Taking the G to Central America Panama Is it a good Idea

[writing4me]

Oh, I forgot to suggest this before. If you are worried about the camera bag not being water proof, how about putting a zip-lock plastic bag around the camera and or lens, and placing that inside of the camera bag whenever you're in a place where water (or sand) contact might be likely? Cheap solution, but water proof for when the camera isn't in use. -Lynn

 

[tomasjpn]

Lynn,

I had the same problem with the Crumpler site - it doesn't load properly using Internet Explorer. Try it with Netscape and it should load correctly.

Mark Edwards

 

[denyz]

> Hi Linn

try sales@crumplerbags.com or info@crumplerbags.com

Greetings

let,s Fantasy rules

 

[spluff]

Hi,

For an appropriate Billingham Bag, may I suggest the Hadley Small. It is not cheap, around £90 in the UK - but it is well made, has two tall dividers and one half size divider. It is more than adequate to take your G system along with film, a beanbag, a flash and batteries. It is also quite compact - and you can walk around without it getting in your way.

As an alternative, may I recommend one of the Cycle & Lifestyle bags from Crumpler - rather than one of the photgraphic bags. Their photographic bags are very good at protecting your gear - but they can be a bit bulky. Instead, I've bought their bag called "Wonder Weenie" (they all have zany names!!) - mine cost £43 - and you can buy an insert designed for cameras for about £20. This has three inserts - and again can easily take your G system with a load of accessories - although it is not as spacious as the Billingham. The other advantage is, you can use the Crumpler as a normal bag if you don't want to carry the camera around - and if you go for one of the duller colours, they can look pretty low-key. And finally, they are very robust - I prefer them over my Billingham.

Hope that helps!!

Cheers, Saras

 

[writing4me]

Thanks John and Mark! -Lynn

 

[bunthorpe]

Hi Colin;

Billingham was originally a fishing bag manufacturer that found out its bags were being used by pro's for cameras. IMHO, your best bet is to buy a used fishing bag on ebay (Brady, Hardy, Lyddesdale etc. - older is less inexpensive and least obtrusive) and separately a liner. I have had such a bag for 17 years, and it is still going strong - like an old friend! Some even have netting attached, into which you can stuff loose items.

May I also second the suggestions of a bean bag and/or table top tripod.

Best,

David

 

[jsmisc]

What a very good idea Lynn about the zip lock plastic bag. I shall try that. Thanks.
John

 

[malcg1uk]

Hi Colin

The G1 is a well made, reliable camera and certainly up to extended travel. Obviously being an electronic camera it's battery dependent, but otherwise you should have no problems. You can't go wrong with any of the lenses. I use the 45 the least but it's a personal thing. I wouldn't sell the 35, it's a great all rounder. 35 and 21 make a great pair for travel IMHO. Add a 90 for a really great, lightweight outfit.

For bags, I'd second what others have said - go for something unobtrusive. I'm really sold on the M classics bag made for Leica rangefinders. It doesn't really look like a camera bag, although it is perhaps a little too smart looking and might attract unwanted attention for that reason. It is however fantastic for swallowing a small outfit plus all those travel essentials, hangs close to the body, is very secure and comfortable to carry. A little pricey though, but will last for ages.

Hope this helps

Malcolm Farrow

 

[panamacolin]

Hi,
Thank you everybody for the info. Keep it coming. I have been looking on ebay for a hardy, brady, and Lyddesdale bags, but I cant find one that fits my needs. I have also been looking at the crumpler and billingham site. Some of the bags on the site interest me. I wish there was a store locally that would have some bags to try. We have a photo shop in town (Tallahassee FL) but they dont have anything that is small that interest me.

Thanks,
Colin

 

[mike]

>Colin- I lived in Panama from 70-73. Spent the first 9 months living in the San Blas at a resort called Islandia (long gone), very near Ailigandi and Achutupu. After that, my family lived in Panama City, and I went to school at Colegio San Marcos. My mother worked at the Officers' club at Albrook, so I spent some time in the zone, but mostly in the city, or at Rio Mar, Santa Clara, El Valle. I haven't been there since a trip back in 74 (I was 16). My Dad says Panama City is very different, much more built up, and the traffic is indescribable. I spoke with a friend there 2 years ago, and he mentioned that the economy wasn't so great, and that crime was up. Be careful!