Just a little gushing about my hubby...

[Miller1412]

He bought me a Tracy Joy "Kristine" shoot sac for my birthday today.

He's been great about my spending on photography problem. This year alone, I got the d300, the sigma 30 mm f/1.4 and the SB-600 flash. Glad he understands the never ending short list.

 

[annnewjerz]

Congrats! I got the same bag for Christmas love(d) it!

I still use it on occassion but my only advice is to BE CAREFUL using it. I had my D60 in it in January and the little clip that keeps the bag closed had loosened up a bit. I went to pick up the bag and the gap between the flap and the bag was so large that my camera with lens attached came tumbling out onto our wood floor.

Luckily, the camera wasn't any worse for the wear---but it did make me more aware of the buckle coming loose. That, in addition to the thinner padding that the bag has actually prompted me to buy the Crumpler bag because of the crazy amount of velcro on the bag in addition to the buckle.

I still use the Kristine bag when I'm going out with just my camera, attached lens and memory cards---but when I need to have a loaded bag, I stick with the Crumpler now.

 

[JR6ooo4]

Congrats! I got the same bag for Christmas love(d) it!

I still use it on occassion but my only advice is to BE CAREFUL using it. I had my D60 in it in January and the little clip that keeps the bag closed had loosened up a bit. I went to pick up the bag and the gap between the flap and the bag was so large that my camera with lens attached came tumbling out onto our wood floor.

Luckily, the camera wasn't any worse for the wear---but it did make me more aware of the buckle coming loose. That, in addition to the thinner padding that the bag has actually prompted me to buy the Crumpler bag because of the crazy amount of velcro on the bag in addition to the buckle.

I still use the Kristine bag when I'm going out with just my camera, attached lens and memory cards---but when I need to have a loaded bag, I stick with the Crumpler now.

but shouldn't a bag named "Kristine" fix itself overnight?

Mikeeee

 

[Chikabowa]

I still use it on occassion but my only advice is to BE CAREFUL using it. I had my D60 in it in January and the little clip that keeps the bag closed had loosened up a bit. I went to pick up the bag and the gap between the flap and the bag was so large that my camera with lens attached came tumbling out onto our wood floor.

I had that problem quite a bit with my Kristine too. My husband actually took those rings off completely and replaced them with mountain climbing carabiners from REI. They are a cheap replacement and TOTALLY sturdy!! I haven't had that problem since replacing the rings.

Oh, and the TJ isn't good as a camera bag to store or transport equipment (like in a car or airplane). I use it strictly as a shoot bag - so when I'm out shooting, and I need a quick lens change, I've got everything at my finger tips.

I did love carrying it in Disney though - It nicely carried a couple of lenses, a speedlight, a couple of pocket wizards, my wallet/cell phone and a few diapers and a package of wipes, no problem at all!

 

[jann1033]

but shouldn't a bag named "Kristine" fix itself overnight?

Mikeeee

if it does i am hereby naming all my lenses christine..although no telling what kind of crazy photos they'll take by themselves

 

[Experiment_626]

but shouldn't a bag named "Kristine" fix itself overnight?

Only if it is spelled "Christine."

Qapla'

SSB

 

[Miller1412]

LOL...Now I'm scared to get it

Seriously...I'll keep an eye on that hole. Hope it's not too much of a problem!

 

[Ju Ju Bean]

Your hubby sounds like a great guy! I want both of those for my personal addiction!!!

 

[revrob]

Congrats! I got the same bag for Christmas love(d) it!

I still use it on occassion but my only advice is to BE CAREFUL using it. I had my D60 in it in January and the little clip that keeps the bag closed had loosened up a bit. I went to pick up the bag and the gap between the flap and the bag was so large that my camera with lens attached came tumbling out onto our wood floor.

Luckily, the camera wasn't any worse for the wear---but it did make me more aware of the buckle coming loose. That, in addition to the thinner padding that the bag has actually prompted me to buy the Crumpler bag because of the crazy amount of velcro on the bag in addition to the buckle.

I still use the Kristine bag when I'm going out with just my camera, attached lens and memory cards---but when I need to have a loaded bag, I stick with the Crumpler now.

I've been looking at this bag and I'm kinda scared because of this report. Do you know if you have the "New Kristine" that is on the site that says it has "more padding" than the old version? AND, when you say that the gap between flap and the bag was big, do you mean at the top where the flap folds over? I'm wondering if this is something I can deal with if I tweak it a bit (ie - sew a few things closed or something?).

 

[annnewjerz]

I've been looking at this bag and I'm kinda scared because of this report. Do you know if you have the "New Kristine" that is on the site that says it has "more padding" than the old version? AND, when you say that the gap between flap and the bag was big, do you mean at the top where the flap folds over? I'm wondering if this is something I can deal with if I tweak it a bit (ie - sew a few things closed or something?).

My guess is that I don't have the "New Kristine"---mine was ordered in December and was one that was on clearance because it was a discontinued print. If it has more padding, that is definitely a plus, but just be aware that there isn't necessarily a lack of padding in the original Kristine, just not as much and not as rigid as the padding in the Crumpler.

As far as the gap between the flap, I think it was a little of both. When the bag was fully loaded, I would adjust the buckle so that it was as tight as I could make it but over the course of a little while, the buckle would loosen, causing the flap to not lay snug against the actual body of the bag. Because the flap was loose and not really secured over the top of the bag, that is when my camera found a way to fall out.

I'm not really positive how it happened specifically since I was in complete shock that it did happen---all I know for sure was that the bag was buckled (although loosely from being loaded with my camera and lenses) and it managed to slip through an opening.

Again, this hasn't discouraged me from using the Kristine bag when I'm out shooting. I brought it to DC with me and ended up using it after the first day when I found my 6MDH was just too big and heavy. I wore my camera around my neck, carried one lens, a water bottle, my wallet and cell phone in the bag. My main rule is that if I'm carrying that bag, the camera stays on my neck unless we're breaking somewhere for a meal or I need to use the bathroom, etc. and I try not to load the bag up too much---maybe just a lens and a speedlight or two lenses.

Even though it would probably be fine to walk around all day with the camera tucked away in the bag, after my experience I just don't feel good about leaving it in there.

Edited to Add: FWIW, I just looked up the "New Kristine" bag and it looks like a pretty vast improvement over the regular Kristine that I have. The fact that it can stand on its own alone is well worth it to me. Mine is very floppy, not firm padding at all---there is absolutely no way the bag could stand on its own---it's more like a cotton sack sort of. The material also looks better---rougher and more durable. Like I said, mine is more like plan old cotton.

 

[revrob]

My guess is that I don't have the "New Kristine"---mine was ordered in December and was one that was on clearance because it was a discontinued print. If it has more padding, that is definitely a plus, but just be aware that there isn't necessarily a lack of padding in the original Kristine, just not as much and not as rigid as the padding in the Crumpler.

As far as the gap between the flap, I think it was a little of both. When the bag was fully loaded, I would adjust the buckle so that it was as tight as I could make it but over the course of a little while, the buckle would loosen, causing the flap to not lay snug against the actual body of the bag. Because the flap was loose and not really secured over the top of the bag, that is when my camera found a way to fall out.

I'm not really positive how it happened specifically since I was in complete shock that it did happen---all I know for sure was that the bag was buckled (although loosely from being loaded with my camera and lenses) and it managed to slip through an opening.

Again, this hasn't discouraged me from using the Kristine bag when I'm out shooting. I brought it to DC with me and ended up using it after the first day when I found my 6MDH was just too big and heavy. I wore my camera around my neck, carried one lens, a water bottle, my wallet and cell phone in the bag. My main rule is that if I'm carrying that bag, the camera stays on my neck unless we're breaking somewhere for a meal or I need to use the bathroom, etc. and I try not to load the bag up too much---maybe just a lens and a speedlight or two lenses.

Even though it would probably be fine to walk around all day with the camera tucked away in the bag, after my experience I just don't feel good about leaving it in there.

Edited to Add: FWIW, I just looked up the "New Kristine" bag and it looks like a pretty vast improvement over the regular Kristine that I have. The fact that it can stand on its own alone is well worth it to me. Mine is very floppy, not firm padding at all---there is absolutely no way the bag could stand on its own---it's more like a cotton sack sort of. The material also looks better---rougher and more durable. Like I said, mine is more like plan old cotton.

Thanks so much for your reply! after reading it, I think I can live with this bag in these conditions. I went ahead and ordered it. I'll check it out when I get it and see if I feel it needs an additional buckle and if so, I'll just stitch another buckle on the bag. I'm kinda thinking that may help to alleviate some of the pressure from a single buckle and help to keep the bag tightly closed. I'll come back and give a report when I get it. Thanks again!

 

[Chikabowa]

Don't be scared to buy one! They are wonderful bags - I have an old model and I love it. I've had problems, but I still love it.

I just want to stress... The Tracy Joy bags (Kristine) are NOT regular camera bags and cannot be compared to a Crumpler. They are shoot bags and that inherently means that they have less padding, less protection for your gear, and easier for lenses/equipment to fall out.

With that said, they are also vastly easier to access equipment, lighter, easier to grab equipment quickly and more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.

It's a trade off.

If you are buying a Tracy Joy for storage or transportation of your camera, you are going to be disappointed. If you are buying it so that you have something easy to wear/carry/access while shooting, you will be happy with your bag.

I love my Tracy Joy - my straps have broke in the past, my equipment has fallen many times, and I've been fine. But I've also been lucky and I've taken steps to make sure it doesn't happen again. I will be the first to admit that I totally overload my bags too.

For storage, transportation and protection (like when I'm traveling on airplanes), my equipment lives in a pelican roller case. I pack my Tracy Joy separately and then when I get to my destination, I pack my Tracy Joy and leave my Pelican in the hotel.

 

[annnewjerz]

Don't be scared to buy one! They are wonderful bags - I have an old model and I love it. I've had problems, but I still love it.

I completely agree. Like I said above, my Kristine bag really saved me while I was out shooting in DC the other weekend. It's comfy and holds a bunch of stuff.

I just want to stress... The Tracy Joy bags (Kristine) are NOT regular camera bags and cannot be compared to a Crumpler. They are shoot bags and that inherently means that they have less padding, less protection for your gear, and easier for lenses/equipment to fall out.

Agreed here too---I was comparing it to my Crumpler only for the fact that I think it's a more secure bag (with the velcro and stiffer padding). Because of that, it is harder to get things out and it is a bulkier bag to carry.

If I could only have changed one thing about the Kristine, it's that I wish it had stiffer padding. There were a few occasions when I was running around and would knock the bag on the door and just think . Call me paranoid or whatever, but I think the upgrade in the padding is a GREAT addition. With the stiffer padding, I don't think the buckle would even be a problem because all of the crap you load in would be held nice and snug.

Do I have my issues with the bag? Yes. Would I buy the bag again even knowing what I know now? You bet!

 

[paurong]

Yes, your hubby is so sweet. I just hope you'll take good care of that. I had one last year and I immediately destroyed it. Yeah, the right word is destroyed. I hope that won't happen to that. Gotta catcha around....!

 

[revrob]

You ladies have been SO helpful! I do have a big camera bag that I'll transport in and take your advice and pack the TJ to use while I'm shooting. Thanks again!