Topic: backpack for Mamiya 645Af (Read 6747 times)

Blad645 · « **on:** March 14, 2009, 08:07:35 am »

Greetings. being mostly a studio shooter, excuse my ignorance, but. can someone please recommend a mediun to smallish daypack for a Mamiya 645AFD 2 with a PhaseOne back, few lens, meter and the usual extras. Most of the manfacture's web sites have their packs loaded with SLR gear and most seem extremly too large for day trips. A laptop option may be nice. Thanks in advance... oh, I do not like the sling type packs... at least not for MF gear.
Andy

nairb · « **Reply #1 on:** March 14, 2009, 12:42:53 pm »

Check out fstopgear

Their new tilopa (45L) and Satori (65L) should be available next month and will have new, deeper camera compartments (removable and several different sizes). They also have the smaller (35L) Lotus. Not sure if that one will have the deeper icu's in april though.

I've not used medium format, but your camera should fit according to the specs on Mamiyas site.

Brian

amsp · « **Reply #2 on:** March 14, 2009, 02:09:32 pm »

Lowepro's CompuTrekker backpacks are nice.
http://products.lowepro.com/catalog/Notebook-Camera,16.htm

Guy Mancuso · « **Reply #3 on:** March 14, 2009, 02:24:56 pm »

Just got a Think Tank Streetwalker Pro. I can fit a 28mm, 35,55,80 on body, 150 2.8 BIG, Metz , Batteries all in the main section. Than all the junk in outside pockets . Nicest bag yet for my MF system

amsp · « **Reply #4 on:** March 14, 2009, 03:19:40 pm »

Quote from: Guy Mancuso

Just got a Think Tank Streetwalker Pro. I can fit a 28mm, 35,55,80 on body, 150 2.8 BIG, Metz , Batteries all in the main section. Than all the junk in outside pockets . Nicest bag yet for my MF system

The Shapeshifter looks very interesting.

MarkKay · « **Reply #5 on:** March 14, 2009, 03:36:41 pm »

The tilopa looks interesting. I have been using an F64 large backpack for my Hasselblad H3DII. These packs are made for MF. They also have an extra large version for large format. I can carry it with a 50-110, 210mm, 28mm HC, 1.7xTC, and various other accessories including flash, CF cards, and extension tubes. The thing i like about the F64 are the outside pouches which can be added or removed as needed. I tend to keep my water bottle in the top when hiking. I am not that tall and have tried a lot of backpacks but this is most comfortable and light. The tilopa looks like it might have a bit better support and it is also light. I am wondering if I could carry the same amount of gear in that bag compared to the F64.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/9169...#specifications

Quote from: nairb

Check out fstopgear

Their new tilopa (45L) and Satori (65L) should be available next month and will have new, deeper camera compartments (removable and several different sizes). They also have the smaller (35L) Lotus. Not sure if that one will have the deeper icu's in april though.

I've not used medium format, but your camera should fit according to the specs on Mamiyas site.

Brian

nairb · « **Reply #6 on:** March 14, 2009, 04:53:08 pm »

Not being familiar with the size of medium format equipment I'm not sure how much you could fit. I've ordered a Satori which comes with the extra large ICU (7.5” Deep x 11” Wide x 19” Tall) and I'm expecting it will hold my 200-400 f4 with a d300 with grip attached on occasion. That should take up the middle pretty well, then there should still be plenty of room down the sides for another body and several lenses. Then it still has space for food, jackets, etc. outside of the ICU.

We'll see, it will hopefully get to me in April.

That f64 bag sure doesn't look as though it would carry very well.

Having done a lot of off trail hiking I don't like having a lot of stuff hanging off the pack. That's why I'm drawn to these bags, because they seem to have designed a backpack for hiking with a heavy load first and then designed it to carry a lot of camera gear. It also opens from the rear so you can put it down and it keeps the suspension off the ground.

Brian

hubell · « **Reply #7 on:** March 14, 2009, 07:03:03 pm »

Another new set of bags to look at is from a company called Clik Elite. www.clikelite.com. The Pro Elite looks interesting. I have never found a backpack designed to hold camera equipment that is also a light, truly technical backpack. I have a bunch of Lowe Pro bags and they just don't cut for hiking more than 500 ft. from my car. The fstopgear bags seem to be worth a look. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has used the tilopa.

nairb · « **Reply #8 on:** March 14, 2009, 07:29:59 pm »

There's a review on www.cambags.com for the Tilopa

Brian

http://www.flickr.com/photos/13818761@N07/

MarkKay · « **Reply #9 on:** March 30, 2009, 02:53:08 am »

Has anyone used one of the shapeshifter's with MF gear?

Quote from: amsp

The Shapeshifter looks very interesting.

Graham Mitchell · « **Reply #10 on:** March 30, 2009, 03:20:56 am »

I use a Kata HB 207. Could be overkill, depending on your needs.

http://www.kata-bags.com/product.asp?Versi...to&p_Id=273

MarkKay · « **Reply #11 on:** March 31, 2009, 04:51:52 pm »

I ended up going with the thinktank acceleration v2.0. I looked into Kata but the basal weight of those bags turned me off. I also looked into Andy Biggs and his bag. It is quite pricey but most importantly they are out of stock for a few months. THe thinktank has the best option for laptops. I would have loved the streetwalker harddrive if it were just a tad bigger.

Quote from: foto-z

I use a Kata HB 207. Could be overkill, depending on your needs.

http://www.kata-bags.com/product.asp?Versi...to&p_Id=273

Anders_HK · « **Reply #12 on:** March 31, 2009, 10:27:35 pm »

Quote from: Blad645

Greetings. being mostly a studio shooter, excuse my ignorance, but. can someone please recommend a mediun to smallish daypack for a Mamiya 645AFD 2 with a PhaseOne back, few lens, meter and the usual extras. Most of the manfacture's web sites have their packs loaded with SLR gear and most seem extremly too large for day trips. A laptop option may be nice. Thanks in advance... oh, I do not like the sling type packs... at least not for MF gear.
Andy

Andy,

I shoot primarily mediumformat; 645AFDIII+Leaf, Mamiya 7, but recent also 4x5 with Shen Hao TFC45-IIB. Following is how I carry my gear - worldwide.

For backpack I still use my Tenba PBP which is larger than what you seek and is regrettably not made anymore. I have had mine for six years now and it is in my opinion by far the best photobackpack ever made. I use it on travels worldwide, hiking etc, been with it through Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, many long travels. Without it I would be unable to carry as much gear I do - and comfortably (I had back problems in past, none with the PBP).

Above is to let you know where I come from. Now, for day carry around town etc, I very recent bought the Tenba Messenger Bag. I find it no less exceptional than my Tenba PBP. However, I do not say because it is a Tenba, since I have not found the newer Tenba backpack to measure up to my expectations. For just my 645 with a lens I use a Kenesis lens pouch type shoulder bag, or simply a wrap in a conventional backpack.

What makes both the Tenba Messenger bag (large) and my Tenba PBP exceptional is that they are comfortable, easy to carry lots of gear in, flexible, easy to get gear out and light weight. I know you asked for a backpack, but do check out the Tenba Messanger (large). There is video on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw10VY5xzgU

Regards
Anders

MarkKay · « **Reply #13 on:** April 01, 2009, 12:27:18 am »

I still have a Tenba Messenger but honestly it is roomy and can carry a lot of gear but not very comfortable

Quote from: Anders_HK

Andy,

I shoot primarily mediumformat; 645AFDIII+Leaf, Mamiya 7, but recent also 4x5 with Shen Hao TFC45-IIB. Following is how I carry my gear - worldwide.

For backpack I still use my Tenba PBP which is larger than what you seek and is regrettably not made anymore. I have had mine for six years now and it is in my opinion by far the best photobackpack ever made. I use it on travels worldwide, hiking etc, been with it through Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, many long travels. Without it I would be unable to carry as much gear I do - and comfortably (I had back problems in past, none with the PBP).

Above is to let you know where I come from. Now, for day carry around town etc, I very recent bought the Tenba Messenger Bag. I find it no less exceptional than my Tenba PBP. However, I do not say because it is a Tenba, since I have not found the newer Tenba backpack to measure up to my expectations. For just my 645 with a lens I use a Kenesis lens pouch type shoulder bag, or simply a wrap in a conventional backpack.

What makes both the Tenba Messenger bag (large) and my Tenba PBP exceptional is that they are comfortable, easy to carry lots of gear in, flexible, easy to get gear out and light weight. I know you asked for a backpack, but do check out the Tenba Messanger (large). There is video on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw10VY5xzgU

Regards
Anders

Anders_HK · « **Reply #14 on:** April 02, 2009, 10:26:35 am »

Quote from: MarkKay

I still have a Tenba Messenger but honestly it is roomy and can carry a lot of gear but not very comfortable

It is healthy with difference in opinions and experiences. The Tenba Messenger Bag (large) is no less exceptional to myself including comfort than my old Tenba PBP which I wrote of in post #11 @ http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index....c=20357&hl=. Also seem same built to last forever. It is scarce to find such gear.

If possible, try some alternatives with gear in and compare to see which match best. A backpack is best for carrying on hiking and long walks. A messenger bag or similar aid in hot climates by that not stuck to body and can toss from shoulder to shoulder.

Anders

Author Topic: backpack for Mamiya 645Af (Read 6747 times)