Captn's Log, 9/21/07 Frankenbag Project initiated..

Got my echo inserts a couple of days back. Fits very well with the Crumpler Blanket. I was able to fit the following:

Canon 30D + grip holding a 135L.
85 1.8
Tamron 90
580 EXII
30GB Zune + my Tmobile MDA
Lot of spare for filters and camera caps.

By the way...all of the lenses have hoods attached.

I am happy with the project. Thanks Namaste.

jclaveria wrote in post #4241776
Got my echo inserts a couple of days back. Fits very well with the Crumpler Blanket. I was able to fit the following:

Canon 30D + grip holding a 135L.
85 1.8
Tamron 90
580 EXII
30GB Zune + my Tmobile MDA
Lot of spare for filters and camera caps.

By the way...all of the lenses have hoods attached.

I am happy with the project. Thanks Namaste.

I'm just glad this inspired you guys. I really didn't think of it as a very big deal but it seems to have a life of its own. I'd love to see a pic or two of the blanket with your inserts o see how it compares to mine. Right now I have the following in mine...

30D w/grip and 28-105 (hood)
70-200 f2.8 w/ hood
50 f1.8
Cokin filters w/ ring and holder
Charger
Circ Filters in pouch for the 28-105
Cables and card reader
Mini tripod
Giottos Blower
All sorts of misc stuff in the front large pouch (barely used any space)
Sunglasses in case
Wallet
Ipod Mini
Multiple jump drives
Mutliple spare cards
A DP Magazine
A folder with all kinds of tips and tricks

Thing is, I could still fit more. I also attach my monopod by securing the velcro for the contents of the bag then using the tightening straps over the pod to hold it in place. I'm pretty stoked still although I do still see a backpack in my future at some point.

Here is my Frankenbag configuration. I feel it is more secure this way than attaching a lens and shoving down the 30D because that configuration does not protect your LCD. All lenses are hooded.

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^lol you got one of the Zunes!!!

I got 2!

I ordered the BR a couple of weeks ago from REI and iust ordered the Lima insert ($14.99 + for shipping). I was using it with some inserts from bags I was not using but I just sold all of the bags. I just wanted to protect a small kit (XTI+17-85+28 2.8) and leave room for other stuff, mainly stuff I carry for my young kids. Looking forward to trying it out.

Update: Got the Lima inserts today. Fit perfectly. Exactly what I needed and the two pouch system adds flexibility. Glad I went this route.

How is everyone liking their inserts? I'm thinking about ordering one this week to make my own messenger style camera bag.

Well, I just got one. it's too small for what I want and makes my bag bigger than I like, but I did use the inserts of that and I love the padding. I was using Lowepro type inserts and those were too thin for my tastes. I threw the box insert into my Dreadful Embarrassment and I can see how it'd work well, so I might use it in there when I use that bag on trips.

I'm still loving my Domke inserts in the Zoo York bag.
Best bag I've used yet. Perfect for what I want.

Ok, so that idea didn't work. Bag was way too big! So I made another which I have a review of. But then I wanted something smaller to always have that wasn't so big but could carry what I need. I bought a bag from Target for $20, very nice and very casual. But I'm broke so I took it back with the velcro and reused the velcro from my other DIY bag to make my new bag.

So, I found this. Or better, it's my fiancee's old laptop bag. And wall la!!! I call it my POS DIY bag. Now this looks nothing like a camera bag.

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oh, i am interested this one

can't believe this thread came back to life!! I sold my inserts but still use my Crumpler all the time. I think I might have to pick up some inserts again though. Good luck building yours, the own!