STEP04: IMPRESSIONS An unprecedented tote-shaped camera bag is completed.
The new "Monolith" camera bag was the result of many meetings. We gave prototypes to Mr. Morimoto and Ms. Kaneko, and asked them to use them on the set and in their daily lives, respectively.
Nakamuro： We asked the two of you to use the nearly finished prototype bag, how did you like it?
Morimoto: It was very good. It was easy to use. As I had originally planned, it is perfect for traveling. I used to get really stressed when going through the baggage check when boarding an airplane, but with this bag, I am glad I was able to handle it smoothly.
Kaneko: It also fits well when worn diagonally.
Morimoto: It's very nice. I can squeeze the strap to make it look like a messenger. I recently did a shoot overseas, and it would have been great to have this. At that time, I carried a camera and several lenses in a messenger bag and walked around the city to shoot. I think it will perform well in such situations.
Mr. Morimoto snapped this photo when he actually took it on a business trip. I got the impression that it can hold quite a lot of things.
Morimoto: When I'm in the field, I definitely can't organize in one bag, so I thought this would be a good image to use as software. I put my equipment in a large box, and then transfer what I need to this bag and move around.
Nakamuro： It means it's suited for mobility.
Morimoto: Yes, that's right. I was told by the director of a video project I was working with, "I was looking for a bag like that, too. I was also told that people in the video industry also move around with equipment and computers in their bags, so this type of bag fits their needs perfectly.
Nakamuro： Is it easier to use than the tote you originally had?
Morimoto: It is totally easy to use. The problem with that one was that it didn't have any partitions inside, so it would get messy.
Nakamuro： How was Kaneko-san?
Kaneko: I think it is best suited for camera users of my age. I've recently had a resurgence of enthusiasm for bicycling, so it's easy to use for that kind of situation. I really like that it can be worn diagonally across the body. It's also nice that I can tighten the strap in one action.
Morimoto: It is easy to carry it diagonally when moving around.
Kaneko: It's also very comfortable to carry on your back. The padding does a great job and is very excellent.
Morimoto: That's what I thought, too.
Kaneko: Also, this outside pocket is still excellent. When you use it, there is nothing but blank space.
Morimoto: It doesn't matter what you put in it.
Kaneko: I use it for my phone, wallet, and plastic bottles, which I take out frequently. I put my equipment in the main compartment, and having a huge space in addition to that was more convenient than I expected. I can use it in incredibly random ways.
Morimoto: Yes, yes. So this part for equipment is the tote, and this part is an extra free space. By combining the two, the usability improves all at once.
Kaneko: Even ordinary people don't often carry only a camera. I think it is very suitable for people who want to carry something extra.
Nakamuro： How about cushioning?
Morimoto: Maybe a little weak (laughs).
Nakamuro： That is an issue for the future (laughs). If we increase the cushioning even more, the bag will inevitably become heavier, and it will be difficult to use it for applications other than camera bags.
Morimoto: That's right. But cameras are often wrapped in protective cloths or something for that purpose, so it's totally safe if you do that.
The contents of Ms. Morimoto's bag on the day of the interview.
Kaneko: Yes, I do. I usually keep them in a case, so that's not a problem.
Morimoto: When taking pictures, the camera is hung from the neck, and the most important thing is to be able to easily access lenses and other equipment. In that sense, I thought it was very convenient to have a pocket for the lens inside.
Nakamuro： We have received responses from buyers of our business partners, and although we are proposing this as a camera bag, we have received orders for other uses as well. Many people feel that the bag has potential for uses other than just camera bags. They say they can take it to the office as well.
Kaneko: Is it as big as the standard Monolith tote?
Nakamuro： It's a little bigger than the standard tote. It's also deeper.
The SHOOTING TOTE PRO M is in the front and the TOTE PRO L in the back.
Kaneko: I see. But it's really good as a thing. It has a certain atmosphere.
Morimoto: With this, I can afford a trip of about 3 days and 2 nights. It can hold a camera and a computer.
Nakamuro： It can also be used as a normal travel tote.
Kaneko: Yes, I think it's very nice. But it is interesting that this is a camera bag. There is no precedent.
Morimoto: That's right. I think it is a bag that you can get attached to.
Nakamuro： I have learned a lot from the opinions of both of you. I am sure that there are things that will become apparent as we continue to use the product, and I would like to listen to the opinions of our customers and reflect what can be corrected in the development of the product. Thank you very much for your time!
