Crumpler Bags, Mighty, All Due Respect, and All That...

So, look, here's the thing: I'm really all about helping upstart companies make their products better, and doing good things in business and everything like that.

But, um (and OK, I've had one... no two... bottles of wine tonight), and... wait... let me say first:

I love Maggie. I kinda think Mighty Goods is one of the best websites ever -- seriously, not just currently operating, but EVER. And we'll just agree here that Hank Mason is one cutesty-patootsie-bundle-of-delicious, 'kay?

But, um. Maggie? What third-world country are you referring to, exactly? I've scoured your Flickr, and I can't find one. Amsterdam? Not so much. Austin? Close, but I don't think it counts. Alameda Flea Market? Yea, OK. I'll give you that. Gotta  tell ya, the 3rd world countries aren't the ones you need to take a Sharpie to your camera bag for.

And also? Why is Crumpler responsible for your defective favorite pen? Mine slip in with the cell phone, while a carabiner clip would fix the key problem. (Tho', yea, kinda get you on that - wouldn't cost those guys much to add a plastic carabiner to the bag).

To Simon, a commenter on that Mighty post up there, who asks what a photographer would use the uber-strong Velcro straps for,  I say, "dude, you've obviously never traveled with a tripod".

Look, all due respect and all that, and I totally get that Crumpler bags are cool and whatnot (though, WTF IS UP WITH THAT WEBSITE???), but if you're a photographer, is it totally necessary to make a fashion statement while you're lugging around two or three grand in equipment?

Or is it maybe better to be a wee bit less fashionista about it all, but have a great case that was designed by and for photographers to do what you need it to do?

(In case anyone was keeping track there, I just linked to three - count 'em, THREE -- different companies who make camera bags designed for, you know, PHOTOGRAPHERS).

Peace out.

Tags: Photography, Food & Drink, Mighty Goods, San Francisco

Comments

[Joy]

Yay! You know how much we love the Crumpler in our house. In fact, I just ordered another bag for a friend's b-day yesterday. Of course, I still love you more than the bags.

[jen maiser]

I've used both, but I love love love my uber geeky, stupid looking Tamrac backpack. Especially as it protected $3k of equipment when I landed on it during the scooter incident in Vietnam.

[Ardtia]

It's all about Think Tank. If you're a real photog you're not trying to make a fashion statement, you're trying to make your gear work for you...

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/

[sam]

Of course i don't have a clue what you are talking about but since our camera bag does not fit our fast growing lens collection any more and we are talking about a new one I guess I had better start checking out the links so thanks for doing the hard work for me!

[Mrs. L]

Heck, if you want to be fashionable, just make your own!
http://donnadowney.typepad.com/photos/camera_bags/index.html

[Mrs. L]

Heck, if you want to be fashionable, just make your own!
http://donnadowney.typepad.com/photos/camera_bags/index.html

[Dr. Biggles]

Hay,

Hmm, well I don't travel, far, ever. But I do drag gear around. I chose the bag I have now, back in 1997 for 2 major reasons. I wanted a camera bag that didn't look like a camera bag. And, I wanted one that was made out of natural fibers (looks and feels nice).

http://www.cambags.com/canon/1d/shoulder/domke_f3x_desc.htm

Plus, after a few washings it wears and feels just like your favorite pair of jeans. It's gone to work with me every day since 1998. I'd trade it for nothing.

xo, Biggles