Domke VS A&A?

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bullshark

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I'm comparing about Domke F-803 and A&A 7100 and couple similar models, which one is better? I will appreciate your real life experience. Since I have to place order online, there's no actual product for me to test and compare.

My gear is M8+ three lenses, and some accessaries, I prefer a small and thin bag which will no scream out. Thanks for any input.
 
Too bad the Billingham Hadleys are so ostentatious as I like the padding. I did manage to get a beater Billingham here recently, sent it through the washer several times. Ive had a F803 for the past 15 yrs but starting to look for discreet bags with padding. Does make a diff.
 
Bobfrance said:
www.cambags.com is a good site for bag comparisons.

Whilst I haven't seen or tried the bags you mention, I too usually carry an M8, three lenses and sometimes another backup camera and have found the Domke F-5XC to be a very good compact/slim bag.
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Does the Domke F-5XC come with any insert? I might still prefer the look of the F-803, Amazon have them on sale for $100. However I don't know should I order extra insert from them, or use other insert instead. The A&A looks very good, however I heard some reviews about it's over-padding.
 
I have tried both the A&A and the various Domke models. I prefer Domke; they are just more rugged. I also do not like padding in a bag. DR
 
My personal, and probably bigoted opinion is that the Billingham and A&A stuff is a bit poncey, like you're going fishing or on a grouse shoot or something. I like plain, simple cotton bags that were made to work out of. I have four Domke/Domke clone bags and if you like less padding buy Domke, more padding get the clones made by Mekko or Safrotto. One thing: they are not making Domkes like they used to, the clones are much better value these days. Available on eBay, now with reasonable shipping.
 
I've had both, and I prefer the A&A "Sebastiao's Reporter Satchel" by far over any Domke bag. It would fit your kit perfectly, plus it looks a thousand times better than Domkes and much less like a camera bag (except for the f-803, maybe). I used to get compliments from women every day... much more expensive, but well worth it IMO.
 
bullshark said:
Does the Domke F-5XC come with any insert? I might still prefer the look of the F-803, Amazon have them on sale for $100. However I don't know should I order extra insert from them, or use other insert instead. The A&A looks very good, however I heard some reviews about it's over-padding.
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The Domke has pretty neat movable inserts that are secured by velcro strips. It's a bit of a puzzle trying to work out the best configuration for your gear but the system offers a lot of flexibility.

The F-5XC has very little in the way of padding, but it has never been an issue for me in a day bag.
 
peter_n said:
My personal, and probably bigoted opinion is that the Billingham and A&A stuff is a bit poncey, like you're going fishing or on a grouse shoot or something. I like plain, simple cotton bags that were made to work out of. I have four Domke/Domke clone bags and if you like less padding buy Domke, more padding get the clones made by Mekko or Safrotto. One thing: they are not making Domkes like they used to, the clones are much better value these days. Available on eBay, now with reasonable shipping.
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I also noticed the Mekko and Safrotto on Ebay. However I'm not sure about their quality; also the size seems too big, there's no F-803 clone. I will prefer a genuine Domke for $30 difference.
 
I am quite happy with A&A Evans Walker
acam1100-open.jpg
 
bullshark said:
I also noticed the Mekko and Safrotto on Ebay. However I'm not sure about their quality; also the size seems too big, there's no F-803 clone. I will prefer a genuine Domke for $30 difference.
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I have two Domkes & two Safrottos. IMHO the clone bags are better made and sport vastly superior inserts. One of my Domkes is an F-2, 20+ years old and still in excellent shape. The F1-X is a year old and already it isn't wearing well.

The Safrotto CF-700 is the F-803 clone.
 
i am using the Domke F-803, last having a MP with 18mm Super Elmar and external VF as well as Luna Pro SBC lightmeter but I think the bag is too narrow.

Has anybody used the clone Mekko/Safrotto F2? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=130323529677&Category=50504&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D2#ht_6746wt_1167

I like alot of space in getting the camera in and out of the bag. Would this bag be too big for just a camera and the Luna Pro SBC which is the size of a small brick?
 
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