Bag Decision

R

RFOBD

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I have been thinking about getting a messenger-style bag for carrying around my camera (and maybe a sandwich) in all sorts of areas (savory and not-so-savory areas).

After reading many of the posts on this site, I have changed my preference from Domke to Safrotto, specifically the Safrotto CF700 (which appears to be a Domke F-803 clone). I will be in B&H before I actually purchase the bag, so hopefully I'll have a chance to check out the Domke for an idea of its size before I order it, however, I have a couple questions.

First, what are the actual dimensions of the bag? I can't seem to find that anywhere.

Secondly, where do I actually purchase one? I've checked on eBay, but, the only thing I see is one Safrotto CF700E (not sure if that's the same thing as the CF700).

Thank you for your help.
 
i tried an 803 and did not like it.
it was an odd size to me. i prefer the slightly bigger 802, domkes.

the safrotto bags get a good review here and iirc, they are slightly bigger than the domkes they clone.
 
The 803 is a bit of a tight fit at times, but I found the 802 too big- well too deep- a lot of wasted space I'd be lugging around.

My 803 is 11 long, 3 3/4" wide and 9" deep after a run through the washing machine. I have a regular single compartment insert and a small single insert (3.5 x 3.5" or so) in it.
 
the 802 fits my tall coffee mug ;)

i should note that i use the 802 as a briefcase for work, so it carries notepads, file folders etc and 2 cameras most days.

if you are open to non satchel bags i would reccomend the f6 domke for lots of gear.
 
The Domke 803 is a bit deep at times and like anything else in photography not perfect ,but pretty good. Since 1993 I have owned two: first a sand color for hot climes and, now, the OD green to look cool. It has side-covered pockets for my wallet or lens shades or cell and a side bag for map, tickets, passport, whatnot. I like the breathable canvas fabric as well. Definitely does not shout camera bag and fairly priced.

Mine has three inside compartments for two cameras and 90mm lens. Still big enough to throw in some film and small flash unit.

I don't set it down anywhere unless its under my desk. I'm good.
 
Okay...interesting comments and tips.

I think I'll stick with a satchel-style bag as I would like it to stay as inconspicuous as possible.

Hopefully I'll be able to hit B&H sometime soon to compare the 803 and 802.

If I do decide to go with the Safrotto version of the 803 (which is a wee-bit bigger than the Domke version?), any idea where I could find one or is the only solution eBay?
 
I thought about a messenger bag with protection for the camera, too.
What about the Crumpler bags? Any experience with those?

Or: does one need a bag like that at all? :angel:
 
RFODB, I just took a look on ebay and saw the CF700E bag you mentioned. That's the guy I got mine from and looking at the pix it's the same model although i can't remember if mine had an 'E' or not. The bag looks identical.
 
Florian1234 said:
I thought about a messenger bag with protection for the camera, too.
What about the Crumpler bags? Any experience with those?

Or: does one need a bag like that at all? :angel:
Click to expand...

I have thought about Crumpler and actually have a tiny case from them for my digital P&S. The case is nice and well made, but I think it stands out a bit more than I would like. Thanks for the suggestion!

kuvvy said:
RFODB, I just took a look on ebay and saw the CF700E bag you mentioned. That's the guy I got mine from and looking at the pix it's the same model although i can't remember if mine had an 'E' or not. The bag looks identical.
Click to expand...

Oh great, that gives me some more confidence buying from him, then. Do you know if it's true that the Safrotto CF700 is slightly larger than the Domke 803?
 
Not sure about the difference between the two RFOBD as I've never seen a J-803. I do know that my Hadley Small insert fits the Safrotto nicely. They both seem the same size but the Safrotto has more pockets. Hope this doesnt confuse you further. Many users recommend the safrotto as an alternative to the Domke so they must be pretty similar. And the price difference helps too.
 
My current messenger commute/camera bag is a Tenba Messenger-S bag that I slightly customized. It's able to comfortably hold all my regular stuff (12" laptop, umbrella, various gadgets, papers, etc) plus 2 M's and a couple of lenses.

There were a few things I didn't like about it so I:

1. removed the sewn on rubber Tenba label
2. removed and replaced all the zipper pulls that said "Tenba" with plain nylon cord pulls from tombihn.com.
3. replaced the camera insert with the one from my Hadley Pro because I preferred that one. I also installed a snap into the Tenba bag so that the Billingham insert would snap into place
4. replaced the stock strap with the gigantic shoulder strap with a generic nylon strap also from Tom Bihn. I'm temporarily using the shoulder pad from the Hadley strap until I find a new generic looking pad.

As it is now, it's the best camera compatibly commuting bag that I've come up with so far (and there have been many). It looks fairly generic and anonymous with the debadgeding mods and offers storage and protection that my previous bags didn't provide.
 
This is a rather subjective matter, but I've been using a Domke 803 for the past six years (carrying a two-body, three-lens-plus-flash-and-extras system), and have been quite happy with it. I'll probably be in the market for a replacement in about four years, based on current wear-and-tear. :)

I took a look at Crumpler's bags: not bad, but a lot of what I regard as excessive padding. Domke, IMO, gets the quantity, and placement of padding just about right.

I don't know anything about Safrotto's bags, so I can't comment.


- Barrett
 
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