Messenger bag mods?

SunnyHours · May 6, 2011

I'm on the market for a Camera bag to go with my upcoming camera purchase. I will keep a max of lenses and a flash with me along with the D7000. I never leave home without my camera equipement, a hoodie (or whatever weather protection might be needed) and a water bottle or camelbak backpack.
Here are the ones I'm contemplating:

Crumpler 6 Million $ Home (Look is OK, price is cheap, weatherproof)
Domke F2 RuggedWear Waxwear coated (I like the look and size, expensive though and no separate pocket for clothes or a pouch for water bottle...Also no standard setup for camera and lens attached)
Kata 3N1 serie (Hate the look and says STEAL ME...not waterproof)
Billingham Hadley Pro (same thing as with the Domke but bit more expensive although classier look...)

Any customization that could be done or would it just simply fit?
Mostly interested in the Domke and Billingham...only downside I've never seen them in person so I have an idea of the size but I'm not sure...
Thanks,
SunnyHours.

TwiceTown · May 6, 2011

You should check them out in person before buying. It makes all of the difference in the world. And take your gear with you. I'm sure they'll let you try for fit. If you like a bag that's not waterproof, you can always apply DWR yourself. Or you can get a rain cover. Many bags already have those and it beats just DWR since it better covers the entire bag, cracks and all. Most messenger bags can let water in from the sides. I have a Think Tank Retro 10 for work. It's excellent and it doesn't look like a photo bag. I've seen the Cumpler and its pretty nice.

SunnyHours · May 6, 2011

Yeah but for some idiotic reason (price reason I don't know...), where I live, I can't find a store that carries them (Billingham and Domke). And it's not really about weatherproof it's really more about space and protection.
What's the protection like in the Billingham vs the Domke?
Thanks.

TwiceTown · May 7, 2011

Most photojournos used to carry Domke bags. No as much anymore. A lot of them use packs now. They're nice rugged bags but not particularly well padded. Kind of basic and classic. Double-stitched. I've never checked out the Billingham. That always seemed more luxury-oriented and something you'd carry your Leica Rangefinder in. Domke is more of a working bag.

usayit · May 7, 2011

You have a list at a very wide range of prices and mentioned "expensive" twice. The easiest way to narrow down your choice would be to figure out a budget.... its always the first step I take.

Why not consider the typical ballistic nylon LowePro "AW" something? They resist the elements and have a rain hood you can quickly flip over the bag for downpours. From what I can tell, its in the middle of the pack in terms of price. I had a 400AW stealth reporter and a slingbag that served me very well. You can't beat ballistic nylon in terms of durability.

No bag is waterproof.. Look for Pelican cases if you truly need waterproof. The Billinghams do very well in the rain. There is a "waterproof" membrane in between the outer and inner canvas. I'm not surprised you can't find Billinghams bags locally, they are extremely difficult to find in person outside the UK. Mine came from a dealer in NYC. The canvas is of higher quality and tighter stitching than the Domke bags. My Domke hasn't been in a downpour but on visual, I can't see it being as water-resistant as the Billingham although there are many people who have reported getting caught in downpours with them with no problems. Some have recommended spraying a bit of scotchguard water repellant stuff (they are made for shoes I believe) will help. I can't comment on the size because I have the middle size of the Hadley's... I've never seen the "pro" version. Also note that Domke bags often come in two versions: canvas and ballistic nylon. Not sure, but the nylon one maybe a bit more resistant.

The Domke F2 is no doubt a bit larger than the Hadley series. My guess its going to be too small. Redirect | Billingham shows that they larger bags in better configurations for your equipment.

The other option, which I found the most useful for daily use, is to find any bag that fits your every day needs. Then use an insert or "module" to protect the camera inside. Two of my other most used bags are a smaller commuter bag from Fossil and a messenger I found with a rubber inner lining. I use inserts for both. In NYC, messenger bags are common and TimBuk2, well known for messenger bags, also make a version that look like the rest of the line but designed for cameras.

Due to price, Billinghams are often seen as a "luxury" item. I assure you they are definitely designed to be as durable as the Domke classics... with higher quality materials; (3 layers, Canvas-membrane-canvas and leather tubing). Most people change their viewpoint when they actually see one in person and others have never even seen one.

If you seek Luxury, you should consider bags from Fogg....

usayit · May 7, 2011

Oh one more thing you can look into...

I would also consider ThinkTank. They have a good reputation with journalists in all sorts of weather and have recently started a line of bags that are less "millitary" looking:

Retrospective

NOTE: I have never seen one in person. I just heard about it a few days ago.

SunnyHours · May 7, 2011

usayit, would you say that the Domke doesn't have sufficient padding or just that you still need to protect your bag from bumping into things too hard?
I really appreciate the input Thanks!

usayit · May 8, 2011

SunnyHours said:
usayit, would you say that the Domke doesn't have sufficient padding or just that you still need to protect your bag from bumping into things too hard?
I really appreciate the input Thanks!

Domke inserts offer protection for your equipment but are just "adequate" in my opinon. They'll protect but I was a little disappointed in their insert's design and quality.

chris · May 8, 2011

I had a Billingham bag, 235 i think, for several years (until it was stolen). They may look like luxury items but I can assure you that they are extremely hard wearing and waterproof. I remember seeing a test in a photo magazine some years ago where they attacked several makes of bag with a disc grinder - the Billingham was one that survived this treatment virtually intact, though no longer in pristine condition. Also, in drop tests it provided excellent protection to the contents.