So ladies, what's your take on the new jill-e Fashion Camera Bags?

For those that haven't seen them yet, jill-e designs has released a whole range of Fashion Photo Accesories specifically for women.

Calumet Photo now carries the line. Go to their web site and type jill in the search box.

A description of the products from Calumet's press release:

"Normal black-on-black, no-frills kit bags and backpacks are functional, but not necessarily flattering for the professional female photographer. And that’s the exact reason jill-e designs has introduced jill-e Fashion Camera Bags, the first practical field bags designed with the fashion-forward photographer in mind.

Jill-e bags employ designs, colors and materials that take essential photographic accessories far beyond the traditional male-oriented offerings and are available in a variety of styles to match your personal flair, from chic cream to classic black to vibrant red. Each rugged, weatherproof bag includes functional features like comfortable padded shoulder straps, adjustable Velcro dividers and netted accessories pockets, plus handy detachable pouches for your personal items. Fit your complete kit in the small bag; add an extra body and flash to the medium; and even slip a laptop in the large—or try the petite wristlet on for size, a cute complement to any point-and-shoot."

Let me start by saying I am fairly neutral about this kind of stuff. I see both sides. As a photographer, I don't perceive female shooters (especially pros) as being any different from us guys. Certainly not to the point of assuming they would want (or need) smaller, cutsey, more "stylish" bags to stow their gear in.

And yet I completely understand some women liking that kind of thing. I mean, everyone has a choice, right?

BTW, this is from the jill-e press release:

"New Company Offers Stylish, Functional Product Line ‘Designed by Women for Women’. Finally, there’s a high-quality, high-style alternative for the serious female photographer who has had to make do with drab, male-oriented bags, straps and related accessories that dominate photo retailer shelves and catalogs. jill-e designs, a new company, today announced its line of “extraordinary” accessory products for the professional and advanced amateur female photographer. These products appeal to the heightened sense of fashion and aesthetics many women enjoy, while delivering a rugged functionality that serious female photographers require, the company said."

To be honest, I do find this a bit sexist, a bit of a putdown implying (compared to many women) men's sense of style leaves much to be desired.

Luckily, I have a thick skin... :cool:

BTW, this part cracks me up:

"Already gaining recognition, bags and other accessories from jill-e (rhymes with Billy) designs..."

jill-e rhymes with Billy??? Boy, glad you cleared that up for me... :D

Anyway, I'd love to know your thoughts on the product, or at least the idea. Guys, too. And be sure to vote in the poll... :thumbsup:

I don't know what the ladies think but "fashion lens cleaning cloths" ???

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Originally Posted by Frog

I don't know what the ladies think but "fashion lens cleaning cloths" ???

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Yeah, I forgot to mention that. Taking things a bit too far, you think?

Sounds like they something they would use to powder their lenses... :D

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Originally Posted by Asylum Steve

Yeah, I forgot to mention that. Taking things a bit too far, you think?

Sounds like they something they would use to powder their lenses... :D

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That comment really made me chuckle. Bet your going to be in big trouble:rolleyes:

Either your the bravest man that ever lived or you must have some strong defences (armour plating) :lol:

Personally - if people have the money then good for them. Just as long as they don't force me to carry the bag, I already have too much kit to carry.

Roger

This has prompted me to launch a new range of men's photo gear - it's about time we guys were catered for specifically in the photo market-place. The range will be called Stud-e (rhymes with Stud-e) and all the bags will be made with cotton duck impregnated with the manly scent of old locker rooms, stale beer and socks that should long ago have been declared a bio-hazard. As well as keeping your camera gear safe and dry, there is room for a couple of cans of your favourite brew. The bags will be a plain black colour, with motifs suggesting last night's left-over pizza.

Coming soon to all good camera shops!

Cheers
Mike

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Originally Posted by Didache

The range will be called Stud-e (rhymes with Stud-e)

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Finally the perfect camera bag! I'll take one. :D

Yuck. I do not want my camera bag looking like a purse. Did I say yuck?

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Originally Posted by Didache

This has prompted me to launch a new range of men's photo gear - it's about time we guys were catered for specifically in the photo market-place. The range will be called Stud-e (rhymes with Stud-e) and all the bags will be made with cotton duck impregnated with the manly scent of old locker rooms, stale beer and socks that should long ago have been declared a bio-hazard. As well as keeping your camera gear safe and dry, there is room for a couple of cans of your favourite brew. The bags will be a plain black colour, with motifs suggesting last night's left-over pizza.

Coming soon to all good camera shops!

Cheers
Mike

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How about adding a favorite brew patch on the side? Either way sounds good to me!!:thumbsup:

http://frozengaming.com/up/f/518picardpalmface.jpg

That describes how I feel about this.

(yeah, I know I'm not a chick, but I thought I'd give my .02)

Well, being a woman with three closets full of clothes, I like the idea. Did I ever mention I match my underwear to my outfit? My socks to my shirt? Or that I match my colored tube hangers to the shirts I put them on?

Yeah, I like 'em. I'll take the yellow one.

I could wax on this topic for days. My inner marketing director screams, Great way to exploit more business! Gotta love those socio-economic demographics!
Personally, I think its effing stupid.
The last thing I care about as I exit the door is whether or not my camera bag matches my shoes and purse.

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Originally Posted by villenadecorte

The last thing I care about as I exit the door is whether or not my camera bag matches my shoes and purse.

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I know you check yourself in the mirror before you leave in the morning to make sure everything matches. And I know you bought your camera because it matches your favorite earings :P

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Originally Posted by Photo-John

I know you bought your camera because it matches your favorite earings :P...

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Now you're the dead man, not me... :D

I was gonna post that she doth protest too much, and probably secretly bought the little cutesy wristy thingy.

I was going to post that, but thought better of it, because I didn't want her to hunt me down and bludgeon me with a monopod... :( :cryin:

The question is whether the monopod matches her outfit?

Shame on you all. I could make a really nasty comment, but I will refrain. ;) ;) ;)
John, you should know I don't wear jewelry...

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Originally Posted by Frog

The question is whether the monopod matches her outfit?

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Well, if it's BLOOD RED, it would eventually match my outfit, so that's all I'm concerned about... :D

I'm with JETA - yuck...... I like things simple. For my XTi I have the smallest bag I can get and fit everything into it.

For my new G9, this is the one I would like to get......but $65 is a bit over my budget for a camera "bag" - it's more a camera case than a bag.

Liz

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1010/...4564e0ab_o.jpg

I want the red one.

It's not so much that my current bag is too manly, but it's boring old black.

I've got multiple purses, why not camera bags. My camera came with a strap, but I still paid for a pretty pink and green one.

Sometimes, a girl just needs some choices...

Oh geez you people, you're photographers, you're supposed to be in love with color!!!!

I mean, if the "classic black" were as classy as a Henri Cartier-Bresson photo, then I'd be all for it. (Like Adina's purse. Pure black & white dignity.) But in reality, all current black bags are built for just purely function. As if Accountants were the designers. Makes us photographers look like we have no eye for beauty.

:D

I have a huge array of designer handbags. So many it brings tears to my husband's eyes and not good tears. lol

There is just something so wrong to my eye with a designer looking camera bag. Blech,blech,blech.....

Well, black does go with everything. And ugly as most 'mens' bags are, they can take a licking and still look OK. The purpose of a bag is to protect my gear and I don't want to have to worry about laying it down in the dirt.

Pretty as they are, the jill-e (rhymes with sill-y) bags are too nice to serve as a camera bag, for me. I worry enough about my gear, don't want to have to worry about getting the bag dusted up.

eeeeeehhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, normally I'd say Yech, but the black motorcycle-y looking one on the left is... dare I say... Kinda cute. Gah! I'm getting girly in my old age. But it would be better with some SKULLS on it! Yeah!

You could always decal it up ...

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Originally Posted by opus

Did I ever mention I match my underwear to my outfit?

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I have just one question - WHY :confused:

Do they come in camo? :)

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...f/8a1c9fe9.jpg

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Originally Posted by JETA

Yuck. I do not want my camera bag looking like a purse. Did I say yuck?

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wha?

This thread is awesome.

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Originally Posted by Asylum Steve

I was going to post that, but thought better of it, because I didn't want her to hunt me down and bludgeon me with a monopod...

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sigged.

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Originally Posted by mn shutterbug

I have just one question - WHY :confused:

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HELLO!?!? What if you're in a car accident?

Ever seen the t-shirt I'm wearing no socks and... oh, nevermind. :p

Good call on Steve's quote!

I thought about camo for the guys but then I figured I wouldn't be able to find it if I put it down so I'm thinking hunter orange.

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Originally Posted by adina

HELLO!?!? What if you're in a car accident?

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I've always been taught to wear clean underwear, but underwear that matches your outfit? We men sure have life simpler. :p

Well if you are going to go thru the trouble of making sure they are clean, you might as well make sure the match.

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Originally Posted by mn shutterbug

I have just one question - WHY :confused:

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I have just one answer - I DON'T KNOW. It's a compulsion.:aureola:

If this matching the bag to the outfit catches on, my vote would be for a nice clear bag!!! :thumbsup::thumbsup: Jeff

Talk about bringing a thread back, Jeff :wink:

I actually prefer a soft sided cooler bag.
It doesn't advertise,"HERE'S MY CAMERA!"
Can find various sizes, they usually have extra pockets, and I can make my own dividers.'

I looked at some of the ones that are available now for the ladies and surprised they didn't have ones with pretty flowers or butterflies.

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Originally Posted by Frog

It doesn't advertise,"HERE'S MY CAMERA!"

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They don't look like camera bags, so theoretically they are less likely to be stolen - right up until you someone watches you pull a camera out or put one in anyway. They look like they are leather though, that probably makes them heavier...

as for an equivalent mens bag, I thought that was crumpler...

I think I would like to see clear camera bags because if they are supposed to match the clothing that would mean the clothes would be see through also. I think this would be good for the security of the camera equipment because it may not be noticed at all with the female owner dressed in clear clothes to match the bag. This has the potential to lower camera thefts, Jeff

Good thinking, Jeff! Then they wouldn't have to through the pat downs at airports, either.

I must confess that I never thought of you as a dirty ol' man before.