Alternative to a Domke (Safrotto) F2?

[Frank Petronio]

Can't believe I am discussing Man Purses but I went on a binge and now have too many bodies to toss into a regular daypack... I've had Domke F2s in the past and they are OK, but before I pull the trigger, what are the similar options?

Are the Safrottos I see on eBay actually better than the new Domkes?

Is there another brand/bag I am overlooking?

Is the deeper Domke J-series just that, just a little deeper and more secure?

And just checking, here is what I want to carry:

1. Nikon N80 w 24/2.8

2. Nikon N80 w 35/2

3. Nikon D80 w 50/1.8

4. Hexar AF

5. Oly Stylus

6. 10-20 rolls 135 film

7. Maybe a shoe mt flash in the side pocket but not if I can help it...

8. Maybe an 85/1.8 AF but not if I can help it...

9. General lint, debris, and crap

It's as much for storage and car-to-shoot carrying, I doubt I would walk around for hours with that much gear on my shoulder. That said, I have fond memories of how much easier it was to access cameras and change lenses from a shoulder bag than my usual backpack, so having a bag that rides well enough that I can work out of it makes sense.

Finally if anyone has a broken black F2 they want to part with, I like worn Domkes....

 

[FrankS]

Hi Frank. All that gear will not fit into a Domke 803 satchel bag, but would fit the larger 802 satchel style bag. I've just packed up my 802 to head out for a visit with my parents for the Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend. I've packed a Rolleiflex 3.5, an M2 with col. Summicron 50, a CL with CV21, a Hexar AF, and a Contax Tvs for colour film, along with a small flash, lens shade, and rolls film.

 

[nksyoon]

This site has user-contributed photos of bags filled with gear:
http://www.cambags.com/

 

[35mmdelux]

Lose the Nikons, keep the Hexar;-)

 

[Trius]

After seeing Frank's 802, I am going to purchase one and try it. Mainly I want something that can accommodate a 2-body kit plus laptop. I'm a bit hesitant about the deeper profile than something like an F2, but it does carry a big lot of gear.

 

[peter_n]

I have the Safrotto version of the Domke F-802 and like it a lot. I have two Domkes and two Safrottos 😱 - are the Safrottos better bags? My samples of the Safrotto bags are for sure. My F-2 is a Domke but if I was buying now I'd buy Safrotto.