best thing about this solution is that you can remove it when you want full velcro closure for security reasons, and then cover it up again when you want to silence the velcro. If you're handy with a needle and thread you could even sew the extra velcro such that it can be folded down over the existing velcro, or folded back out of the way.

I agree that it is nice to find bags without it, but sometimes you find the perfect bag except for the velcro. Fortunatley it is easy to deal with. If you really want to invest a little more time, you can sew over the velcro and install a snap or magnetic snap. That only takes about an hour depending on how fast you sew. I haven't done this myself, but I've seen it done.

Thank you for the run down of your various bags. I like that the GF1 is portable enough to carry in just about any kind of bag... not just a camera bag.

 

[BrAtKo]

Hi, I have bought this one Samsonite Trekking Premium DV 60:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0009V8XWM



--

Panasonic DMZ-GF1 with 14-45 kit lens / iPhone 3G / Garmin Dakota 20 for Geocaching

 

[tonydina]

I like your idea that the solution to velcro, is more velcro. I have avoided any bags with velcro, I will have to try one out.

Yes the GF1- is really compact for a DSLR, besides being a good fun camera. As they say, The Best Camera, is the one you have with you.
--
TonyDina

 

[kalamarios]

Which leather case (brown) do you use with your GF1?

 

[xb70fan]

BBB great for city/smaller trips. F-6 great for more gear/longer trips.

http://figitalrevolution.com/bare-bones-bag-camera-bag-leica-lomo-lca-zeiss-rangefinder/

http://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=domke&itemnum=700-60A

--
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canon 5D2 / Panasonic GF1

 

[Diane B]

Mine are similar---I have LP Terraclime 100, Domke F6 which is great for 2 bodies, 4 lenses--and the Domke FXb for one body, 2 lenses.

Diane

BBB great for city/smaller trips. F-6 great for more gear/longer trips.

http://figitalrevolution.com/bare-bones-bag-camera-bag-leica-lomo-lca-zeiss-rangefinder/

http://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=domke&itemnum=700-60A

--
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canon 5D2 / Panasonic GF1

--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic
G1 gallery http://www.pbase.com/picnic/temp_g1

 

[xb70fan]

The Domke Ruggedwear bags have a thinner and lighter material than the canvas. The nice thing about the F-6 is the top flap has enough give that you can grab your camera without unhooking the clasp. Maybe not so good for security but certainly faster for me.

I got the BBB Stealth XL. The 'strap flap' takes some getting used to, but I think I prefer it to that ripping velcro sound. The bag also molds to your side like a well worn Domke.

I also bought Figitalrevolutions Y-Strap and put Black Rapid's FastenR-2 on as the connector. Great for going super lightweight.

--
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canon 5D2 / Panasonic GF1

 

[tonydina]

The more I look at the custom bag you made, the more I like it. My reasons for liking it, are the reasons that I look for when I choose a camera bag depending on the intended use for the bag.

1st rule- No Velcro- a personal dislike
2nd- Quick open, one clip preferable

3rd- Close to the body bag. I don't like those deep bags. They scream EXPENSIVE CAMERA IN HERE. Preference for Messenger bags. carry Mags, books, manuals.

4th- Thin protection. I believe most camera bags are over protected and unwieldly
5th- Multi-pockets. I always find that extra do-dad I just can't be without
6th- Smal compact bag - Neoprene, its light, flexible material. zippers - lots

7th- Mid Size - 3 pockets -1st- for the camera body with lens. 2nd-zoom. 3rd- for stuff!

8th -Mid Size2- Small Sling bag- The Swissgear is perfect. So much in so little space.
9th- Large- Messenger bag that a netbook fits in, and thin close to the body.
10th- ?

TonyDina

 

[lxcellent]

It was assembled from four sheets of 9x12 inch x 0.25 inch thick foam that I bought from my local arts supply store for 99 cents a pop. I also bought a tube of special foam glue for $2. I used the black sheets for the sides and white sheets for the bottom, ends, and divider/truss bridge. It took me 90 minutes to cut and assemble and then overnight for the glue to set. I shaped the foam once it was dry to get rid of the overhanging bits, cut it down to the correct height for my bag, and welded the inside of the edges with more foam glue for good measure.

It is shockingly stout yet flexible enough to give when I carry the GF1 and the extra lens.

I have more shots of it in a previous post:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1041&message=34262616

 

[lxcellent]

got it here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Panasonic-GF1-GF-1-Genuine-Leather-Half-Case-Dk-Brn_W0QQitemZ180435428657QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2a02ca2531#ht_3485wt_939

Here is another shot of it on my silver GF1:

 

[lxcellent]

Let me take a shot with the netbook in it and post it tonight. Super cool that is fits. Bonus.

 

[BIGTEE]

I have the Oly and I use a Domke F8. twin padded compartments, one for the camera and my kit zoom and flash are in the other. pockets for spare batteries, charger, etc. very well built, very nice looking, small, light and expensive as he!!. I have told my wife what I paid for a lot of stuff, but not that bag. I also am a big fan of the crumplers. I have a 7mil home for my Canon gear. a 2 or 3 mil home would also be ideal for a m43 set up.
--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonyadcock/

 

[sean000]

Interesting...I was just looking at the Crumpler 2 Million Dollar Home as a possible GF1 bag... and noticed that Crumpler now advertises a hook & loop "silencer" feature.

The description says, "It has a strap with buckle and a touch fastener Silencer flap that prevents the "hook and loop" closure from being used."

This is for the newer version of the Million Dollar Home series of bags. I have an older version of the 7 Million Dollar Home that is my main DSLR kit shoulder bag. It does not have a Velcro silencer, so I made my own as described above with additional Velcro. It does have a buckle, so the Velcro is a bit redundant, but still useful sometimes.

I'm a big fan of Crumpler bags and over the years I have owned two of their bike messenger bags, a shoulder bag (the 7 Mill), and a backpack. They are well made and cleverly designed. They also have a nice style about them, but that depends on what you like.

I also really like Domke bags. I get tired of ballistic nylon and my black canvas F-5xb is a nice matte black canvas. It's actually a great size for a m4/3 kit, but overkill for just the GF1 plus a single lens. It's large enough to fit a DSLR with two small lenses (one attached). That's how I use it... as a small kit alternative to my big 7 Million Dollar Home bag. If I get more m4/3 lenses, or a Nikon adapter, I'll use it to carry a multi-lens GF1 kit.

So far I'm carrying the GF1 and 20mm mostly in a very small Lomographic Sidekick bag (extremely low profile and close to the body... not a bulky bag at all) or around my neck while we hike. It's really easy to stow just about anywhere expect a pants pocket (unless you're wearing cargo pants).

Sean

 

[jamesrb]

I have a 20 year old billingham bag from the hadley range (hadley small) which is still intact and going strong - just love it, lasts forever. Great for the GF1 and accessories. Bit pricey maybe, but worth it for the long term.

http://www.billingham.co.uk/acatalog/Hadleys.html

 

[sean000]

The Billingham bags are very nice, and I do like leather straps with roller buckles more than velcro and plastic buckles. The waxed canvas and leather bags on my commuter bicycle resemble the Billingham bags:



Sorry I don't have a better photo of the bag itself, but it's a handlebar bag that I purchased through Rivendell Bicycle Works (who also made the frame of the bicycles in this photo).

The GF1 with 20mm pancake fits nicely in either of the accessory pockets that face you as you ride. I can easily stop, take out the camera, snap a photo, and put the camera back in the bag. Since this is how I get around for at least 9 months out of the year, this is how my GF1 will typically be carried. When I'm off the bike I can simply use the neck strap.

Sean

 

[Corkcampbell]

on your part. So, thanks.

My favorite bag is a Walmart, Barnes & Nobel, or whatever plastic shopping bag that I happen to have with me. No one suspects I have a camera. When I travel, I just switch to the local store's shopping bag. My cameras (P&S, MFT, and dSLRs) are rugged so I don't worry; in fact, most of my cameras, although used this way, are sold as pristine on eBay - today's cameras, flashes, and lenses can take abuse.

Camera bags, except the really professional ones used in travel such as Pelican cases, scream "tourist", "amateur", Etc., especially the ones that have labels such as Nikon, Canon...avoid them.

The only exception to the above rule that I make is that I have a wonderful, old Domke bag that came with an EOS 1 camera - so you can guess its age - that has a patch saying so on it that I still drag out once in awhile.

 

[sean000]

I stopped by our local REI to pick up some brake pads for my bicycle and was surprised to find they sell some of the smaller Crumpler bags, including the 3 Million Dollar Home.

I had my GF1 with me and gave it a try. I know the GF1 with 20mm will fit easily into the smaller 2 Million Dollar Home (probably even the 1 Million Dollar Home for that matter), but the 3 Million Dollar Home felt like a good size. It's small enough and low profile enough to carry every day, and it has a single small divider so you can configure it to hold the GF1 with 20mm on one side, with room for another small lens like the 14-45 (looks like 45-200 would fit as well) on the other. It has other pockets for cell phone, sunglasses, extra memory, battery, and other accessories. I might buy it, but my wife is going to roll her eyes if I come home with another bag ;-)

Pros from playing with it for a few minutes:

• Excellent quality and clever design that Crumpler is known for.
• Nice looking bag that isn't as bulky as other camera bags this size. Not obviously a camera bag. I looked at the one that is chocolate brown with light blue interior (makes it easy to see what's inside) and orange accents. Nice matte finish for ballistic nylon. Could do without the Crumpler logo on the front, but it's not too objectionable. It's there on my other Crumplers as well.
• Wide shoulder strap with no padding. I say this is a plus because I don't like big padded straps on small bags. They aren't necessary in my experience. On big heavy bags I'll take one, but not on a bag this small. Wide is good though. I don't like narrow straps.
• The Velcro Silencer works! You can opt to just use the buckle, or to use 1/2 of the Velcro if you want (two Velcro patches... each with their own Silencer flap).
• Configurable divider with just enough padding. Not enough to make the bag overly bulky.
• Good protection from the elements.
• 4 little pockets if you like a place for everything.

Cons:

• Those 4 little pockets are a bit tight. The biggest one can easily hold an iPhone or iPod. The side pockets can easily hold a spare battery and lens pen. One could hold a granola bar. The mesh pocket can hold memory your iPod/iPhone earbuds. So maybe not a con since it will hold the essentials... for me anyway.
• Not an obvious place for sunglasses. Depending on the size of your glasses case, you could fit sunglasses in the main exterior pocket or in the main compartment next to the GF1.
• More Velcro! Yes there are Velcro silencer flaps for the main compartment, but two of the little compartments have their own Velcro closures. They are small and don't make a lot of noise, but seem a bit unnecessary as well. You can always cover them up with some velcro tape from the hardware or crafts store. It's like they wanted to make sure you could turn this bag upside down and shake it without losing a single item.

This size Crumpler isn't practical if you plan to carry more than two lenses (one attached to the camera). If you need to carry three or more lenses go with a bigger bag like the 4 or 5 Million Dollar Home or the Domke F-5xb. I own the latter, and it is one of my favorite bags... but a bit overkill for just a GF1 and 20mm... even with another lens. It isn't as low profile as the Crumpler.

Sean