Backpack for Mamiya RB67 and 4 lenses?

flashp

Suspended / Banned
Messages
392
Edit My Images
No
I currently have a Lowepro Commercial AW MF bag with the optional harness and it's not working for me these days, not sure I ever used it anger more than twice.
Anyhow, fast forward to now and I want to get out and about with this kit and would like a backpack as I to think carry 20lbs of kit should be doable in bag designed as a backpack.

So far the best option I've seen is from Alpinetrek and the model is the F-Stop Tilopa with the large internal camera unit (ICU).

Has anyone else got any experience of suitable backpacks? It's naturally very difficult to find a bag that isn't designed around a DSLR these days. The ICU in the Tilopa is basically a square that is configurable with dividers.

Any pearls of wisdom gratefully received!

Cheers.
 
I use a Lowepro Whistler 450 Mk I (for RB67 and lenses) and 450 Mk II (for 5x4 and lenses) and rate them both very highly. They are not *huge*, but can easily carry an RB67 and 4 lenses, with plenty of room to spare either in the main compartment, or in the large front pocket. The bag is also very well suited to adding smaller bags/tents/sleeping mats/etc to the outside, if required. They're both very adjustable and comfy as well, in my experience.

It's probably not big enough for more than a few days out and about. Beyond that and you'll likely need something bigger on account of extra food and water (unless water is in plentiful supply and you carry a filter.) Happy to answer more questions if you have them. I don't hike much with either at present, but have hiked in the past quite a bit. I chose these bags with hiking in mind though, so I'd be confident I can fit all that I'd need for a few days both in and on the bags.
 
If you're carrying 10 kg a non-photographic backpack with excellent harness (eg Osprey) and padded inserts for the camera and lenses (eg Tenba BYOB) is worth considering.
 
Not a bad idea John. I found this which might fit a conventional backpack. It's meant to go in one of their own (very expensive) packs.
 

Attachments

  • XL ICU.JPG
    XL ICU.JPG
    65.3 KB · Views: 10
I use a Lowepro backpack for my RZ67 outfit - or I did until I found it just as useful for 5x4. Sadly, I bought it years or decades ago, and it won't be made now.

I have a Shimoda bag, bought from Dale Photographic in Leeds earlier this year, and am very pleased with the one I have. Dale are on line, and list prices for anyone interested.
 
When I was looking for something similar I ended up with an Atlas Adventure.


The photo shows the RB67 with lens + 1 lens, + 2 backs, +1 6x17 camera, so it would easily take what you want. It's a backpack too and not a camera bag which means you can carry your stuff for miles.

The fold down option on the Atlas is great as you can choose to have lots of hiking stuff and less camera stuff, or lots of camera stuff and less hiking stuff. It's great to have a bag I can carry a camera and my lunch & waterproofs. 2 years on and it's still in great condition and performing admirably. Expensive yes, but cheaper than the Shimoda "experience" :)
 
Last edited:
Thanks for all the replies, appreciated. I found an F-Stop Tilopa on Ebay with the large size ICU for a good price. Only used once and £100 cheaper than new so hopefully I'll be sorted come Tuesdays' Parcel Force delivery :)
 
Well I've been using a non camera backpack (also handy for stuff at the bootie) for about 15 years and just wrapping the gear in bubble wrap...anyway thought I'd treat myself to a proper one, well I was amazed at the different makes from about £10 new with free postage h'mm they must be rubbish for such a low price.
Looking at them I think the important thing is one that only opens from the back i.e. next to your body when carrying as I could imagine if the other way and if the zip breaks all your gear would fall out :eek:
 
Well I've been using a non camera backpack (also handy for stuff at the bootie) for about 15 years and just wrapping the gear in bubble wrap...anyway thought I'd treat myself to a proper one, well I was amazed at the different makes from about £10 new with free postage h'mm they must be rubbish for such a low price.
Looking at them I think the important thing is one that only opens from the back i.e. next to your body when carrying as I could imagine if the other way and if the zip breaks all your gear would fall out :eek:

Well thinking outside the box:- I have flexible old camera bags with adjustable inserts, so bought a nice large backpack at the bootie for £2 and the camera bag fits in.
It's a "stormlite air 35" and on the net someone used it 15 years ago o_O
 
Back
Top