Anything similar to the Domke F5XB?

[SolaresLarrave]

I may be in the market for a Domke F5XB. However, I read somewhere that these bags were going to be phased out and replaced with some other type (part of a Domke general redesign of their line).

Is there a bag that you guys know, similar to this small Domke bag? I like the F5XB, and will hunt for another (anything but black), but what are the alternate choices you know?

Thanks a lot in advance!

 

[kxl]

The first one that comes to mind is the Thinktank Retrospective 5, although it is slightly taller and deeper.

Domke: 10 x 7.25 x 4.5

TT R5: 10 x 8.5 x 6

 

[jsrockit]

Ona Bowery, but fancier and pricier (which could both be cons).

 

[back alley]

yeah, the ona bowery is the same size as the 5xb but without that top zipper so it's a bit easier to use...comes in black, smoke (gray) and i can't remeber the thrid colour...tan? maybe...

 

[back alley]

and don't forget the tenba dna 8...great little bag too!

 

[Godfrey]

These are all comparable in size and function with small differences between them:

Domke F5XB
Ona Bowery
Tenba DNA 8
Billingham L2 "Alice"

I've used all of them except the Ona. The Tenba and Billingham have nice spaces that will carry an iPad mini or iPad Air, the others dont.

G

 

[sevres_babylone]

I have two versions of the 5XB, and more recently bought the ONA Bowery. I much prefer the Bowery. No zipper, which I like because there's less concern about scratching screens; less a problem if you shoot film. Also, a sometimes useful, sometimes useless back pocket instead of the Domke beltloop back; a plus for the ONA. Size is pretty similar, and I use mine in situations where I used to use the 5XB.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Thanks a lot, folks! I recall the Ona bag back from when they had a sale. I saw it... but I was late. I'll look into your suggestions if I don't get the F5XB. And again, thank you VERY much for your kind help!! 🙂

 

[Ben Z]

I have a Billingham Alice (A2) and the reason I prefer traveling with the F5XB is precisely because it does have a zipper and rear belt loop, which make it much more secure against spillage, pickpocketry and snatch&grab theft. I have 4 F5XB's, my original black canvas one, a limited-edition White House Photographer's gala one, a green canvas one which I sewed my LHSA patch to, and a ballistic nylon one which is my favorite.

 

[lawrence]

I may be in the market for a Domke F5XB. However, I read somewhere that these bags were going to be phased out and replaced with some other type (part of a Domke general redesign of their line).

Is there a bag that you guys know, similar to this small Domke bag? I like the F5XB, and will hunt for another (anything but black), but what are the alternate choices you know?

Thanks a lot in advance!

😱 That's my favourite bag by far and I only have one so I just bought another in 'ruggedwear'. Thanks for the warning...

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Methinks I'll take the rugged one too... It's looking very nice!

 

[Bille]

However, I read somewhere that these bags were going to be phased out and replaced with some other type (part of a Domke general redesign of their line).

They are not being phased out.

Domke Classic
http://www.tiffen.com/products.html?tablename=domke

Domke NextGen
http://www.tiffen.com/products.html?tablename=domkenextgen

 

[wjlapier]

I have the F5XB in rugged wear. And the F8 too--rugged wear and green. The F8 has a flap over and two pockets on the ends. Similar in size.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Later on I visited the Domke site. I don't know where I read that there was a new generation of Domke bags and this one was going to be replaced with something else... Looks like it's not happening. However, I got a green bag back then, and I just ordered the rugged one. All my cameras (except for my Nikon D700) will be really, really happy about another bag to go out in. 😉

 

[lawrence]

Well my rugged one just arrived and I'm annoyed. Domke has cleverly put a very light coloured 'Domke' label across the corner of the bag and, just to make sure that an idiot like me doesn't try to remove it, has sown it on very securely. Of course we all want everyone to know that this inconspicuous bag is in fact a camera bag and therefore well worth snatching. :bang::bang:

 

[Gareth Rees]

For that reason I've started using a Tenba BYOB insert inside a very ordinary everyday looking bag.

 

[lawrence]

Well I've taken that silly label off now. Don't mind the one on my very old canvas version as it's the same olive colour as the bag. Strange that a manufacturer would get the idea that I want to advertise their product for them and/or advertise its contents. I think it's pretty clueless really.

 

[Ben Z]

Well my rugged one just arrived and I'm annoyed. Domke has cleverly put a very light coloured 'Domke' label across the corner of the bag and, just to make sure that an idiot like me doesn't try to remove it, has sown it on very securely. Of course we all want everyone to know that this inconspicuous bag is in fact a camera bag and therefore well worth snatching. :bang::bang:

If you really think a thief who knows Domke's are camera bags won't recognize one if the label is removed, then slip a knife point or scissors under the label stitching and unravel it, then cut off the label near the piping at both ends. I have done this to mine, not for reasons of stealth but because Domke is not paying me to be a walking ad for them 😉

 

[Rob-F]

I have the F5XB in rugged wear. And the F8 too--rugged wear and green. The F8 has a flap over and two pockets on the ends. Similar in size.

The dimensions given on the B&H site indicate that the F-8 has much smaller interior dimensions: 6.5 inches long vs. 10 inches for the F-5Xb; 3.5 inches wide vs. 4 inches for the F-5Xb. The end pockets and front pouch are nice, but the main compartment isn't going to hold as much.

 

[johannielscom]

The F-5XB doesn't do much for me, I have one my son gave me (sand-colored) and I'm not using it either. I prefer my bags to be black and the size doesn't sit well with me.

Maybe I should put it up for sale in EU, it's only lying around now.