Focus Camera Deluxe Dslr Soft Shell Gadget Bag Review

April 19, 2022 Post a Comment

I've been remiss in writing on this web log, and for that I apologize. I return to form in a new year with a review to share. I've been searching for years for the right bag. Non only a photographic camera bag, because those are thick on the ground. I utilize a camera handbag differently than some, just I know there are others who have the same list of needs in a bag that I do. Here, I'll outline my needs and testify you a handbag that checks all my boxes. Maybe they'll be your boxes, too.

Equally a bright-eyed, ruby-red-faced photography student, I was initially a user of the skilful old Canon Gadget Purse. I assumed my youthful exuberance and souk-similar negotiating skills had netted me a gem, since the retailer agreed to throw this bag in with the buy of my plastic-fantastic Rebel G. Literally a zipper-pocket for every branded accessory Canon could sell you. This pocketbook didn't last long.

Every bit I learned quickly, there's aludicrous retail markup on photography accessories. While working at a mini-lab and photography store in my higher years, I was able to gild directly from the wholesalers at an embarrassing discount. Moving a Hasselblad V and a Canon EOS-1n besides as a laptop necessitated a very fancy pocketbook indeed, and I treated myself to a Lowe Stealth AW backpack. Information technology was massive, had dedicated neoprene lens pockets andretailed at over $600. All-twenty-four hour period comfort, but really needed to existfilled with heavy gear to make whatever sense. I stopped using this for cameras when I moved away from the Hasselblad. As a data point, I still own this bag for transporting drug-testing supplies to industrial sites and it hasn't aged a day in 15 years. Bombproof.

Afterwards when I worked as a commercial photographer, I used a Domke F2. Information technology was fantabulous for moving all the cameras, lenses and coincident junk I would need in the run of a shoot. The gripper strap mean I could sling it over 1 shoulder while carrying two large hard cases of lighting equipment up stairs, through the city or at an outcome. I traveled solo most times, and everything needed to fit in two hands. More than importantly, equipment like this is hardwired into the visual lexicon of every security guard and gatekeeper in the land. Combined with a Canon professional body, I was able to talk my style into lots of places a individual citizen shouldn't accept been granted access to.

Since I no longer work with lighting equipment nor onsite for clients, my needs have shifted along with my action. Most of my photography happens while on foot during travel. The needs of a traveler dovetail in some ways with that of a photographer, but your typical carry-on pocketbook makes for a lousy camera purse, and vice versa.

The Challenge

When shooting with the Fuji GA645, I plant the LowePro Terraclime 100. It was perfect for this camera, ditto for the Contax G2 and trio of magic Zeiss lenses. The Terraclime is very soft and thin, offering a minimum of crash protection. Wearing it all mean solar day is much more pleasant than the heavily padded diaper numberless we've come to recognize for DSLR equipment. It works well enough for the Rolleiflex so long equally I remove the protective camera wrap when really shooting.

The chunky, square shape of the Rollei pushes the limits of what the bag was meant to agree. I found that when fully loaded it wasn't wearing as nicely as when the svelte Fuji was in residence. Sadly, anythingmore than than the Rolleiflex and a bottle of water, and the Terraclime is overburdened and difficult to use. It'southward non fifty-fifty practical to add a simple box camera to the kit, much less travel necessities beyond a folding umbrella laid over the top. Gripes aside, I'll keep the Terraclime for that glorious twenty-four hour period when I repair the GA645; it's such a good lucifer with that camera.

When traveling I tend to walk a lot and like to carry passes, snacks and other necessities for the 24-hour interval. Sometimes I bring a laptop to write about my experiences. Sometimes I bring headphones or a volume to utilize on the aeroplane. But I always have a camera and pic. I've been spoiled by the calorie-free and flexible Terraclime, and if there was a larger version of this bag, I'd accept probably gone up a size and been happy as a clam.Alas, no mas.

So the checklist is equally follows:

Light, unpadded design
Secure on the shoulder
Unobtrusive, wears shut to body
Room for mean solar day-trip necessities
Waterproof a definite bonus
QUALITY construction

I'm an analytic sort of chap, I like to look at things similar ownership a camera bag as something akin to the Quest for the Holy Grail. Part of my purchase process involves obsessively reading everything nigh everything and letting it percolate for a while until the respond comes floating to the surface like a Magic 8-Brawl.

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The hunt…

Fashion dorsum when I spent a lot of time on the Rangefinder Forun, I was intrigued by the Bare Bones Bag that Steven Schaub commissioned through Courierware. It seemed tough, practical and well thought out. Information technology was besidesridiculously priced and had a long waiting list. I could understand the appeal of a messenger way bag then, merely his version predictably hung at the side. I retrieve I really just enjoyed reading his mad-scientist-manner rants on Figital Revolution more than anything else. But he did get me thinking, and he had the stones to design and produce a bag that he thought wasright.

Afterwards some more searching and head-scratching, a couple years afterward I came across a Canadian visitor chosen Cocotte Equipment. They are (Montreal) famous for making bicycle messenger numberless for the busy couriers in that city. The elusive reviews I could find were all from that gristly, jaded courier community but universally positive. I filed the information away and kept an center on their charmingly out-of-appointment website.

When the opportunity finally arose to come across a bag in the flesh came upward in Nov, I bought one right away. The smaller version of the design (calledFrida) is roughly the aforementioned size every bit my green Terraclime 100. But much, much better made. The largest version (and Cocotte'due south merits to fame) isAlfredo. It's immense. I brought home the midsizeFred in bluish and I'm one happy customer.

Meet the Cocotte Fred — Run into the Cocotte Fred

Fred to the rescue

Fred was hand-made right in Montreal, using the highest quality hardware and materials. The shell is 1000 Denier Cordura, the interior is completely waterproof. The strap adjusts on the fly and the pocketbook sits securely on the small of my back. The build quality and attending to detail on this bag is hard to believe. There are no corners cut anywhere in production. Everything issolid and feels similar it will last a lifetime.

The 14L capacity is perfect for my camera and accessories, with some other third left for headphones, a rain shell, h2o bottle, umbrella or lunch.

Cocotte Fred - headphones and camera — Cocotte Fred – headphones and photographic camera

Cocotte Fred - writing stick and notebook — Cocotte Fred – writing stick and notebook

Cocotte Fred - tags — Cocotte Fred – tags

Cocotte also makes theCapa camera insert for this middle-sized messenger handbag, and I was tempted to purchase information technology right away. Having spent a couple months using Fred, I'thou going to forego the purchase of the insert and put that coin toward picture show and chemical science. I have a simple kit, with no large accessories, lenses or flash units to house. Since I usually add together travel essentials instead, I am able to cinch down the bag to the size of my kit instead of always having a padded insert at the bottom.

If I shot a DSLR kit, or had multiple cameras it would be a no-brainer. Especially with the obsessive quality of construction and materials.

Conclusion

There's not a thing I would change most this first-class handbag. I foresee it being a stalwart companion on many a journey by air, motorcycle and on foot. I oasis't been endorsed in any way by the maker or retailer where I purchased the handbag. As a satisfied customer I can recommend this bag without hesitation to any of my friends who need a practical, affordable and secure mode to transport their equipment.

At $125 CAD, Fred is a bona-fide bargain. Take the folks at Cocotte brand you one, there's no doubt you lot'll become a fan as well.

~ Matt

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