domke 803 - i don't think i like it

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just arrived today...

seems an odd size and doesn't hold much more than the 5xb bag.
the 802, the bigger bag, dwarfs the 803 and has much softer/flexible canvas, though i think the 802 is too big for a carry all day camera bag.
the mclassic, which is slightly bigger than the 803, seems to hold way more gear and with much easier access to it.
the 803 came with a very narrow insert that seems fine for a long slender lens but the zi with 50/1.5 and hood barely fits. i have a bigger insert that i bought for the bigger 802 and it's too big for the 803!

i had such high hopes for this bag.

joe
 
Just learn to use it, Joe. That insert can be placed slightly off-center, creating a larger compartment to the side. The remaining 2 spaces will hold lenses and/or cameras with small lenses attached.
 
ron, i have another 5xb on the way - a trade with chris - and yes, so far they are my favourite bag.

frank, i was looking for a mid size bag to load all my gear (2 bodies, 4 lenses) into for the montreal trip.
the mclassic will hold it all but the new domke is of no use to me that i can see. i also thought it would be a more comfortable bag (than the 5xb) to use everyday with 2 cameras and lenses attached. it may work for that.

it just feels awkward.
 
Joe, I can easily carry 2 bodies and 4 lenses in mine. I even fit a third body (smaller like my IIf) in there as well. The front pockets are for film cans and meter, etc.
 
Guess it's all a question of expectations. Yes, the canvas was stiff at first, but I find the 803 very comfortable to carry around all day, even with two RFs, each with a lens, and an extra lens and flash in the middle (or to the side, as mentioned above). The metal clip took some getting used to, but sometimes I don't even latch it if I'm walking around. I especially like the shoulder strap, which is comfortably wide can be extended to hang down at hip level and has some rubbery filaments on the inside so it's non-slip. I carry up to 10 film canisters in the outside flaps. Anything larger would be more obtrusive for my purposes. I have such bags, but they're not for everyday, walk-around use.
 
FrankS said:
Joe, I can easily carry 2 bodies and 4 lenses in mine. I even fit a third body (smaller like my IIf) in there as well. The front pockets are for film cans and meter, etc.
Click to expand...


and you just use that narrow insert in the middle of the bag?

maybe i'll wash it to loosen it a bit or just throw it in the dryer with a wet cloth.

joe
 
mr. ho, you are right about the expectations.

i am very bad for that. i am not a very practical person and usually make quick decisions based on a feeling more than anything.
not to say i don't consider things sometimes but it's not uncommon for me to act quickly.
joe
 
I just checked, I could carry 3 RF bodies with smaller lenses attached, and an extra lens in each of the 3 compartments. The unattached lenses are in hard leather cases or soft leather pouches. The longer 90 Elmar goes in one of the front pockets.
 

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FrankS said:
I just checked, I could carry 3 RF bodies with smaller lenses attached, and an extra lens in each of the 3 compartments. The unattached lenses are in hard leather cases or soft leather pouches. The longer 90 Elmar goes in one of the front pockets.
Click to expand...


i have it tossing about in the dryer right now.

when i take it out, i'll also take a deep breath, try to clear my mind of prior judgements/bad feelings and see how i can load it.

joe
 
I can't believe that anyone so obviously damned hard to please ... is a moderator! 😱 😀

No wonder we all keep getting into so much trouble. 😛
 
ok, i have it loaded with both bodies/lenses attached and the other 2 lenses crammed in there, on top of each other.
there is room for film also but that is about it.
so, it's more compact than the m classic bag and holds essentially the same stuff (tho the mclassic can hold more) but for travel it would be be better in that it is smaller/more compact. for an outing with 2 cameras and lenses attached it seems more roomy than the 5xb bags, but just.

i may have been a bit hasty in my initial impression...

joe
 
Like houses--square/ rectangular in camera bags is a more efficient use of space. Therefore, my 803 is not used often. Instead, I use a Tenba P211 satchel now that seems the same size outside, but a lot bigger inside.
 
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