Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home

[Abel]

The Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home is a great medium sized shoulder bag and at first look it doesn't look like a camera bag which is a MAJOR plus! I'll be the first to admit that I've been a bit of a Camera Bag Junkie in the past and I can't count how many different makes and models of bags I have used and tried. There are a couple of bags that rise to the top of my list in regards to ones that have been my favorite. This Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home camera bag is just that. My favorite!

I bought this camera bag in August 2009 and it has been my one and only camera bag of choice since. That's a total of 18 months as of the writing of this review (Feb 2010) and I don't think I've ever had just one bag for this length of time. Purchasing this bag was a major step down in size from the back pack camera bag I was used to. The reason for the downsizing was that my intentions were to find a medium sized, versatile camera bag that I could travel with that wouldn't be too cumbersome. I knew I didn't want a back pack this time around since it takes a little more time and effort to swap lenses and/or to grab something out of a back pack as opposed to a should bag.


Features:

• Seamless one-piece 900D base prevents water seepage when the bag is placed on wet surfaces.
• Double thickness 900D flap prevents seepage in from the rain.
• 1 main external pocket with 'Super Stealth' Velcro cover.
• 1 main internal mesh zip pocket.
• 2 slim profile internal side pockets.
• Configurable dividers.
• Plastic stiffening layer in base.
• Side gear loops for attaching extra items.
• Wide adjustable nylon shoulder strap.
• Anti-Slip matching shoulder pad.
• Carry handle.
• Heavy duty plastic buckles
• Velcro silencing flaps.
• Lifetime Warranty on construction & materials.

Specifications:

• Width: 11.4 inches
• Height: 9.8 inches
• Depth: 7.7 inches
• Volume: 519 cubic inches
• Weight: 2.2 lbs

Summary:

First off I must say that this bag is VERY well made and I have been impressed with its ability to stay together under all I have put it through. As I mentioned earlier I knew I didn't want a back pack since that's main all I had every had in the past and I found it cumbersome to put on and take off every time I needed to change lenses. Don't get me wrong, back packs are great and do that a great place its just that for my situation this shoulder bag definitely worked better. Another major plus to me wanting a shoulder bag is that when I travel, I travel with a hiking backpack which contains all of my change of clothes for the trip and this shoulder bag carrying my gear. That's it. Both bags are carryon and there's no need for me to check in any luggage. This helps me save money and headaches by not having to lug suitcases around on subways, buses, trains and planes.

I spent the majority of this 18 past months traveling to cities all across the country and shooting concerts along the way. This bag held up just fine through everything I put it through. In fact the seamless base that prevents water "seepage" described in the features section above is one thing I have put to the test. Accidently of course. After I was finished photographing a concert I made my way to my seat to enjoy the rest of the show and some 30 minutes later I realized that my bag was sitting in a pool of beer! Not good. I immediately put my hand inside the bag in order to feel the bottom and it was dry as a bone! Pheew! I just washed it and re-soaked the base with water in the bathtub and got rid of all of the soaked up beer. Now it's just like new again. Yes, that's an extreme situation but rest assured the Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home can hold its own if you're in a similar situation.

One of the things I enjoy about this camera bag is the fact that it does not look like a camera bag. This comes in very handy while out in public areas and such because it doesn't scream that you have expensive camera gear in your bag. It just looks like a typical messenger bag. It's a bit less conspicuous which came in handy for me while walking around the streets of NYC, Chicago & Philadelphia at all hours of the night.

Function:

In regards to capacity, this little bag sure can hold a lot of gear. For a typical trip I usually pack the following:

• Canon 5d MKII (No Grip)
• Canon 24-70 f2.8L (Mounted, Hood Reversed)
• Canon 135 f2L (Hood Reversed)
• Canon 17-40 f4L (Hood Detached)
• Canon 15 f2.8 Fisheye
• Canon G9 Point & Shoot (Converted for Infrared)
• Think Tank Card Wallet (10 CF Cards)
• Sony GPS Module (Attached to Strap)
• 2 Spare Canon LP-6 Batteries
• Benro Tripod (Attached to Bottom) (Review Coming Soon!)

If I wanna travel a little lighter for the day I'll leave the Infrared camera and the 17-40 f4L back at the hotel. Then I walk around with a smaller rig which can make the long 10-12 mile photowalks a bit more bearable.

The "Velcro silencing flaps" are a very cool addition to the bag design. When you receive the bag it comes set up to have the flap close with velcro so that its a bit more secure. The downside to that is if you're shooting a wedding in a quiet church the opening and closing of your bag will get quite annoying & distracting to the guests. Now here's the cool part. If you look at the photos below you can see the Velcro portion on the front face of the bag. You'll also see a sliver of red nylon material along side of the Velcro. Well that sliver is actually the "flap" that you can pull out and it'll completely cover that portion of Velcro that it sits underneath in order to silence the bag when opening. That is how I have mine setup. Velcro Silenced! =)

Available Colors:

Crumpler is not only know for their weird off the wall product names but they're also know for their wacky color combinations. At the time I bought my bag I originally wanted the Black/Gun Metal/Green bag but it was sold out everywhere. It just so happened that a member here on TPF was selling the Grey/Red/Green version that was still new in the bag so I went ahead and opted for that one. Not my first color of choice but now its as much apart of me that I can'y imagine having a different colored bag. We've been through so much! Rain, Snow, Heat & BEER! Ha!

The Verdict:

I LOVE THIS BAG. Not much else is really needed to explain that this has been by far one of my most favorite camera bags I have ever owned. It's not too small and it's not too big. It's just the right size for the camera rig I use. I honestly don't think I could step down or step up in size in Crumpler's Million Dollar Home line of bags because I have never found myself needing less or needing more space in my Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home. It's just perfect in every aspect and suites me very well in my shooting and travel style.

If you like to travel light and have easy, quick access to your gear then this bag is definitely a great option for you. You will not regret it.

Me & my Crumpler - Jackson Hole, WY - June 2010 - Photo by Wil Bloodworth

Where To Buy:

Find the lowest price on this product from our sponsored Affiliates listed below:

Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home

[groovyone]

On a related note, I am growing quite fond of my rumpler 4 Million Dollar Home

Crumpler 4 Million Dollar Home Photo Bag, Black/Gun Metal

I use it for my NEX-5 with either the 18-55 kit or 16mm mounted, the other lens to the side, the fisheye adapter, the external mic in its cae and a spare battery. The fit is snug enough that I do not worry about gear spilling out, and the front velcro and clip insure it will have no issues staying shut.

I was originally going to get the grey one like you, but ended up with the gunmetal. It was on sale.

*looks like we have the same tripod too

[juku]

Abel thank you for taking the time to post the review. I also have the 6MDH and abolutely love it. I have a 5MDH but it is still wrapped in the original bag unused - Dec Amazon Gold Box deal. I also have the Crumpler Industry Disgrace (camera neckstrap) which is the most comfortable neckstrap I've ever used (I go between Black Rapid BR RS-4 and the Industry Disgrace).

If I see your picture correctly, are you using the 6MDHs straps to hold the Benro tripod case in place? I know that wouldnt work w/my heavier aluminum 160PROXB but great idea for a CF one.

My only gripe with the bag is the exposed velcro hooks when the silencers are in place. With the silencers in place the velcro hooks (the rougher, more abrasive part of the velcro) rubs against the silencer and edges of the bag causing loose fibers of nylon fuzz. I'll probably get some patches of velcro loops to attach and prevent the unnecessary wear.

On my trips I usually put the 6MDH in the check in (a mid-sized suitcase) with clothes packed in it and carry on a ThinkTank StreetWalker HD. Once I get to the destination, I use the 6MDH for photo walkabouts.

Forgot to mention I usually put a 7D (occasionally gripped) w/24-70mm 2.8 mounted, a 50mm 1.4, and a 580EXII or 70-300mm. Circular polarizer, lens cleaning pen, batteries, and CF wallet.

[crazeazn]

How does the 5 and the 6 compare? I have a Thinkthank Glass Taxi that is a great bag but I think I'd like to get a 5 or 6 the backpack style is comfortable but I dont like it anymore...I think have too much gear for the 3 bags honestly:

I have a 40D+grip or 1 series (near future)
17-40
24-105
70-200 2.8IS
Zeiss 35
Zeiss 50
430EX

Realistically how much of that can I put in there.

[S-Man]

How much of that can you put in the 5MDH? Is that what you're asking?
I have a previous-gen 5MDH and all I can fit in it is an ungripped body, maybe a 24-105, a 50mm, and a flash, and that's pushing it. I reviewed the 5MDH on my blog a while ago, I think I'll copy and paste it here...maybe. Looks like Able's the only one doing reviews, not sure if the general members are encouraged to do so as well.

[crazeazn]

i think the 6 would be more appropiate...i dont intend to cram everything in there.

[S-Man]

Yeah. I'm actually in the market for a 6MDH. The 5 is slightly too small.

[mak65]

The bag appears to be a tight fit based on Abel's traveling setup and the picture below it. I can see the camera with a mounted lens. I assume the P&S could slide in where the flash is located. That would require the 135mm, fisheye, and the 17-40mm (assuming it isn't left at the hotel) would have to be stacked where what appears to be a 70-200mm appears in the picture.

Not discounting anything here - but if I were interested in purchasing this bag I want to make sure it could handle my equipment. I know - go check it out in person.

Still, all-in-all, a great review, thanks Abel.

[Abel]

Originally Posted by mak65

The bag appears to be a tight fit based on Abel's traveling setup and the picture below it. I can see the camera with a mounted lens. I assume the P&S could slide in where the flash is located. That would require the 135mm, fisheye, and the 17-40mm (assuming it isn't left at the hotel) would have to be stacked where what appears to be a 70-200mm appears in the picture.

Not discounting anything here - but if I were interested in purchasing this bag I want to make sure it could handle my equipment. I know - go check it out in person.

Still, all-in-all, a great review, thanks Abel.

How I carry my gear is with this bag is...

The Canon 5dmk2 with 24-70L mounted (hood reversed) in the center spot. The hood of the 17-40L placed on the bottom of the center spot under the 5dmk2/24-70L. The 135L with lens hood reversed on the right side (where the 70-200 is pictured) with the face of the lens pointed down. On the left side (where the flash is pictured) is where I'll put my fisheye, 17-40 and G9 point and shoot camera. Card wallet can slide in on either left or right side.

It is a tight fit.. But I usually carry it laid out like this and when I'm out and about shooting I can always move a lens into the empty center spot when I'm shooting making things more easily accessible.

[groovyone]

John, I'd say get the 6. I handled a 5 when I decided on the 4 for my NEX and based on your gear list it would be much too small.

[Abel]

Originally Posted by groovyone

John, I'd say get the 6. I handled a 5 when I decided on the 4 for my NEX and based on your gear list it would be much too small.

I had originally bought the Crumpler 4 & 5 Million Dollar Home bags but they both were a bit small for what I needed. I then bought the 6 Million Dollar Home and haven't felt the need to upsize from this one.

Originally Posted by S-Man

Looks like Able's the only one doing reviews, not sure if the general members are encouraged to do so as well.

Right now I am since I just started this section recently.. All members are allowed and welcomed to create their own reviews in this section.

Originally Posted by juku

Abel thank you for taking the time to post the review. I also have the 6MDH and abolutely love it. I have a 5MDH but it is still wrapped in the original bag unused - Dec Amazon Gold Box deal. I also have the Crumpler Industry Disgrace (camera neckstrap) which is the most comfortable neckstrap I've ever used (I go between Black Rapid BR RS-4 and the Industry Disgrace).

Thanks Rich! I'll have to check out their neck strap and see how I like it.

Originally Posted by juku

If I see your picture correctly, are you using the 6MDHs straps to hold the Benro tripod case in place? I know that wouldnt work w/my heavier aluminum 160PROXB but great idea for a CF one.

Yea I strap my tripod bag to the bottom of my bag. In that photo the buckles are undone so the bag is dangling a bit. When the bag is buckled shut the tripod bag sits snuggly against the bottom of the Crumpler. Nice compact setup.

Originally Posted by juku

My only gripe with the bag is the exposed velcro hooks when the silencers are in place. With the silencers in place the velcro hooks (the rougher, more abrasive part of the velcro) rubs against the silencer and edges of the bag causing loose fibers of nylon fuzz. I'll probably get some patches of velcro loops to attach and prevent the unnecessary wear.

Ahhh I see what you mean. Yea mine is a bit frayed too but not very noticeably. At least mine isn't and I've been using it as my sole camera bag for 18 months or so.

[Abel]

Here's some pics of my complete setup when I leave to travel.

Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home with Benro TRCB069 Travel Angel CF Tripod attached to the bag using the Crumpler's nylon strap fed through the Benro's supplied D-Rings. There's also a Sony GPS-CS1 GPS Logger strapped to one of the side gear loops in order to log GPS coordinates in order to sync up with my photos later.

In the left photo you can see how the bag is packed. I normally pack my battery chargers in my camera bag and then leave them at the hotel in order to make my photowalks a bit lighter. In the right photo you can see how I have the 17-40 f4L lens hood sitting at the bottom of the bag pointing up underneath where the Canon 5dMKII & 24-70 f2.8L sits. This hood is very large in diameter and is kind of a pain to pack into a bag and this is the best place I've found for it.

This last photo shows everything I put into the bag when leaving for a trip. Now this does not mean this is how I pack the back in order to got out and shoot, I usually leave a few items behind at the hotel.

Left Side Contents:

• Canon 135 f2L (Hood Reversed)
• Canon LC-E6 Battery Charger
• Think Tank Card Wallet (10 CF Cards)

Center Contents:

• Canon 5d MKII (No Grip)
• Canon 24-70 f2.8L (Mounted, Hood Reversed)
• Canon 17-40 f4L (Hood Only)

Right Side Contens:

• Canon 15 f2.8 Fisheye (Wrapped in Cloth for protection)
• Canon 17-40 f4L (No Lens Hood)
• Canon G9 Point & Shoot (In Protective Pouch)

Front Pouch Contents:

• 3 x Canon LP-E6 Batteries
• Battery Charger for Canon G9
• Extra Tripod Camera Plate For Canon G9
• Canon wireless trigger release
• B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer

Flap Mesh Pouch Contents:

• Business Cards
• Lens Cloths

Total Weight Is: 15.2lbs

I hope this helps to give you guys some more insight into how I pack this bag and what it's capable of carrying. Thanks for all of your guys' feedback!

[crazeazn]

anybody want to trade a thinktank taxi for a 6? hahahha

[mak65]

Thanks Abel for the explanation. Obviously, this isn't an "a picture is worth a thousand words" moment (all puns intended). The picture at the begiining gives it the appearance it would be full just by placing the 3 items into it. It doesn't do the bag justice on its size. I'll have to check it out. Thanks

[Abel]

Originally Posted by mak65

Thanks Abel for the explanation. Obviously, this isn't an "a picture is worth a thousand words" moment (all puns intended). The picture at the begiining gives it the appearance it would be full just by placing the 3 items into it. It doesn't do the bag justice on its size. I'll have to check it out. Thanks

I completely agree!