Today’s Post by Joe Farace
When a photographer leaves the safety and security of the studio, office or home and goes on location, they need to start packing. You’re going to need tough dependable bags and cases that are up to the job. Whatever bag or case you choose has to protect your gear but what else do you need? And how do you find that perfect camera bag.
The perfect bags must let you get set up fast. That kind of preparation begins before arriving at the shoot. It’s critical that you can easily and conveniently get to everything inside the case. Just as importantly is its capacity. Some photographers have a habit of overloading cases, so don’t forget, you have to be able to pick it up. Don’t overload it. (there’s an old photographer’s adage that we all have bad feet or bad backs. I have the feet but overloaded bags are the reason some shooters have bad backs,) That’s why consideration must be given to how much weight each bag can carry, which brings me to…
- Comfort. A perfect camera the bag is comfortable after it’s been packed. Ergonomic carrying options, such as shoulder pads for straps or a waist strap attachment can reduce the fatigue of carrying a lot of equipment. The most overlooked feature is the shoulder strap. Many are designed to look good but how well do they stay on your shoulder when the case is loaded?
- Organization. How many different ways can your case be configured? Because every shoot is different a photographer should be able to move all of the dividers inside the case to customize the interior for the equipment needed for a shoot. You can never be too organized for a location shoot.
- Durability. Some location photographers and/or their assistants can be hard on their cases, which is why construction quality matters.
- Details. The final decision to select a particular case may boil down to the finishing details.
My choice for carrying my Canon A-series film cameras and lenses was a black Domke F-2 Original Shoulder Bag. It’s designed to carry one or two cameras with several lenses and accessories. I’m a shoulder bag aficionado, but I realize other prefer backpacks. It’s always your call.
My new but classic bag is not much different than my first one that I purchase in 19788. It’s constructed of tough, breathable, and water-resistant canvas that’s made to closely hug a shooter’s hip. It has a great space-to-size ratio with Adjustable closures on the main flap allowing you to close easily even the most “overstuffed” bag—if that’s your style.. The bag features a removable padded bottom, military-spec hardware, webbing and adjustable closures. There are six compartments including a four compartment padded and removable insert and lots of pockets including two side pockets and two front pockets as well as a rear pocket for maps and papers including owner’s manuals. There are two O-rings on its back for attaching optional ($24.90) backpack strap/ A non-slip Gripper Strap runs completely around the bag. Also included is a removable hand-carrying strap. And all Domke bags are made in the USA.
If you would like to send a roll of film for me to review or other stuff for these posts and my videos you can mail it to: Joe Farace, PO BOX 2081, PARKER, CO 80134