Crumpler 5MDH and battery grips? (vs. 6MDH) | 5 & 6MDH owners come help me!| Sizing Q

[ALaS]

Hello all,

So, I've been on a quest to find a camera bag for me.

I'll start off with a question: Can a 30D with a battery grip mounted to a 17-55 f/2.8 IS fit inside a Crumpler 5 million dollar home along with a strobe (external flash)? Has anyone done it?

I ask this because I'm looking for a "bare essentials" bag that I can bring with me everywhere. I don't want a bag that is too big, and I don't want it to be ugly, bulky, or inconvenient. Currently, I own the Lowepro slingshot 200AW. It's pretty damn ugly and bulky. It's hard to bring places comfortably and socially.

So after thinking a bit, maybe the Crumpler 6 million dollar home would be a better choice? I know it will fit my 30D + grip and all of my strobes (3 of them) + more.

Another question: How much bigger is the 6MDH than the 5MDH? I know the specs say about 3" taller, and 1" deeper, but how much bigger is that really in person? Does anyone have a picture of a 5MDH and a 6MDH on a person? Is it to big to where I would feel uncomfortable taking it to social events and parties or walk abouts on the town/city?

I realize sometimes I will need to carry more than the bare essentials nominating the 6MDH home the better choice..but I want to be able to take this thing everywhere with me everyday. Like to school, to work, to parties, places everywhere! Will the 6MDH be intrusive?

Eventually I could buy both, I guess. And I know I could always take out gear I know I wouldn't need for a shoot, but the size is the main concern here. Or, if you guys think the 5MDH will suit me fine, let me know!

Alright I think that's most of the details, ask me questions if I'm not clear about anything. Any input is greatly appreciated!

Thank you,
Ericson Calderon
ericson26@gmail.com

[nateut]

I'm trying to figure out a similar configuration (40D + grip with 24-105 mounted) in the 5MDH. I really wish I could find a place locally where I could see for myself before I buy!

[ALaS]

I know! I thought REI stocked them but none of them do that are local to me.

[[Hyuni]]

I have the 5MDH with my non-gripped 40D and 24-70 + 18-55mm lens.
If I have my 18-55 attached to my 40D, the space is snug enough to fit the 24-70 off to the side, and either place the camera, lens facing down, or on it's side. If you really wanted to, I bet you could squeeze a flash in there, but it will be tight.
With the 24-70 attached, I can't put the camera on it's side with anything else fitting.
Also, with that lens attached, it's a tad bit long and I have to loosen the buckle to close the bag. The zelcro still grips, but only tad bit. There's enough space to put either an extra prime or small lens or flash with the setup, comfortably. Since the 17-55 is a lot less shorter than the 24-70, I think it's safe to say you could fit your camera with lens attached (facing down) and your strobe relatively comfortably.

Regarding the grip... it will probably fit, but it's going to be a tight squeeze and make the bag look bulky. (I can fit my 40D parallel to the length of the bag, as well as perpindicular, albiet a tight fit) Unfortunately, I think the width of the 5MDH isn't made for gripped bodies to fit comfortably.

[SCOTTinNJ]

I have the 6MDH and have seen the 5. For what you are carrying, go with the 6. It's not that big of a bag to carry around. The camera, lens, and flash will fill 2/3. You'll have another 1/3 which is just about big enough to fit a few small things.

I've taken the 6MDH filled for a week to Europe and then 2 weeks to the Mediterranean. It's not that big to carry around.

[leks]

I would recommend the 5MDH for the bare essentials. I use it for the exact same reasons you mentioned and to take it to little shindigs so it's not so cumbersome.

Sorry about the image. It's a quick shot taken with my iphone.

The camera is not a xxd, only a XTi gripped w/ 17-50 attached......but, should serve the visual purpose.

The flash sits in the middle section.



http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y71/halfbakedtaco/5mdh.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y71/halfbakedtaco/5mdh2.jpg

[leks]

BTW....I had the Lowepro 200aw until just last week when I sold it. For bare essentials I ALWAYS take the 5mdh, and when I need to take more of my gear I take the Dakine.

The 200aw was just too bulky.

[ClickClick]

the Lowepro slingshot 200AW. It's pretty damn ugly


Amen. This has been the WORST bag I have ever owned. Ugggh!. In terms of beauty and function.

Anyway, I have a 6MDH bag on order right now. I ordered sight unseen from a fellow POTN member. I too wish that I could have found some pics online of the bag prior to buying.

Another solution for you might be to consider the Lowepro Toploader.

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Toploader-65-AW,2056,8.htm

You could easily attach two side cases to hold your flashes and such. I use this bag extensively myself. 40D w/ Tamron 17-50 attached, Tokina 10-17 directly under that. On the right side (still inside the bag) is my Canon 70-300 IS. Then on the outside left is my flash in an external pouch attached to the sliplock loop.

Just offering a suggestion here. Hope you find what works.

[_aravena]

It will work man! I told you. Sorry I forget to reply on the flash. Check both my reviews and see how much I had crammed in there. I had a 20D + 18-50 F2.8, 70-200 F2.8 and 430EX. A grip will fit and the flash can go vertical or laying down. Just get the 5MDH before the old cheap ones sellout. The 6MDH will leave you space you don't know what to do with.

Oh, and FYI, I've fitted a 40D + 11-16F2.8 and 20D + 18-50F2.8 in my 5MDH and necessary batteries and cards in the front pocket. It will fit. It is surprisingly big but not too big.

[ALaS]

So it won't be too tight? What if I wanted to bring more? Could the 6MDH work as a bare essentials bag if I just wanted to take the bare essentials? Is it THAT much bigger than the 5MDH?

Wow, Aravena you squeezed a lot in that 5MDH!

[koigirl]

If you can wait another few days, I have ordered a 5MDH from Adorama as a replacement for the 6MDH and I will see how my gear fits and post a reply. I first ordered the 6MDH to hold all my gear: gripped 40D, 17-55, 50 1.4, and 70-200 2.8 IS plus a flash, blower, charger, etc., thinking it would fit if somewhat tightly. When it arrived and I tried loading it, I decided it was much too tight even before I tried to add in the peripherals. I ended up ordering the 7MDH from another source as my general-purpose carry-all bag (it will also give me a little room to grow) and last Friday I sent back the 6MDH in exchange for a 5MDH which I am planning to use as a walk-around bag for my gripped 40D with 17-55 attached. I don't know how long the turnaround will be - probably the end of the week. Hopefully I will be able to fit in the 50 1.4 or a flash as well when needed. The 6MDH is not a big bag but it's not really small either. Think medium? ;) Too big for an all-day walk-around IMO.

Hope you get the information you need before ordering. Returns get very expensive with the shipping rates now. It cost me $10 to send it back plus they credited back the free shipping (6.99) so it cost me $17 to return it to Adorama.:p Make sure it's right before you order!

[ALaS]

Will you sell me the one you don't want!? what color combo are they?

[_aravena]

The 6MDH is not too big for a walk around. Anything smaller how would people carry their 70-200's? My DIY bag is like a 6MDH only taller than wider. :D I needed a bag that can hold my 70-200 attached. Crumpler fails in this department. :(

The 5MDH rules as a bare essentials bag.

[gool]

I can fit my 10D, 11-16mm, 17-50mm, and 580exII in my 5MDH with some extra stuff here and there.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh308/gool_77/potn/1jpgcopy.jpg?t=1201934978

[koigirl]

I'm going to keep both the 5MDH for a "bare essentials" bag and the 7MDH for a carryall. I've already sent the 6MDH back to Adorama. You might not have wanted it - it was called "light purple" but looks light blue to me. That's what I wanted as I'm a Tarheels fan but you might not.;) If you google "Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home - discontinued" you can find it on several sites, though. I bought it for $74.99 from Adorama with free shipping - a good deal. They had at the same price in brown and black as well.

[_aravena]

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/10/l_596942e98f2e4e1e8939b4c49833c571.jpg

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/5/l_406362f4fb824a54ba7ad36702a0065c.jpg

[ALaS]

Is that a 5MDH or a 6MDH?

[_aravena]

Oh, and FYI, I've fitted a 40D + 11-16F2.8 and 20D + 18-50F2.8 in my 5MDH and necessary batteries and cards in the front pocket. It will fit. It is surprisingly big but not too big.

:D .

[sdsviet]

here is my 5mdh. the bag behind it is the 7mdh for comparison.

40d gripped with 17-55 w/hood & 580exII on the side

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3434/3362239172_9c910b7af8.jpg

[ALaS]

Wow thanks for the images! Does anyone have a pic with it on their shoulder or body? I'm going to be selling my lowepro so I think the bigger bag will be my choice and then eventually get the care essentials bag as well? Or I could keep the lowepro and just get the bare essentials bag. Hmm decisions decisions. I don't think I can make a bad choice with whatever route I choose. Opinions?

[kenshinvt]

Get the 6MDH. I have a gripped 450 and it barely fit in the 5MDH. It's really far too snug of a squeeze to want to take it in and out smoothly. Also, I'll add that I am the type that does want the minimum size possible for this sort of thing--I was looking for a "bare essentials" camera bag. You can see from even the other pictures in this thread that the bag is compressed to the sides due to the width of the camera. The 6MDH only adds about 2 inches in each dimension (LxWxH) and also comes with a shoulder strap.

I bought the 5MDH and took it back for the 6MDH. 6MDH can fit the gripped 450 with a 50-250 EFS lens, a nifty fifty, and still have a little room. I can reach in while wearing it and smoothly pull it in and out, and I also can fit it in using any orientation (currently use lens down, with hotshoe on outer flap side).

What you can't see online, or even via most peoples pictures, is that even the 6MDH is still very SMALL relative to most bags. If I could have seen a comparison shot of people wearing the 5 and 6MDH bags before purchasing them online, I probably would have just gone with the 6MDH to begin with.

On that note, if you are a guy - the 6MDH looks like a small messenger bag. The 5MDH looks a little like a man-purse. No offense to you 5MDH owners.. just sayin'.


edit -
;7534039']
Regarding the grip... it will probably fit, but it's going to be a tight squeeze and make the bag look bulky. (I can fit my 40D parallel to the length of the bag, as well as perpindicular, albiet a tight fit) Unfortunately, I think the width of the 5MDH isn't made for gripped bodies to fit comfortably.

This is exactly what I'm getting at.

[leks]

There are plenty more pics here. I believe there's a pic of someone wearing it.

http://cambags.com/bag_lists/shoulder_list_frames.htm#crumpler

Good luck with your decision!

[ALaS]

hahahahahahahaha man purse. You know I was acytally this king about that the other night. "I wonder if it looks like a purse or a messenger bag?"

I got a chance to look at the 6MDH yesterday at school and it looks like a winner to me. You guys think it's good for my body and grip with the 17-55 along with 3 strobes? I do.

[_aravena]

Yeah. The 5MDH is a bare essentials bag and the 6MDH is a bit more. I hate having too much room in a bag and when I used my DIY bag without the 70-200 it just seemed so large and it's roughly the same size as the 6MDH.

I love carrying it and I actually use it as a murse. I have room for my keys and wallet which I don't always feel like carrying. :D It takes a real man to carry a murse.

[tigerotor77w]

I have a 5MDH and love it. I carry the XSi (ungripped) and 17-55 attached and a 70-200 f4 IS; it's an absolutely perfect fit.

If this bag is meant just to be a bare essentials bag, I can't think of anything more perfect. It'll bulge out a bit with the grip, as some users have shown, but the bag itself is small enough not to be obtrusive.

The 6 MDH will carry the gripped body far easier, but personally, its size is beginning to encroach on what I think is a "bare essentials" bag. It's more the size of, say, a small messenger bag than a "purse." The 5MDH -- except in its front-to-back dimension -- is really about the size of a medium purse. For walking around town or any situation where you only want one lens, two lenses, or a lens and a flash, it's simply perfect.

[jeev]

New 6MDH and 7MDH Side by side for comparison & 5MDH

[ALaS]

Jeev how cone I hear about you sellin so many 7MDH's? Thanks for the images!! Got any 6's for sale?

[Raivyn]

The 5MDH is perfect for the XSI/XS/XTI/XT size bodies. It fits my X w/Tamron 17-50 very nicely.

I had originally purchased the 5MDH as a bare essentials bag for my 40d. When I was bag shopping, I was able to fit my 40d with my 28-135 with no extra room (bare essentials, right?) But my "bare essentials" bag has to have room for my cell phone (bulky Treo) and my car keys, but I bought a 5MDH anyway because I really liked the yellow color. So I purchased one of those Thirsty's to make the 5MDH work for me.

Once I got my 17-55IS, the 5MDH was too tight for my 40d IMO. I had to carry a separate small backpack for other stuff because the 5MDH really only fit the camera w/lens mounted, the flash, and nothing else. I didn't like carrying two separate bags.

So we just picked up a discontinued 6MDH, and I love the extra space w/o it being so tight. Visually, it is not really noticeably larger than the 5MDH, but for a 40d, the difference in size is tremendous. It's also a bit easier to carry because it came with a shoulder strap (the 5MDH w/o the strap with only the 40d+17-55IS was uncomfortable for me). And while it is larger than the 5MDH, it doesn't look that large, especially compared to the 7MDH (we have that, too). The 7MDH looks like you're walking around with a big duffel bag, while the 6MDH looks more like a messenger bag. And yes, on a guy, the 5MDH looks more purse-like, or rather, touristy camera bag.

[ALaS]

Haha, thank you very much for your input. I find it very useful, you hit all the points I was concerened about. I'm pretty set on the six million dollar home. It just makes more sense especially since now I'm thinkng about selling the lumpy ugly lowepro I have. Hopefully it works out okay to me! Thank you allfor the input. Now to decide.. New version or old version of the 6MDH?

[nateut]

here is my 5mdh. the bag behind it is the 7mdh for comparison.

40d gripped with 17-55 w/hood & 580exII on the side

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3434/3362239172_9c910b7af8.jpg
Thanks for posting this picture! Now I'm confident that the 5MDH is just the bag for my "bare essentials" kit which will include my gripped 40D and 24-105.

[jeev]

PM me I have some 7MDH and 5MDH Brand New 2009 Style Black color

Jeev how cone I hear about you sellin so many 7MDH's? Thanks for the images!! Got any 6's for sale?

[ALaS]

PM sent. What's the interior color?

[_aravena]

Green...look in his sig

[Kuma]

I like the changes. Looks good.

[nateut]

Does anyone know an online vendor selling the new 5MDH yet? I haven't had much luck finding one...

[mufutau55]

Amazon. Click link below. 5MDH $80

http://www.amazon.com/Crumpler-Million-Dollar-Photography-Messenger/dp/B001TIHVJU/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1237515131&sr=8-7

Mufutau

Does anyone know an online vendor selling the new 5MDH yet? I haven't had much luck finding one...

[ALaS]

So is the new version worth it!? I'm excited tomorrow I'll send my payment for the new version. Anyone advise me to get the cheaper older version?

[ClickClick]

Jeev how cone I hear about you sellin so many 7MDH's? Thanks for the images!! Got any 6's for sale?


I just bought a 6MDH from him and it arrived in two days, brand new and flawless. Trying to figure out how to divide up the inside now.

[ALaS]

I just purchased from Jeev. Thanks Jeev!

[sdsviet]

Thanks for posting this picture! Now I'm confident that the 5MDH is just the bag for my "bare essentials" kit which will include my gripped 40D and 24-105.

i really do like the bag but it can be a pain to pull out my gripped 40d fast. originally i bought the 7mdh so i can put my laptop in there but then i couldnt get my gripped 40d in there without making it extra hard to close or having to take the lens off. i think i'll keep the 5mdh a little longer since i might upgrade to a 5d or 5dm2. wont have anymore money for a grip, ahah. i tend to over packed my bags with more just in case i need something so for me a bare essentials bag isnt really all that bare. i think in the end i might be forced to sell both these bags and pick up a 6mdh and a 8mdh. i really like the new 6mdh in the grey color. those are nice.

[_aravena]

The 8MDH is going to be a disappointment I know because it reads to be only a bit taller and still take up a lot of space when using a laptop. But that's just reading the reviews adn the wording they used.

[sdsviet]

i checked the site and i think its just shows its being the same width but fatter. i cant remember its being taller or not. but yea $30-40 extra just for a 2inch extra girth. a little much for me. i think it would be better now for me because my 7mdh cant fit my laptop and gripped 40d without the grip sitting on top of the rim. that extra girth might just let my grip actually slide into the bag.

[ALaS]

Does anyone know an online vendor selling the new 5MDH yet? I haven't had much luck finding one...

Adorama has the 5MDH for $50 right now. Go hit that up! Free shipping CON US too..

[jeev]

You are welcome, Enjoy:)

I just purchased from Jeev. Thanks Jeev!

[phsv]

Does anybody know who still selling the older 5MDH?

[koigirl]

I have one backordered off Adorama. I noticed it's no longer available on Amazon so I'm wondering if mine will ever ship. It was a great deal (40% less) if I ever end up receiving it - :confused:

[phsv]

I have one backordered off Adorama. I noticed it's no longer available on Amazon so I'm wondering if mine will ever ship. It was a great deal (40% less) if I ever end up receiving it - :confused:

Yeah, I had ordered one from Amazon on Feb. 24th and Adorama was suppose to be one that was going to be delivering around mid March. My order did end up getting canceled by Amazon because they didn't foresee this item being back in stock any time soon.

Sorry if this crushes your hopes but I really you do get lucky and get your back shipped. :)

[_aravena]

Yeah if it doesn't say "In Stock" they're probably gone.

[koigirl]

Got my old-style 5MDH in light blue (I think they actually call it purple) today from Adorama. Love it but it's not a good fit with my 40D gripped with the 17-55 lens mounted (my favorite walkaround lens). It fits great without the grip, leaving plently of room for another couple of smallish lenses or a lens and flash, etc. Now I'm thinking I should have kept the 6MDH for a walkaround bag! I use the 7MDH to stow all my gear and wanted something a bit smaller for walkaround. Anyway, I like the size and look of it. Maybe I need a third Crumpler - I'm thinking 6MDH in Oatmeal? . . .:p

[burgerdude]

I recieved my old style 6mdh from Adorama a couple of days ago, I'm glad I went with the 6 and not the 5 for a walk around. I like that I don't have to fit my gear like a jigsaw puzzle.

[narci]

I have the new 6MDH in Black. I have in it a 40D with a Tamrom 17-50 on it, 580 EXII, 50mm f1.8, eneloop charger, batter charger, stofen and I still have room for another lens on the 50mm side of the bag and the some room on the side where the flash sits.

Anyone know if the 6MDH can fit a 40D with a 70-200 f2.8 on in it?

[koigirl]

No way on that in a 6MDH if it's mounted. I think you'd have to get the 8MDH to carry it mounted vertically in the bag although it might work horizontally but would make it hard to carry anything else. There's another thread that discusses trying to fit it in the 7MDH. I can carry my 70-200 2.8 IS in its own bag vertical in the side of my 7MDH and still have plenty of room for my body and several other lenses. With the grip, though, the body itself''s a tight fit, even in the 7. If these bags were designed just a tad wider from front to back it would help with carrying a gripped xxD.

[ALaS]

The 17-55 on my 30D gripped is a tight fit. But I can fit all of my 3 strobes, accessories and body/grip/lens attached. That's all I asked for. :]

[MinhThien]

Hey Ericson,
I just pick up a brand new 6mdh and it fit all my gear plus all 3 hoods! So what you are asking should be no problem!

[koigirl]

If anyone has figured out an arrangement that will fit a gripped xxD with a lens like the 17-55 attached inside the 5MDH, will they post a picture for me of how they arranged it ? Perhaps (in fact, probably) I'm space-challenged but I can't seem to get it to fit where I can close the flap completely. It fits just fine without the grip but I love using my camera with the grip - it's spoiled me!

[sdsviet]

go back on the first page. i showed a pic of it in the 5mdh

[ALaS]

Yep, first page there's one with a 40D, grip, 17-55 + 580 ex II. SQUEEEZE!

[koigirl]

Okay, I see it now; it's actually on the second page. I tried mine loaded that way but had trouble closing the flap. I guess that's the only way it's going to fit; I thought there might be another configuration I hadn't tried.