Information about TENBA bags...

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I'm wondering if TENBA bags are as good as they are supposed to be !!

What about "LowePro" or "Domke"

Thank you.

-- Bruce Barelly (barelly@club-internet.fr), May 05, 2001

Answers

Bruce, I've been using Lowepro bags for a while now and I am very pleased with them. I use the older models (no AW cover) and have a Magnum for 35mm/roll film cameras and I use a Phototrekker for my LF. The old model is slightly bigger than the current version and I purchased a Lowe rain cover for their backpacking rucsacs which fits my phototrekker perfectly. I have had them both for almost 10 years and they show no signs of wear. BUT I would buy a newer version, possibly a ProTrekker or SuperTrekker if funds allowed - I always end up using the money for other gear! They are well made but the main draw back is taking them on flights. I could just about get away with the Phototrekker if I stowed the harness into its pocket but new regulations now make it almost impossible to take it as hand luggage. I can't comment on either the Tenba or Domke bags as I've not used them. If you are looking at a Lowepro I notice that Robert White has some excellent deals on this make especially the backpacks (stock clearance I think) regards Paul

-- paul owen (paulowen_2000@yahoo.com), May 06, 2001.

I've used a number of Domke F1-X bags for years for 35 mm stuff, and like them a lot. The canvas one will wear out after a couple of years if you use them on a daily basis. The nylon Domke's are much sturdier but they make outer part of the bag - the area that would rub against your side - out of the canvas rather than nylon. This is a purposely done in order to wear out the bag rather than wear out your clothes! But now I have a Domke that looks new everywhere but the side, sigh...

But in spite of that, I keep going back to Domke when I need a new bag for 35 mm or medium format. The layout is perfect for what I do and I don't have to "re-learn" a bag.

But for LF I've chosen a Lowepro Trekker AW. I load it down with a Toyo field camera and up to five lenses, plus all the assorted stuff we drag with us. Everthing seems to fit fine and it's very comfortable for hikes into a site.

Last summer I took this bag onto a number of commercial airflights (Canadian admittedly) and had absolutely no trouble fitting it through their little measuring frame.

-- David Grandy (dgrandy@accesscable.net), May 06, 2001.


I've had one of the Tenba over-the-shoulder bags since 1977. It;s the original orange Cordura with chrome fittings. It's carried a Tachihara 4x5 kit since 1978 and is still going strong. I can't imagine a better made bag.

I recently bought a Tenba PBH backpack for my Canham 8x10. While it weighs a ton fully loaded, it does hold the camera, five film holders, four lenses, spot meter, loupe, dark cloth and everything else I need. The camera and film holders are placed inside a separate padded case that comew with the PBH. This goes into the top half of the pack and the other items are in the bottom half, accessible without opening the top.

The bag is as well made as the 1977 model. It has a pretty good harness set up, with lumbar belt and chest straps. I've only hiked two or three miles at a time with the bag, but it seems to carry the load well. I'm sure a Kelty would be more comfortable after twenty miles, but the Tenba does a much better job of holding a large view camera.

-- Rick Moore (rickm@gethen.com), May 06, 2001.


Bruce I use a Tenba (I think is a 595?) over the shoulder bag for my 6x9 field camera with 3 lenses, 2x69 roll backs, mag. viewer, spot meter, couple of filters etc. Its very comfortable to carry, water proof and above all allows access to the equipment without having to take it off the shoulder. Most useful when on the beach.

For my 4x5 camera I use a Tamrac back pack, again very comfortable to carry and allows top access to the camera. Side pockets hold lenses, DD slides/Polaroid 545i holder. Regards,

-- Trevor Crone (trevor.crone@uk.dreamcast.com), May 07, 2001.


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