Who needs Domke? My new bag

HeldDown

So I had this thought. Domke and Lowe both were unhappy with current bags available, so they made their own. Why can't I do the same...?

I did.

This all started with a military surplus rucksuck I found for a few dollars. It had no straps, nothing inside of it -- was just a burlap bag, essentially. But it was big -- almost as big as Crumpler's December Quarter, which I've been ogling. So the thought process began... and here's the finished product, 2 afternoons of work later.

It starts with the modular, padded inserts. Powder-blue taffeta, with closed cell upholstry foam (1/2") and 3/16" foamcore inserts. Each insert (there are 2) Is capable of holding either two very large pieces of gear (24-70L or a 580ex would fit comfortably in each of the two compartments.) The compartments are stacked, and seperated by a matching foam and foamcore velcro insert, which I forgot to photograph independantly.


Did I forget to mention that not only does each insert have a velcro'd lid, so nothing can fall out, but the lid flap is a pocket for gack as well?


Here's a shot of the inside of the insert, with the seperator removed. Note: It's large enough to fit my 350D with 80-200 2.8L attached, and still have the lid close.


Here's one of the inserts in the bag:


And the other (in case you don't believe me about the drainpipe fitting, look how the other insert has SWALLOWED it)


Here's both inserts closed up:


The bag has a ballistic nylon handle, for convenient lifting...


As well as a quick release buckle on the 3" nylon seatbelt webbing (Same brand as Lowepro uses) and a closed-loop length adjustment (not shown.)


The closures on the front of the bag are genius: typical military sliding friction buckles, which I adore:


The bottom of the bag has two loops to accomodate a tri/monopod (using bungee cord, not installed yet.)


And here's the finished product. Total cost: Around $30 cdn.


I feel very Domke-ish!

Hope you enjoyed the tour!

EDIT: (Ps... my laptop fits behind the inserts in its own storebought sleeve )

Scott_Quier

Looks like you still have room for the kitchen sink in there somewhere and unlike most DIY projects, this really looks good too! Well done!

saurora

Hey, that came out really swell! And it doesn't look like a "camera bag". The only thing I would add is some Scotchguard spray to keep it from soiling. Good job!!!

ian408

ya done good!

SpeshulEd

thats a nice looking bag!

Bakat

And your selling these for how much?

I'll also need a compartment for my keys, cell phone and wallet...

Seriously though... Great bag. Did you make the inserts too?


That is too cool! I'll have to post a pic of my latest camera bag. $3 yard sale diaper bag, holds EVERYTHING I need.

:lolPlus it's black with pastel polka dots all over it.


Kat

HeldDown

Thanks for the comments everyone! Too bad Scott and I have been busy working all week, so I haven't gotten to take the bag out on a test run.

Kat, I made everything you see except the actually beige bag. Everything that's not beige, I made from scratch.