Crumpler Brazillion Dollar Home

[ian408]

I received a press release for Crumpler's new Brazillion Dollar Home. This is
the name of the bag shown in this (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=29110) thread.

Due out mid-year, the Brazillion is a bag roughly equal in size to the Karachi
Outpost. It'll hold two SLR bodies with glass attached a variety of accessories
and a 17" MAC laptop. And you thought Doc's bag was huge :D

In a pinch, the bag converts to a backpack. In short, this bag is sweet. A
good cross between a shoulder bag and a pack. Comes in nice black and grey
color scheme (with what looks like an orange liner).

I'm really looking forward to seeing this as I'm almost certain it's the one
for me.

I'll try and figure out how to preserve the formatting and pix in the press
release and attach it here.

[limbik]

Oh yes, its the bag of the future for me as well. For now I'll be found lost somewhere in a December Quarter...

[ehughes]

Very cool Ian, any idea of a price yet?

[wxwax]

Shots of the bag in this report (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/other/2006/03/02/3343.html&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dcrumpler%2BBrazillion%2BDollar%2BHome %26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26safe%3Doff%26client%3Dsafari% 26rls%3Den).

[ian408]

Very cool Ian, any idea of a price yet?

None yet.

[DoctorIt]

It does sound cool indeed, but from those photos, unless that dude is a giant, it doesn't look as big as the Dec 1/4 (not that that is a terrible thing).

I figured out how much that sucker holds, btw = 43L. It fills the entirety of my Hepco Becker large aluminum case.
:thumb

[ian408]

Doc, Ben (the dude in the picture) is a pretty big guy.

[limbik]

Thought I'd resurrect this one since it looks like it will be available soon (Or is already for those of you in Australia):

http://www.crumplerbags.com/Cart/index.php?prodId=277&catId=22

[DoctorIt]

Thought I'd resurrect this one since it looks like it will be available soon (Or is already for those of you in Australia):

http://www.crumplerbags.com/Cart/index.php?prodId=277&catId=22
It needs wheels... and an engine!

[ian408]

It needs wheels... and an engine!


Nah. It's a really comfy bag to carry. I'd get one.

[DoctorIt]

Nah. It's a really comfy bag to carry. I'd get one.Unless it has hidden backpack straps, I don't know how that could be so. I had the December Quarter and it was a bear when loaded up with exactly what they have shown in that photo (lappy, 2 bodies + big lenses, speedlights, access). All that bulky weight on one strap = ouch!

[ian408]

Unless it has hidden backpack straps, I don't know how that could be so. I had the December Quarter and it was a bear when loaded up with exactly what they have shown in that photo (lappy, 2 bodies + big lenses, speedlights, access). All that bulky weight on one strap = ouch!
Nope. Not at all.

I thought it would be like carrying a messenger bag (like a Timbuk2). Nice as
they are, stuff tends to clump in a messenger bag. Unlike the messenger bag,
the BDH has a nice wide strap and a comfortable shoulder pad to spread the
load. Adjust the strap to carry the load on your hip and you're good to go.

To be sure, no single strap bag will ever be as comfortable as a proper
backpack. However, no backpack will be as convenient to access or use
as a shoulder pack--everything's there, just swing the pack around and
you're good to go!

[wxwax]

ian, have you actually carried one loaded up?

I have to say, based on experience, that I feel the same way doc does. Not only does one shoulder take the weight (and the pain!), one leg does too (gimpy knee, for me) and it's not so great for your back either.

That's been my experience toting heavy loads in a shoulder bag. :dunno

[DoctorIt]

This brazillion has got to be about the same size as my dec quarter - and I agree with Ian, Crumpler has done a good job: big wide strap, easy to swing around and get access. But about the only time I can stand the dec quarter is on a plane trip where it spends most of its time on the ground anyway. It's gig bag, not a trip bag, holds all your stuff and organizes it well.

Me (and I'm not exactly a tiny dude):
http://dgrin.smugmug.com/photos/61914554-S.jpg

I also have to differ with you on the messenger bag observation. The Dec Quart and Brazillian are "shoulder" bags, wherein ALL the weight goes on your shoulder. No little stabilization strap can offload that weight. A good messenger bag (ie. Timbuk from the days of old, not the new silly ones, Manhattan, or the best: Bailey Bros.) actually sling across you and puts the weight on your back when you ride... I've peddled/pedaled more than my share of deliveries, can't imagine using a "shoulder" bag for that.

Blah blah blah, was I going anywhere with this? :lol3

[ian408]

ian, have you actually carried one loaded up?


Yes. The one in my photo. I can compare it to my Tenba shoulder bag (which
is much bigger) and I'd have to say, the BDH is easier to deal with.

[wxwax]

Yes. The one in my photo. I can compare it to my Tenba shoulder bag (which
is much bigger) and I'd have to say, the BDH is easier to deal with.
I used to carry a shoulder bag and walk for miles. It held a 1D, 16-35, 24-70 and 70-200.

Not a light weight, in other words.

And while I could shift it around and tolerate the shoulder strain, over time I found that my knee and my back were getting unhappy.

I assume the uneven load was the reason why. :dunno

That's why I've migrated to backpacks for heavy loads - to balance the weight distribution.

It's also why I rather like that 24-105. :evil

[Mongrel]

"It's a desert topping!"

"NO! It's a shaving cream..."

"NO! It's a desert topping...."

"Guys-It's BOTH-a desert topping AND a shaving cream!"

(in case you are too young, that's from a Saturday Night Live skit, back when that show was *actually* funny-think Chase, Akroyd, Belushi, Murray, Radner...).

Anyway-

I love messenger style shoulder bags-BUT they do get too heavy\uncomfortable when loaded and carried for an extended amount of time.

So like the skit above, I have found that the best bags are convertable bags, specifically Lowepros. I have four Lowepros (one is for sale; wink-wink, nudge-nudge), that can be carried as either\or shoulder bag or backpack.

This really works when you need to carry your gear in and then take it out to shoot with it. I carry it in on my back, unload my body and lens of choice then switch it to "shoulder mode" while shooting. This gives me access to batteries, cards, other lenses, and what not without having to take it off of my back.

I haven't done it, but it would probably make sense for bike\motorcycle riding where you get to a location, park and then shoot.

I realize the Lowepros aren't in fashion anymore like the Crumplers, but the concept is still a great one imo. One thing about Lowepro gear-I *never* worry about it failing on me. The attention to detail and the quality of the harness systems is fantastic (again imo).

When I look at the particular Crumpler pictured in this thread it screams "beach bag" and I expect to see a quaint elderly women making her way down to the beach with her big hat and sun block . Just not my style I guess....

:dunno

Take care and good light,

Mongrel

[limbik]

Well, Adorama seems to have them in stock so I'll do what I can for a review when it gets in. It does have a "dual strap" feature that I have yet to see in person but I guess it lets you carry it as a backpack with a cross strap arrangement I believe.

[DoctorIt]

Well, Adorama seems to have them in stock so I'll do what I can for a review when it gets in. It does have a "dual strap" feature that I have yet to see in person but I guess it lets you carry it as a backpack with a cross strap arrangement I believe.Nope. dual strap in this case means main shoulder strap (with a messenger style cam adjustment for quick lenght adjustments) and small stabilization strap that keeps it in place behind you if you so desire, but does not take up any load. This is a very common carryover from traditional messenger bags.

[limbik]

Interesting. Well, I'll post some pics as soon as it shows up.
I can compare it to my current setup which consists of a dreadful embarrassment with a western lawn bucket. The DQ being too big for my tastes, the 7M$ home too small, the bag/bucket combo is an excellent size, but the bucket is too shallow. Hopefully the BDH is the grail I have been seeking...

[DoctorIt]

Interesting. Well, I'll post some pics as soon as it shows up.
I can compare it to my current setup which consists of a dreadful embarrassment with a western lawn bucket. The DQ being too big for my tastes, the 7M$ home too small, the bag/bucket combo is an excellent size, but the bucket is too shallow. Hopefully the BDH is the grail I have been seeking...You think the BDH is smaller than the DQ?

Only related because its Crumpler, but I've downgraded my camera gear lately (money, time issues) to only a D70 and 2 lenses, both smaller. I picked up a Sinking Barge. It's awesome, by far the best bag for carrying a laptop and just a small camera kit. Look for another Crumpler review from me soon.

[rutt]

You think the BDH is smaller than the DQ?

Only related because its Crumpler, but I've downgraded my camera gear lately (money, time issues) to only a D70 and 2 lenses, both smaller. I picked up a Sinking Barge. It's awesome, by far the best bag for carrying a laptop and just a small camera kit. Look for another Crumpler review from me soon.

Big enough for a 17inch Apple laptop? (Other 17inch laptops are much thicker in my experience.)

[DoctorIt]

Big enough for a 17inch Apple laptop? (Other 17inch laptops are much thicker in my experience.)which bag? I can speak for 2 of them...

DecmberQuarter: yes, definitely. From my review (http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1313290):
http://dgrin.smugmug.com/photos/61914535-S.jpg

Sinking Barge: no, definitely not. You need to go to the bigger Customary Barge, exact same design, just scaled up.

BDH: don't know, judging by the photo gear it holds, its as big or bigger than my DQ, so it should hold a 17". Ian??

[ian408]

BDH: don't know, judging by the photo gear it holds, its as big or bigger than my DQ, so it should hold a 17". Ian??

Give me a few days...not here yet.

[rutt]

which bag? I can speak for 2 of them...

I have a DQ. It holds 17" PB, camera, 3 lenses, too much paper work. It's a beast. But then, it's a beast.

[limbik]

Now that it arrived, I put up a review here:

http://limbik.smugmug.com/gallery/2135946

[DoctorIt]

Now that it arrived, I put up a review here:

http://limbik.smugmug.com/gallery/2135946Awesome :thumb

So I was wrong, its actually a tad bit smaller than the DQ. More pockets, and more photo specific (CF sized pockets, in red/green - nice touch :thumb). I agree with you on the "stiffness". I too often wish the top "flap" of the DQ didn't exist for the days where its not fully loaded, so it would compress a bit.

thanks Limbik!


(will some super-mod put this up in the Dgrin reviews???)

[limbik]

You bet. I've actually debated splitting a few seams and modifying this thing because it is so close to being my dream bag, alas my sewing skills are nil and I fear it would get ugly.

That said, being able to fold the inner flap into the laptop compartment really helps. The stiff piece in the top flap is annoying, but it can extend over and down the side a little, so it does not really add bulk. Unfortunately the one in the bottom is impossible to avoid, although I'm sure it is the most important for overall lens protection, if it were narrow enough to not be below the laptop compartment that would be ideal.

Finally, the memory card slots are a nice touch, but if I could use a red/green sorting system for both batteries and memory cards that would be fantastic. There are often times when I go through more batteries than memory cards and with card sizes increasing all the time, it will only get worse.

Overall, it is a great bag and it is well balanced on the shoulder.

-James

[StephaneB]

Overall, it is a great bag and it is well balanced on the shoulder.
-James

Hi

I can't find anywhere the weight of that bag. Any idea?

Regards

[ian408]

Hi

I can't find anywhere the weight of that bag. Any idea?

Regards

I took a look on www.crumplerbags.com for this and didn't see it. I would
guess it's not much though.

I did see that it will hold up to a 17" macbook pro.

[Ben Richards]

Crumpler Brazillion Dollar Home weight = 2.9kg / 6.4lb

BTW, the inner flap can be folded into the laptop slot when neither are in use...

There's some new views on the Crumpler site too! BBB)))

[limbik]

Crumpler Brazillion Dollar Home weight = 2.9kg / 6.4lb

BTW, the inner flap can be folded into the laptop slot when neither are in use...

There's some new views on the Crumpler site too! BBB)))

Thank for the weight! I didn't have a scale handy.
I am actually able to fold the inner flap into the laptop slot even with my laptop in there, but then again I only have a little 12".

[ian408]

Crumpler Brazillion Dollar Home weight = 2.9kg / 6.4lb

BTW, the inner flap can be folded into the laptop slot when neither are in use...

There's some new views on the Crumpler site too! BBB)))

Thanks mucho for the weight Ben!

Mine arrived today. Adorama suggested 10lbs for the total box. I was going to
guess around 5 for the bag--good thing I didn't guess.

Cheers!

[wxwax]

Thanks mucho for the weight Ben!

Mine arrived today. Adorama suggested 10lbs for the total box. I was going to
guess around 5 for the bag--good thing I didn't guess.

Cheers!
I know a good chiropractor. :evil

:lol3

[Andy]

Crumpler Brazillion Dollar Home weight = 2.9kg / 6.4lb

BTW, the inner flap can be folded into the laptop slot when neither are in use...

There's some new views on the Crumpler site too! BBB)))Yo, missed you at Photo Plus Expo, Ben.

Let's see if we can get into some trouble at PMA. You know, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas....

[Ben Richards]

Yo, missed you at Photo Plus Expo, Ben.

Let's see if we can get into some trouble at PMA. You know, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas....

The chaps did well at PPE NYC, maybe next year they can get a better spot (and me!) It was a last minute show for us, and with 7 USA trips this year under my belt I didn't mind... too much ;-( (i LOVE nyc)

I have been using the Braz regularly - no real gripes yet (that's for you lot to let loose!) and just this w/end I tripped over leaving a job and had to drop/chuck my (full) Brazillion and the 400mm 2.8 (luckily in it's case) to catch myself from smashing my face into the floor! Luckily, no harm to me or the gear, just my ivory silk trousers :-)

I have been using it as a big briefcase (cant use the shoulder strap w/ the Tux) trolleybag (atop the 400mm's case) and backpacking a little too.

I can hide the main straps in the rear or side pockets when neccessary - for a nice clean look! Might have to do a review for CamBags.com???

[Ben Richards]

Oh yeah, definitely see yaz at PMA 'Vegas!

[Andy]

and just this w/end I tripped over leaving a job and had to drop/chuck my (full) Brazillion and the 400mm 2.8 (luckily in it's case) to catch myself from smashing my face into the floor!
Good thing you didn't hurt anyone on the way down :lol3

[ian408]

Oh yeah, definitely see yaz at PMA 'Vegas!

Party like a Rock Star Baby!

[Andy]

Party like a Rock Star Baby!
Do you honestly think you could keep up with Ben, Ian????

[ian408]

Do you honestly think you could keep up with Ben, Ian????

You forget, I work with Professionals :D

[cletus]

I picked up a Sinking Barge. It's awesome, by far the best bag for carrying a laptop and just a small camera kit. Look for another Crumpler review from me soon.
I'm taking a hard look at both the Sinking and Customary Barges. I'll keep an eye out for your review.

[DoctorIt]

I'm taking a hard look at both the Sinking and Customary Barges. I'll keep an eye out for your review.I have a sinking barge, been meaning to get it reviewed. Add to my growing collection of Crumpler reviews on here (http://dgrin.smugmug.com/Reviews%20You%20Can%20Use).

[ivar]

I have a sinking barge, been meaning to get it reviewed. Add to my growing collection of Crumpler reviews on here (http://dgrin.smugmug.com/Reviews%20You%20Can%20Use).I have a 'warm shower' but I think you can only get them in Europe. I'll review it when I have some time as well.

[limbik]

OK, so I decided to modify the BDH after all. Basically I cut the threads where the inner top flap meets the back, removed that altogether, reached down the back and pulled the plastic insert out of the bottom (it is not attached to anything), opened the side seams on the top flap a bit on each side and cut the top insert out around the handle, then sewed it all back up.
Finally I removed the "support strap" fairly easily since it is not permanantly attached, just looped around a few buckles and fasteners.

I wish I had a scale handy, because it seems a fair amount lighter, I'll try and borrow one over the holiday break. It is also a great deal more ergonomic as I had hoped, the only real dissapointment is that I had to leave a large oval of the plastic insert underneath the top handle since it was directly attached to the seams and would have been a mess (and possibly damaging) to remove.

Even so, I'd say it was a worthwhile adventure, and it is one of a kind now. :wink

[devbobo]

OK, so I decided to modify the BDH after all. Basically I cut the threads where the inner top flap meets the back, removed that altogether, reached down the back and pulled the plastic insert out of the bottom (it is not attached to anything), opened the side seams on the top flap a bit on each side and cut the top insert out around the handle, then sewed it all back up.
James,

I just picked up a Brazillion today...and would love to see some after shots of the bag. I am very interested in potentially removing the bottom plastic insert.
Does doing this reduce the profile of the bag ?

Cheers,

David

[devbobo]

Crumpler Brazillion Dollar Home weight = 2.9kg / 6.4lb

BTW, the inner flap can be folded into the laptop slot when neither are in use...

There's some new views on the Crumpler site too! BBB)))
Hey Ben,

As a Melbournite, I am kinda dissappointed in the fact that the price of Crumpler bags here in Oz is no longer in line with the rest of the world.

Take the Brazillion Dollar Home for example (which I purchased today BTW)...

Location......Price........AUD Price
Australia.....$390.........$390
US...............$265........$338
Canada.........$290........$322
UK...............GBP127.....$316
Europe..........EUR180.....$302

Note: for the UK and Europe, I used the Daily XXL since the Brazillion is not sold there.

Previously, the bags I have bought were price competitive. I realise that this happens for nearly every single product sold here in Oz, but imo it's pretty sad for a company that has it's roots here.

Cheers,

David

[Ben Richards]

Pricing is not my area of expertise, but market volumes may an influence, I'd guess.

Anyway I'd love to see pics and get some feedback on the modded bag too.
Of course the warranty would now be void, but that may be an acceptable risk, given the quality of construction.

Having removable or reconfigurable padding is a feature I have been researching for some time now, everyone has an opinion or preference on the subject! The simpler the bag the easier this would be to achieve, of course.

We had an awesome PMA, I hooked up with many of my heroes and idols in the industry, inc. our Andy :-) , alas I was too busy to accept his invitation to go shooting nightscapes, but there's always next time!

[Andy]

Pricing is not my area of expertise, but market volumes may an influence, I'd guess.

Anyway I'd love to see pics and get some feedback on the modded bag too.
Of course the warranty would now be void, but that may be an acceptable risk, given the quality of construction.

Having removable or reconfigurable padding is a feature I have been researching for some time now, everyone has an opinion or preference on the subject! The simpler the bag the easier this would be to achieve, of course.

We had an awesome PMA, I hooked up with many of my heroes and idols in the industry, inc. our Andy :-) , alas I was too busy to accept his invitation to go shooting nightscapes, but there's always next time!
:wave Heya Ben - nice to see you again.
We love Crumpler!

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=506161#post506161

And we're looking forward to having you guys as part of Club Smug, too :D

PS: What's up with those teeny tiny matches :lol3

[Lex]

oh my gosh, I could not survive with a voided warranty. :barb

I thought modification was pre-requisite to having just what you need?

I have a 5, 6, and 7 million home. I think I have Crumpleritis... with 3 bodies/15 lenses, you never can have to many good bags.

Doug
www.fotogafer.com (http://www.fotogafer.com)

[esc2476]

I have 2 Crumplers and love them both: the 6 million dollar home and the 4 million dollar home.

[kein]

previous lurker come out into the open : )

This is for those people who were looking for a guide to modding the BDH and got frustrated - I couldn't find one too, so got around to writing my own (pictures included!): http://write.keinism.com/?p=1003

Basically, I:

folded the inner top flap into the laptop compartment
cut away and folded the corner flaps - those small flaps that's sewn to the bag's cover, they were really irritating!
removed the bottom plastic insertI'll probably get around to cutting the top plastic insert some other time, and post a separate review of how the bag looks like after that op.

*Thanks to limbik for his instructions in this thread!

cheers

[rahmonster]

I finally got to see these bags with my own eyes recently on holiday. I did much drooling over the brazillion dollar home:lust


But as I dont have enough gear to fill it I saved cash and went for the 5 million dollar home and i LOVE it to bits. :barb