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Camera bag for Leica M

  
 
bjhurley
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p.2 #1 · Camera bag for Leica M


kevinsherm1 wrote:
Any recommendations for small cases I can put an M3 in, and then put the case in a bag? I always prefer using bags that are non-descript, but need protection within that bag.


The ThinkTank Mirrorless Movers work pretty well for this; the size depends on the size of your lens. I can fit my M2-R with a small lens into the Mirrorless Mover 10, and then put that into my daypack, messenger bag, or whatever else I'm carrying. https://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/mirrorless-mover-10-v2

If you want to carry multiple lenses they make larger ones in that series.

For my everyday camera bag I have a Cocotte Equipment messenger bag with the "Capra" padded camera insert. The Cocotte bags are ubiquitous in my city (Montréal) as they're made here, so it attracts no attention. It closes with secure heavy-duty clips as well as velcro so nobody can reach inside when the bag is cinched to my back.



Jul 28, 2026 at 06:49 PM
rico
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p.2 #2 · Camera bag for Leica M


I own a bunch of bags and packs—like all of us—but the needs of OP is screaming Domke F-6 which is (still) built with the old-school thinking. That means no Velcro, no padding, no zippers. So, there is no noise opening the bag, the flap flips fully backward for accessible shooting "out of the bag", and the bag molds to your hip due to lack of structure.


Jul 28, 2026 at 07:03 PM
RustyBug
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p.2 #3 · Camera bag for Leica M


rico wrote:
I own a bunch of bags and packs—like all of us—but the needs of OP is screaming Domke F-6 which is (still) built with the old-school thinking. That means no Velcro, no padding, no zippers. So, there is no noise opening the bag, the flap flips fully backward for accessible shooting "out of the bag", and the bag molds to your hip due to lack of structure.


The ThinkTank Retrospetive series comes in a variety of sizes, and has similar aspects. Velcro has an optional tab on it so you can use it or not. I have mine folded so there is just a little bit of Velcro on one of the tabs, so I don't have to fight with the velcro or hear the noise. Yet, if I want to really make it more secure, I can use the entire surface area of all the Velcro tabs.

I had the 5L and then got the 7L ... they make larger 10 / 20 / 30 and iirc smaller than 5L, but I'd suggest you look in the 5L and 7L or 10L. The 10L gets taller, but they all have the canvas build, so they conform, but I think they probably have a bit more gusset structure, since they have a side pocket (lens or bottle) on some.



Jul 28, 2026 at 08:37 PM
airfrogusmc
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p.2 #4 · Camera bag for Leica M


I also use this Filson small field bag with padded insert. Got it for $50 years ago at an outlet.



Jul 29, 2026 at 05:04 PM
DrLogik
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p.2 #5 · Camera bag for Leica M


I use a Domke F803. It carries my M3, three lenses, lays flat against my body and doesn't look like a camera or computer bag. Got one used and fairly cheap on FleaBay and will last forever.


Jul 29, 2026 at 07:12 PM
TNBDM
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p.2 #6 · Camera bag for Leica M


I've had a Billingham Hadley Pro 2020 for years and cannot recommend their products highly enough, despite the price. I find that bag a little too big for the Leica system (perfect for Sony though), so I just recently bought the Billingham for Leica bag, and I find it ideal for its stated purpose. An M with a mounted lens and a second one, plus film, fit perfectly, with just enough room to squeeze in my GR IV too. The bag is meaningfully smaller than my version of the Hadley, too.


Jul 30, 2026 at 10:20 AM
Potomachuck
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p.2 #7 · Camera bag for Leica M


Usually I carry a small 18L backpack like from Patagonia or Osprey for my various daily items. In that I keep in a Velcro pouch and M11P w/ 35 Summilux, EVF. I can toss my very tiny Thypoch 21mm + spare battery as well. This gives me flexibility to add/subtract stuff as needed for that day. Totally blend in.

That being said, I also use a Wotancraft 7L, or the Peak 6L as other options.

Would totally buy the Wotancraft again.



Jul 30, 2026 at 11:12 AM
 


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treacle
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p.2 #8 · Camera bag for Leica M


kevinsherm1 wrote:
Any recommendations for small cases I can put an M3 in, and then put the case in a bag? I always prefer using bags that are non-descript, but need protection within that bag.


Wotancraft makes some nice little zip cases in both fabric and leather that will fit a Leica M and a smaller lens.I have a few different sizes.
http://www.wotancraft.tw/en/creations/camera-compact-pouch



Jul 30, 2026 at 02:40 PM
HereIAm
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p.2 #9 · Camera bag for Leica M


Yeah I have a Wotancraft in a Billingham I had to remove the sewn in liner out of because of the foam disintegrating. I'm not using it anymore but it's a nice solution for a nicely worn Billingham.


Jul 30, 2026 at 03:53 PM
rji2goleez
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p.2 #10 · Camera bag for Leica M


I appreciate all the suggestions here, thank you! Since I love my Wandrd Rogue 6L sling, I decided to go with the 9L version. It's roomy enough that I can fit that 4th lens or carry 2 M bodies and lenses. Bonus, is that I can also fit my 14" laptop in the expandable sleeve for travel.

Also, to keep things compact, I was able to 3D print a dual lens holder that fits vertically in the bag quite nicely. Much cheaper (pennies) to 3D print vs paying the $50 dollars or so for the Leica version.







Jul 31, 2026 at 08:24 AM
BruceRH
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p.2 #11 · Camera bag for Leica M


rji2goleez wrote:
I appreciate all the suggestions here, thank you! Since I love my Wandrd Rogue 6L sling, I decided to go with the 9L version. It's roomy enough that I can fit that 4th lens or carry 2 M bodies and lenses. Bonus, is that I can also fit my 14" laptop in the expandable sleeve for travel.

Also, to keep things compact, I was able to 3D print a dual lens holder that fits vertically in the bag quite nicely. Much cheaper (pennies) to 3D print vs paying the $50 dollars or so for the Leica version.


I just epoxy glue two generic M caps together.



Jul 31, 2026 at 10:41 AM
rji2goleez
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p.2 #12 · Camera bag for Leica M


BruceRH wrote:
I just epoxy glue two generic M caps together.


I thought about doing that but I already have a 3D printer. It cost less to print than having to go buy some epoxy glue!



Jul 31, 2026 at 11:01 AM
belmonteje
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p.2 #13 · Camera bag for Leica M


I'm in love with my Billingham Hadley Pro Small with the blaze orange insert. Not my first Billingham, I'm in love with the way they age and wear with use.


Aug 04, 2026 at 09:23 AM
rscheffler
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p.2 #14 · Camera bag for Leica M


I'll add my 2¢ even though Bob has found a bag.

I've tried a few slings and various bags over the years for the M system and found that I don't like zip-up type bags, particularly slings, because whatever lenses are stored in the end spaces, become difficult to remove because you're kind of fighting with the ends of the zipper where it comes together. Plus I don't like the feeling of the zipper teeth rubbing against my skin (I'm less concerned about the lenses rubbing against the teeth, unless the teeth are metal, which they rarely are).

Back in December B&H had some of the McKinnon bags on sale and I grabbed the 13L messenger and 5L sling. These are quite rigid 'clamshell' bags, which I normally don't like, but with a few customized Shimoda padded dividers, I was able to get the 5L to work for an M camera with a few lenses and the 13L for a mirrorless camera with 28-70/2, 70-200/2.8 and 20/1.4, or similar trio. The feature that intrigued me with both of these is the 'captive' opening system whereby you can fully unzip the clamshell cover to access your gear without rubbing against the zipper while an internal flap sewn onto both sides of the hinge area prevents the cover from opening too far for gear to spill out. Basically, you can walk around with the bag fully unzipped and nothing will fall out. There's also a bungee cord sewn along the edge of the cover that can clip to a hook on the other side to keep the bag closed without having to zip it up, allowing quick access by just unhooking the cord. Therefore the bag offers three carry options: fully open, clipped closed with quick access, or zipped closed. I found this flexibility with the 13L worked very well for my needs during a 3-week trip with my mirrorless system.

But the small bag I've gotten the most utility from for a single M body and up to 4-5 M-mount lenses is a customized CourierWare 'mini' messenger bag. These are made to order and you can customize the bag even beyond what is possible on the order page. I had the optional back inside pocked sewn down the middle to create two smaller ones like the two standard front inside pockets, and asked them to line them with 1/8" padding. Plus added clip closure rather than velcro. Each inside pocket will hold a 'standard' size M lens and the camera can be dropped in the middle between the pockets. When lenses are in the pockets, they expand to fill the inside of the bag and the bottom of each lens is kind of suspended over the bottom of the main inside compartment, meaning there is room underneath for other odds and ends to float around and the pockets keep the lenses from dropping too far down and becoming difficult to reach quickly. For really small lenses I've even cut pieces of PVC pipe just large enough in diameter for the lens mount to fit into, so that the lens sits on top of the pipe opening and the pipe acts like a booster to keep the lens closer to the top of the pocket for even easier extraction. Additional bonus is that with lenses that have rear elements that project beyond the mount flange, it keeps them from rubbing against anything (I generally carry M lenses without caps). A general issue I have with most messenger style bags is that they're quite deep and tiny M lenses end up way deep down inside the bag, difficult to see and/or find quickly. Hence my preference to keep them up near the top edge of the main compartment as much as possible.

During use I just flip the flap all the way back so it's between me and the bag, allowing easy access, or it can be left down to cover the contents in poor weather, less secure areas, etc. If the bag is not fully loaded, it will conform nicely to the side of the body rather than feeling like a rigid box, which is one thing I don't like about the McKinnon bags. One downside of the CourierWare design is that the shoulder strap is attached to the sides of the bag and with the flap closed, there's the potential for a slight gap where water can get in if it's raining. I'd really prefer an option to have the straps sewn to the edges of the bag's back panel so that the flap fully covers the opening, as is the case with a Filson bag I have (but is too big for M system use). I also think back panel positioning of the shoulder strap results in a more comfortable carry experience, though it can somewhat interfere with rolling the flap all the way back against the back of the bag.



Aug 04, 2026 at 03:46 PM
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