Looking for a small shoulder bag for two tiny cameras

[robrex]

Hey everyone, I'm looking for some bag suggestions.

Here’s my setup: I’m not a pro photographer, just a hobbyist dad in Orlando. Because of that, most of my shooting happens at theme parks: Disney, Universal, etc. Basically, I’m chasing a toddler around and grabbing whatever weird, fun, or sentimental stuff I can shoot in the moment.

Even though I have other equipment, I usually carry two cameras to the parks: a Pentax Q with an extra lens and a spare battery, and a Pentax Auto 110 with an extra lens and a couple extra cartridges. Why those? Because they’re tiny. They fit in the stroller’s parent console alongside a power bank, snacks, and whatever toy my kid insists on bringing that day.

But: the stroller’s on borrowed time. Kiddo’s walking a lot more and his naps are getting shorter. So I’m gonna need a small shoulder bag to carry my gear instead.

Here’s what I’m looking for:

• Something small. The cameras are tiny, I don’t need a whole camera cube
• Ideally shoulder/sling style
• Doesn’t scream “STEAL ME, I HAVE CAMERA STUFF”
• Bonus if it looks more like a beat-up satchel than a tactical tech bag

I was originally planning to just hit Goodwill and see what showed up, but figured I’d ask here first. Any suggestions for low-key bags that might fit this setup? Military surplus, thrift finds, weird brands, whatever. I'm open.

Thanks in advance.

 

[snowbear]

Hey everyone, I'm looking for some bag suggestions.

Here’s my setup: I’m not a pro photographer, just a hobbyist dad in Orlando. Because of that, most of my shooting happens at theme parks: Disney, Universal, etc. Basically, I’m chasing a toddler around and grabbing whatever weird, fun, or sentimental stuff I can shoot in the moment.

Even though I have other equipment, I usually carry two cameras to the parks: a Pentax Q with an extra lens and a spare battery, and a Pentax Auto 110 with an extra lens and a couple extra cartridges. Why those? Because they’re tiny. They fit in the stroller’s parent console alongside a power bank, snacks, and whatever toy my kid insists on bringing that day.

But: the stroller’s on borrowed time. Kiddo’s walking a lot more and his naps are getting shorter. So I’m gonna need a small shoulder bag to carry my gear instead.

Here’s what I’m looking for:

• Something small. The cameras are tiny, I don’t need a whole camera cube
• Ideally shoulder/sling style
• Doesn’t scream “STEAL ME, I HAVE CAMERA STUFF”
• Bonus if it looks more like a beat-up satchel than a tactical tech bag

I was originally planning to just hit Goodwill and see what showed up, but figured I’d ask here first. Any suggestions for low-key bags that might fit this setup? Military surplus, thrift finds, weird brands, whatever. I'm open.

Thanks in advance.

Welcome aboard.

You don't mention a buget, but take a look at the shoulder bags at Think Tank Photo. Not real cheap but the smaller one might work fior you. I have no experience with the line but they seem decent. A search on Amazon might bring some other ideas. For my "regular" luggage, I just have a 2-day backpack (Molle / military style) and attach a first aid kit (I always do something to myself when travelling). The backpack companies generally have additional pouches ofvarious sizes, that may work. Some have shoulder straps. You'll probably be limited to olive green, black, dessert tan, or camo, but they are generally very useful. My bag is Orca, but Condor Outdoor seems to be a popular brands. 5.11 Tactical is known in public safety circles for gear.

 

[cgw]

Peak Design also makes nice, low-key bags for small gear. Not cheap but well-made.

 

[PhotoHobbyist]

I've got three sizes, all from Goodwill over a period of a year or two. None cost more than $5; large Canon bag, medium Nikon bag, and a small Tamrac. I bought three because it is rare to see one at Goodwill so had to buy them when I saw them. I used to store my point-n-shoot in a sock. It protects the camera and no one would think something of value is in it.

 

[petrochemist]

My Pentax Q kit lives in an old camera shoulder bag I found in a charity shop (Goodwill in the US I believe). Room for both the Q & the Q-S1, along with 5 Q-mount lenses, & at least one adapted SLR lens.

All together I must have at least half a dozen bags of this sort of size (about 12"x6"x6") None have been expensive & all were originally quite usable ( the lining on one has given up during the years I used it.

If you have a comprehensive set of lenses for both the Q & the Auto 110, then you might want to add some extra dividers/padding or some small lens pouches, but all would still fit! Just one extra lens each would be a doddle. Films & batteries typically fit in outer pockets anyway.

 

[Don Fischer]

I would guess if you need a bag to haul around a couple very small cameras and couple extra battery's your simply hauling to much with you and neither camera get's the job done for you. I used to carry P&S's bird hunting, out training my dog's and to field trials. Several different P&S's I tried took good photo's but to short a life span! Six or Seven months ago I was out of a P&S and back to carrying my DSLR. Well saw an ad for that ZS 100 Panasonic and gave it a try. Got it used with a carry case and extra battery. Got help setting it up so I had some idea what I was doing, re-set the thing back to the way it came from the factory. All that other good stuff pretty much wasted on me, I only shoot it on "P" mode and beautiful! Fits into a small pouch that hangs on my belt; 2"x3"x4 3/4", goes everywhere with me! I carry an extra battery and memory card and they take up very little room in my pocket. On the down side it did cost somewhat more money but it lives and it's more than worth it. Oh yea, has a 25-250 leica lens! I see where Canon and Nikon also have a couple higher end P&S's but run around the same price. I was afraid to try them as I had bad luck with the less expensive both Nikon and Canon P&S's. I get to feeling rich and I'm going to try out both. Love Nikon cameras and Canon printer's!

 

[robrex]

Thanks everyone for your recommendations. I checked out two thrift stores today, and other than a cheap Canonet 28 that tempted me until I looked at the lens, I found nothing that I wanted or needed.

However I think I may have found a solution locally: a second hand Hex Ranger Mini Sling popped up on marketplace down the street from my house for very cheap. I'm going to check it out tomorrow.

 

[Jeff15]

Amazon have lots of camera bags

 

[Ozzie_Traveller]

Hi Rob

If it were me, I'd pop into any local chain store and see what can be bought for $20 max - and settle for that
Hope this helps
Phil

 

[Don Fischer]

Thanks everyone for your recommendations. I checked out two thrift stores today, and other than a cheap Canonet 28 that tempted me until I looked at the lens, I found nothing that I wanted or needed.

However I think I may have found a solution locally: a second hand Hex Ranger Mini Sling popped up on marketplace down the street from my house for very cheap. I'm going to check it out tomorrow.

Better check it before that if your serious. Last year at a local small town thrift sale I found an ABU 5000 for $40 but didn't have the cash on me to buy it right then. Figured I'd go home get the money and come back the next day. Surprise. The guy that had it left the night I saw the reel! I should have swiped it, he didn't have a clue what he had there! If it's a good deal for you, do it ASAP!

 

[robrex]

Better check it before that if your serious. Last year at a local small town thrift sale I found an ABU 5000 for $40 but didn't have the cash on me to buy it right then. Figured I'd go home get the money and come back the next day. Surprise. The guy that had it left the night I saw the reel! I should have swiped it, he didn't have a clue what he had there! If it's a good deal for you, do it ASAP!

I went back, it's listed for $35. It winds and fires, but the lens had both fungus and oil, so it's not worth it to me.