I like the look of some of those, thanks for uploading. My stealth bag is a Lidl carrier bag hooked thru my arm. If i'm going somewhere a bit more upmarket I use a Waitrose one.
After some debate, I decided to buy the 2L bag. I wanted something small that I can always take with me as an amateur photographer that wants his camera with him as often as possible. During the use of the bag , I always felt that I should have picked the bigger 3.5 bag because it would allow me to carry some daily accessories such as a small water bottle or my house and car keys. So after a couple of months I also bought the 3.5L version. Now that I have the bigger camera bag version, I realized that I actually prefer the smaller bag because the bigger one suddenly feels too big 😊 I am using solely a Leica Q2 without the lens hood but with a half case protection and a thumb rest.
Hi, ha yes this is easily done. I have used 2L with water & 1 camera but with bigger SL I’m using the 3.5. I plan to do a blog post on MrLeica.com when I get a chance to show which bag I like with which Leica setups.
Hi Matt! I finally got a wild hair and bought a used Leica M10 and a 50 1.2 Nokton. I bought a Visolux in case the rangefinder was out of alignment. The rangefinder system was perfectly aligned, and I can shoot wide open and still get good results with the rangerfinder only!
haha yes indeed, I understand that the bags were send in for review, but take a look at the Peak Design sling, have the 3L and it's perfect for me for an M camera with extra lens and cleaning stuff for the lens. Quite stealthy and waterproof. Also big pro is that when you have the bag all open, nothing falls out and stuff is easily taken in and out...... perhaps comparison to these bags?
I like the PD slings too. A nice feature is that it doesn’t accidentally actuate your shutter release on your film Leicas resulting in a lost frame. The PD slings are also very light and have a slot for the iPad or 13 inch MacBook or small laptop . The other stealth bag that I love are the slings by Domke. They age well and develop a cool hipster tattered look.
Wotancraft 3.5L is very roomy, wide at the bottom and deep. It’s big enough for two M with lens and room for strap, one extra lens… the clip on coin pouch is perfect for ND filters. It holds more than PD 3L and small Billingham Hadley Pro. I carry a Hasselblad 907X 50C with handle and 80mm lens on it plus strap, cleaning kit and misc. stuff. For people prefer modern look, VSGO has a couple small sling bags also pretty good and cheap.
I use a Thinktank Retrospective 5 v2. The main body is big enough for my M10 with a lens attached, and a couple more lenses. It has two covers/lids over the main body, the first is fully zippered (good for protection). You can leave this unzipped and tuck it out of the way if you don’t want to use it. The second cover runs over the whole of the bag and is velcroed in place. Again, you don’t have to use this you can tuck it out of the way, there is a band for this purpose. The velcroed cover is convenient if you want quick regular easy access but want a cover to prevent dust or rain getting in, etc. while I appreciate the zipped cover when I’m travelling to/from a shooting location and want the extra security. The bag has an open secondary pocket, which the Velcro lid covers (but not the zipped lid), this is big enough for an A5 book, iPad mini etc. The bag has an open pocket at one end that can be left flush unused against the bag, or you can open it up, I find this useful for a drinks bottle.
But the "stealth" bag still screams "I am a camera bag!" For dodgy areas I use a beat-up old canvas bag from Alcatraz Island, with a foam protector/divider in it.
Hey, which would you say is the best size for a Leica Q2 with lens hood attached? I am thinking of getting the 2l. Great video and have subscribed. Thank you
Depends on strap size. If bulky neck strap make go bigger to be safe. Camera will fit in 2L with thin wrist strap but I’ve not tried anything more bulky.
I like the looks of the new clasp on the 2L and 3.5L models. As for the pouches, my rule is if it takes more than 1 or 2 seconds to extract or stow and item, the bag is too small. Enter the Fogg Lyre and B-Laika.
That looks like a nice system, looks like the same type of closure system my mountain bike helmet uses. I currently use an old cotton military bag and stick a Domke wrap in for padding. Pretty discreet for my IIIf or M9 with a couple lenses, but would get soaked if I got caught in a heavy rainstorm. That 2L Pilot looks pretty nice tho!
Smart .. my first Vietnam trip ; I used a nice padded Messenger Bag , one that was canvas , and leather trimmed , grey color .. classy and discreet carried A600 / A7r2 and a spare lens. I did night street photography and now one tried to steal anything. Very classy and very stealth.
This is a very sad sign of modern times, where we need to hide and disguise the gear that we love because of thieves and thugs that want to take it all away. Modern life has become a pathetic joke..
I can remember, as a teenager and getting 'into' photography in the 1970's, people suggesting exactly the same sort of thing - for the same reasons! (People have been disguising the 'red dot' on Leicas for the same length of time and for the same reason too.)
Definitely a helpful video, been wanting a camera bag for my M10 and maybe another one that’ll carry both my M10 and SL 601 and a couple of lenses for each but a bag that isn’t flashy and more on the stealth side. Love the ability to adjust the strap that quick. Will definitely look into it!
I have a Hex mini sling I love just big enough to hold my Fuji xe w/ pancake attached & a couple of extra lenses. Plenty of room for extra batteries & MCs. Also always de-badge all my bags.
Hi Matt, any chance you tried to fit the SL in the small 2L bag? I use my SL with M lenses only and would love that 2L bag but I’m afraid if it doesn’t fit I’d have the hassle of paying return shipping and possibly custom taxes.
Brilliant! The best solution to packing camera and gear without the "Steal Me" flag. Hat's off to you on this one. It was needed. I see you mentioned the Cooke Speed Panchro, I am guessing it is the LLL. I have to see if I missed a review. Thanks for a great and needed review and "how to."
Finally there's something that I have BEFORE Matt shows it on TH-cam! (everything else has been more or less 'influenced' by Matt). I've had the 7L Pilot for about a year now. Awesome daily carry, especially while trying out various lenses and bodies (again thanks to Matt). I also bought the 3.5L last Christmas but haven't had the chance to use it yet. Now, if i just make up my mind to carry a barnack and an xpro2 with one lens each, plus a water flask and edc pouch.... I guess the 3.5L might just see the light of day soon! Thanks Matt for yet another reassuring video! 😂
O/T a little but after fighting off a fully black-robed woman (?) who had decided to "share" my tray just before it entered the X-ray scanner at Doha International Airport, I've decided it matters little about the various camera-sized bags apart from having the inside cameras etc chained down. Literally. Green chain, camouflaged by the Billingham green padding, does the job long enough to confuse and stymie the bag pickers posing as travellers (yes, even in the security areas). Of course, a bag such as Matt's Digital model is now worth more than new, courtesy of its cool wear marks. Though shall not steal. 😠
The idea of securing the camera inside to prevent a 'snatch' theft is good. I wonder if there are any bags made with snap hooks that could secure the contents in a similar way?
I have three Wotancraft bags now, 2L, 3.5: and 7L as well as a few small pouches. Glad to see an M body and small lens will fit in that smaller pouch/bag with the strap. That would be perfect for my everyday travels when I want a camera with me but don't want it on display on a strap or in my hand when walking around.
Nice bags indeed. I have a Billingham too (great bags) but walking in the dunes or beach or in busy streets I opt for a smaller bag too,. One that fits a camera with one lens, but that is just for convenience not to go stealthy. I don't have much problem with people trying to steal my stuff or yell at me. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Matt is there a video where you talk about how your camera got stolen ? I saw a previous video and understood as they tried to and failed to steal your stuff
For street shooting, I use a small weather beaten Crumpler sling bag for my M (M240 and M10) . Otherwise, I use an old backpack with inserts for the spare lenses. All important criteria - it must not scream “camera inside”.
Just received my M11M a couple of days ago and wanted a low key bag to carry it in. This looks perfect, so I ordered one. What are your thoughts on the new Leica 50mm f1.4?
I use a Tumi sling bag. takes 2 lenses with cases on the bottom and my m with a 50mm on top of the lenses plus cleaning cloth, wallet... You dont have to take it off to open the bag, just slide it to the front. Very small and discreet...
I love the Wotancraft bag lineup that this company offers. I have 3 of their camera bags & they are all top notch quality & will last for many years of hard use. The design of their bags are well thought out, with “hidden” compartments within the “Pilot” series of bags that Wotancraft makes. IMHO, their camera bags offer very good value for their respective price point(s).
Very nice bags. But they do shout: "Deliberately unassuming but expensive bag, probably with an expensive camera inside." For the simple reason that this is precisely what they are 😄. Where I feel safe, I carry a Billingham. Where not, I use a beaten-up Eastpak (actually, bought used 👍) with the camera padded in a neoprene pouch. Costs a tenth and is ten times safer.
Interesting video as I have a Khaki billingham Hadley…. Beautiful but maybe not that secure. Have made another bag using the billingham loose inserts from their bigger bags… maybe something like a retro adidas satchel might be the way forward
I don’t really see that the Wotancraft bags look any less like photo bags than Billingham do. They both look like valuable cameras could be inside. One thing I don’t like about the 3.5 l Wotancraft bag is that it is not long (deep) enough for a Sony mirrorless with a 24-105 f4 or 24-70 f2.8 with hood attached to sit in vertically - how most people carry them. Think Tank are better for this.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom did you get anything from the bag company for making this video though? 🤔 If so I think it needs to be very clearly stated. I carry a bright red Billingham everywhere I go and very few people even realise it’s a camera bag. I’ve had zero issues with muggers etc either.
@@patrickoloan4446 thanks yes I wrote to them to ask for the bags. It was in the video for full transparency. I wanted to try a new bag and thought they could work so reached out.
@@patrickoloan4446 ..it sounds like you’ve been lucky or keep out of trouble (or go to the gym a lot!) :). ..the London Leica stores have warned me many times as people have had things stolen close to the stores.
I don’t think stealth is about the bag. To average street thieves, words like Leica are meaningless and face it Billingham isn’t Gucci. That said, you can easily get the impression that there is a specialist Leica underworld looking out for unsuspecting users on the streets of the world’s cities. Come across those people and you’ve been extremely unlucky and no bag is going to save you. I suspect the average daily haul will comprise cameras the size of hand held WW1 field artillery. Big DSLR’s, long lenses. Leica M series? Well, looks a bit cheap and old fashioned. Stealth is about being constantly aware of your immediate space and who is in it. These people do not know the difference between a Leica M11 and a Polaroid Swinger. But they do know a soft touch when they see one. BTW I love Billingham bags. Got three!
Very true, there is a video about a content creator losing £8000 worth of Sony gear from a tapas bar and it in a touristy day backpack. They are observing you and sometimes being a foreigner is enough to put a target on your back.
I use a variety of bags, none that are designed for cameras ... fortunately nobody has tried to grab my camera ... I think the best thing to do is use something that doesn't scream camera!!!
I have a Billingham Hadley Small Pro in navy color and use it as an everyday bag (aka with or without camera insert and camera). I never think of it as flashy or not stealthy honestly. Nobody seems to notice it or paying attention to it. I bet the unusual bright sand color of the bag is most probably the guilty here, not the bag itself. 😉 I find these Wotancraft bags pretty ugly tbh. I much prefer their backpacks.
Thanks! Yes the colour doesn't help for sure and they look more premium than Wotancraft but I wanted something functional yet "bland". (Backpacks are nice too! ..a student brought one to a workshop)
just watched this and read the comments. cant believe people are commenting that thieves dont know what the difference is between a leica and a cheap kodak say. believe me they do. they know what phones bikes and cameras will bring best price dont be so stupid, if youve got it they will nick it.
You keep looking like Santa Claus with his christmas tree Paint the yellow stripes of a railway shunter on your camera bag. Mount the blue flash lights of a London police car on your head. Everybody will think there is some fool in town and you will be safe with your Leica toys.
Matt: Thank you for the practical and thoughtful / thorough deve into Wootencraft , I have been looking at a more suitable box than my F1 DOMKE , that would serve as well or perhaps better , that being said several years ago I took the F1 to VIETNAM , and it served me superbly. The idea of rain resistance is wonderful. Good video Matt. 👍🏻
📝 LEICA CLUB WELCOME PACK - mrleica.com/leica-club-join-the-club/
🚀 FREE MODEL PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE EBOOK: mrleica.com/ebooks/
💫 MRLEICA LR PRESETS - mrleica.com/presets/
🚀 MAKE MONEY WITH PHOTOGRAPHY EBOOK - bit.ly/3PIYtwD
🚀 LEICA WORKSHOPS: mrleica.com/workshops/
▶ WATCH NEXT: ALL LEICA FILM CAMERA VIDS - bit.ly/3BHOm5H
📞 ZOOM: Not sure what camera or lens to buy? Arrange a call today - bit.ly/3lBkdgq
📝 RECEIVE THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER - mrleica.com/follow-me/
📷 SEE MY KIT: mrleica.com/kitlist/
📷 WOTANCRAFT BAGS & STRAPS: bit.ly/3Uiva6w
⭐ PATREON: 100+ Videos & Zoom - mrleica.com/patreon/
✅ CHECK PRICES: (US) ebay.to/2F0HoxY (UK) ebay.to/3ijzle2 (DE) ebay.to/3iqDNYs (FR) ebay.to/2ZJ3E75 (HK) ebay.to/32A8xBu
🛎 SUBSCRIBED?: Monthly Giveaways! bit.ly/3qET0ZO
🎞 NEED FILM?: mrleica.com/do-you-need-film/
☕ COFFEE: Thank Matt with a coffee - www.paypal.com/paypalme/MrLeica
⛔ INSURANCE: Aaduki UK Photography Insurance - with since 2014 - www.aaduki.com
I like the look of some of those, thanks for uploading. My stealth bag is a Lidl carrier bag hooked thru my arm. If i'm going somewhere a bit more upmarket I use a Waitrose one.
Ha thanks Marc, love it. I normally need something more padded (and smart looking)
After some debate, I decided to buy the 2L bag. I wanted something small that I can always take with me as an amateur photographer that wants his camera with him as often as possible. During the use of the bag , I always felt that I should have picked the bigger 3.5 bag because it would allow me to carry some daily accessories such as a small water bottle or my house and car keys. So after a couple of months I also bought the 3.5L version.
Now that I have the bigger camera bag version, I realized that I actually prefer the smaller bag because the bigger one suddenly feels too big 😊
I am using solely a Leica Q2 without the lens hood but with a half case protection and a thumb rest.
Hi, ha yes this is easily done. I have used 2L with water & 1 camera but with bigger SL I’m using the 3.5. I plan to do a blog post on MrLeica.com when I get a chance to show which bag I like with which Leica setups.
I have a rubber silicone skin on my A7RIII. Works phenomenally well.
I use a cheap, unpadded, molle sling bag (£20) with LowePro lens cases inside.
Nice, yes inserts into normal bags work well
I’ve been looking for bag reviews all day; then your video popped up (I’m subscribed). Thanks buddy. Glad you held on to your camera!
Lucky timing, thanks!
Hi Matt! I finally got a wild hair and bought a used Leica M10 and a 50 1.2 Nokton. I bought a Visolux in case the rangefinder was out of alignment. The rangefinder system was perfectly aligned, and I can shoot wide open and still get good results with the rangerfinder only!
Congrats! RF cameras are so nice to use when they are calibrated! Enjoy!
I’ve never been interested in those fancy bags. Ever. My bag was always the PeakDesign Sling. Weather proof also. All black.
haha yes indeed, I understand that the bags were send in for review, but take a look at the Peak Design sling, have the 3L and it's perfect for me for an M camera with extra lens and cleaning stuff for the lens. Quite stealthy and waterproof. Also big pro is that when you have the bag all open, nothing falls out and stuff is easily taken in and out...... perhaps comparison to these bags?
When I first got into Leica I just thought it was the norm!
Thanks!
I like the PD slings too. A nice feature is that it doesn’t accidentally actuate your shutter release on your film Leicas resulting in a lost frame. The PD slings are also very light and have a slot for the iPad or 13 inch MacBook or small laptop . The other stealth bag that I love are the slings by Domke. They age well and develop a cool hipster tattered look.
Wotancraft 3.5L is very roomy, wide at the bottom and deep. It’s big enough for two M with lens and room for strap, one extra lens… the clip on coin pouch is perfect for ND filters. It holds more than PD 3L and small Billingham Hadley Pro. I carry a Hasselblad 907X 50C with handle and 80mm lens on it plus strap, cleaning kit and misc. stuff. For people prefer modern look, VSGO has a couple small sling bags also pretty good and cheap.
Thanks for sharing! Yes I use the 3.5L. (+18L) the most. Love them!
Until now my "stealth" bag is called insurance ;-)
Do you think insurance is actually going to pay out when you think it will
@@arrangearrange Yes, not cheap, been insured a long time and made claims, no problem.
Losing your SD cards with all the images, insurance claims that take a while to process... It's still better to go stealth.
Haha thanks Eric, we need that too!
I use a Thinktank Retrospective 5 v2.
The main body is big enough for my M10 with a lens attached, and a couple more lenses.
It has two covers/lids over the main body, the first is fully zippered (good for protection). You can leave this unzipped and tuck it out of the way if you don’t want to use it. The second cover runs over the whole of the bag and is velcroed in place. Again, you don’t have to use this you can tuck it out of the way, there is a band for this purpose. The velcroed cover is convenient if you want quick regular easy access but want a cover to prevent dust or rain getting in, etc. while I appreciate the zipped cover when I’m travelling to/from a shooting location and want the extra security.
The bag has an open secondary pocket, which the Velcro lid covers (but not the zipped lid), this is big enough for an A5 book, iPad mini etc.
The bag has an open pocket at one end that can be left flush unused against the bag, or you can open it up, I find this useful for a drinks bottle.
Thanks Lawrence! I have a bigger Thinktank messenger style bag. I'm not sure what model it is.
But the "stealth" bag still screams "I am a camera bag!"
For dodgy areas I use a beat-up old canvas bag from Alcatraz Island, with a foam protector/divider in it.
Yes fair point. This is my bag for tourist areas, not dodgy back streets. I still have my old sachet for bad areas.
Hey, which would you say is the best size for a Leica Q2 with lens hood attached? I am thinking of getting the 2l. Great video and have subscribed. Thank you
Depends on strap size. If bulky neck strap make go bigger to be safe. Camera will fit in 2L with thin wrist strap but I’ve not tried anything more bulky.
I like the looks of the new clasp on the 2L and 3.5L models. As for the pouches, my rule is if it takes more than 1 or 2 seconds to extract or stow and item, the bag is too small. Enter the Fogg Lyre and B-Laika.
Yes that's a good approach
That looks like a nice system, looks like the same type of closure system my mountain bike helmet uses. I currently use an old cotton military bag and stick a Domke wrap in for padding. Pretty discreet for my IIIf or M9 with a couple lenses, but would get soaked if I got caught in a heavy rainstorm. That 2L Pilot looks pretty nice tho!
Smart .. my first Vietnam trip ; I used a nice padded Messenger Bag , one that was canvas , and leather trimmed , grey color .. classy and discreet carried A600 / A7r2 and a spare lens. I did night street photography and now one tried to steal anything. Very classy and very stealth.
Yes I like the waterproof feature (the Billingham seemed to soak up the water on the outside not repel it.
This is a very sad sign of modern times, where we need to hide and disguise the gear that we love because of thieves and thugs that want to take it all away. Modern life has become a pathetic joke..
Thievery predates the modern era, y'know… they used to call the practitioners highwaymen and cutpurses…
Agreed. If you are in the countryside doing landscapes you can use any bag but these are good where you may feel at risk.
I can remember, as a teenager and getting 'into' photography in the 1970's, people suggesting exactly the same sort of thing - for the same reasons!
(People have been disguising the 'red dot' on Leicas for the same length of time and for the same reason too.)
Definitely a helpful video, been wanting a camera bag for my M10 and maybe another one that’ll carry both my M10 and SL 601 and a couple of lenses for each but a bag that isn’t flashy and more on the stealth side.
Love the ability to adjust the strap that quick. Will definitely look into it!
Thanks Danny, they've been great so far. I've stopped using the Billingham
I have a Hex mini sling I love just big enough to hold my Fuji xe w/ pancake attached & a couple of extra lenses. Plenty of room for extra batteries & MCs. Also always de-badge all my bags.
Nice Ryan, and good idea to de-badge for serious street shooting
Thanks! Great review! I need a simple discrete and no frills bag for my hasselblad. I'll certainly check them out.
Thanks, yes i've been happy with them
Hi Matt, any chance you tried to fit the SL in the small 2L bag? I use my SL with M lenses only and would love that 2L bag but I’m afraid if it doesn’t fit I’d have the hassle of paying return shipping and possibly custom taxes.
Please see the detailed blog post I wrote. I show each bag with different camera setups.
Great, I’ll check it out, thanks!@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom
I carry my Q3 in the 2L bag. Perfect fit!
Great, yes I love these bags!
Brilliant! The best solution to packing camera and gear without the "Steal Me" flag. Hat's off to you on this one. It was needed. I see you mentioned the Cooke Speed Panchro, I am guessing it is the LLL. I have to see if I missed a review. Thanks for a great and needed review and "how to."
Thanks Zoltan! (Yes I did an intro video on the LLL lenses - see AI video + Vintage lens video)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yes, I found it and watched it. Also a well done review. Thanks.
Finally there's something that I have BEFORE Matt shows it on TH-cam! (everything else has been more or less 'influenced' by Matt).
I've had the 7L Pilot for about a year now. Awesome daily carry, especially while trying out various lenses and bodies (again thanks to Matt). I also bought the 3.5L last Christmas but haven't had the chance to use it yet. Now, if i just make up my mind to carry a barnack and an xpro2 with one lens each, plus a water flask and edc pouch.... I guess the 3.5L might just see the light of day soon!
Thanks Matt for yet another reassuring video! 😂
Haha thanks and glad to see I picked a good bag if you already have it! :)
Great reviews and description as usual! For my Leica SL2S with 24-90 attached and 35 L apo the pilot 7l would be enough?
Thanks! Yes 7L will be fine for that I think. Don’t go smaller.
O/T a little but after fighting off a fully black-robed woman (?) who had decided to "share" my tray just before it entered the X-ray scanner at Doha International Airport, I've decided it matters little about the various camera-sized bags apart from having the inside cameras etc chained down. Literally.
Green chain, camouflaged by the Billingham green padding, does the job long enough to confuse and stymie the bag pickers posing as travellers (yes, even in the security areas).
Of course, a bag such as Matt's Digital model is now worth more than new, courtesy of its cool wear marks.
Though shall not steal. 😠
The idea of securing the camera inside to prevent a 'snatch' theft is good. I wonder if there are any bags made with snap hooks that could secure the contents in a similar way?
Thanks for sharing, crazy times!
I have three Wotancraft bags now, 2L, 3.5: and 7L as well as a few small pouches. Glad to see an M body and small lens will fit in that smaller pouch/bag with the strap. That would be perfect for my everyday travels when I want a camera with me but don't want it on display on a strap or in my hand when walking around.
Nice Anthony! Yes I was happy I asked them to send me the pouch to try for a small M camera setup. Works great!
Nice bags indeed.
I have a Billingham too (great bags) but walking in the dunes or beach or in busy streets I opt for a smaller bag too,.
One that fits a camera with one lens, but that is just for convenience not to go stealthy.
I don't have much problem with people trying to steal my stuff or yell at me.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Rob!
Love wotancraft, brilliant design and build and accessories . Have the backpack and messenger bag plus loads of the accessories 👍👍👍
Thanks Mark, yes! I can see me getting the backpack at some point!
Very nice Matt... I use the Wotencraft 7L and 3.5L bags in tan with add on pouches and just love them...
Great! Yes i've been very impressed so far
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Shopping for bags is the hardest part of gear selection, but these bags just made that easy.
Hi Matt is there a video where you talk about how your camera got stolen ? I saw a previous video and understood as they tried to and failed to steal your stuff
Hi no, if you read the comment replies on the last video you'll see me explain what happened.
For street shooting, I use a small weather beaten Crumpler sling bag for my M (M240 and M10) . Otherwise, I use an old backpack with inserts for the spare lenses. All important criteria - it must not scream “camera inside”.
Thanks Izzy, agreed!
My Domke bags are the most comfortable shoulder bags I've used, my F3X looks like something I bought at a surplus store.
Thanks for sharing, i've heard others mention them too.
Just received my M11M a couple of days ago and wanted a low key bag to carry it in. This looks perfect, so I ordered one. What are your thoughts on the new Leica 50mm f1.4?
Great, yes i'm loving mine! I've not tried the new Lux yet but it looks promising!
I use a Tumi sling bag. takes 2 lenses with cases on the bottom and my m with a 50mm on top of the lenses plus cleaning cloth, wallet... You dont have to take it off to open the bag, just slide it to the front. Very small and discreet...
Thanks, noted!
I love the Wotancraft bag lineup that this company offers. I have 3 of their camera bags & they are all top notch quality & will last for many years of hard use. The design of their bags are well thought out, with “hidden” compartments within the “Pilot” series of bags that Wotancraft makes. IMHO, their camera bags offer very good value for their respective price point(s).
Thanks Jeffrey, yes i've been really impressed so far
The Bond Street bag from Ona is in a similar ball park too! They make it in leather and waxed canvas. I have the camo waxed canvas.
Thanks! I had one Ona wax bag once but it was too open at the ends so I got the Billingham.
I use a 7L and a 2L bag and can thoroughly recommend them.
Thanks, yes I love mine!
Very nice bags. But they do shout: "Deliberately unassuming but expensive bag, probably with an expensive camera inside." For the simple reason that this is precisely what they are 😄. Where I feel safe, I carry a Billingham. Where not, I use a beaten-up Eastpak (actually, bought used 👍) with the camera padded in a neoprene pouch. Costs a tenth and is ten times safer.
Interesting video as I have a Khaki billingham Hadley…. Beautiful but maybe not that secure. Have made another bag using the billingham loose inserts from their bigger bags… maybe something like a retro adidas satchel might be the way forward
Thanks Simon, the retro adidas satchel sounds cool!
How is this bag safe from thieves with no zippers and such and easy and quick opening? Camera could be gone without you even realizing.
I wear it on my front so it’s more to avoid attracting attention than been extra sealed.
I love my Billingham bags. My favorite is the Packington in all black.
Thanks!
I don’t really see that the Wotancraft bags look any less like photo bags than Billingham do. They both look like valuable cameras could be inside. One thing I don’t like about the 3.5 l Wotancraft bag is that it is not long (deep) enough for a Sony mirrorless with a 24-105 f4 or 24-70 f2.8 with hood attached to sit in vertically - how most people carry them. Think Tank are better for this.
Thanks Robert, yes you'll need a bigger bag if using a large mirrorless setup.
Matt, did you do a video on how your equipment was stolen?
Yes the opening screen is the thumbnail for that video - see blog newsletter with all previous videos on if you cant find on YT
I need one of those bags! Thanks for the heads-up!👍
Thanks Lucy!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Just bought the 3.5L. ☺
No more ‘stealthy’ than a black Billingham really. This really seems mostly like an ad for a bag company.
Thanks Patrick, Billingham look more premium regardless of the colour so I wanted something more casual looking.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom did you get anything from the bag company for making this video though? 🤔 If so I think it needs to be very clearly stated. I carry a bright red Billingham everywhere I go and very few people even realise it’s a camera bag. I’ve had zero issues with muggers etc either.
@@patrickoloan4446 thanks yes I wrote to them to ask for the bags. It was in the video for full transparency. I wanted to try a new bag and thought they could work so reached out.
@@patrickoloan4446 ..it sounds like you’ve been lucky or keep out of trouble (or go to the gym a lot!) :). ..the London Leica stores have warned me many times as people have had things stolen close to the stores.
I don’t think stealth is about the bag. To average street thieves, words like Leica are meaningless and face it Billingham isn’t Gucci. That said, you can easily get the impression that there is a specialist Leica underworld looking out for unsuspecting users on the streets of the world’s cities. Come across those people and you’ve been extremely unlucky and no bag is going to save you. I suspect the average daily haul will comprise cameras the size of hand held WW1 field artillery. Big DSLR’s, long lenses. Leica M series? Well, looks a bit cheap and old fashioned. Stealth is about being constantly aware of your immediate space and who is in it. These people do not know the difference between a Leica M11 and a Polaroid Swinger. But they do know a soft touch when they see one. BTW I love Billingham bags. Got three!
Very true, there is a video about a content creator losing £8000 worth of Sony gear from a tapas bar and it in a touristy day backpack. They are observing you and sometimes being a foreigner is enough to put a target on your back.
Thanks David, good point and agree to the more part. Some parts of London people are more aware of Leica.
Thanks for this interesting Video. Very nice Bags....
Thanks Marcus!
I have the 7L version in tan colour. My favourite shoulder bag so far ❤ And I had a few 😅
Thanks! I can see myself getting a backpack too at a later date!
I use a variety of bags, none that are designed for cameras ... fortunately nobody has tried to grab my camera ... I think the best thing to do is use something that doesn't scream camera!!!
Thanks Brian, yes using non-camera bags is a great approach too!
I have a Billingham Hadley Small Pro in navy color and use it as an everyday bag (aka with or without camera insert and camera). I never think of it as flashy or not stealthy honestly. Nobody seems to notice it or paying attention to it.
I bet the unusual bright sand color of the bag is most probably the guilty here, not the bag itself. 😉
I find these Wotancraft bags pretty ugly tbh. I much prefer their backpacks.
Thanks! Yes the colour doesn't help for sure and they look more premium than Wotancraft but I wanted something functional yet "bland". (Backpacks are nice too! ..a student brought one to a workshop)
Don't use fancy straps, I use old Pentax nylon strap, bag, same dirty backpack, with groceries! If reallr worrying, use a smaller cheaper camera!
Yes great tips Jason!
Great review
Thanks!
…..I was expecting you to show a Billingham covered in black tape 😂
Haha, I used all the tape in the last video! :)
How can a camera get “almost” stolen…? 🤔
I saw what was about to happen so left the area quick (and didn't walk down the small side street i'd planned to)
If I see someone with a Wotancraft bag I know it’s worth stealing because it’s probably filled with Leica cameras and lenses.
;-)
Haha :)
domke bags are very discreet and nice to work with
Thanks Garvin, noted
01:34 Good luck blending in with your surroundings when you're doing this kind of shoot…
Haha yes :)
just watched this and read the comments. cant believe people are commenting that thieves dont know what the difference is between a leica and a cheap kodak say. believe me they do. they know what phones bikes and cameras will bring best price dont be so stupid, if youve got it they will nick it.
Yes certainly bikes, I had mine stolen years ago and I see them in London going after the expensive e-bikes etc.
You keep looking like Santa Claus with his christmas tree
Paint the yellow stripes of a railway shunter on your camera bag.
Mount the blue flash lights of a London police car on your head.
Everybody will think there is some fool in town and you will be safe with your Leica toys.
Haha thanks Jaco
No way I carry a flask of water in my Leica bag…😂
Haha I keep a flask of water in mine too!
What did you do this time??? The last video you weren’t smart being out with your camera.
No the same trip, I was just looking for a replacement bag since that trip to Lisbon
every purse-like bag worn by a man screams Camera/equipment bag. People will know you have some tech inside, no matter the brand or the color
Fair point but black coat against a black coat screams much less than a premium looking leather bag.
Matt: Thank you for the practical and thoughtful / thorough deve into Wootencraft , I have been looking at a more suitable box than my F1 DOMKE , that would serve as well or perhaps better , that being said several years ago I took the F1 to VIETNAM , and it served me superbly. The idea of rain resistance is wonderful. Good video Matt. 👍🏻
Thanks Chris! Yes I was standing in the rain for some shoots in Italy and no problems.