Bare Bones Bag

Way · 11-19-2008

Anyone looking for a really great shoulder bag for a rangefinder setup, check out the Bare Bones Bag designed by phtographer Stephen Schaub. Link is here.

Mine came in the mail a couple of days ago and it is now my go to bag. I'm still keeping the Domke F_X5B and my wife wants the Lowepro Terraclime. Look for my other bags in the classifieds soon!

The BBB is a soft, none padded (except for a bit on the bottom) cordura shoulder bag that doesn't look like a camera bag. Looks like a small messenger bag. Very light and comfortable, and it has a carrying handle which, to me, makes a world of difference in portability and confort. Besides the large main compartment, there are SIX smaller pockets that are wide and deep enough to carry a RF with small lens, lenses (90 cron fits no problem), my folding cameras, filters, meter, whatever. This keeps your equipment separate and organized. The pockets are arranged so when it's full of items the bag will still "conform" to your body. The padded bottom gives the bag some structure and form and this really helps make it comfortable. The front flap is secured with velcro and is made from a reflective material that will show clearly at night when light is shown on it. A nice safety feature.

The only thing I don't like is that cordura is a dust/cat hair magnet! Anyway, if you want a soft bag for your camera that is is well designed, well made and wont' look like a camera bag, check out the Bare Bones Bag.

JRG · 11-19-2008

Interesting. In general appearance, this looks a lot like the bag I've been using for a couple of years now: An old briefcase/messenger bag that I abandoned as a daily briefcase because it was too small. (But it's perfect as a camera bag, and looks a lot like this bag, except my bag has some brown leather trim.)

Still, that's a decent price and the details are a little different than my current bag. Might just have to explore this one.

Florian1234 · 11-19-2008

Seems he's inventing new stuff from time to time. Wasn't he the guy with the "rangefinder bag", too?

ClaremontPhoto · 11-19-2008

I'll kick the cat out and get one.

thomasw_ · 11-27-2008

I think I am going to wrap my lenses in cleaning cloths and use one of these BBBs. Nice looking bag for a working man's salary

thomasw_ · 12-11-2008

I have had my BBB for a week and I love the bag so far. My two concerns with it were its lack of padding and the loudness of its velcro enclosure. The velcro is much more silent than my Domke or Crumpler bags; no loud RRRRIIIPPP! when I open the BBB. As well, the fit of the lenses and my M inside the pockets of the main compartment holds them apart very securely, and I have found that wrapping my stored lenses in old microcloths gives them more than enough padding. The BBB fits perfectly at my side while I shoot, just molding to my frame comfortably. I have tried a lot of minimalistic bags, yet the BBB is the best all-round RF bag I have used so far. Thanks heaps, Way for recommending it!

visiondr · 12-11-2008

It sounds like my "incognito camera bag" from Courierware: http://www.courierwareusa.com/objects/20.itml/icOid/20

hunghang · 12-11-2008

Just another man-bag ???

lukjan · 12-12-2008

This bags are made by courierware, I have one of their normal messenger style bags and it works very good as a camera bag but some times I miss the padding. If you go to the courierware site you have a lot of options and they make even true camera bags with removable padded inserts. If you want something different just email him and probably he will do it for you. Erik is a really nice guy.

P.S. Sorry for my bad English.

John Lawrence · 12-12-2008

Looks interesting - and posted just in time for Christmas.

jackp510 · 12-12-2008

A Naneu Pro messenger bag is another alternative. Cheaper than the BBBag with more padding.

http://www.ebags.com/naneu_pro/camer...?modelid=91823

figitalrevolution · 12-12-2008

Hello! Yes, the Bare Bones Bag is made by Courierware- I'm very proud of this fact as Eric and I have been friends for several years now and he has built a number of amazing-quality custom bags for me over the years... and hey, we Vermont businesses have got to stick to together!

The BBB is based on a design I used several years ago for a larger bag called the Response Bag. Basically I shrunk that bag, added more pockets with a different configuration for a Rangefinder Camera System and kept by reflective blue/ gray flap material for safety. The modifications as listed on the BBB are exclusive to the BBB but as mentioned correctly here, Eric will build a custom bag for anyone- but it will be more expensive then the BBB configuration.

Eric and I both agree that most camera bags are over-padded crap so the BBB has padding ONLY where it is necessary...in the bottom. The 1/4" neoprene pad in the bottom is removable but in addition to providing protection when you set the bag down it also helps to add a bit of form to the bag. As mentioned above, equipment can be wrapped in a lens cloth for additional care if you like... it's up to you.

The BBB was originally designed for myself for my Leica System and for my Diana System, but at the request of my students and other photographers I decided to offer it as a unique carry solution that is made here in the USA and carries a lifetime warranty!

Have a great holiday season!
Stephen Schaub

PS- if you ARE considering a BBB - tis the season and all- be sure to look at the Specials section on the Estore... there's a great offer good till Jan 2. 2009!

http://www.indianhillimageworks.com/...d-free-y-strap

Damaso · 12-12-2008

Looking forward to writing about mine... when it FINALLY gets here....

From what I saw at PhotoPlus Expo is looking like a great bag for a Leica user...

figitalrevolution · 12-12-2008

You should have it today or tomorrow...it is in the hands of the USPS.

cheers-
Stephen

nightfly · 12-12-2008

This bag looks good. I would love one where the Velcro was replaced with one of those magnetic clasps that women's bags have. I've got a cheap canvas bag with one and it's great for shooting out of because it's silent to open and basically closes itself. You're screwed if you turn the bag upside down but I try not to do that.

Is it easy to get the camera out quickly? Some less constructed bags are a little too flimsy and you have to sort of push the bag out of the way while holding the flap with your chin to get the camera in and out because the bag doesn't stay open, it kinda flops over blocking the opening.

Calzone · 12-12-2008

A very nice bag.

Domke also makes a similar sized "Satchel" called the F-803 made of canvas. I'm unsure if this is padded or the price. 5 pockets.

Then there is also the J-803 made of ballistic nylon that is padded. Priced at $107.00. For me I like the padding as I just want to grab the camera or lense. Unwrapping is an extra step. 7 pockets.

The above Sactchels are both made in the USA.

Cal

Bruin · 12-12-2008

I use a small Courierware messenger bag every day as my work and bike bag. Courierware makes great minimalist bag...I decided on mine over Baileyworks, Timbuk2, Chrome, etc. because it doesn't have a PVC liner (heavy), zippers, or an organizer inside - just pockets. And the inside pockets are big enough to fit a RF w/ lens. I cut a piece of sleeping pad foam for padding on the inside bottom, and I use a flexible plastic folder to hold papers and give it a very soft frame at the back. Top handle is available on any bag for $10 extra.

I almost got their camera bag, but the insert was too heavy. I got a Ortlieb camera insert instead, for when I need to haul more than just one body and a couple of lenses. My bag weighs just 1.5 lbs empty...

thomasw, the velcro does get loud as the "loop" half gets pulled out and fuzzy

figitalrevolution · 12-12-2008

I considered clasps and magnets for the BBB but in the end Velcro provided the best hold and the quickest access to gear. The BBB empty is only 13.7 oz. I had made a bag once that was made out of canvas and I have owned many Domke bags but when I decided on the BBB I wanted really weather proof construction and a bag that did not scream camera bag. The Body of the BBB is Durable Cordura (1000 denier). The inside of the BBB is nylon pack cloth liner sewn in separately to prevent leakage, actually a bag inside a bag (420 denier). The BBB is double water proofed on both materials and all sewing is done with non wicking sail cloth thread.

Eric at Courierware only uses the best materials and the finest construction possible which is why I have chosen to work with him on this carry solution.

Cheers-
Stephen

Damaso · 12-12-2008

I hope I got one of those promotional Y straps! I am also looking forward to testing it in the rain. A small and light bag is the holy grail, I think this might be the one for me...

Damaso · 12-13-2008

So I just got my BBB in the mail. It's smaller than I remember (which is a good thing.) I wouldn't mind a removable internal divider in the main space (to separate my m bodies) but putting one body in a pocket and the other in the main space seems to solve this issue just fine.

It is super discrete and light, I look forward to reporting how it works while shooting!

Didn't get a Y strap even though it shipped on Thursday, can you hook a brother up?

nightfly · 12-13-2008

Stephen,

Can you get it without the handle? Just a bit cleaner looking and I see that with the Courierware bags that the handle is an add on.

figitalrevolution · 12-13-2008

Two answers:

Damaso: I will send you a Y Strap on Monday...Happy Holidays!

Nightfly: I will be putting in a new order on Monday or Tuesday for more BBB as I am quickly running out of my inventory so if you want one without a top handle just be sure to let me know in the order and I can make it happen. I really like the top handle and it really is not big or in the way but again just let me know.

Cheers-
Stephen

Damaso · 12-13-2008

Thanks!

Way · 12-13-2008

Stephen - thanks for a great product!

Took the BBB on a trip to Hawaii and it was very comfortable and natural to use. Great for everyday use too. To me the handle is a must have and doesn't detract from the looks. Took my Agfa Record III folder and a digital point and shoot, digisix meter, scads of 120 film, a moleskin notebook, pen and other misc. stuff, so I had a lot of room to spare. I like the size of the BBB, just right for my purposes.

I just noticed today that you can access the bottom padding through the back pocket. Pretty cool because you could add or remove padding as you like.

Here's a pic of the bag in action:

figitalrevolution · 12-13-2008

Way- I'm glad the BBB is fitting your shooting style...I also use mine for camera and everyday items as that way it is always with me. The pic of the blue sky and warm weather makes me jealous here in VT with our recent ice storm and -1 F temp outside now!

Pitxu- I visit RF from time to time to see if anything new is happening or when someone lets me know of a thread regarding one of my offerings or of comments on articles I posted on Figital Revolution... with the current -1 F weather outside I tend to spend lots of time on the web!

I will be posting several paper reviews on FR this next week.

Cheers-
Stephen