Lovecases.co.uk asked me to review a Case Logic small camera bag.
This is a bag by Case Logic for small interchangeable lens cameras, with one lens fitted and another extra lens, such as the Nikon 1, Pentax Q, Sony NEX (though only with the 16mm pancake and standard zoom) Samsung NX series (though again only with a pancake and a standard zoom) or as shown above a Panasonic GF3.
This is given as the full compatibility list -
Sony NEX 3 / C3 / 5 / 5N / 7
Nikon 1 J1 / V1
Samsung NX11 / NX100 / NX200
Panasonic G1 / G2 / G3 / G10 / GF1 / GF2 / GF3 / GH1 / GH2
Pentax Q
Olympus PEN
Though if you have larger lenses, and lens hoods they would have to carried some other way. As indicated below we could only get a GH1 + 20mm lens into the bag by removing the divider and there then wasn't room for another lens.
Overall this is a very well designed and made bag, but if you want it to be for a camera + 2 lenses then it can only accomodate the smaller compact system cameras and lenses. It took my Olympus E-PL3 plus a pancake lens and a small zoom. Attempts to get it to take a Panasonic GH1 plus 20mm pancake lens and another lens, proved impossible however.
There are two pockets at the front, though you can turn this into one if you prefer as the divider is removeable, the GH1 + 20mm combination we tried did then fit, but left no room for another lens. There is a pocket at the back for cards, batteries and a couple of filters. There's a handy little ledge which I found took my Olympus VF-3 viewfinder, since that had to be detached. In terms of what its designed for it works very well. Here's the lovecases.co.uk video showing it carrying an Olympus Pen + 17mm, 14-42mm + battery charger and lead, small tripod + cards.
This is given as the full compatibility list -
Sony NEX 3 / C3 / 5 / 5N / 7
Nikon 1 J1 / V1
Samsung NX11 / NX100 / NX200
Panasonic G1 / G2 / G3 / G10 / GF1 / GF2 / GF3 / GH1 / GH2
Pentax Q
Olympus PEN
Though if you have larger lenses, and lens hoods they would have to carried some other way. As indicated below we could only get a GH1 + 20mm lens into the bag by removing the divider and there then wasn't room for another lens.
Overall this is a very well designed and made bag, but if you want it to be for a camera + 2 lenses then it can only accomodate the smaller compact system cameras and lenses. It took my Olympus E-PL3 plus a pancake lens and a small zoom. Attempts to get it to take a Panasonic GH1 plus 20mm pancake lens and another lens, proved impossible however.
There are two pockets at the front, though you can turn this into one if you prefer as the divider is removeable, the GH1 + 20mm combination we tried did then fit, but left no room for another lens. There is a pocket at the back for cards, batteries and a couple of filters. There's a handy little ledge which I found took my Olympus VF-3 viewfinder, since that had to be detached. In terms of what its designed for it works very well. Here's the lovecases.co.uk video showing it carrying an Olympus Pen + 17mm, 14-42mm + battery charger and lead, small tripod + cards.
It has a carrying handle also and the shoulder strap is detachable. It could be a good solution for a small holiday travel outfit. It will offer a level of protection too, as it has a waterproofed back, though there is no mention of full waterproofing. Getting things in and out is fine and I like the way the front pockets extend outwards for removal and then goes back into the body of the bag again.
It does also work well as a carry around bag, though as I indicated, a pancake lens and standard zoom are just about the limits of what you can carry. If you use lens hoods that would be a problem. As you can see I couldn't carry the hood for the Panasonic 14-42mm I had with me. Some of the smaller hoods could however be carried in the back pocket ledge, if they are no deeper than a battery charger then they will fit.
It could also work as a separate lens and "bits and bobs" case. Often I go out with a camera and don't actually take a bag that will take the camera itself, but carry lenses, cards, spare battery etc. in it.
It does also work well as a carry around bag, though as I indicated, a pancake lens and standard zoom are just about the limits of what you can carry. If you use lens hoods that would be a problem. As you can see I couldn't carry the hood for the Panasonic 14-42mm I had with me. Some of the smaller hoods could however be carried in the back pocket ledge, if they are no deeper than a battery charger then they will fit.
It could also work as a separate lens and "bits and bobs" case. Often I go out with a camera and don't actually take a bag that will take the camera itself, but carry lenses, cards, spare battery etc. in it.
Overall its a nice piece of kit and put together to a high standard. So long as you don't expect it to hold too much, its well-made, neat, stylish and a reasonable price. There are many people for whom it will be ideal, and if it fits your system I would have no hesitation in recommending it.
Plus remarkably it does have a 25-year guarantee!! and you can't argue with that.
Plus remarkably it does have a 25-year guarantee!! and you can't argue with that.
