There seems to be a fair amount of folks here that carry an SLR camera around with them all the time. You guys post some amazing pictures! I think I'm getting a digital SLR for my birthday in a few weeks and need a little advice.

How do you carry it? Just toss it in the mess bag or backpack? A camera bag inside the mess bag? I want to be able to take it with me but don't want the camera bag taking up a lot of space. Any suggestions?

On two recient trips I put in a "fanny" pack.
Joe

i normally just dump my camera[s] in my bag.

beware though: i broke a couple of plastic zoom lenses like this. since then i got a couple of prime lenses and haven't had a problem since. [just remember to keep a lense cap and a UV filter on the lense at all time. they're cheaper than new lenses]

otherwise, you could get some replacement foam for a flightcase [should be available from any decent photo/audio/electronics store for about £10] and cut it to fit one of the pockets of your bag.

[edit]
oh yeah: always remember to close your bag before swinging it over your shoulder.

d'oh!
[/edit]

fsnl
sparky

wool sock

recently I started carrying a SLR body with grip and my 24-105 in a small pelican-case, tucked neatly into my mess bag. It's not fast, as you have to assemble the camera and take it out of both the case and the bag, but it has been well worth it for a little piece of mind.

thats what i am thinking about. pelicans cases are hardcore!

Domke velcro wraps. Best. Thing. Ever. Padded with a smooth interior, come in a variety of sizes...

my camera has an all brass body, so all i need is the lens cap when i throw it into my messenger bag.

Get a Domke insert.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

I carry all my cameras, although admittedly they are not SLRs, in one and stick it in whatever bag I'm using. They are just open squares made of nylon with padding in the sides and some velcro on them to be used in Domke's photo bags to organize things. However they work fine on their own. I have a single pocket inset, but you can get them with different arrangements of pockets and different heights. The only problem is that they are not padded on the bottom which is easily solved by cutting a mouse pad to fit and sticking it in there. The advantage of the insert is that you can grab your camera quickly and actually use it.

The single pocket one is very versitile. I've used it for a Rolleicord, a Leica, a Mamiya 6 and a Pentax MX (that one is a SLR). The all fit and the weight of the camera keeps them from falling out so the fact that they don't have any top really isn't a problem. You can also easily stick them in a suitcase or backpack when traveling.

nightfly what kind of Leica do you have?

I learn more in this forum than any other forum. Seriously.

An M4-P. Just picked it up used. After years of avoiding them due to the "mystique" that drove prices unreasonably high, I succumed. And yes, I love it. It's not 4 times "better" than a humble Pentax MX but there is something to it and it works. It feels right and the lenses are pretty great and super small. Makes the whole thing feel smaller. The most intuitive camera I've had. I think older mechanical cameras and fixed gears probably have something in common. The desire for well built things stripped down to the point where nothing more can be taken away.

Last three images on my photoblog were shot with it:

https://provoke.mediumstudios.com/

i bought a point and shoot specifically for bringing around in my bag with me. this way i keep the expensive cameras at home, not being tossed around in my bag.

Think Tank makes the best photo gear in the game:
https://www.thinktankphoto.com/

Used and endorsed by the best photogs in the game. I personally used the "Pro Modulus Speed Set" when I was a pro sports photographer. Very high quality stuff.

My portfoilio

https://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_products.html

I might suggest the "Speed Freak" for you. It's designed to let you get your camera out quickly without taking the pack off:
https://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_SpdFrk.php

I carry one of these most days - a Lowepro Topload Zoom Mini -- fits my Nikon with a 18-70mm lens or a 50mm prime. I basically use it as is or put it in my bag. I wanted something minimal, light and yet worked if I wanted to use a bag off the bike as well. It'll only fit your camera with a lense on and you'd have to carry spare lenses separately but when I'm riding, I only bring one lense with me anyway.

+1 on everything you said about your Lowepro. Mine's a TLZ 1.

do you have leitz lenses?

Lowepro is where its at. I use the same one as absntr.

Fixie_Rider 99: One Leitz, a 35mm summicron and one Cosina Voightlander, the 28 3.5. I originally bought it with a 40mm Summicron C but I didn't like the focal length though the image quality was very nice.

With regard to the original poster if you want a seperate bag, look into the Domkes. Very nice, they don't scream I've got an expensive camera and last a long time. I've got a black canvas F-3X that I'd sell if anyone is interested (PM me). I've switched to just using the insert in whatever bag I have with me.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...list&sku=15986

the summicron is a decent lens for the leica range, but that cosina is really slow.

Pentax K1000, prime lens, sock over lens, in my bag.
If I had something less bombproof I would get one
of those fanny pack things.

I leave it at home and roll with photographers

I need to look into these...

I would def have a M-7 if I didnt spend all my money on bikes.

Slow but sharp, contrasty, well built and about $500 less brand new than a used Leitz 28mm 2.8 that's only a stop faster. Most of my stuff is street photography during daylight hours. If I need faster, I can shoot faster film, push it or grab my f2 summicron and sacrifice the wide angle. The super fast Leitz stuff is for professional photographers whose work can pay for it and rich dentists.