Domke 803 bag questions

M

mourges

Guest
Hi All,

Being in the world downunder (Australia) we have no local Domke distributers, and i am wanting some advice on this bag (or others if you think they will suit)

I'm wanting a bag that will fit the following:

Leica M3

2 out of the following lenses
Ultron 50
Ultron 35
Ultron 28
Elmarit 90

Bessa L + 15mm
Lightmeter (Weston V or Sekonic 358)

8 rolls of film

Reading material - Like PDN or similiar size magazine.

A4 notebook

Small (as in 5x7 or 6x4) book of photos - 20 or so to prove in this post 911 world, I actually take photos.

Will the Domke 803 fit all of that?? How big is the rear pocket?

Any help would be great

Adrian Morgan
 
Have you given Billingham bags some thoughts? I think they have dealers in Sydney. I saw some in 2001 when I was studying there.
 
Adrian I don't have the bag, my smallest bag is the F-3X which wouldn't be suitable for you because your A4 notepad wouldn't fit in it.

However I'm attaching the spec. of the 803 from the Domke catalog which includes the dimensions of the bag, and you may get some sense of what it can carry from that.
 
I have the next large size up, the 802 I believe. It is about 3" deeper, and a couple inches longer (15.5Lx4Wx12D vs 13Lx4Wx9D). It will fit everything you want, with maybe the exception of the PDN size magazines in the rear pocket.

With the 802, I can easily fit 2 Bessa R2's, 3 lenses, cell phone, sunglasses, 6-8 rolls of film, all in the interior pocket. In the rear pocket, I can fit 3 or 4 magazines completely in the pocket. The PDN or larger magzines I put in end first and the stick up a little over the top of the bag, but easily carried without an inconvenience. The two front pockets I use for keys, check book, pens, sm flashlight, lightmeter, and flash if I carry one.

I think the 803 you mention would work for a subset of this. I'm not sure it will take two bodies, but it might. Using the photo above as reference, you can see a camera body lying flat. I can easily put my Bessa R2 on its side with a 4"W. They show one camera where I know I could fit two bodies without lenses attached. While shooting, you might have one around your neck, and the other could be in the bag with a lens attached in the same amount of space. So it might easily work with two bodies if you don't mind 'storing' then with the lenses off, and only putting on in the bag with the lenses on.

However, I don't think it will take a few magazines well in the back pocket as its 2 inches less in length. My 802 takes standard magazines with little room to space, and I think the 2" deduction would mean you would need to put them in the pocket end first.

If you really need it, I can take a photo with everything I put in my 803 spead out, and a photo of it once everything is packed full. It will give you an idea on how much actually fits. Send me a PM.

Hope this helps..
 
Hey, I have an 803 and it carries a surpisingly great amount. I fit in it:

M3 with MR meter, and summicron 50. 75mm summilux or 90 elmarit with another lens on top of it (usually 15, 21 or 28 Ultron) (microfiber cloth between them). In the third pocket I fit an MP with 35 summilux ASPH. The rear pocket can hold an A4 notebook and magazines, but only standing upright. They will stick out the top a bit. It is not the best solution. The pocket is rather thin, but I have managed to fit a few history books in there. One front pocket should fit 8 rolls of film easily, and the other can be for the book of photos and the lightmeter. That leaves you with the little pockets on the flap for gum, mini-ipod, or whatever else you like (more film). I love this bag -- it is really well made.
 
It does hemorrhage dye with use though. I have never seen it wind up on my clothing, but the bag will loosen up and show wear on the edges fairly quickly. This is fine by me, as it makes it look even less like a camera bag, which is always a bonus. Do yourself a favor and pick up the postal worker strap pad as well. It works very well and makes it comfortable. I used this setup for a travel bag when riding the rails for several weeks in Japan. If you take out the foam inserts, you can make this bag entirely flat, so it compresses down very well if you want to use it as a day bag and carry the bulk of your gear in a backpack or rolling case. It really was designed with the photo journalist in mind.
 
When you make one of these pads, do you put the bumps facing outward (away from the equipment) or inwards?

-Paul
 
I am not quite sure I understand Paul...which pads, and what bumps?
 
Thanks for your help everyone.

Peter - I'm used to catalogs and the way they exagerate the truth about holding capacities (call it healthy skeptiscm). i've got a Lowepro 400AW, and according to that you can fit the kitchen sink in!

Stephen - thanks for your offer - I have sent you a PM. Great info as well.

Stuart - great information. The 803 looks like it will fit almost everything I want - almost though.

I'm now looking at the 802 based on Stephens comments and have found something strange - the retail for the 802 is less, not more, yet it is bigger - anyone know why? Is there something the 803 has that is not obvious?
 
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I think the 803 is more popular, which may be why it costs more. You might also consider the J-803 -- I don't know if there is a difference in price, but the J803 has a detachable strap -- this would allow you to use an op-tech neoprene strap if you like...I think they are better than almost any out there. It does not stay quite as still as the postal worker strap, but it is more comfortable, especially with heavy loads.
 
Hi Adrian, I've got a(n) 803 also, with a Domke "compact" pouch strapped onto each end. 1 pouch holds a table tripod & ball head; small grey card; the other carries 8-10 cartoned rolls of film

I think you get a three-compartment insert with the 803; as StuartR says this holds an M-body with short focal length (21-50) lens, with M meter or aux finder attached, plus 2 other lenses
The side pockets hold filetrs, handheld meter etc. There's 2 zippered pockets in the flap over cover, which can hold flattish odds & ends including filters,
Mine's at least 7 years old & in black canvas, which has worn to grey-white at pressure points. Not waterproof!
I like the 803 for its functional / non-camera bag look. It's fairly comfy to carry & "hugs the waist" but doesn't take the nice Domke "postman" strap.
IMO it definitely needs an additional end-pouch to maximise functionality.
Got it from B&H
Cheers
David
 
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