Anyone used the M classic Bag or the recently released new M Bag from M classics of Boston ? Would appreciate any comments on the bag(s). Would be even more grateful if the following queries can be answered. 1. Is there no padding at all and do you find this a problem? 2. Is the newer version better in anyway? 3. Do they offer good protection from the elements? 4. Are they heavy? 5. Are they better than a Domke 803? 6. Can they carry more than a 803?

many thanks in advance.

-- Arthur Yue (yueart@ctimail.com), February 13, 2002

Answers

I got one of these bags and they are great. I was reluctant to use it at first because of the lack of padding. Once I used it I realized it fully protects the gear.(I did put folded cloth napkins on the botton areas but this is probably not necessary). It molds to you body and can carry way more stuff than you would think. Probably the best "M" bag out there. I have never used the Domke 803, but this bag is more functional than other Domke's I have owned.

-- Bob Haight (rhaigh5748@aol.com), February 13, 2002.

Ditto............

-- Bob Todrick (bobtodrick@yahoo.com), February 13, 2002.

I know nothing about the "new" M bag from M-Classics, but I have one of the original Leica bags from which the original M-classics bag was cloned. I classify it as a "cool collectible" but not something I'd want to use unless I put some kind of padded insert in it. If you set it down, you need to do it very softly. Since it has no structure, you need to make sure nothing will shift after you let go, or the bag can fall off whatever you set it on and everything hit the floor--hard and unprotected. You don't want to get shoved or jostled against a wall or other hard surface. You don't want to put something in it quickly, without making sure it won't hit something else. You don't want to depend on the little pieces of Velcro to hold it closed if the bag gets upended, but the alternative is to fuss with the buckles each time. The Domke 803, or better the F5XB, are more functional and more comforting to entrust thousands of dollars of high-precision photo gear.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), February 13, 2002.

Yes I have been using the Classic M bag for about three years. To answer your questions: 1 There is no padding and that has never been a problem for me. 2 I heard about a new version but the only thing I know about it is it is black instead of sand color. 3 Depends on the elements. I have exposed mine to many days of using in the rain with no problem. 4 Very light. I also have the Domke 803 and prefer the Classic M. 6 With the Classic M I can carry more gear (but I try not to). I can put three Ms in the Classic with lenses & hoods mounted, plus lots of film, meter, etc, etc.

Also I would like to say that IMHO heavily padded bags are over rated. I use my unpadded Classic bag everyday and have never had a problem. Tom Abramhson has travelled all over Europe and North America with a Classic bag with no problems. A PJ friend of mine uses two Brady fishing bags (which are canvas and look like the Classic) one fishing bag carries three black paint M4s the other carries three M6s. He has done this for many years with no problems.

-- Steve LeHuray (steve@icommag.com), February 13, 2002.

I recently took the M classic bag to Australia and it stayed on my shoulder the entire month. It is an extremely comfortable bag, although I stuff a towel in the bottom of the main compartment because I was worried about my second body hitting the floor.

I routinely carried two bodies, lightmeter, five lenses, and twenty rolls of film in the bag, and everything stayed put, and was immediately available.

Everything stayed dry in two hours of light rain one day.

-- Michael Rivers (mrivers@mac.com), February 13, 2002.

I thought the "old" M Classics bag is unpadded, and the "new" (50% more) M Classics bag is padded. I went for the "old" bag myself, but I don't carry a lot of equipment, just a RF body and 50mm lens. I like light and compact, without having any decisions to make.

-- Glenn Travis (leicaddict@hotmail.com), February 13, 2002.

Arthur:

I have used the old M-classics, a new M-classics, and the original Leica bag it's patterned after. Both old bags had one outer layer of material with a thin white fabric liner. The new M-classics bag now uses the outer fabric for the liner, in effect giving you a double layer of the tougher material. I sold my first M-classics, because I did not like the strap atteachment point. I have since had Seth make me a custom version of the new bag, with the straps attached to the side of the bag, not the rear -- I like this arrangement much better, as the bag hangs better off my shoulder, but it is a little more difficult to quickly grab equipment than the standard arrangement.

As for the bags, they are SUPER! In fact, IMO it is the best Leica bag out there. I regularly carry two motorized M bodies with lenses attached, two or three extra lenses, film, flash, cleaning gear, and still have room for the travel guide of the country I'm in. Love the bag! You could fit a third non-motorized body with a compact lens attached in lieu of the exrta lenses. And it is a bag that does not scream "Expensive gear inside!" FWIW, I also lined the bottom of the bag with some closed-cell foam for extra protection.

;-),

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), February 13, 2002.

Jack your customized M-Classics sounds almost like a Domke F6 ;>)

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), February 13, 2002.

Jay: Except I don't have to fuss with that %%@#*&*^% zipper!

;-),

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), February 13, 2002.

I like the design of the M-Classics bag, but find it just a bit larger than I prefer. Someone mentioned the Domke F803 ... That remains my preferred M kit bag. It's more "small attache" shaped but it holds what I want a little better, I find its selection of pockets and such just about exactly right for a body, three lenses, film and flash. Plus all my usual travel stuff as well.

Regards the "lack of padding" ... I have never found it a problem. A little bit of closed cell foam on the bottom of any bag is a good idea (I cut up thin sleeping pad material ... it's closed cell, will not hold moisture ... DON'T use polyurethane open-cell foam!) ... Otherwise, I am happier that these bags are more comfortable to carry, mold to the shape of their contents. If an item needs more protection, a Domke wrap or suitable individual case works better and takes up less space than those monstrous padded bags from other manufacturers.

-- Godfrey (ramarren@bayarea.net), February 13, 2002.

Jack: The only zipper on an F6 is the front pocket. The main compartment is covered only by the flap which is secured with 2 hasps. Just like the original F2, only as they say "little bit smaller" (and doesn't have side pockets). Personally I'd never leave home with a bag that didn't have a zippered main compartment. No law says you have to keep it zipped, but it does seal the bag up better against sand, dust and unauthorized fingers.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), February 13, 2002.

Jay: Sorry, I am not totally Domke-fluent -- I was thinking you were referring to your (usually over-stuffed) F5XB. I find the F6 nothing more than an original F2 without the utilitarian pockets, and thus seems like a "why bother" to me, but I know others love it. Probably the closest thing in Domke to my custom M-calssic is the 803, but it is just enough smaller to prevent getting the motorized M's in.

:-),

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), February 13, 2002.

I carried a Leica M6 w/2 lens and a Konica Hexar QD-black w/flash for 3 months in Pakistan and Afghanistan while on assignment last year. With a Domke 15" square gear protection wrap pad folded in the base for cushioning - it is an ideal carry-all-day bag. Though I wasn't exposed to monsoon like conditions I must say it did a good job of keeping my gear safe and clean during dust storms. The snaps and buckle keep things from tumbling out. The bag is light and forms to your hip - making it easy to navigate through a crowd as it doesn't protrude like luggage (Domke and Billingham bags have this characteristic). I looked long and hard before going with the M Classic and would recommend it - especially if you carry a simple kit. The pockets on the face of the bag are ample enough to carry cleaning supplies, batteries and extra film. My only grip - the M bag needs a hand strap atop the bag as a carrying/portage option. I own the black model. Good luck.

-- Ara Ayer (araayer@yahoo.com), February 14, 2002.

I don't ever remember seeing an option for a black bag at www.mclassics.com. If black is an option, then I may have to get an M Bag. I hate the tan color and therefore never considered the bag.

-- Richard (rvle@yahoo.com), February 14, 2002.

Black is now the only option -- but you can get with black or tan trim. Seth has not updated the website...

:-),

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), February 14, 2002.

In response to my query, Seth sent me the following email. Should answer some questions.

Thanks very much for your interest in the M Classics bag.

I am writing to let you know that there are now two different types of M Classic Bags. The Original M bag and the New M bag. If you’d like to order one, please let me know which one it is:

1.Original M Bag with Khaki cloth,

2.New M Bag with black cloth & black trim, or

3.New M bag with black cloth & brown trim.

There have been a lot of favorable comments lately among Leica users at the LUG and at other product review sites. Some have been talking about the NEW M Classics bag as opposed to the Original M Classics Bag, so I want to let you know about the differences between the Original M Bag and the New M Bag. To be happy with your purchase, we want you to order the one that suits you best.

SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT

The Original M Bag is the khaki colored one that can be seen and ordered directly from the website: www.mclassics.com. The New M bag comes in Black with Black leather trim or Black with Brown leather trim. The New M Bag is not yet on the website so we have to process orders by hand via email or telephone or fax : pepe3@bellatlantic.net or 617-787-2105. My fax at home is: 617-787-2424

I am sorry for the inconvenience. My buddy John is going to help me get it onto my website sometime soon.

The Original M bag is made from Propex with cotton sheeting urethane-laminated to it. The New M bag is also Propex but it has a double layer of urethane laminated Propex and so it has a bit more “body” or shape to it. By the way, Propex is an extraordinarily strong fabric that is resistant to puncture, tearing, abrasion, mildew, and even harsh chemicals. It cleans up with soap and water !!

On the New M bag, there is a lot more leather trim and binding. The use of additional leather is aesthetic but it is structural as well, strategically adding shape and form to the bag.

The Original M bag has a polypro shoulder strap with a single slide adjuster. The New M bag has a cotton web shoulder strap that is adjustable from both ends, allowing a higher carry under the arm. This is often preferred by photojournalists who may have to run with their bag to catch a shot.

The New M Classics Bag has a slightly larger inner “speed pocket”; large enough to hold a M body with a 90mm collapsible Elmar lens in its extended position and ready-to-grab!! I love this feature. Also in the New M bag, the flap of material inside the bag’s main compartment, that wraps around other gear, can now be positioned with Velcro to accommodate your specific needs. The interior can be effectively custom compartmentalized without the need for cumbersome padded dividers. This gives the bag a speed and ease of access to your gear that can’t be found in even the high end padded bags.

Both bags use brass hardware and only top quality leathers and they are all bench-made by crafts-men and women in our small New England shop. The bags have been designed with features desired by working photojournalists; people who need and use their gear quickly, efficiently, and comfortably.

Both the Original and the New M bags are of the same basic size and design. Approximately 11 x 14 x 3.5 and weigh approximately 2 lbs. The straps are attached at the rear of the bag for a very comfortable angle of hang from the shoulder. If you’ve only used bags with side mounted shoulder straps, this design will please you. They are real shooter’s bags and are very fast to use. They are designed for speedy and efficient access to your gear. They are perfect for Leica style photography and they will comfortably hold a surprising amount of gear.

The New M Classic bag sells for $139 +7 domestic shipping via Priority Mail (usually 3 days).

International orders can be accepted via email and fax.

$139+ Int’l shippingShipping costs to most of Europe are $32.50.

Asia is $30.

South and Central America are $29.

We use USPS International Express Mail.

It usually takes only four to five days to arrive in the destination country, can be tracked on the Internet at WWW.USPS.COM and it is automatically insured. Lately, however, after September 11, international mail has been a little slower, so don’t worry if it takes a bit longer.

MC or Visa can be accepted for the NEW M Bags via e-mail or phone or PayPal.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ORDER A NEW M CLASSICS BAG:

1. Please specify which color combination you want:

Black/Black leather or Black/Brown leather.

2. E-mail me credit card information and your address as it would appear on a shipping label. Or use PayPal at WWW.PAYPAL.COM

3. If you have already ordered an Original M Classics Bag at the website, I will cancel the order and will process the order for the New M Classics bag as soon as you contact me via email or phone.

I hope this is helpful. Call or e-mail me if you have any questions.

Thanks and best wishes,

Seth Levine

M Classics

617-787-2105 (Boston)

-- Richard (rvle@yahoo.com), February 14, 2002.

IMHO, the Domke F803, which I own in Olive Drab, looks much less appealing to those thieves out there than the M Classics bag which looks, to me, much more likely to contain something expensive.

-- Thomas Nutter (tmnphotos@erols.com), February 15, 2002.

Thanks everyone for your answers and help. Seems like the only feature that is occasionally found needing is some bottom padding.

-- Arthur Yue (yueart@ctimail.com), February 15, 2002.