My Camera Bags for Film Photography Gear

In this week's video, I wanted to share a backpack that I've been using for both my medium format and large format film photography gear. The Compagnon Element has been my go-to for the last six months and has been a perfect fit for the work that I do (hiking, outdoors, etc). In this video, I'm doing a quick review, showing you how my gear is laid out, and also going to share a second bag from Compagnon that I've been using for day trips in the city.
Check out the Compagnon Element Backpack here: bit.ly/2TLttUq (affiliate link)
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Some of the links below are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. The money I earn helps me make this type of content consistently.
My '35mm Film Photography Course' on Skillshare (FREE with this link): skl.sh/2JrGhFs
My 'Medium Format Film Photography Course' on Skillshare (FREE with this link): skl.sh/3r7KLta
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Videos on this channel are filmed using the Fuji X-H2s: bhpho.to/3UEjFVs
►FILM PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR (*these are affiliate links):
My go-to medium format camera: ebay.us/GaK9Kp
My favourite 35mm film camera: ebay.us/82WyVI
My favourite 35mm film lens: ebay.us/u0V817
My favourite medium format travel camera: ebay.us/FVcfWk
My go-to light meter: ebay.us/QIFXF0
My favourite film stock: ebay.us/orbudp
My favourite 645 medium format film camera: ebay.us/ydY4HK
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[@amirmireskandari1520]

Great bags, and awesome video. Thanks for sharing. Always good to get a user's POV. I am in the market for one right now and will check these out for sure.

[@camerachica73]

For my 8x10 I got an insert made by Stone Gear which fits into a regular backpack (Osprey Fairview 40) which is super comfortable on the back and shoulders and holds 2 wrapped lenses, light meter, dark cloth and four film holders. I also have a Shootsac across my body for small things I.e loupe, selvyt cloth, rocket, notepad, pens, snacks, flask of tea, filters and holder, phone and keys. Then I sling my tripod over my shoulder. It’s heavy but not so bad.

[@EdoGDL]

they look good, I was expecting to be available in amazon, well I'll keep looking

[@DanielJamesBird]

Absolutely love my Wandrd Prvke 31L! Has a similar roll-top to the Compagnon - super handy! Manages to pack in my RZ67 with a lens or two, and my Pocket 6k Pro with a lens or two also. Definitely get's a bit heavy though! Great video Kyle!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Daniel. Haven’t heard of that bag. I’ll have to take a look!

[@bngr_bngr]

This morning, I was organizing my camera bag closest. I didn't know I had so many bags. 15 camera bags plus 5 bags that I use as a camera bag. I only have one backpack bag the rest are shoulder bags. My favorite bag is the smallest bag I can use but sometimes that turns out to be my largest bag.

[@KyleMcDougall]

15 is a lot! 😁 I have a few older ones as well that I need to get rid of!

[@bngr_bngr]

Kyle McDougall my Domke bags have seen better days. Those don't leave the house now. They are good for storing gear.

[@garypearson9756]

I just have to carry my '70s & 80's Nikons in my Domke F2 from 1979. It just feels right!

[@KyleMcDougall]

I have the F2 as well for when I don’t need a backpack. Absolutely love that bag.

[@NickSmithPhoto]

When you said the second back bag had the Pentax 67 in it, I thought, "jokes on you, it's already on the table", nope, I was wrong.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Surprise! 😅 But yeah, I’m in a transition phase with the 67ii.

[@fyzd3r]

I exactly thought the same thing and I said to myself that was a really beautiful way to flex without really knowing it.

[@magnusa.5599]

i bought their smaller sling bag a few months back. also top notch quality and usability. as a bag pack i just got the new shimoda 30L and took that on a first alpine trip last week fully loaded. killer!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Don’t know much about the Shimoda. I’ll have to look it up. The sling from Compagnon does look interesting!

[@magnusa.5599]

@@KyleMcDougall i feel for shimoda's Kickstarter campaign. It's really rugged though. I was thinking about the Compagnon before that. Can't really go wrong with any of them. The roll top comes in handy a lot of times though.

[@waynesimon7096]

Thanks Kyle. If I purchased a Gibellini GP810TI I would put it in one of these. Unfortunately I'm saving up for a Lamborghini Sián Roadster so just a little short of pocket cash at the moment. Thanks for the information on the Compagnon line of backpacks. I'm certain my Lotto Max ticket is a winner so who knows, the pack and the car could be six numbers away :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

My fingers are crossed for you, Wayne! 😅

[@Casualfulltime]

I purchased a fstop about 8 years ago. Never looked at another outdoor focussed backpack since. A lot more affordable compared to this too.

[@resideracingrc5658]

Beautiful camera bags! But the almost $800 Canadian before tax price tag for the backpack 2.0 hurt my gut 😅 I totally understand the great craftsmanship, but I can’t imagine dropping that kind of money on a camera bag that you can get the same life/Design out of a more affordable bag and can use the other money to buy other storage gear

[@KyleMcDougall]

Fair enough! Like with all things, it’ll be different for everyone. Lots of other options out there as well. 🙂

[@NickSmithPhoto]

Camera bags do seem to be the next pricey ‘accessory’ on the list for photographers. I used to hate photography specific bags as they always scream ‘this bag contains cameras inside’, in terms of design. I’m glad now though companies are making them more attractive and ‘everyday’ looking. I’ve always used f-stop gear because I like that you can switch out the internals based on your needs.

[@rhett1734]

That's just about what every german looks at when we see gear from the US or Canada... It's not even that expensive, but taxes and import fees quickly rack up

[@7evive]

Yeah and in Canada too and no way I drop more then 200-250$ on a bag. With 800$ I could buy a really nice lens or almost a new body

[@Evoque786]

2.0: Addition to high price … another reviewer says it’s very uncomfortable and not good for long use.

[@kevlarnegative]

I really like the Element but the fact that the shoulder straps are under the zipper kills it for me. I don’t want my gear to be hold by the zipper. Also the price. I’ll be buying Shimoda, it’s more thought out.

[@Casualfulltime]

Well observed!

[@gettons1980]

Hi there, did you end up buying a Shimoda backpack in the end? If so, which one did you go for?

[@jacopoabbruscato9271]

I personally feel more comfortable going around with something which is not recognizable as a camera bag, or even designed as such. Thieves have a keen eye for expensive, good quality bags and they'll assume even more expensive gear will be on the inside. Though my camera gear is nothing to write home about, I don't want to risk it. I use an unassuming military surplus shoulder bag. Sturdy, plenty of pockets, leather straps to carry extra stuff, goes mostly unnoticed. No padding but I'm finding a workaround

[@cjormita3331]

Hey Kyle! Love the video - I'm currently building out gear and accessories for a Pentax 67ii I recently acquired so I really appreciate this. I was wondering if you're able to use the side access to pull out a built Pentax smoothly from the Compagnon? I currently have the Wandrd 31L like most folks here, but it doesn't let a built Pentax sit in the bag without putting pressure on the prism. Also it doesnt come out smoothly from the side access at all lol, so wondering if the Compagnon is a better option. Many thanks :)!

[@GodwinIsaac]

can you attach the peak design capture clip on the strap?

[@hannesbauer1505]

Can you please make a short Video to show the big tripot on the bag in moving . I like buy the bag but i dont like when the tripot swing around by moving. All the other reviews show small tripot and not in moving so we cant see it stable or its swing around by moving pls

[@RobMoses]

Nice bags, but damn they are so big. I usually toss my 67 in a fat messenger bag that will fit it with one lens.

[@chun-weipan6287]

Is this a 20L? Does the Velcro portion DIYable to allow more top loading space? Thanks

[@RandyPollock]

Wonderful video and bags, but I'll stick with the 2 to 3 hundred dollar bags, my think tank travel bag is still going strong after 9 years of use.

[@Losersluck_]

the best camera backpack is a normal, non camera backpack with a camera cube insert.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Like with all things, every one will have a different preference. But yes, I've used something like that before when I was doing alot of flying/travel. It's a good way to stay low key as well.

[@wilsonstudio78]

Thanks for sharing, I have been searching for a shoulder bag for Pentax 67ii, may I seek your advise on that too?

[@KyleMcDougall]

I use a Domke shoulder bag for the 67ii. The F2 I believe.

[@bladerealm124]

How is this bag holding up today compared to other options? (Especially in terms of comfort) Do you still use it? I'm still trying to find the perfect camera backpack (like everyone else). I've tried the Shimoda 35l Explore V2 and Action X30 but for some reason Shimoda's harness system just doesn't work well for me and I find their bags very uncomfortable even after loads of adjustments. The Think Tank Urban Access 15 is much more comfortable but I find the layout limiting. The Fstop Shinn 80l is very comfortable for it's size and weight when used with the hip belt but it's far too big for most daily carry use. It's also hard to find bags with good depth to store larger lenses vertically like the Canon RF 70-200mm (5.75") and RF 28-70mm F2. The Compagnon 20l and 30l look great but are very expensive and hard to find much recent feedback on compared to other options.

[@koishes00]

You read my mind - I'm looking for a bag for my 4x5 kit. These bags look amazing, but NEALRY 400 EUROS :O wow thats a lot of money for a bag

[@koishes00]

FIVE HUNDRED EUROS for the backpack 2.0. Come on how can you even recommend this? Love your channel dude but these bags are so ridiculously priced

[@KyleMcDougall]

As mentioned, definitely not cheap bags. And I can understand where you're coming from. But at the same time, like with all things, there are cheap versions and premium versions. I think these bags are incredibly well built with premium materials, and am happy to recommend them for that reason. But at the same time, I definitely understand that they're not for everyone, and that there are a lot of other great options out there as well, including cheaper bags. It's the same with a lot of things in the photography world. You can buy a 35mm camera for $100, or $5000, and they're both going to achieve a similar result. All comes down to preference.

[@koishes00]

@@KyleMcDougall totally makes sense, they look like great quality bags. Nothing against you or your video at all. I was just shocked when I looked them up is all 🙂

[@KyleMcDougall]

For sure. I get it! Cheers.

[@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY]

Looks nice, I have been using lowepro protactic 450 but it is quite heavy and also quite uncomfortable during hiking.. this can be good choice but looks quite pricy 😱

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah, definitely not cheap but great quality. Been a while since I used a lowepro but they always seemed pretty good.

[@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY]

@@KyleMcDougall thanks! I will have a look again.

[@mind1990]

Hi, which one is the smaller bag when nothing is inside either of them?

[@KyleMcDougall]

They're close. But I'd say the Backpack 2.0

[@WhiteVaille]

Oough, these are amazing bags, but wow, $400 for the Element and $500 for the 2.0. Gosh they're so gorgeous, though.

[@messsucher]

6:09 what is that cloth//bag that folds your drone? looks interesting. Feels like it could fit a variety of sizes and keeps them snug and padded in the bag

[@KyleMcDougall]

It’s an insert from a Tenba cinema bag that I bought. Came with a few of them. Really handy for wrapping up lenses and other accessories.

[@messsucher]

@@KyleMcDougall yea it looks very useful for lenses & stuffs, or even for film backs. definitely will grab a couple!

[@petermcgowan2973]

Hey Kyle, really great review. I'm considering getting one of these bags, and also have a fairly tall tripod like your Benro. I've seen pics of you hiking with this pack and the tall Benro sticking up off to the side - how unbalanced does this make the pack for a several mile hike? Many thanks, Peter

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hey Peter, I'm now using a set of Gitzo legs, which are even larger, and it doesn't bother me. A bit unbalanced, but nothing really too noticeable when the pack is fully loaded. Cheers.

[@petermcgowan2973]

@@KyleMcDougall Great, thanks

[@barqbros]

Unrelated to Video Do you suggest any cheaper systems for developing 120 film? I have bought a brownie hawkeye camera from an antique store and its shutter and all works, but it seems like my only option is home developing. I put together a shopping list for everything needed to get it started for developing but its 120$+. Do you know about any cost effective home developing solutions. Below is the shopping list: Paterson film squeegee: 16.80$ Ilfotec DD-X developer: 22.94$ Ilford Rapid Fixer: 13.27$ Ilford PanF+: 7.95$ Paterson Uni Tank: 31.95$ Paterson Changing Bag: 32.45$

[@KyleMcDougall]

First off, I'd say ditch the squeegee and start with a cheaper developer. You could always go with Ilford Ilfosol 3. DD-X is my favourite, but it's one of the more expensive. Also, you could look into the Paterson starter kit. It comes with everything you need, except for the change bag. That's what I started out with.

[@stevef2114]

Great vid! Im really struggling getting a bag, as i really have found photog bags usually are so uncomfortable and sag and pull on your shoulders badly. Ive had lowepro and fstop in the past with MF and LF gear. Now i got rid of all that kit and own Fuji GFX system with lenses. I have x2 tenba BYOBs that id still like to use rather than dedicate ICUs or whoever the brand call them for their bags. Hiking gear is preferable but none offer rear panel access due to them having great harnesses etc. Wandrd or Shimoda seem to be the only 2 that i see that seem to have great reviews, but no one uses them with BYOBs. Man, why is this process so frustrating lol lol

[@matt88169]

I feel your pain. All camera bags suck, all bags are great to have. I have two VERY similarly sized bags, but only one I’d travel with because it is marginally smaller and fits what I need it to fit. Bag makers seem to think photographers don’t eat, drink, or wear clothes they need to remove from time to time. But we ALWAYS bring a laptop and tablet and three tripods lol. Drives me nuts. I feel like I’m wearing a treasure chest most of the time.

[@stevef2114]

@@matt88169 lol lol I went with the Osprey Stratos.. not perfect .. and all bags are a compromise somewhere so hopefully this works out lol

[@matt88169]

@@stevef2114Osprey makes good stuff so hopefully it works out for you!

[@webersteve1547]

Do you think you can carry clothes for a one week trip?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Depends on what type of clothing, really. The top compartment is quite large. I usually fit a compressible down jacket and waterproof layer in there, with plenty of room to spare.

[@sangnguyen-195]

How much

[@bobmorr2892]

I only need a fanny pack not a suitcase.

[@oh3225]

Hi Kyle

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hi

[@lokialcatraz8196]

Yeah definitely not a promotion video clickbait

[@gusmendez2564]

For 450... nah...