> I am working on developing my own line of camera bags. My project is > still in its infancy, but I'm working with a designer on some concepts > I've had in my head for a while. I'd love to hear any other ideas you > guys would like to see implemented in a camera bag. > > Amita >
Presumably you think that there is a gap in the market. Can you let us know what the current range of bags don't do that they should, or that yours could do better? I'm intrigued that in such a crowded market you think there's still an opening. Anyway I hope you make millions of bucks. Here, for what it's worth, are my thoughts. I think you need to be absolutely sure about whether the bag is meant for transport or for working out of - the requirements are very different. I tend to use a Pelican case for transport, and a shoulder bag for working from. A transport bag needs good padding, packability etc. whereas a working bag doesn't need padding (except on the base), but it does need ease of use, particularly opening and closing. You shouldn't have to mess around when taking things in and out of a working bag; it's less important for a transport bag. My thoughts below are for a working bag. Canvas is the best material to use. Not only is it durable and water & dust resistant, it is also more comfortable against your body during hot or humid weather. Materials like nylon tend to be very sweaty if you've been carrying them all day. You should be able to open and close all the flaps quickly and easily with one hand. For me the Domke metal clips are perfect for this, and their bags are very good in having only one clip for the main flap. Compare this with, for example, a LowePro S&F bag I have which uses 2 clips for the main flap, and the clips cannot be fastened easily with one hand (although they can be unfastened with one). http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/camera-cases/soft-case/lowepro/PR D_84140_3124crx.aspx I would prefer not to use Velcro for keeping flaps closed - it's too noisy when you tear it apart. This is a failing of most bags, including Domke. It should be easy to secure the bag to a bicycle in a way that it is stable and doesn't unbalance the bike. Ideally it would be possible to use the camera bag as a saddle bag similar to a Carradice, but with a quicker release. It's not necessary for a working bag to be able to hold tons of stuff. You will be carrying it for hours in hot, sweaty conditions, so you will want to keep things light by reducing the amount of stuff you carry. At most 2 bodies with attached lenses (wide & long zooms) with one extra lens, small flash head, light meter, notebook & pen, a small book (eg travel guide or map), a bit of food and perhaps a water bottle attachment. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
