Where are the "Manufactuer" representatives??

[Changeling]

I have a Camera bag question! More after this!!
1. Canon S3 IS, LensMate 58mm adapter, with a Sony VCL- DH 1758 would be about the longest setup.
Maybe a 52mm Lensmate also.

I would also need space for the following:
2. A couple of filters and memory cards.
3. AccuManager 20 Charger
4. Two 4packs of AA batteries
5. Lens pen and cleaning stuff
This is the basic package!

Later some Macro stuff.

Problem: I have heard from a "Lot" of people that say this and that with I am sure, genuine consern for what I want. But who do you believe? Because there are a lot of people who "Parot" what they read and try to come on as an expert, you guys know what I mean!

I have contacted two of the major bag mkers and basically been just plain been blown off!! They say that they can't possibly answer any questions as to size because of the large amount of different cameras.
This is pure BS!
Granted there are lot of different camera sizes, but a D-SLR/super zoom has basiclly the same deminsions, as do add on lenses!
Lenses vary, but are generally a given within there power group relative to size.
Hoods also have a realistic length, with few exceptions!
Memory cards, cleaning suppplies, is this a problem !!

If a major manufactor can't come up with a bag with your input as to the above then they should not be in business! This would just be a normal overhead type expense and something they should address and quit depending on enthusiasts to sell there products/models without the expertise that they (manufactures) already have!!
This is a camera site that causes a hell of a lot of people to buy!!

You guessed right! I was completely blown off, and it pissed me off!!!!!!!


Where are the company reps??
Changeling

[rhys]

Lol. Dell and a few other laptop manufacturers wouldn't answer my letters either. Result - I bought a Compaq instead as a stopgap on the road to an Apple.

[crn3371]

There are so many different cameras out there, with countless combinations of accesories, that it would be imposible for someone to say you need this particular bag for this particular combination. I think you're expecting way too much. Try the individual mfgs. websites, they have pretty good cutaway pictures of most of their bags, with the dimensions. You could also try a site like cambags.com which will give pictures of bags with real world reviews and comments.

[ssim]

Having worked in a very large corporation in the product end, I can tell you that you cannot talk to every customer. The requirements to do this would kill the bottom line. There has to be a balance between appeasing the majority of the customers and the shareholders. There will always be someone that is unhappy with your decisions. The saying, "you can't be all things to all people all the time" holds very true.

Your post comes at an interesting time. I had sent an email to one of the manufacturers for one of the strobes that I have. I was suggesting a change and some clarification on some other points. This was sent to them about 10 weks ago and they called me this afternoon and I had about 30 minutes with him on the phone.

I think that most companies will take customers feedback. Can they respond to each and everyone individually, probably not. I don't know a manufacturer that doesn't run focus groups, user surveys, etc. I think that we all have been "blown off" at one point or another and it is frustrating. I have been fortunate enough to be able to bend the ear of a couple of different manufacturers in the photography industry. I did have that feeling of "I made a difference" when in reality I probably didn't.

I agree with crn3371 in that your expectations are pretty high. The absolute sheer number of different size combinations of gear makes it almost impossible for them to have a different bag makeup possibilities.

[DavidW]

Quite apart from Sheldon's points, the problem is that what we look for in a bag is personal. Some want lots of space, others pack their kit in tightly - that depends on how you work.

Whilst I take your point that many pieces of gear are standard sizes, each person's individual kit setup is different. For example, my basic kit is identical to SkipD's (same lenses and bodies) and our big bags are similar (he has the older Lowepro Stealth Reporter 650AW, mine is the newer version, the D650AW), but the accessories and minor equipment items that we carry are quite different as our shooting styles are different.

There's also the brand loyalty of those of us who use modular systems - though, that said, Lowepro's documentation on the Street and Field system is terrible, especially considering that a belt and a harness is likely to be more than a bag for an S3 IS based setup.



David