Think Tank Photo Retrospective 5

Just launched by ThinkTank Photo, A professional camera bag manufacturer in the United States, the Retrospective 5 is aimed more towards the 4/3rds photographer, or someone with a rangefinder or dSLR camera…. and guess what, we’re giving one away! [details right at the end]

The Retrospective 5 on the 'test bench' with a Sony Nex5 and a Leica M9

“The Retrospective series is comprised of four shoulder bags and two lens changer bags.  Created for the professional photographer that wants to blend in with the crowd and remain inconspicuous in any situation.  Our product designers have blended the look and feel of “old-school” camera bags and infused it with “new-school” features and technology for the digital imaging age.” – thinktankphoto

I’ve had the Retrospective 5 now for two weeks, it has become my “I’m popping out, back soon” bag. My usual ‘goto’ bag is a Retrospective 20 for when I was just popping out and about with one camera and a couple of different lenses [Canon 5DMKII / Grip / 24-70 / 70-200] however, there’s been many times recently, since my addition of the new smaller Sony camera gear, when I’ve just want to grab my keys and wallet, and my more compact cameras and just go… No mess, no fuss! The Retrospective 5 is much smaller (24 x 19.5 x 11.5 cm) by comparison with the Retro 20 (30.5 x 29.8 x 15.2 cm) and comes in Pinestone [the green above] or black, and it looks proper old school!

The perfect match for your 4/3rds gear [Tim, this one’s for you, I’m certain!] the new BabyRetro has all the same features as the bigger brothers and sisters in the Retrospective range, with silent velcro, many pockets, many dividers (all moveable) and a packet of extra dividers for if you’re ‘divider crazy!’ and it also comes with the standard waterproof cover that slips over the bag when it decides to rain down on you (no Phil Collins Ref intended, honest)

Here’s a photo of me and my little boy (Yes, he’s running off into that field to chase the magpies!) me with the Retro5 on, to give you some perspective, I’m 6’3″

"Seb! Come back here please..."

My conclusion is that this is another really well made camera bag from Think Tank Photo that I will use daily. It comes with a ‘No Rhetoric” warranty (basically means that if it breaks while you own it, they’ll fix or replace it in no time) You can download their whole product range here in pdf form if you want to check out all of the products that they offer.

No, here’s the official press release.

Think Tank Photo to Release New Bag for DSLR, Micro Four Thirds and Rangefinder Cameras

Santa Rosa, Calif. – Think Tank Photo announces that in May it will release the Retrospective® 5, a soft-sided shoulder bag designed for DSLR, Micro Four Thirds, and rangefinder camera equipment. Like the other bags in Think Tank’s Retrospective series, the Retrospective 5 was created as an homage to classic photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Frank.
Designed for the professional photographer who wants to remain inconspicuous in any situation, its “old-school” look mixes with “new-school” features giving tribute to the days when bags were visually simple but highly functional. It is available in two colors, black and Pinestone.
The Micro Four Thirds system (MFT) is a standard created by Olympus and Panasonic for mirrorless interchangeable lens digital cameras and camcorders. In one sample configuration, the Retrospective 5 can hold an Olympus PEN E-P2 camera body, a 17mm lens attached with the VF-1 optical viewfinder, a 14-42 mm lens, 40-150 mm lens, a FL-14 Flash, a SEMA-1 External microphone adapter set, a charger, cable and extra battery, and the VF-2 Electronic viewfinder.

Key features include:
• Perfectly sized for DSLR, Micro Four Thirds, and rangefinder camera systems
• Shoulder strap includes cushioned non-slip pad for long-term comfort
• Sound Silencers eliminate hook-and-loop noise when opening bag
• Zippered pockets and organizational pockets for accessories
• Removable divider set for layout customization included
• Convenient carrying handle for quick transport
• Seam-sealed rain cover included
• Business card window under the front flap for identification
• Expandable front pocket fits a pro size DSLR body or accessories
• High quality YKK zippers
• Soft, flexible and lightweight
Product Specifications
Retrospective® 5
Interior Dimensions: 9.5″ W x 7.8″ H x 4.5″ D (24 x 19.5 x 11.5 cm)
Exterior Dimensions: 10″ W x 8.5″ H x 6″ D (25.5 x 21.5 x 15 cm)
Weight: 2.3 lbs (1 kg)

[ends]

Great bag, check it out… [Think Tank Photo are on Twitter and Facebook if you have any questions]

How to be part of the Retrospective 5 give-away? Simple…

• Share the love about dPS and ThinkTankPhoto’s Retro5 via a blog post / tweet / facebook comment and then post below linking us to that love.
• We randomly choose someone that comments below and send them a snazzy new Think Tank Photo Retrospective 5

Competition open to anyone, anywhere [where permitted by law] and will be drawn on Friday, April 29 at 10am [Australian / Melbourne Time]