Shoulder bag for one of the new MF cameras

[cunim]

I am starting to feel like my age is exceeding my IQ. Part of that feeling comes from carrying my GFX. It hurts. I like shoulder bags. The bag hangs at hip level, and I just swing it around to the front to extract the camera.

I have backpacks but I just don't use them unless I am planning a longer excursion - which is never these days. My walks last less th an hour.

What I am using now is an old Ape shoulder bag with a Lowepro strap. I try to keep the load down by taking just the mounted lens but, still, that strap starts digging into my shoulder after a few minutes. By the end of the walk, I am thinking more about the pain in my shoulders than about taking pictures. That's just wrong.

Anyone found a carry system that does a better job of distributing weight with MF cameras like the GFX? Don't need cross country capabilities, just a more comfortable local walk tool.

 

[MartinN]

I like my Cullman Maxima Amsterdam very much. It can be had in different sizes, and the big one swallows a whole Hasselblad V kit, but I would probably not take it brim filled for a walk. https://www.cullmann.de/products/amsterdam/amsterdam-maxima-335/
A real bag bargain, I’m a bit sorry for the factory workers producing it.

 

[Doppler9000]

Long ago I bought a Tenba bag that had a wide waist-band, that put the weight on the hips. You can walk with it on your lower back, and spin it to the front to load and unload.

 

[ThdeDude]

Long ago I bought a Tenba bag that had a wide waist-band, that put the weight on the hips. You can walk with it on your lower back, and spin it to the front to load and unload.

Waist pack? My experience has been that a waist bag works very well if camera gear is below ten pounds.

 

[Doppler9000]

Technically a waist pack, but more like a shoulder bag with a wide, deployable belt.

 

[ThdeDude]

Sounds interesting. If I may ask, what is the model number. Any photos (but only if you you already have them easily accessible).

 

[Doppler9000]

No idea on the model - it is 20+ years old. I will see if I can find it and take a snap.

 

[Pieter 12]

I use a number of bags, including backpacks. My go-to everyday bag is a ThinkTank Retrospective in a variety of sizes, depending on the camera. They have a nice wide shoulder strap and pad and sometimes I will carry the bag with the strap across my chest instead of hanging from my shoulder. That seems to relieve some of the pain when carrying heavy equipment for long stretches, although a backpack works better for that albeit less accessible. Recently I picked up a second-hand jogging baby stroller to put a camera bag in and will try that and see if it works for me. I have a couple of roller bags, but I worry about the equipment being jostled over uneven pavement and ground.

 

[Doppler9000]

Sounds interesting. If I may ask, what is the model number. Any photos (but only if you you already have them easily accessible).

This Tenba is on eBay. Slightly smaller than my old bag but has the same belt. It is a “P” series bag, this one is a P246.

 

[JaapD]

One more suggestion towards ThinkTank Retrospective. Very comfortable to carry around, opening the top and taking your camera in and out. While walking around you’ll maintain a relatively low profile, not screaming ‘steal me’ from a distance.

Cheers!

 

[cunim]

Thanks to all respondents. I am coming to the conclusion that the bag doesn't really matter. It's the straps. I'll dig out my old Billingham messenger bag and try that with the Fuji, but I think I will need something with a waist strap to take some of the weight off of my shoulder. The Think Tank looks great, but no waist strap. I envoy those of you who can just go into a large camera retailer and try things on. Nothing like that here.

 

[abruzzi]

I mostly use Domke bags for my camera gear. Domke also sells a US Post Office Shoulder Pad. For me it really helps. When you have a bag slung across your shoulder, because of the angle of the strap, one edge digs into your shoulder more than the other edge. The postal shoulder pad is wedge shaped so it evens out pressure on my shoulder.

 

[darr]

I mostly use Domke bags for my camera gear. Domke also sells a US Post Office Shoulder Pad. For me it really helps. When you have a bag slung across your shoulder, because of the angle of the strap, one edge digs into your shoulder more than the other edge. The postal shoulder pad is wedge shaped so it evens out pressure on my shoulder.

I have used the Domke US Post Office Shoulder Pad with a Domke strap and bag holding my 6x17 film camera. It works great for carrying a heavy load.

 

[GeorgeBo]

I use the WANDRD Gear 9L Sling for a comfortable more secure crossbody carry. The 6L version is too small in my opinion. You can still swing it around to get your gear out and could carry on the shoulder as well. Has two configurable dividers to allow for up to 3 spaces. I can carry my GFX100 II with the GF50/3.5 mounted (as shown below), the GF20-35 (right hand section below) in one section and an adapted medium format lens (Nikkor 75mm medium format on the left side) in the other (though that does get a little heavy). It has a couple other compartments for things like filters, batteries, release cables, etc. I can then strap my travel tripod on the case too if I like. If I require more or going for a really long remote hike, I revert to a backpack.

ROGUE 9L Sling in Black

The ROGUE 9L Sling is a beautiful and innovative camera-slash-everyday bag built for those that want their cake and want to eat it too. It may look small, but this baby can carry everything you need for a full day of shooting, working, snacking, and all-around butt-kicking. Oh yeah, and it can...

www.wandrd.com

 

[f6cvalkyrie]

Many, many years ago, when I was in the Army, I had to carry heavy backpacks or radiosets or both ... to protect my shoulders, I put a small soft towel under the upper layer of clothing ...
It really helped a lot !!!

 

[cunim]

I have ordered the Domke shoulder pad. I have a Domke shoulder bag here, that I will try with the pad. Looks promising. That Wandrd thing also looks interesting,. I will try one out when I can find one in a shop.

I am looking at seven bags strewn about my floor. Would be great if the should pad worked with some of them.

 

[Pieter 12]

If the strap on your bag is removable and if it fits, OP/TECH makes a nice replacement strap (called SOS--Saves On Shoulders) with the same sort of foam and elastic as their camera straps. I have used the camera straps for pretty much all my cameras for many years now, and they hold up well and are quite comfortable with heavy cameras.

 

[cunim]

I have now tested the Domke shoulder pad with my Domke messenger bag and the GFX100 with the 110 mounted. Total wight is 4.2 kg (bag, strap/pad, GFX100 II, GF110) The pad is wonderful in that it distributes weight evenly over your shoulder muscles. No more digging in at pressure points. That's a keeper.

Sadly, it's the weight that matters more than how it is distributed. At least it is with my old muscles. My shoulder still hurts after a short time. Back to looking for a bag with a waist strap, to use with the padded shoulder strap.

 

[Pieter 12]

Try carrying the bag with the strap across your chest rather than hanging from your shoulder.

 

[epforever]

Yep -- carry it crossbody. Also, tip from a Magnum photographer: carry your gear in two bags, one hung crossbody from each shoulder. This makes each bag lighter (less gear), and the weight is balanced. Makes a big difference.