Anyone have experience with Domke F6 Rugged Wear Bag?

dave lackey

dave lackey

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Well, downsizing in quantity a bit and then upsizing a little in gear size with the Nikon F6, I am keen on a dedicated bag for the F6.

I love Domke 5xb Rugged Wear bag for a small compact camera like the FE2, etc. but it is a little too small for the F6. The pictures and review videos seem to leave me with a few questions. There maybe a better size bag in Rugged Wear and with another insert or two, the bag may be perfect, I just can't quite tell.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
 
I have the F6 in black and in rugged wear. The canvas is different between the two, the rugged wear being a bit thinner and more pliable. Personally, I like it very much. Light, roomy for Bronica RF645 and a few lenses, or a few Leica bodies and 3-5 lenses. It fit my F4s easily. Not too big at all. Insert allows multiple configurations. What are your specific questions?
 
Hey, G...

My last post for the day... Thank you for your comments. I cannot tell if there is sufficient padding as the sides seem to be left out and the review video show the camera bodies in the sides (ends) with lenses in the middle. I am looking for a rugged wear bag for the F6 with lens attached, room for a lens or two and that's about it. I want to keep it small and light. No zipper is a plus and the rugged wear fabric is a must. I just love that.

So, if I knew a little more with photos how a light SLR kit would fit in it, I would order one immediately as long as it works with my gear and personal preference of ergonomics.🙂
 
I have the Domke F6 in ruggedwear and in olive. I have used them a lot for Leica M gear and for Nikon FE2 or FM3a outfits. I don't have a Nikon F6, so maybe the closest thing I have in size for comparison is my D700, which is a somewhat tight fit in the F6--but workable. I think the Nikon F6 is at least a little smaller, so with a lens that is not too big fitted to the camera, I think the Domke F6 could work. But to be on the safe side, with a bag that is definitely roomy enough, I wonder if the F2 would not be a better choice. The F2 is the right bag for my D700 with a 24-85mm on it, and four more lenses, as an example.
 
I personally believe in never buying a bag without touching, feeling, and putting the gear you want to carry in it to see how it works for you. They are just like a suit or pair of boots, you must see how it fits you personally. Referrals simply do not work.

It makes little difference if you have to pay full retail at a local dealer. A bag that does not work and fit the way it should is a bad deal, no matter how big a discount you got by buying it sight unseen. Think about how much money Backalley Joe would have if he would have just paid retail but for only one or two bags.

There has to be a dealer in Atlanta with the Domke F6 you are considering. If not, ask one to order one for you to try out.
 
If you are into retro 50s "technology", no padding, thin canvas that doesn't last long, sticky wax all over your equipment and like to fumble around with awkward metal clasps, then Domke might be for you. Welcome to the 1950s! 😉
 
Ah, yes, Joe is exactly correct, the bags are not only comfortable and highly functional, they are not "waxy", gear does not get coated with anything nor do my hands, the bag is amazingly versatile and holds more than it looks like it should, and the bag is just like a favorite pair of jeans for a number of reasons.

I have used my 5xb Rugged Wear for a number of years. The material will last a very long time. I wish I had several more just like it.

But at the moment I just need a hands-on experience like Bob mentioned.
A question, if I order one from B&H, can it be returned if I don't like it? I hate re-shipping but I also hate driving over 100 miles into Atlanta and back just to try out a bag.
 
Rob-F said:
I have the Domke F6 in ruggedwear and in olive. I have used them a lot for Leica M gear and for Nikon FE2 or FM3a outfits. I don't have a Nikon F6, so maybe the closest thing I have in size for comparison is my D700, which is a somewhat tight fit in the F6--but workable. I think the Nikon F6 is at least a little smaller, so with a lens that is not too big fitted to the camera, I think the Domke F6 could work. But to be on the safe side, with a bag that is definitely roomy enough, I wonder if the F2 would not be a better choice. The F2 is the right bag for my D700 with a 24-85mm on it, and four more lenses, as an example.
Click to expand...

Rob, thank you for your comments. I like a tight fit and I do plan on smaller prime lenses, both MF and AF. So it seems do-able! Small and light is desirable in many cases. One day when I can actually afford to replace my 70-200 2.8 VR lens, well, I will be too old to use it! Lol...

So the D700 is close in size to the F6. Sounds like the bag with the same name may be "perfect"!!😀
 
"I personally believe in never buying a bag without touching, feeling, and putting the gear you want to carry in it to see how it works for you."

Totally agree with you, Bob.
 
The cool thing is... The F6, without the Op-Tech neoprene strap, fits perfectly I n the middle compartment of the 5Xb with the 50 1.8 and even better with the 45 2.8 P. Maybe I should add a Gordy's wrist strap.

But then my FM3a will need a bag. So it makes sense to go up one size in a Rugged Wear bag for the F6 and leave the 5xb commissioned to carrying the FM3a as it does so well.

I am looking forward to possibilities of yet another bag... it seems I just can't quit!😱
 
I use the F6 with a D300, two or three lenses, and the other usual junk. The metal latches are great for one-handed use.
The only padding is on the bottom. It's absence reduces the size and stiffness of the bag -- Domkes are designed as working bags, not as protective carrying cases.
"Waxy" sounds more like some of the Billingham knockoffs. Haven't encountered this with any of the several I have used over the years. Wore holes in an F3X but that was the only problem.
 
Isn't the Domke F6 an F2 without the side-compartments ? I have an F2 and like it a lot , always hated bags until I got this one , so easy to carry around . ..
 
E.M said:
Isn't the Domke F6 an F2 without the side-compartments ? I have an F2 and like it a lot , always hated bags until I got this one , so easy to carry around . ..
Click to expand...

Yes and no. The F6 does omit the side compartments. And it has a zipper pocket lengthwise across the front, instead of the F2's pair of vertical pockets. But the interior dimensions are smaller than those of the F2, by maybe an inch or so in each direction.
 
dave lackey said:
The cool thing is... The F6, without the Op-Tech neoprene strap, fits perfectly I n the middle compartment of the 5Xb with the 50 1.8 and even better with the 45 2.8 P. Maybe I should add a Gordy's wrist strap.

But then my FM3a will need a bag. So it makes sense to go up one size in a Rugged Wear bag for the F6 and leave the 5xb commissioned to carrying the FM3a as it does so well.

I am looking forward to possibilities of yet another bag... it seems I just can't quit!😱
Click to expand...

If the Nikon F6 fits in the middle compartment of the F-5xb, then it will fit just fine, without a struggle, in a Domke F-6! And your small primes will have plenty of room in the F-6 padded lens cells.

It's a great bag, I use mine all the time!
 
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