Bags, Bags, Bags

Bags, Bags, Bags

   

In the process of moving our offices, one of our helpers accused me of being a serial camera bag polygamist. In an attempt to defend myself against her scurrilous accusations, I counted. I am sorry to report that she may have a point — 32 (empty) camera bags were relocated in our recent move — plus one bag that had all my cameras inside.

Some photographers change cameras as frequently as underwear; I tend to keep cameras for a long, long time (even in the digital age) but change camera bags instead. This is healthy. It's certainly less expensive. As I've thought about this more, I've concluded that I am, actually, justified. Why? I don't change tool boxes frequently — nor desks, nor computer bags, nor brief cases. It's not that I'm a compulsive organization nutcase. The simple answer is that I tend to use my cameras for different types of photography that often require different kinds of cartage.

• An air trip overseas requires one type of bag — I prefer my most frequently trusted Kata bag. Occasionally I use one of my Lowepro Slingbag.
• A driving trip through the desert requires a dust proof case — my old army surplus instrument case works perfectly.
• Working on my feet over at the shipyard (where I could walk to from our old office) required a belt pack. I have Lowepro Toploaders for this use.

• Walking around in Tokyo or China, I found a fanny pack was ideal.
• When I'm driving somewhere to conduct a 3-camera video interview, I use the same cameras I do for everything else, but have found small, independent camera cases best. This way, each camera and its assorted accessories is housed in an identical bag with identical layouts. When it comes time to pack up, it's easy to see that I have everything I arrived with safely tucked away in it allotted spot.

So, upon reflection, I've arrived at a guilt-free zone. In fact, I feel fully justified in going shopping for a new bag for the LensWork Road Show. Fun!

Comments

[Dave Levingston]

I share your addiction to camera bags. But my justification is that I always need another bag because all camera bags fail to do what we want them to do. The perfect bag would provide excellent protection for the gear while at the same time making it quick and easy to locate and remove any individual piece of equipment. And, of course, the bag would weigh next to nothing and have a system for carrying it that would never be uncomfortable or attempt to throw your back out. No bag has ever been able to do all that, so we are constantly searching for the one that will provide a better compromise than the one we have. My Lowepro Fastpack 200 has been my favorite for the past few years, but I'm sure another pretty case will turn my head soon enough.

[Godfrey]

I resist buying bags, yet they come to roost here anyways. I'm down to about a dozen, but there's gear all over the office,so ... AARGH ... Time for another bag to put it in. And so it goes.

[Progress Lighting]

I am no particular in bags, as long as I can keep my camera in good place. If I have the excess money then I will buy bag specially for that.