While the Omnica was well made and cleverly customized for various camera systems, it shared the same drawback with all cases of the era in that it was heavy and stiff. There was always this alien piece of luggage bouncing on the hip, especially troublesome in situations where it was necessary to move fast. I respected the Omnica but didn't like it for that reason. Several other options, including musette and gas mask bags, didn't protected the equipment well enough.
Domke changed all that with a pliable canvas construction, affording easy access, protecting the equipment and conformable to the body. The design was at its best with an outfit that consisted of several 35 mm camera bodies (or digital equivalents), lenses and accessories, which is what most PJs carry, and it made obsolete the finely crafted but clumsy leather bags previously considered best of breed. After more than 3 decades of use, I still find it an ideal carriage for most of my "serious" photography.
Rolleiography is another matter. Soft canvas doesn't seem a good fit for MF equipment, but I find joy with lightweight nylon and other high tech materials reinforced with foam rubber. It is somewhat but not as flexible as canvas, offering a bit more protection at less weight than leather. My Rollei equipment fits perfectly into a LowePro Mini-magnum bag as if it were custom made; 3.5F (with or without prism), lens shade, yellow filter, + 1 Rolleinar, light meter, and film. I proselytize on its behalf. ;-)
Allen Zak
On Oct 23, 2007, at 8:34 PM, Jerry Laderberg wrote:
<x-tad-smaller>I always thought a great case to work out of in the 1950/60's was the Omnica.</x-tad-smaller>
<x-tad-smaller>----- Original Message -----</x-tad-smaller>
<x-tad-smaller>From:</x-tad-smaller><x-tad-smaller> </x-tad-smaller><x-tad-smaller>Allen Zak</x-tad-smaller><x-tad-smaller> </x-tad-smaller>
<x-tad-smaller>To:</x-tad-smaller><x-tad-smaller> </x-tad-smaller><x-tad-smaller>rollei_list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx</x-tad-smaller><x-tad-smaller> </x-tad-smaller>
<x-tad-smaller>Sent:</x-tad-smaller><x-tad-smaller> Tuesday, October 23, 2007 2:10 PM</x-tad-smaller>
<x-tad-smaller>Subject:</x-tad-smaller><x-tad-smaller> [rollei_list] Re: e: speaking of war photography</x-tad-smaller>
Several years later, he hooked up with Leica, during which time he designed the Benser case for M and accessories. It was good for transporting gear, not so much for actually working out of it. IMHO, there wasn't a decent carryall until Domke came up with one in the late 60s. However, I'm sure a Benser would be a good collectable.
Allen Zak
