Just got my Crumpler 7MDH - I think I made a mistake...

[aridan]

I just got it and I have a problem the way it looks. :rolleyes: I was (am) looking for a walk-around bag. I'm not a pro photographer but like carrying the camera with me just in case I run into something interesting. With that said, I need something that does not look weird when I simply walk around with it around town or to work.

My first impression of the bag was very good as it is an EXCELLENT bag to carry your photo equipment in it, and an excellent official "photo" bag. The build and workmanship are simply superb. With that said however, from the outside it looks like a diaper bag, mainly because of its boxy shape. I doubt it can even be considered a "messenger" type of a bag due to this squareness... My wife thinks it's fine for a camera bag but claims I would look retarded carrying it around town as a personal bag.

So what do you guys/gals think? I'm especially interested in hearing the guys' opinions (those of you who own it) as it is not unusual to see a woman carrying some sort of a "purse", but seeing a guy walking around with what looks like a diaper bag isn't very common... :cry: I really thought the bag would collapse a bit to break its shape when not filled up, but it appears to be very sturdy. Even 1/3 full it is still boxy and square.

Please help me decide as I'm contemplating returning it and getting something else, most likely a backpack; maybe the Lowepro CompurRover AW. The thing I liked about the Crumpler bags however was that it did not scream "PHOTO BAG".

So to conclude: Is this the wrong bag to serve a man as a walk-around general purpose bag?

[ed rader]

I just got it and I have a problem the way it looks. :rolleyes: I was (am) looking for a walk-around bag. I'm not a pro photographer but like carrying the camera with me just in case I run into something interesting. With that said, I need something that does not look weird when I simply walk around with it around town or to work.

My first impression of the bag was very good as it is an EXCELLENT bag to carry your photo equipment in it, and an excellent official "photo" bag. The build and workmanship are simply superb. With that said however, from the outside it looks like a diaper bag, mainly because of its boxy shape. I doubt it can even be considered a "messenger" type of a bag due to this squareness... My wife thinks it's fine for a camera bag but claims I would look retarded carrying it around town as a personal bag.

So what do you guys/gals think? I'm especially interested in hearing the guys' opinions (those of you who own it) as it is not unusual to see a woman carrying some sort of a "purse", but seeing a guy walking around with what looks like a diaper bag isn't very common... :cry: I really thought the bag would collapse a bit to break its shape when not filled up, but it appears to be very sturdy. Even 1/3 full it is still boxy and square.

Please help me decide as I'm contemplating returning it and getting something else, most likely a backpack; maybe the Lowepro CompurRover AW. The thing I liked about the Crumpler bags however was that it did not scream "PHOTO BAG".

So to conclude: Is this the wrong bag to serve a man as a walk-around general purpose bag?

if you don't want a camera bag that looks like a man purse get a domke :D!

ed rader

[louis24x7]

I have an old Adidas black messenger / gym bag that I use.
I bought some padded wraps from a local camera store and use them to pad my camera and an attached lens.
Most of the time, I use this bag if I shoot sports with my 70-200 2.8L IS.

[Familiaphoto]

I have a 7MDH and while is a fine bag it is not a walk around bag. I say this more due to its size not its style. Personally I don't think you could get a messenger style bag without it being a bit square so that has never bothered me about the 7MDH. However, as I said it is the fact that you can fit so much in this bag that makes it impractical as a walk around bag. Its too large and holds too much meaning it will be too heavy, meaning you won't want to carry it.

When I want to walk about I bring my Domke F-3X. Carries what I need but is not too big so it doesn't get too heavy. And I agree with Ed, get a Domke and no one will ever mistake the bag for a purse.

[_aravena]

Well, I use mine for formal ordeals, so weddings and more pro looking shoots. Other than that I love my DIY bag but for something more walk around the 5MDH size is perfect. I want one again but I'm not minding my DIY bag so I'm torn. It is a big bag though. I love it and carried it around quite a bit and was actually unquestioned at Rock the Universe when I had the bag, 20D w/ 100-400 attached. Also had a vest and everything, but being clean as it is, looks professional IMO.

I'm debating on a small bag. I like Domke's but I can't find the size I want.

What's your gear list? Maybe it's just too much for you? But What's good is it doesn't collapse, shows you the sturdiness of it and support. But when I have mine, it's full anyhow. Too big to carry a light load.

[zeva]

>< j/w how many bags do you] have aravena? lol

[aridan]

Aghhh... I don't know what to do. Gear wise, although the list is incomplete, I'm planning on addressing it by year end and would like to stick to one bag, which can contain all of it if I want it:

- 40D + grip + 17-55 f2.8 IS
- 50 f1.4
- 10-22 f3.5
- 70-200 f2.8 IS
- 580EX II
- The rest of the smaller stuff (filters, charger, cables, cards, etc. etc.)

[_aravena]

Well, the bag fits all that perfectly, but a walk-around bag is something for 2 lenses and a camera. Maybe a flash. What color is yours? 'Cause if you want to talk diaper bag, mine's blue, although I love it and down here in Fla, it's orange on the inside, so I'm just showing my Gator colors!!! Which I am a Gator fan anyhow.

Aniwho, I have more bag review to do and one I wish I did, but I sold the 100AW too quickly. It was quite a bag. So you looking for a walk-around, carry-all, or either/both. I think the 7MDH is great for carrying everything, but too much for some. I even try to fill it up with other things and can't hardly. The smaller MDH series do give a bit, at least the 5MDH did when I had it and now they come with a shoulder pad.

[aridan]

Well, the bag fits all that perfectly, but a walk-around bag is something for 2 lenses and a camera. Maybe a flash.

Sorry, I should have been clearer on the term "walk around" - What I meant was to be able to use it as a general purpose bag, like for keys, wallet, cellphone, etc.. Maybe as a travel bag too.

Would you consider it a good travel bag? One that can hold your photo equipment and two, to hold your travel stuff such as documents, and a few other little odds and ends. I like shoulder bags because they have one particular advantage over the backpacks: you can draw your equipment with ease and fast. You can also guard your equipment when on the go or on a busy subway (by sliding it forward and placing it under your watchful eyes).

[modemanual]

I use it for school, (calc, pens, pencils, small notebook) and I have two bodies (D70s, 350D), and three lenses (50mm, 18-70mm, 70-200L) and probably a flash. The only problem is when I carry it via the handle, I worry something is going to fall out, and it conflicts with my textbook laden backpack. Other than that, a great bag.

[aridan]

I use it for school, (calc, pens, pencils, small notebook) and I have two bodies (D70s, 350D), and three lenses (50mm, 18-70mm, 70-200L) and probably a flash. The only problem is when I carry it via the handle, I worry something is going to fall out, and it conflicts with my textbook laden backpack. Other than that, a great bag.

Thanks,

So what you're essentially saying is that you use it daily for non-photography purposes as well (while carrying some photo equipment in it)?

Do you get any looks/remarks? :)

[smcclelland]

I looked at the 7MDH over the holidays and opted to go with the Considerable Embarassment messenger style bag. I lug my laptop downtown with me everyday and often need to carry books, notepads and random odds and sods as well so the bag servers a wonderful purpose there. It's actually pretty good for photo equipment as well as it can easily stash my 40D + zoom and two smaller zooms or primes on either side pockets. I picked it up on sale for about $50 CDN and it's been a real trooper.

The 7MDH seems like a bag I'd bust out and tote around with me at the track days when I feel like I'm in the army lugging a surplus backpack around ;)

[_aravena]

^Yup. I have the Dreadful Embarrassment I bought for school and it's awesome. Can hold laptop, books, school accessories, and 20D with 18-50 F2.8, flash, and 70-200 if need be. It's also a great travel bag. I have that and a Complete Seed as my luggage. I've used just the Dreadful and 7MDH for 3 day trips. While that doesn't help with camera part, I obviously needed more space, they make awesome anything bags.

I'm pretty much what was stamped an art slut or something, so I always had a small messenger bag on me. Crumpler makes a very nice product no matter the occasion. Check out www.gearx.com

[terriyaki]

if you don't want a camera bag that looks like a man purse get a domke :D!

ed rader

I don't know, Ed.. my F-5XB kind of feels like a man purse every now and then. :)

[Medic85]

if you don't want a camera bag that looks like a man purse get a domke :D!

ed rader


LMAO:).

Ed's right though; there are many options out there that don't look like a 'man purse.' Domke, Lowepro, Tamrac...just to name a few.

[neil_g]

seems to me youre worried more about what you look like than the functionality of the bag :-s

[aridan]

seems to me youre worried more about what you look like than the functionality of the bag :-s

And you absolutely right (well...almost).

Yes, I am worried (to some extent) about the looks. But functionality is paramount. If all I care about is my photo gear than my problem is solved - the 7MDH is an EXCELLENT photo bag. However, since I'm looking to use the 7MDH not only as a photo bag, but also to haul other general daily stuff in it (wallet, keys, cellphone, etc.), or use it as a "plane board-able" bag when I travel overseas, I need to make sure I don't look ridiculous with it. If I go out shooting with this bag and it's filled up with photo gear then I don't have a problem - after all, it IS first and foremost my camera bag. But as a general "purse".... - not so sure about it.

Regardless, I think the look grew on me overnight and I think I'll keep it for now. I guess I can always supplement myself with more bags if need be. :)

[aridan]

LMAO:).

Ed's right though; there are many options out there that don't look like a 'man purse.' Domke, Lowepro, Tamrac...just to name a few.

Agreed, but those scream "Photo bag" :D

[Medic85]

Well, that is what you're using the bag for, right?

[Elton Balch]

I've researched the Crumplers (and other bags) extensively before settling on the 6 million dollar home. It's been on backorder at Amazon but I should be getting it in a week or so. The 7 million dollar was just too big IMHO for a "walk around". I've seen the Domke bags too; I'd agree with Ed that it may look more like what you are after. I was less concerned with how it looked than how it protects and the crumplers seem to get high marks there. I find that no one bag can solve every problem; I already have a couple of others that I use depending on the situation. But hey...you can always use it to carry diapers....:D

[timnosenzo]

I'm very happy with my Million Dollar Home bags, both with how they work and how they look. FWIW, my 7 MDH is a couple years old and has a lot of miles on it--now that its broken in a bit its not so "stiff", probably a little more like what you're looking for.

[tjrenegade]

Ever consider the National Geographic bags?? They tend to not look like diaper bags....

[slimninj4]

In my building where I work over 50% of the men use murses. (man-purse). They can hold laptops, docs, and other misc stuff. Why are you worried about what people in the street think anyway?

i have a messenger back and a 1/2 sized one too for the short day trips. I have never seen anyone give a second look. These things are common place now and messenger bags are more practical than a briefcase.

[aridan]

In my building where I work over 50% of the men use murses. (man-purse). They can hold laptops, docs, and other misc stuff. Why are you worried about what people in the street think anyway?

i have a messenger back and a 1/2 sized one too for the short day trips. I have never seen anyone give a second look. These things are common place now and messenger bags are more practical than a briefcase.

You are 100% correct.

The 7MDH stays. Hopefully it can be used as a good bag to travel with too (for passport, a magazine for the flight, etc.).

I think it's a keep. Thanks everyone for the valuable input. I love this forum. :D

[_aravena]

Yeah, just watch movies and shows. It's the thing. Women had a good idea...insert joke...it carries everything. Design is what separates a purse from a murse.

[aridan]

Tell me if I'm wrong here, but I'm planning a trip to Europe in the summer. I was planning on taking the following:

- 40D + 17-55 IS + hood
- 10-22 + hood
- 50 + hood
- 580EX II (questionable)
- Charger
- Couple of filters
- Couple of spare CF cards

This should leave enough space for the other small travel-related items such as cellphone, a bottle of water, magazine, passport, flight tickets, etc.

Am I wrong?

[_aravena]

Definitely enough. 40D + 17-55 in middle. With room on one side (as in the front or back of bag see my review for more info) for...w/e. Flash and the two lenses on right or left and the the other side for w/e. You still have the hidden pockets and front, plus the zipper mesh thingy...yeah. What I like...although being in Europe I wouldn't recommend it, are Thirsy Al's on the side to hold w/e.

Now, pending in Europe...although anywhere except the north really, tighten that strap down or theifs can slip their hands in easily. As I've told others, when in Europe (Spain, Italy, France) I would prefer something that locks or zips up.

[aridan]

Definitely enough. 40D + 17-55 in middle. With room on one side (as in the front or back of bag see my review for more info) for...w/e. Flash and the two lenses on right or left and the the other side for w/e. You still have the hidden pockets and front, plus the zipper mesh thingy...yeah. What I like...although being in Europe I wouldn't recommend it, are Thirsy Al's on the side to hold w/e.

Now, pending in Europe...although anywhere except the north really, tighten that strap down or theifs can slip their hands in easily. As I've told others, when in Europe (Spain, Italy, France) I would prefer something that locks or zips up.

Thanks aravena. :)

BTW, what's "w/e" ? :confused::)

[Jon]

Agreed, but those scream "Photo bag" :D
You don't want "photo bag" (mind you, Domkes tend to look more mil. surplus, especially if you get the OD models),and you don't want "purse"? That about leaves messenger bags or catalog cases.
Thanks aravena. :)

BTW, what's "w/e" ? :confused::)
whatever?

[aridan]

messenger bags or catalog cases.

whatever?

Duh! :D

[King of Canada]

Suck it up and use the bag! It's a great looking bag, and works extremely well. What are you scared of, looking fashionable? :-)

I guess that's the reason I have a brown 7MDH coming from B&H as we speak. Because it'll look normal with jeans and a nice looking jacket.

[aridan]

Nah, it's all good. It only took 12 hours but the bag has grown on me. It's a keeper. It actually doesn't look as bad as last night. Maybe it was the lighting in my bedroom coupled with my beautiful humble wife and her extra cents offerings.... ;)

[aridan]

My only wish was that it would have had external pockets on the outside (just under the shoulder strap on each side) where I can tuck my cellphone/keys in so I don't have to keep on opening the bag for these two items. I'm not fond of the Thirsy Al's...

[_aravena]

Hm...what color is it anyhow? I don't think you mentioned.

There are side pockets you know.

[Citizensmith]

Ever consider the National Geographic bags?? They tend to not look like diaper bags....

Definitely agree. I've made a lot of use of my NG medium shoulder bag for walkaround. Last vacation it had my 40D with a 24-105 and 85 1.8 in the padded compartment, and then waterbottles, spare kids clothes, guide books, first aid kit, etc in the main compartment and outside pocket, and lastly passports and such in the zip up part that is hidden and against your body.

Basically, its a very nice light kit and walk around bag.

[johnstoy]

I use it (7 Million) as a formal bag... It looks great at weddings and theaters... I get nothing but compliments about it.

I also have 3 other bags, and three other holster cases, for running around... The Slingshot 300, the Pelican 1500, cover me elsewhere.

[aridan]

Hm...what color is it anyhow? I don't think you mentioned.

There are side pockets you know.

It's black.

Side pockets? - you mean the internal inserts between the camera padded section the outer layer?

[rklepper]

You can also attach smaller bags to the ends using the loops. I usually put mine on there to store my Palm, keys, etc...

[Medic85]

If you're happy with it or it's grown on you, as you say, why are you still finding fault in it? I believe you'll be on here tomorrow or the next day telling us that you sent it back. Just my opinion though. Good luck!

[Captain Mantastic]

It's black.

Side pockets? - you mean the internal inserts between the camera padded section the outer layer?

i think that is what he is talking about. however i find those pockets kind of pain. when the bag is on your shoulder those pocket's tighten up and are sometimes hard to get into. i have the 7 MDH that is black with the tan inside. i had a messenger bag throughout college (or university for you english folk) and don't mind the look of it. the backpack wouldn't have worked (and my wife would have called me even more of a dork than she already does). they also make plenty of different types of cell phone holders you could attach to the strap if you don't want to use the thirsty al's.

[bonefish]

, from the outside it looks like a diaper bag,?

Just rent yourself a baby to carry around and you'll be fine.:)

[aridan]

Just rent yourself a baby to carry around and you'll be fine.:)

No need to, we just had our first baby (girl) last month! :D I guess I can always take the 580EX II out and replace it with 4-5 diapers for emergency situations.... ;)

[Tumeg]

omg now I think I will be noticing this when\if I get my crumpler 6MDH!
Grrr.... I am very self conscious, and I will not like it if this bag looks like a diaper bag (especially because I'm only 15, so it may look off)

[gardengirl13]

This is funny I inherited my dads camera bag from the late '70's early '80's and used it for years only to find out last year it was an old diaper bag! Never bothered me, but I'm not one to worry how I look too much. Comfort and the ability to hold everything I need it what matters.

[neil_r]

Didn't someone make the diaper bag comparison in the thread where you were asking advice on the colour?

[aridan]

Didn't someone make the diaper bag comparison in the thread where you were asking advice on the colour?

Possibly? :confused:

[Laramie]

Are you wanting a shoulder bag?

Sounds like maybe a backpack is more what you want if you don't like they way is "looks" when you're carrying it. That being said, I used to own and regrettably sold a Domke F-4AF that was a great bag and I don't think I looked funny wearing it. I now own a few bags and kind of just pick for my needs. I own a big shoulder bag for EVERYTHING as well as a Tamrac Adventure 7 backpack and a Lowepro Specialist 70 for carrying my 70-200 2.8 attached.

[SoundsGood]

I don't know, Ed.. my F-5XB kind of feels like a man purse every now and then. :)
Exactly. That F-5XB is a purse! :)

Just look at this poor guy:

http://image.www.rakuten.co.jp/mitsuba/img10211037927.jpeg

[SuzyView]

Hey, take that back! I have that bag in blue. :);)

Actually, it is not that bad in blue. And the larger Domke bags do not look like purses. They look like you lived in the 60's and have all your belongings in a shoulder bag. ;)

If you want a better bag to get around with, the Domke bags are nice. I tend to use my Velocity 9X bag now and it fits my 40D with 70-200 2.8 IS attached, 24-70, 17-40, 85 1.8, a flash and everything useful in my purse. It gets a little heavy, but it does not look or feel like a purse.

[PEACHMAN]

Don't be so concerned with the fashion show and shoot the camera!...If it works for your equipment then be glad...

[Meaty0]

Don't be so concerned with the fashion show and shoot the camera!...If it works for your equipment then be glad...

Peachy speaks with NON-forked tongue:D Don't worry about what other people think of your camera bag...worry about what they think of your photos!

ARIDAN Hey I went to New York City for two weeks and took almost the same gear as you (I had a 70-300 lens as well) and I used my 7MDH for the whole trip. It worked well, but does get a bit heavy by the end of the day, with all the gear you can fit in it.


Didn't get any more strange looks than I usually get...but mind you...New Yorkers are pretty used to weird looking people:D

ALSO: The 7MDH makes a fine weapon. If swung correctly, it'd take out a small gorilla. (Note...I would never attack a small gorilla on purpose...they are endangered enough already. )

[ed rader]

Agreed, but those scream "Photo bag" :D


so MAN PURSE is better ?

so what do we want this bag to look like if not a man purse or a camera bag:D?

ed rader

[_aravena]

I do believe even Kata has went the way of the Murse!

http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=333&cid=69&perentId=4&ProdLine=4

[modemanual]

Do you get any looks/remarks? :)

Well I basically walk around with a gripped 350D and a 70-200L in school and I always get remarks on that, not usually the bag. People I know are usually used to it after the 2nd time.

[aridan]

Now I'm thinking of exchanging it for the Crumpler Whickey & Cox.

Shoulder bag vs. backpack. Each with its own pros and cons:

Shoulder bag pros:

- Super easy access to equipment.

Shoulder bag cons:

- Can get tiring after a while on one shoulder

Backpack pros:

- Weight is distributed more evenly across your back and shoulders

Backpacks cons:

- Equipment is less accessibly, especially with packs that open from the back



Goddamn it! :mad: Why can't I make up my mind?!?! :mad:

[_aravena]

Just switch shoulders. I'm thinking more and more POTN members need to invest some money into a gym membership. Keep complaining about weight of bags. :lol:

[SoundsGood]

rear entrance backpacks
:oops:

[blackshadow]

rear entrance backpacks

Are they going to be making an appearance at Mardi Gras in Sydney?

[aridan]

:oops:

That's bad man. :D

[Medic85]

Now I'm thinking of exchanging it for the Crumpler Whickey & Cox.

Shoulder bag vs. backpack. Each with its own pros and cons:

Shoulder bag pros:

- Super easy access to equipment.

Shoulder bag cons:

- Can get tiring after a while on one shoulder

Backpack pros:

- Weight is distributed more evenly across your back and shoulders

Backpacks cons:

- Equipment is less accessibly, especially with packs that open from the back



Goddamn it! :mad: Why can't I make up my mind?!?! :mad:

Man, did I call that or what! I knew you'd end up getting rid of it or wanting something different.

BTW, you might want to keep the language a little cleaner.

[probe1957]

Me and my very marginal ability have been doing this photography thing since 1975. My God I am old. Anyway, the handiest thing I have found for walking around with a camera is a vest. I use my bag only to carry my gear in the car.

[Medic85]

Funny you mention that. I thought about investing in a vest when I got told I couldn't bring my backpack onto the tarmac at a recent airshow! I thought, 'I'll just get a freaking vest and load it to the hilt, then what will they say about that?' Needless to say, I never got a vest, just a shoulder bag. I do see the benefits of having one though.

[aridan]

Man, did I call that or what! I knew you'd end up getting rid of it or wanting something different.

BTW, you might want to keep the language a little cleaner.

You didn't call out anything as I'm not exchanging the bag. I'm just thinking out loud.

And what's wrong with my language? :rolleyes:

[Meaty0]

Now I'm thinking of exchanging it for the Crumpler Whickey & Cox.

Shoulder bag vs. backpack. Each with its own pros and cons:
Goddamn it! :mad: Why can't I make up my mind?!?! :mad:

"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy god in vain"...or something like that. Now you have to go to confession and say three Hail Mary's.:D

Okay. Now to your problem... I have BOTH a 7MDH and TWO backpack camera bags...hmmm...I seem to be collecting them.:D What I use depends on what I'm likely to be shooting.

If you think you're going to do a lot of shooting...say like on a walk around the city or a stroll through a market, then the 7MDH is what you want.

If you're more likely to go on a long hike, where you might only stop occasionally to snap off a few shots (and do the majority of your shooting at the end), OR where you need to carry a lot of photography stuff plus food, phones, tripods etc., then a backpack is the way to go.

So there you go...what type of shooting do you do mostly?

[jdizzle]

I like my Domke F-7 as a carry around bag and I'm not disappointed at all. I also purchased a Tamrac Velocity 9x which is much more compact and basically fits much of what I need when I don't need the bulk. In the Tamrac Velocity, I can fit a MK III with 70-200 IS, 16-35 II, 85 L, and 50 1.4. I also have a modular attachment which fits my 580 ex II and has the necessary compartments for CF cards, Lens Pen, CPLs,etc. Reason for my buying this bag is that it's a sling type bag and I can change lenses with the bag in front of me. Imo, I never liked the Crumpler messenger type bags due to the large flap which was more of a pain when trying to access things I need.

[aridan]

"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy god in vain"...or something like that. Now you have to go to confession and say three Hail Mary's.:D

Okay. Now to your problem... I have BOTH a 7MDH and TWO backpack camera bags...hmmm...I seem to be collecting them.:D What I use depends on what I'm likely to be shooting.

If you think you're going to do a lot of shooting...say like on a walk around the city or a stroll through a market, then the 7MDH is what you want.

If you're more likely to go on a long hike, where you might only stop occasionally to snap off a few shots (and do the majority of your shooting at the end), OR where you need to carry a lot of photography stuff plus food, phones, tripods etc., then a backpack is the way to go.

So there you go...what type of shooting do you do mostly?

Excellent answer and very appreciated.

I don't do much hiking. I do however like to carry my photo gear around (90% of the time). But that doesn't mean I also draw the camera every 5 minutes. I also like to carry other personal belonging in it (keys, cell, wallet, small bottle of water, pens, notepad, etc.). Then there is the comfort factor that comes with a backpack vs. a shoulder bag.

Bottom line is I think I'll stick with the 7MDH and play it by ear. If my activities warrant it, or my shooting style changes, I can always equip myself with a backpack. :)

[drandtus]

I have the 7MDH and a tamrac backpack. It is as Meaty said, kinda situational.

I never thought about the diaper bag thing LOL Maybe so, but it's a great bag.

[SuzyView]

I still don't think it looks like a diaper bag. I know Jim has one and his looks like a regular gadget bag. Now, I think it does come in softer colors than the other bags, but choose a dark color. I've seen many stores carry colorful laptop bags, but have never seen anyone carrying one. :) It's kind of silly to have a nice laptop in a pink bag.

[SoundsGood]

Bottom line is I think I'll stick with the 7MDH and play it by ear.
Ya know, you might wanna consider the 6 MDH. I've had both the 6 & 7, and I found the 7 to be too big and bulky. The 6 is much more comfortable for me to carry around, yet it still holds a LOT of gear.

Just something to think about.

EDIT: By the way, everything in my signature is in my 6 MDH right now.

[_aravena]

I think you're fine with the 7MDH depending on what you carry, but you might still want to think of something smaller as well.

That's what I do. I have 2 bags and a 3rd if need be, but I use the two in my sig the most.

[JC4]

I've got a 5mdh. Its great for carrying around a regular body, and a couple lenses ++. But, not so good for a 1d, and no good when a 70-200 or 100-400 is mounted.

What works well for say a 1d + 70-200 f/2.8 mounted, ready to shoot, plus one other lens, like a 17-40, plus a batter, cf..? I have plenty of larger bags, I'm just looking for the smallest bag possible to carry this combo of stuff. Protection isn't number 1, ease of use and size are.

[Bootsie]

I have both a 7 and 5MDH they are both great bags, I use the 5MDH when I just want take the camera and a couple lenses. I am also looking for a good deal on one of the Crumpler backpacks because have separate uses.

[shannyD]

my outlook on this bag.. it doesnt look like a camera bag. it looks like a book bag. i chose the brown one with the green inside.

i like how i can put everything in it. i can carry it easier than my back pack. and i can also get into it a lot easier when i want to.

great bag. it is huge, but i can even stick a few personal items in it without it looking like i have anything of value in it.

i like the bag, and i think you should give it a chance.. heh heh heh. :)

[aridan]

Just thought I would throw in a little update given all of the different opinions that were raised here...

I ended up selling the 7MDH (here on POTN). - Not because of the looks, but more because of functionality and comfort...

For what it’s worthy, I bought a shoulder type bag mainly because I wanted easy access to my equipment. But I’ve realized that the more I haul, the less I tend to draw my camera and/or lenses while on the go with the 7MDH. As the bag gets heavier, it starts stretching and getting equipment in and out of the bag while on the move becomes very cumbersome. Hence, I end up putting down my bag whenever I need to change lenses. The only thing I was still able to do with the 7MDH was getting the camera out, but I had realized that if I was out shooting, the camera was out anyways (using an R1 Strap). The latter allows me to carry the camera around without it being in my way or otherwise, hanging off my neck. Beyond that, I felt that a messenger type of a bag is taking a serious toll on my shoulder and is not good for my already somewhat screwed up spine. I wish there was a pack out there which would allow me to draw the camera off its side (without the need to take it off my back), but the only ones I’m aware of, do not have an opening big enough to let me pull my 40D with the grip attached to it.

I just got the Whickey and man this pack is a tank! Review to follow shortly :)

[wgsquallx2002]

Hey, looking forward to that review! I own a Crumpler 7MDH myself and I have always thought its a good size. I would hav liked it if it were perhaps 3-4 inches longer, but to me its not square at all. I expected a bag to be this "thick" to hold and protect all my belongings. I don't have to detach any lens from my Xti either.

I just unclip, pull the flap off velcro and pull out my camera. When I'm done, I open the flap and slide my camera right in and secure it. Much easier than my previous Lowepro Orion Trekker II where I had to take the backpack off.

[argyle]

if you don't want a camera bag that looks like a man purse get a domke :D!

ed rader

Didn't Seinfeld coin that term? :D

[thaking]

Hey, looking forward to that review!
considering aridan posted that comment 8 months ago, i don't think you'll be getting a review any time soon... :confused: