Bag suggestion for GFX100s w/ 32-64

[Zorki-6]

As beautiful as the expensive designer or leather bags are I’m afraid they draw too much of the wrong kind of attention. To me they scream come steal me. Not just for that reason but my all time favorite bag for when I don’t need a lot of padding for protection and only carrying around one camera with lens is my decades old Domke F3x. It’s so old I don’t even remember how long I’ve had it.

Ha, nicely parodied.

Billingham is to photography what Rapha is to cycling.

I bought a cheap padded insert with Velcro partitions from Amazon that fits nicely in an old, abused Muji satchel that nobody looks twice at.

 

[XXhumanXX]

I have been using this bag for a few years: https://www.thinktankphoto.com/collections/turnstyle/products/turnstyle-10-v2

I was originally shooting sony mirrorless and could fit one of my sony bodies with 2-3 loxia lenses. When I transitioned to fuji the bag became very small, very fast. I can fit the 100s with the 32-64 and hood and basically nothing else. But the bag is so comfortable, light and easy to access on the street, while also not screaming “steal me” that I still grab it when I’m only using one lens. I just checked their site and they offer a larger version of the same bag: https://www.thinktankphoto.com/collections/turnstyle/products/turnstyle-20-v2

I think your original bag is so nice looking and the weekender is really sweet as well. But for fast access, lightweight and low profile (in every way) I always come back to this one.

Cheers,

Erik

EDIT: was attempting to reply to OP but am forum-stupid and somehow replied to rodenmg. Apologies for my confusion.

--
Canon then Sony now Fuji

 

[Tom Ames]

I like the Tamrac Apache 6.2. I can even squeeze in a second lens if needed.

I ended up buying the Tamrac 4.2, thanks for the advice. The 6.2 was too big, but the smaller Apache 4.2 was perfect.
It fits the GFX100s with 32-64 with hood on. Just what I was looking for.
I already had a Lowepro ProTactic SH 180 AW, that has a similar style, and probably is the same size as the Apache 6.2. So I can use it, if I need to bring a second lens.
The Apache 4.2 is noticeably smaller than the Lowepro SH 180.

But for a small lightweight setup with only one lens + small accessories (cables, powerbank, SD card etc) the Apache 4.2 is ideal for me!




Tamrac Apache 4.2 vs Lowepro ProTactic SH 180 AW

 

[Rodenmg]

I like the Tamrac Apache 6.2. I can even squeeze in a second lens if needed.

I ended up buying the Tamrac 4.2, thanks for the advice. The 6.2 was too big, but the smaller Apache 4.2 was perfect.
It fits the GFX100s with 32-64 with hood on. Just what I was looking for.
I already had a Lowepro ProTactic SH 180 AW, that has a similar style, and probably is the same size as the Apache 6.2. So I can use it, if I need to bring a second lens.
The Apache 4.2 is noticeably smaller than the Lowepro SH 180.
But for a small lightweight setup with only one lens + small accessories (cables, powerbank, SD card etc) the Apache 4.2 is ideal for me!


Tamrac Apache 4.2 vs Lowepro ProTactic SH 180 AW

Good choice. It’s a good bag. Mine’s help up exceptionally well.

 

[Ponylander]

Good morning.

If all you are using is the GFX 100S + GF 32-64mm F4, I highly recommend the Lowepro ProTactic TLZ 70 AW. It is a top-loading bag you can put on a waist belt, wear on you chest (easily) via two cross straps, sling over your shoulder, or sling across your chest over the opposite-side shoulder. It has a built in rain cover - a bit small, but helpful - and a pocket big enough on top to carry 2 extra batteries, extra memory cards, a small card reader, a Fuji 2-battery charger, and cable for the charger. I took mine on a 12-day trip and it was very practical. Wearing it on your chest keeps it in your field of view (i.e. more difficult for pickpockets to snatch) and you never bang it against anything (like when boarding a plane). The bag also extends (like some suitcases do) by unzipping the lower portion, in case you want to use it with a longer lens.

Peter

 

[Tom Ames]

Good morning.

If all you are using is the GFX 100S + GF 32-64mm F4, I highly recommend the Lowepro ProTactic TLZ 70 AW. It is a top-loading bag you can put on a waist belt, wear on you chest (easily) via two cross straps, sling over your shoulder, or sling across your chest over the opposite-side shoulder. It has a built in rain cover - a bit small, but helpful - and a pocket big enough on top to carry 2 extra batteries, extra memory cards, a small card reader, a Fuji 2-battery charger, and cable for the charger. I took mine on a 12-day trip and it was very practical. Wearing it on your chest keeps it in your field of view (i.e. more difficult for pickpockets to snatch) and you never bang it against anything (like when boarding a plane). The bag also extends (like some suitcases do) by unzipping the lower portion, in case you want to use it with a longer lens.

Peter

Thanks. I have a Lowe pro toploader 70 already. It's ok for hiking, but I do mostly urban walk around, and like the small messenger styled bags better for that purpose.

 

[Ponylander]

Good morning.

If all you are using is the GFX 100S + GF 32-64mm F4, I highly recommend the Lowepro ProTactic TLZ 70 AW. It is a top-loading bag you can put on a waist belt, wear on you chest (easily) via two cross straps, sling over your shoulder, or sling across your chest over the opposite-side shoulder. It has a built in rain cover - a bit small, but helpful - and a pocket big enough on top to carry 2 extra batteries, extra memory cards, a small card reader, a Fuji 2-battery charger, and cable for the charger. I took mine on a 12-day trip and it was very practical. Wearing it on your chest keeps it in your field of view (i.e. more difficult for pickpockets to snatch) and you never bang it against anything (like when boarding a plane). The bag also extends (like some suitcases do) by unzipping the lower portion, in case you want to use it with a longer lens.

Peter

Thanks. I have a Lowe pro toploader 70 already. It's ok for hiking, but I do mostly urban walk around, and like the small messenger styled bags better for that purpose.

I will also put in a plug for the Billingham bags. There is quite a variety of them, in many sizes, and they are very good quality. if you are unfamiliar with Billingham, they have multiple shoulder bags that are both rugged enough and classy enough to go anywhere.

Peter

 

[Ponylander]

As beautiful as the expensive designer or leather bags are I’m afraid they draw too much of the wrong kind of attention. To me they scream come steal me. Not just for that reason but my all time favorite bag for when I don’t need a lot of padding for protection and only carrying around one camera with lens is my decades old Domke F3x. It’s so old I don’t even remember how long I’ve had it.

Ha, nicely parodied.

Billingham is to photography what Rapha is to cycling.

I bought a cheap padded insert with Velcro partitions from Amazon that fits nicely in an old, abused Muji satchel that nobody looks twice at.

I suspect that to some people, a GFX 100S and the grapefruit-sized GF 32-64mm F4 lens are basically pleading to be stolen. "Low-hanging fruit," if you will.

A plain bag won't render an expensive camera disguised without fail. Presumably, at some point the camera is coming out of the bag, and a GFX 100S + 32-64mm draws attention. People make comments about it, at least to me. With this exact camera and lens combination, I overheard a woman suggest to her male companion that I was "paparrazi." I'm not; I was just out taking "fun pics" at a marina here in South FL on the weekend, and I had an inexpensive camera bag with me. Not 15 feet away from "Paparazzi lady", a man saw me taking pics and commented about my camera. Recognizing it (it turned out he is a photographer) he proceeded to excitedly point out to his girlfriend, "That's a $10,000 camera!" I had said nothing about its cost; apparently he was confusing my GFX 100S with the GFX 100. I wish he had been a bit quieter, because "Paparazzi lady" and her male friend and everyone nearby on the dock overheard him, and were more curious than ever and watching us. At that point, whether I had my cheap bag or Billingham with me, the awkwardness would have been the same. I guess a plain, more discrete bag works fine if you never take the camera out of it.

Personally, I'd rather have a quality (strong, weatherproof, and very well padded) bag because I think good gear deserves a good bag, and then keep my eyes and hands on it and its contents at ALL times. Most people may not look closely at plainer bags, but even with just a plain/inexpensive bag, I would never assume that a thief wouldn't be interested in its potential contents. Having a nice bag (Billingham) reminds me without fail that I better keep my hands and eyes on it, lest it disappear. YMMV.

Peter

 

[Manzur Fahim]

Hi,

I have a Domke F-5XB RuggedWear bag and it's my favourite bag. Have had it for years.

But it's just a bit too small for my GFX100S with the 32-64. Is there any other similar bags out there that has 5-15% more volume inside? Have have 3-4 other bags, but they are a fair share larger than the Domke F-5XB model.

I wrote Domke and asked if they had plan for an XL version, but no. I could get the F-803 model, was their suggestion. But that is was larger than the F-5XB.

I use my old Tenba DNA Messenger bag 13, which can easily hold 100S with 110 attached, and an extra lens without any issue. Not sure how big it is compared to the Domke, but I am fine with the size of Tenba 13.

--
IG: https://www.instagram.com/manzurfahim/
website: https://www.manzurfahim.com

 

[AdamM6]

As beautiful as the expensive designer or leather bags are I’m afraid they draw too much of the wrong kind of attention. To me they scream come steal me. Not just for that reason but my all time favorite bag for when I don’t need a lot of padding for protection and only carrying around one camera with lens is my decades old Domke F3x. It’s so old I don’t even remember how long I’ve had it.

Ha, nicely parodied.

Billingham is to photography what Rapha is to cycling.

I bought a cheap padded insert with Velcro partitions from Amazon that fits nicely in an old, abused Muji satchel that nobody looks twice at.

I suspect that to some people, a GFX 100S and the grapefruit-sized GF 32-64mm F4 lens are basically pleading to be stolen. "Low-hanging fruit," if you will.

A plain bag won't render an expensive camera disguised without fail. Presumably, at some point the camera is coming out of the bag, and a GFX 100S + 32-64mm draws attention. People make comments about it, at least to me. With this exact camera and lens combination, I overheard a woman suggest to her male companion that I was "paparrazi." I'm not; I was just out taking "fun pics" at a marina here in South FL on the weekend, and I had an inexpensive camera bag with me. Not 15 feet away from "Paparazzi lady", a man saw me taking pics and commented about my camera. Recognizing it (it turned out he is a photographer) he proceeded to excitedly point out to his girlfriend, "That's a $10,000 camera!" I had said nothing about its cost; apparently he was confusing my GFX 100S with the GFX 100. I wish he had been a bit quieter, because "Paparazzi lady" and her male friend and everyone nearby on the dock overheard him, and were more curious than ever and watching us. At that point, whether I had my cheap bag or Billingham with me, the awkwardness would have been the same. I guess a plain, more discrete bag works fine if you never take the camera out of it.

Personally, I'd rather have a quality (strong, weatherproof, and very well padded) bag because I think good gear deserves a good bag, and then keep my eyes and hands on it and its contents at ALL times. Most people may not look closely at plainer bags, but even with just a plain/inexpensive bag, I would never assume that a thief wouldn't be interested in its potential contents. Having a nice bag (Billingham) reminds me without fail that I better keep my hands and eyes on it, lest it disappear. YMMV.

Peter

Exactly what happens with me, I get my GFX or Leica out and there is always somebody that wants a have a look or to hear my thoughts. That draws much more attention then my Billingham bag! Never had the issue with Sony/Nikon/ or Fuji APS-C cameras!

One guy comes up to me "Do you know how much that camera is?" umm yes!

I get the same with my watch!

 

[Rodenmg]

Maybe a little tight for the GFX100s and 32-64 but surly a must have for the Leica Q2!

 

[liggy]

I use a Billingham Hadley Small Pro for my GFX100S and 45mm lens.

Is that your ride?

Never mind the bags - I need a Bentley to transport my gear in.

 

[Zorki-6]

As beautiful as the expensive designer or leather bags are I’m afraid they draw too much of the wrong kind of attention. To me they scream come steal me. Not just for that reason but my all time favorite bag for when I don’t need a lot of padding for protection and only carrying around one camera with lens is my decades old Domke F3x. It’s so old I don’t even remember how long I’ve had it.

Ha, nicely parodied.

Billingham is to photography what Rapha is to cycling.

I bought a cheap padded insert with Velcro partitions from Amazon that fits nicely in an old, abused Muji satchel that nobody looks twice at.

I suspect that to some people, a GFX 100S and the grapefruit-sized GF 32-64mm F4 lens are basically pleading to be stolen. "Low-hanging fruit," if you will.

A plain bag won't render an expensive camera disguised without fail. Presumably, at some point the camera is coming out of the bag, and a GFX 100S + 32-64mm draws attention. People make comments about it, at least to me. With this exact camera and lens combination, I overheard a woman suggest to her male companion that I was "paparrazi." I'm not; I was just out taking "fun pics" at a marina here in South FL on the weekend, and I had an inexpensive camera bag with me. Not 15 feet away from "Paparazzi lady", a man saw me taking pics and commented about my camera. Recognizing it (it turned out he is a photographer) he proceeded to excitedly point out to his girlfriend, "That's a $10,000 camera!" I had said nothing about its cost; apparently he was confusing my GFX 100S with the GFX 100. I wish he had been a bit quieter, because "Paparazzi lady" and her male friend and everyone nearby on the dock overheard him, and were more curious than ever and watching us. At that point, whether I had my cheap bag or Billingham with me, the awkwardness would have been the same. I guess a plain, more discrete bag works fine if you never take the camera out of it.

Personally, I'd rather have a quality (strong, weatherproof, and very well padded) bag because I think good gear deserves a good bag, and then keep my eyes and hands on it and its contents at ALL times. Most people may not look closely at plainer bags, but even with just a plain/inexpensive bag, I would never assume that a thief wouldn't be interested in its potential contents. Having a nice bag (Billingham) reminds me without fail that I better keep my hands and eyes on it, lest it disappear. YMMV.

Peter

Exactly what happens with me, I get my GFX or Leica out and there is always somebody that wants a have a look or to hear my thoughts. That draws much more attention then my Billingham bag! Never had the issue with Sony/Nikon/ or Fuji APS-C cameras!

One guy comes up to me "Do you know how much that camera is?" umm yes!

I get the same with my watch!

If you shoot social documentary an awkward exchange with people who need to mind their own business is the least of your worries. I use the bag that looks least like it has a camera in it and the camera stays in the bag in between frames. Also this is Europe so people don't get excited about the monetary value of somebody else's camera or watch, unless they intend to steal it, but in general those people wouldn't be able to tell a GFX and a 4000D apart.

I doubt the young man who wandered past me the other day with a 2 by 4 with nails in the end would have kept walking if I was carrying a Billingham.

 

[AdamM6]

As beautiful as the expensive designer or leather bags are I’m afraid they draw too much of the wrong kind of attention. To me they scream come steal me. Not just for that reason but my all time favorite bag for when I don’t need a lot of padding for protection and only carrying around one camera with lens is my decades old Domke F3x. It’s so old I don’t even remember how long I’ve had it.

Ha, nicely parodied.

Billingham is to photography what Rapha is to cycling.

I bought a cheap padded insert with Velcro partitions from Amazon that fits nicely in an old, abused Muji satchel that nobody looks twice at.

I suspect that to some people, a GFX 100S and the grapefruit-sized GF 32-64mm F4 lens are basically pleading to be stolen. "Low-hanging fruit," if you will.

A plain bag won't render an expensive camera disguised without fail. Presumably, at some point the camera is coming out of the bag, and a GFX 100S + 32-64mm draws attention. People make comments about it, at least to me. With this exact camera and lens combination, I overheard a woman suggest to her male companion that I was "paparrazi." I'm not; I was just out taking "fun pics" at a marina here in South FL on the weekend, and I had an inexpensive camera bag with me. Not 15 feet away from "Paparazzi lady", a man saw me taking pics and commented about my camera. Recognizing it (it turned out he is a photographer) he proceeded to excitedly point out to his girlfriend, "That's a $10,000 camera!" I had said nothing about its cost; apparently he was confusing my GFX 100S with the GFX 100. I wish he had been a bit quieter, because "Paparazzi lady" and her male friend and everyone nearby on the dock overheard him, and were more curious than ever and watching us. At that point, whether I had my cheap bag or Billingham with me, the awkwardness would have been the same. I guess a plain, more discrete bag works fine if you never take the camera out of it.

Personally, I'd rather have a quality (strong, weatherproof, and very well padded) bag because I think good gear deserves a good bag, and then keep my eyes and hands on it and its contents at ALL times. Most people may not look closely at plainer bags, but even with just a plain/inexpensive bag, I would never assume that a thief wouldn't be interested in its potential contents. Having a nice bag (Billingham) reminds me without fail that I better keep my hands and eyes on it, lest it disappear. YMMV.

Peter

Exactly what happens with me, I get my GFX or Leica out and there is always somebody that wants a have a look or to hear my thoughts. That draws much more attention then my Billingham bag! Never had the issue with Sony/Nikon/ or Fuji APS-C cameras!

One guy comes up to me "Do you know how much that camera is?" umm yes!

I get the same with my watch!

If you shoot social documentary an awkward exchange with people who need to mind their own business is the least of your worries. I use the bag that looks least like it has a camera in it and the camera stays in the bag in between frames. Also this is Europe so people don't get excited about the monetary value of somebody else's camera or watch, unless they intend to steal it, but in general those people wouldn't be able to tell a GFX and a 4000D apart.

I doubt the young man who wandered past me the other day with a 2 by 4 with nails in the end would have kept walking if I was carrying a Billingham.

I find the people that notice the GFX are usually photographers and have a camera round there neck and I am happy to have a chat with them.

The people that usually notice the Leica look like they want to stab me! the last yob said "Nice camera mate, how much is it"...

To be honest Europe is now becoming unsafe to wear things like good watches and use a nice camera, I never use my Leica now in populated areas.

 

[Rodenmg]

As beautiful as the expensive designer or leather bags are I’m afraid they draw too much of the wrong kind of attention. To me they scream come steal me. Not just for that reason but my all time favorite bag for when I don’t need a lot of padding for protection and only carrying around one camera with lens is my decades old Domke F3x. It’s so old I don’t even remember how long I’ve had it.

Ha, nicely parodied.

Billingham is to photography what Rapha is to cycling.

I bought a cheap padded insert with Velcro partitions from Amazon that fits nicely in an old, abused Muji satchel that nobody looks twice at.

I suspect that to some people, a GFX 100S and the grapefruit-sized GF 32-64mm F4 lens are basically pleading to be stolen. "Low-hanging fruit," if you will.

A plain bag won't render an expensive camera disguised without fail. Presumably, at some point the camera is coming out of the bag, and a GFX 100S + 32-64mm draws attention. People make comments about it, at least to me. With this exact camera and lens combination, I overheard a woman suggest to her male companion that I was "paparrazi." I'm not; I was just out taking "fun pics" at a marina here in South FL on the weekend, and I had an inexpensive camera bag with me. Not 15 feet away from "Paparazzi lady", a man saw me taking pics and commented about my camera. Recognizing it (it turned out he is a photographer) he proceeded to excitedly point out to his girlfriend, "That's a $10,000 camera!" I had said nothing about its cost; apparently he was confusing my GFX 100S with the GFX 100. I wish he had been a bit quieter, because "Paparazzi lady" and her male friend and everyone nearby on the dock overheard him, and were more curious than ever and watching us. At that point, whether I had my cheap bag or Billingham with me, the awkwardness would have been the same. I guess a plain, more discrete bag works fine if you never take the camera out of it.

Personally, I'd rather have a quality (strong, weatherproof, and very well padded) bag because I think good gear deserves a good bag, and then keep my eyes and hands on it and its contents at ALL times. Most people may not look closely at plainer bags, but even with just a plain/inexpensive bag, I would never assume that a thief wouldn't be interested in its potential contents. Having a nice bag (Billingham) reminds me without fail that I better keep my hands and eyes on it, lest it disappear. YMMV.

Peter

Exactly what happens with me, I get my GFX or Leica out and there is always somebody that wants a have a look or to hear my thoughts. That draws much more attention then my Billingham bag! Never had the issue with Sony/Nikon/ or Fuji APS-C cameras!

One guy comes up to me "Do you know how much that camera is?" umm yes!

I get the same with my watch!

If you shoot social documentary an awkward exchange with people who need to mind their own business is the least of your worries. I use the bag that looks least like it has a camera in it and the camera stays in the bag in between frames. Also this is Europe so people don't get excited about the monetary value of somebody else's camera or watch, unless they intend to steal it, but in general those people wouldn't be able to tell a GFX and a 4000D apart.

I doubt the young man who wandered past me the other day with a 2 by 4 with nails in the end would have kept walking if I was carrying a Billingham.

I find the people that notice the GFX are usually photographers and have a camera round there neck and I am happy to have a chat with them.

The people that usually notice the Leica look like they want to stab me! the last yob said "Nice camera mate, how much is it"...

To be honest Europe is now becoming unsafe to wear things like good watches and use a nice camera, I never use my Leica now in populated areas.

I understand complete about being recognizable. Leica is a very recognizable brand/logo that every low life on the planet knows will bring a premium on a local pawn shop. But Fuji? Naw. For all most people know it could be a cheap Olympus.

 

[Zorki-6]

As beautiful as the expensive designer or leather bags are I’m afraid they draw too much of the wrong kind of attention. To me they scream come steal me. Not just for that reason but my all time favorite bag for when I don’t need a lot of padding for protection and only carrying around one camera with lens is my decades old Domke F3x. It’s so old I don’t even remember how long I’ve had it.

Ha, nicely parodied.

Billingham is to photography what Rapha is to cycling.

I bought a cheap padded insert with Velcro partitions from Amazon that fits nicely in an old, abused Muji satchel that nobody looks twice at.

I suspect that to some people, a GFX 100S and the grapefruit-sized GF 32-64mm F4 lens are basically pleading to be stolen. "Low-hanging fruit," if you will.

A plain bag won't render an expensive camera disguised without fail. Presumably, at some point the camera is coming out of the bag, and a GFX 100S + 32-64mm draws attention. People make comments about it, at least to me. With this exact camera and lens combination, I overheard a woman suggest to her male companion that I was "paparrazi." I'm not; I was just out taking "fun pics" at a marina here in South FL on the weekend, and I had an inexpensive camera bag with me. Not 15 feet away from "Paparazzi lady", a man saw me taking pics and commented about my camera. Recognizing it (it turned out he is a photographer) he proceeded to excitedly point out to his girlfriend, "That's a $10,000 camera!" I had said nothing about its cost; apparently he was confusing my GFX 100S with the GFX 100. I wish he had been a bit quieter, because "Paparazzi lady" and her male friend and everyone nearby on the dock overheard him, and were more curious than ever and watching us. At that point, whether I had my cheap bag or Billingham with me, the awkwardness would have been the same. I guess a plain, more discrete bag works fine if you never take the camera out of it.

Personally, I'd rather have a quality (strong, weatherproof, and very well padded) bag because I think good gear deserves a good bag, and then keep my eyes and hands on it and its contents at ALL times. Most people may not look closely at plainer bags, but even with just a plain/inexpensive bag, I would never assume that a thief wouldn't be interested in its potential contents. Having a nice bag (Billingham) reminds me without fail that I better keep my hands and eyes on it, lest it disappear. YMMV.

Peter

Exactly what happens with me, I get my GFX or Leica out and there is always somebody that wants a have a look or to hear my thoughts. That draws much more attention then my Billingham bag! Never had the issue with Sony/Nikon/ or Fuji APS-C cameras!

One guy comes up to me "Do you know how much that camera is?" umm yes!

I get the same with my watch!

If you shoot social documentary an awkward exchange with people who need to mind their own business is the least of your worries. I use the bag that looks least like it has a camera in it and the camera stays in the bag in between frames. Also this is Europe so people don't get excited about the monetary value of somebody else's camera or watch, unless they intend to steal it, but in general those people wouldn't be able to tell a GFX and a 4000D apart.

I doubt the young man who wandered past me the other day with a 2 by 4 with nails in the end would have kept walking if I was carrying a Billingham.

I find the people that notice the GFX are usually photographers and have a camera round there neck and I am happy to have a chat with them.

The people that usually notice the Leica look like they want to stab me! the last yob said "Nice camera mate, how much is it"...

To be honest Europe is now becoming unsafe to wear things like good watches and use a nice camera, I never use my Leica now in populated areas.

I generalised a bit there and I think we should both be fair - Europe has some of the safest cities in the world where I wouldn't think twice about walking with a Leica or my 100S. And then there's Barcelona (a city I love, nonetheless).

My work at the moment focuses on deprivation in a post-industrial region of the UK, so unfortunately I regularly encounter people who are simply desperate and who would sell a GFX for a fraction of its value without understanding what they had. Hence I'm carrying a $9000 camera/lens combo in a ripped Muji satchel:







I rarely come across other photographers but I don't mind a chat with anyone that recognises my Makina 67 or GSW690.

 

[Ponylander]

As beautiful as the expensive designer or leather bags are I’m afraid they draw too much of the wrong kind of attention. To me they scream come steal me. Not just for that reason but my all time favorite bag for when I don’t need a lot of padding for protection and only carrying around one camera with lens is my decades old Domke F3x. It’s so old I don’t even remember how long I’ve had it.

Ha, nicely parodied.

Billingham is to photography what Rapha is to cycling.

I bought a cheap padded insert with Velcro partitions from Amazon that fits nicely in an old, abused Muji satchel that nobody looks twice at.

I suspect that to some people, a GFX 100S and the grapefruit-sized GF 32-64mm F4 lens are basically pleading to be stolen. "Low-hanging fruit," if you will.

A plain bag won't render an expensive camera disguised without fail. Presumably, at some point the camera is coming out of the bag, and a GFX 100S + 32-64mm draws attention. People make comments about it, at least to me. With this exact camera and lens combination, I overheard a woman suggest to her male companion that I was "paparrazi." I'm not; I was just out taking "fun pics" at a marina here in South FL on the weekend, and I had an inexpensive camera bag with me. Not 15 feet away from "Paparazzi lady", a man saw me taking pics and commented about my camera. Recognizing it (it turned out he is a photographer) he proceeded to excitedly point out to his girlfriend, "That's a $10,000 camera!" I had said nothing about its cost; apparently he was confusing my GFX 100S with the GFX 100. I wish he had been a bit quieter, because "Paparazzi lady" and her male friend and everyone nearby on the dock overheard him, and were more curious than ever and watching us. At that point, whether I had my cheap bag or Billingham with me, the awkwardness would have been the same. I guess a plain, more discrete bag works fine if you never take the camera out of it.

Personally, I'd rather have a quality (strong, weatherproof, and very well padded) bag because I think good gear deserves a good bag, and then keep my eyes and hands on it and its contents at ALL times. Most people may not look closely at plainer bags, but even with just a plain/inexpensive bag, I would never assume that a thief wouldn't be interested in its potential contents. Having a nice bag (Billingham) reminds me without fail that I better keep my hands and eyes on it, lest it disappear. YMMV.

Peter

Exactly what happens with me, I get my GFX or Leica out and there is always somebody that wants a have a look or to hear my thoughts. That draws much more attention then my Billingham bag! Never had the issue with Sony/Nikon/ or Fuji APS-C cameras!

One guy comes up to me "Do you know how much that camera is?" umm yes!

I get the same with my watch!

If you shoot social documentary an awkward exchange with people who need to mind their own business is the least of your worries. I use the bag that looks least like it has a camera in it and the camera stays in the bag in between frames. Also this is Europe so people don't get excited about the monetary value of somebody else's camera or watch, unless they intend to steal it, but in general those people wouldn't be able to tell a GFX and a 4000D apart.

I doubt the young man who wandered past me the other day with a 2 by 4 with nails in the end would have kept walking if I was carrying a Billingham.

I find the people that notice the GFX are usually photographers and have a camera round there neck and I am happy to have a chat with them.

The people that usually notice the Leica look like they want to stab me! the last yob said "Nice camera mate, how much is it"...

To be honest Europe is now becoming unsafe to wear things like good watches and use a nice camera, I never use my Leica now in populated areas.

I generalised a bit there and I think we should both be fair - Europe has some of the safest cities in the world where I wouldn't think twice about walking with a Leica or my 100S. And then there's Barcelona (a city I love, nonetheless).

My work at the moment focuses on deprivation in a post-industrial region of the UK, so unfortunately I regularly encounter people who are simply desperate and who would sell a GFX for a fraction of its value without understanding what they had. Hence I'm carrying a $9000 camera/lens combo in a ripped Muji satchel:



I rarely come across other photographers but I don't mind a chat with anyone that recognises my Makina 67 or GSW690.

If there was ever a camera that would get me back into film photography, a GSW670 or 690 would likely be it. Or maybe a Mamiya 7.

Peter

 

[AdamM6]

As beautiful as the expensive designer or leather bags are I’m afraid they draw too much of the wrong kind of attention. To me they scream come steal me. Not just for that reason but my all time favorite bag for when I don’t need a lot of padding for protection and only carrying around one camera with lens is my decades old Domke F3x. It’s so old I don’t even remember how long I’ve had it.

Ha, nicely parodied.

Billingham is to photography what Rapha is to cycling.

I bought a cheap padded insert with Velcro partitions from Amazon that fits nicely in an old, abused Muji satchel that nobody looks twice at.

I suspect that to some people, a GFX 100S and the grapefruit-sized GF 32-64mm F4 lens are basically pleading to be stolen. "Low-hanging fruit," if you will.

A plain bag won't render an expensive camera disguised without fail. Presumably, at some point the camera is coming out of the bag, and a GFX 100S + 32-64mm draws attention. People make comments about it, at least to me. With this exact camera and lens combination, I overheard a woman suggest to her male companion that I was "paparrazi." I'm not; I was just out taking "fun pics" at a marina here in South FL on the weekend, and I had an inexpensive camera bag with me. Not 15 feet away from "Paparazzi lady", a man saw me taking pics and commented about my camera. Recognizing it (it turned out he is a photographer) he proceeded to excitedly point out to his girlfriend, "That's a $10,000 camera!" I had said nothing about its cost; apparently he was confusing my GFX 100S with the GFX 100. I wish he had been a bit quieter, because "Paparazzi lady" and her male friend and everyone nearby on the dock overheard him, and were more curious than ever and watching us. At that point, whether I had my cheap bag or Billingham with me, the awkwardness would have been the same. I guess a plain, more discrete bag works fine if you never take the camera out of it.

Personally, I'd rather have a quality (strong, weatherproof, and very well padded) bag because I think good gear deserves a good bag, and then keep my eyes and hands on it and its contents at ALL times. Most people may not look closely at plainer bags, but even with just a plain/inexpensive bag, I would never assume that a thief wouldn't be interested in its potential contents. Having a nice bag (Billingham) reminds me without fail that I better keep my hands and eyes on it, lest it disappear. YMMV.

Peter

Exactly what happens with me, I get my GFX or Leica out and there is always somebody that wants a have a look or to hear my thoughts. That draws much more attention then my Billingham bag! Never had the issue with Sony/Nikon/ or Fuji APS-C cameras!

One guy comes up to me "Do you know how much that camera is?" umm yes!

I get the same with my watch!

If you shoot social documentary an awkward exchange with people who need to mind their own business is the least of your worries. I use the bag that looks least like it has a camera in it and the camera stays in the bag in between frames. Also this is Europe so people don't get excited about the monetary value of somebody else's camera or watch, unless they intend to steal it, but in general those people wouldn't be able to tell a GFX and a 4000D apart.

I doubt the young man who wandered past me the other day with a 2 by 4 with nails in the end would have kept walking if I was carrying a Billingham.

I find the people that notice the GFX are usually photographers and have a camera round there neck and I am happy to have a chat with them.

The people that usually notice the Leica look like they want to stab me! the last yob said "Nice camera mate, how much is it"...

To be honest Europe is now becoming unsafe to wear things like good watches and use a nice camera, I never use my Leica now in populated areas.

I generalised a bit there and I think we should both be fair - Europe has some of the safest cities in the world where I wouldn't think twice about walking with a Leica or my 100S. And then there's Barcelona (a city I love, nonetheless).

My work at the moment focuses on deprivation in a post-industrial region of the UK, so unfortunately I regularly encounter people who are simply desperate and who would sell a GFX for a fraction of its value without understanding what they had. Hence I'm carrying a $9000 camera/lens combo in a ripped Muji satchel:



I rarely come across other photographers but I don't mind a chat with anyone that recognises my Makina 67 or GSW690.

Have you been to any of those places this year? Since the pandemic the mood has changed, poverty and immigration in European cities in a lot higher, I just get a bad vibe these days...

 

[Zorki-6]

As beautiful as the expensive designer or leather bags are I’m afraid they draw too much of the wrong kind of attention. To me they scream come steal me. Not just for that reason but my all time favorite bag for when I don’t need a lot of padding for protection and only carrying around one camera with lens is my decades old Domke F3x. It’s so old I don’t even remember how long I’ve had it.

Ha, nicely parodied.

Billingham is to photography what Rapha is to cycling.

I bought a cheap padded insert with Velcro partitions from Amazon that fits nicely in an old, abused Muji satchel that nobody looks twice at.

I suspect that to some people, a GFX 100S and the grapefruit-sized GF 32-64mm F4 lens are basically pleading to be stolen. "Low-hanging fruit," if you will.

A plain bag won't render an expensive camera disguised without fail. Presumably, at some point the camera is coming out of the bag, and a GFX 100S + 32-64mm draws attention. People make comments about it, at least to me. With this exact camera and lens combination, I overheard a woman suggest to her male companion that I was "paparrazi." I'm not; I was just out taking "fun pics" at a marina here in South FL on the weekend, and I had an inexpensive camera bag with me. Not 15 feet away from "Paparazzi lady", a man saw me taking pics and commented about my camera. Recognizing it (it turned out he is a photographer) he proceeded to excitedly point out to his girlfriend, "That's a $10,000 camera!" I had said nothing about its cost; apparently he was confusing my GFX 100S with the GFX 100. I wish he had been a bit quieter, because "Paparazzi lady" and her male friend and everyone nearby on the dock overheard him, and were more curious than ever and watching us. At that point, whether I had my cheap bag or Billingham with me, the awkwardness would have been the same. I guess a plain, more discrete bag works fine if you never take the camera out of it.

Personally, I'd rather have a quality (strong, weatherproof, and very well padded) bag because I think good gear deserves a good bag, and then keep my eyes and hands on it and its contents at ALL times. Most people may not look closely at plainer bags, but even with just a plain/inexpensive bag, I would never assume that a thief wouldn't be interested in its potential contents. Having a nice bag (Billingham) reminds me without fail that I better keep my hands and eyes on it, lest it disappear. YMMV.

Peter

Exactly what happens with me, I get my GFX or Leica out and there is always somebody that wants a have a look or to hear my thoughts. That draws much more attention then my Billingham bag! Never had the issue with Sony/Nikon/ or Fuji APS-C cameras!

One guy comes up to me "Do you know how much that camera is?" umm yes!

I get the same with my watch!

If you shoot social documentary an awkward exchange with people who need to mind their own business is the least of your worries. I use the bag that looks least like it has a camera in it and the camera stays in the bag in between frames. Also this is Europe so people don't get excited about the monetary value of somebody else's camera or watch, unless they intend to steal it, but in general those people wouldn't be able to tell a GFX and a 4000D apart.

I doubt the young man who wandered past me the other day with a 2 by 4 with nails in the end would have kept walking if I was carrying a Billingham.

I find the people that notice the GFX are usually photographers and have a camera round there neck and I am happy to have a chat with them.

The people that usually notice the Leica look like they want to stab me! the last yob said "Nice camera mate, how much is it"...

To be honest Europe is now becoming unsafe to wear things like good watches and use a nice camera, I never use my Leica now in populated areas.

I generalised a bit there and I think we should both be fair - Europe has some of the safest cities in the world where I wouldn't think twice about walking with a Leica or my 100S. And then there's Barcelona (a city I love, nonetheless).

My work at the moment focuses on deprivation in a post-industrial region of the UK, so unfortunately I regularly encounter people who are simply desperate and who would sell a GFX for a fraction of its value without understanding what they had. Hence I'm carrying a $9000 camera/lens combo in a ripped Muji satchel:



I rarely come across other photographers but I don't mind a chat with anyone that recognises my Makina 67 or GSW690.

Have you been to any of those places this year? Since the pandemic the mood has changed, poverty and immigration in European cities in a lot higher, I just get a bad vibe these days...

That's interesting, maybe countries where there were limited social welfare provisions during lockdown have been affected worse? Where in particular did you feel this?

I've been to a lot of places this year and I didn't sense anything like that, and don't normally associate immigration with a bad vibe. Copenhagen as safe as always, likewise Helsinki, maybe some of the cities in the Ruhrgebiet and Cologne are a little stranger than they used to be. Dortmund has been strange as long as I've know it. I was in Wroclaw for several weeks where there's been an influx of immigration from Belarus and Ukraine but if anything it just made it easier to get an Uber if I needed one. My project there was documenting the Batalion Ortalion (Shellsuit Battalion), NOP and other neo-fascist groups, so there was an edge to some of the encounters but you can always find trouble if you go looking.

I guess what you consider a bad vibe is relative to what you're comfortable with. I live and work in a region in the UK that has some of the highest levels of deprivation and child poverty on the European continent so you can imagine how Copenhagen might be a refreshing change. If I get a really bad vibe I go home and come back with a Ricoh GRIII.

 

[Zorki-6]

If there was ever a camera that would get me back into film photography, a GSW670 or 690 would likely be it. Or maybe a Mamiya 7.
Peter

Both great cameras, the 7/7II more refined than the Fuji and the lenses undoubtedly sharper. I have a subjective preference for the Fujinon glass though, and the clunk of that shutter.

Have you seen the price of a 7II in decent shape? Madness.