Camera shops in London

Posted by: Simon Perry on 18 July 2006

Hi - can anyone recommend a good camera shop in London that stocks a wide range of camera bags? I am after a bag for my new Canon 30D but Jessops seem to be particularly poor. I realise that there are lots of options on the internet but I want to get a good look of the potential options before I buy.
Cheers
Simon
Posted on: 18 July 2006 by Ian Hughes
Try

Calumet,
93-103 Drummond Street,
NW1 2HJ

(Formerly KJP)

They are primarily a professional's retailer, and stock things like Billingham bags etc.
Posted on: 18 July 2006 by Roy T
Simon, have a browse through the bags on offer at Teamwork, you may find something that takes your fancy.

Teamwork
41/42 Foley Street
London, W1W 7JN
Tel: 020 7323 6455
Fax: 020 7436 5212
Posted on: 18 July 2006 by Derek Wright
Simon

What type of bag are you after - off the shoulder or a backpack for long journeys.
Posted on: 18 July 2006 by Mick P
Simon

I endorse the choice of Billingham bags. I use one and it is superbly made and yet discreet.

Just make sure you look at some before you make your final choice.

Look at this little lot

http://www.fotosense.co.uk/themanufacturers.asp?ID=53&name=Billingham%20Bags

Regards

Mick
Posted on: 19 July 2006 by Simon Perry
Thanks to everyone for their helpful suggestions. I think I will probably need two bags in the end:
1. A smaller bag for transporting my camera and say 1 lens and a few bits and bobs. Ideally this bag should not look like a camera bag.
2. A larger bag to hold all my camera gear. Here I am thinking of a lowepro rucksack or something...
All comments/ suggestions gratefully received!
Simon
Posted on: 19 July 2006 by Derek Wright
Simon

I have used a generoous sized Billingham in the past - they are great - but they should be supplied with a health warning as they put the weight onto one shoulder and cause the body to tense up to carry them. They can also carry a great deal - so they become very heavy.

A shoulder borne laptop bag has the same problems.

The above two bags may have contributed to my inability to walk any distance due to lack of sensation in my feet (another story)

I now use a Loewpro Computrekker AW, it holds the laptop, camera body, a couple of lenses, flashgun cables for the computer and chargers for the camera. etc. It fits into the overhead locker on all the flights I have been on recently. This bag can also get very heavy but I use it for transportation between one mode of transport and another or to the hotel room.

I would not use it for an in town or nature ramble (feet permitting) but prefer to carry the camera and long lens in it's bag around my neck. Fitter more organised people could use the Lowepro on hikes - but with reduced contents perhaps adding some sandwiches and a bottle of water <g>

I keep batteries and memory cards in my pocket.

There are as many opinions on camera bags as there are users, just avoid the temptation to carry all the kit with you all the time, unless you are into pro mode.

A consideration re any bag is the ability to protect the contents from pilfering ( I was recently sensitised to light fingers in Barcelona)
Back packs unless worn on the front give the thief a lot of opportunity to get in, however the Lowepro does have zips with cords that can be woven together so making it difficult to get in unless cut, and it does have a waterprrof cover than can cover the back pack and so increase the time for the thief to get into the bag.
Posted on: 28 July 2006 by Roy T
Simon, What bag or bags did you decide to purchase?
Posted on: 28 July 2006 by Simon Perry
I have not purchased them yet, but I have settled on a loewpro slingshot 200 AW as a smaller bag. I have not decided on the larger bag yet as I want to get to a store with good selection of crumpler bags first.
Thanks for everyone's suggestions. As I am currently building up my camera equipment I am sure I will be asking many more questions in the weeks and months to come!
Posted on: 28 July 2006 by i am simon 2
Simon

Crumpler bags are also worth a look. They are a slightly more modern take on camera bags, but the are quite technical and adjustable inside. They ahve the added advantage of not looking like camera bags, which might help on the securtiy front.

I can second Calumet, who also have a shop on Wardour Street.

Also Kingsley photographic on Totenham Court Road (towards the northern end, on the left as you head north)

Selfridges also have a good stock of crumpler bags.

Kingsley are very good for getting all the gear out and letting you have a play with stuff before you by it.

Happy shopping.

Simon