In your bag No: 1211, Matthew Fleming
Matthew shares with us a nice stripped bag today. Although that is a pretty hefty lump of film he has there. If only there was a convenient was of storing it when it was in your bag…
This is a stripped down ‘travel’ bag of sorts, but it’s also pretty much what I carry whenever I leave the house for the day. Enjoy!
Bag: Belstaff Colonial 556
I absolutely adore this bag; I picked it when I was 16, and after 7 years of service it’s still going strong. It has survived being massively overloaded in Japan, torrential rain in Shanghai, and day-to-day abuse in Lancashire; a Billingham insert has helped keep its shape and my cameras nicely dent free.
Cameras:
Leica M9 (50mm 2.8 Elmar)
My 21st birthday gift; when my dad upgraded to the M(240) I acquired my first rangefinder. It recently went on a 3 week all expenses paid trip to Wetzlar to have the sensor replaced. Really can’t argue with Leica’s customer care.
Leica M6 (28mm 2.8 Elmarit)
Infinitely reliable, gloriously quiet.
Digital and film living together in perfect harmony. That’s all there is to it really.
Film
I’m a bit capricious when it comes to film. I’m still trying to find what I REALLY like, so I tend to carry a pretty varied selection. I do have a weakness for Tri X (who doesn’t?) and a slight obsession with Agfa Vista Plus 200 (otherwise known as “Poundland Film”). I do all my own film developing, so £1 for 24 shots is far too good pass up.
Crocheted Leica M9
Something a little bit different here. Made for me by an ex-girlfriend, with a slight dig, “#leicaman”, stitched onto the rear side, this is where all my cards go to stay safe when they’re full.
As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning
You should always carry a book. I’m re-reading Laurie Lee’s erudite and effortlessly charming memoir again at the moment, trying to glean any wisdom I missed first time round.
Other bits:
Card case and business cards (endlessly practical- especially useful when it comes to proving your ‘legitimacy’ as a photographer)
Electrical tape
Notebook
Pencil case
Penknife
Not Pictured:
ND Filters- not strictly essential for where I live, but dead handy to have just in case.
Hopefully you’ve enjoyed this cursory look into my bag/mind, if you’re interested in what my work looks like there’s loads of ways to have a gander below. Don’t hesitate to get in touch!
http://www.matthewjamesfleming.com
Instagram: @matthewjamesfleming
Flickr: Matthew Fleming Photography
Tumblr: http://matthewjamesfleming.tumblr.com
Thanks for sharing your bag with us, James. Always nice to see film and digital side by side.
Check out the links and please make sure you come and comment.
Keep them coming folks, we need more submissions, so get your bag on Japancamerahunter.com.
Send me a hi resolution image of the bag. Optimum size is 1500 across. Please ensure there is a bag in the shot, unless you don’t use one. The more you can write about yourself the better, make it appealing and tell us a story.
Oh and don’t forget your contact details (twitter, flickr, tumbler et al). Send the bag shots here. Please understand that there is a long wait now as there is a backlog of submissions. Not all make the cut, so make sure yours is funny/interesting/quirky. And please make sure the shot is of good quality, as the ones that are not do not go up.
Cheers
Japancamerahunter
Love your gear and bag! Shame that they don’t ship the bag internationally though..
Matthew…love your work…love your kit…keep rocking it!
Cameras come and go, but my Belstaff 556 has been my constant companion for the past 10 years. It’s my work bag, my travel bag and my camera bag. I have sat on it and slept on it. The only problem is the modern ones come ‘pre-distressed’ and I am constantly stitching and patching mine. The magnetic buttons had to be removed and stitched down. Having said all that, it’s robust considering the age. The size is great and the pockets hold a film camera or a DSLR lens. Best of all, it doesn’t look like a camera bag and is less likely to be stolen for being recognised as one.