domke 803 - i don't think i like it

joe,

I have a Mekko clone & like it when I'm going out on the road. Especially if that's in my "big truck". I can fit my Bessa, all my Canon RF lenses, a pile of film, my Vivitar 285 flash & my Zeiss Ikoflex TLR (and a few rolls of 120) into it with a bit of thought. But if I want to just have a lens or two, a couple of rolls of film & my Bessa, then I have a much smaller bag. It's good to have more than one bag & even better to learn when each one is best to use :)

William
 
OK, I read the whole thread so let's make believe I was awake last night. (Been very fatigued this last week or so, I have to get back into the swing of things.)

Just learn to use it, Joe. That insert can be placed slightly off-center, creating a larger compartment to the side. The remaining 2 spaces will hold lenses and/or cameras with small lenses attached.
Click to expand...

My initial thought too, a little odd, but a nice bag, I carry it a lot during the week with a paper or two in the outside pocket for work when I need to.

frank, i was looking for a mid size bag to load all my gear (2 bodies, 4 lenses) into for the montreal trip.
Click to expand...

I hate to overstuff bags, this is why I am considering an F2, but your comments aobut the 802 are interesting. I would rather have a big bag relatively empty than a small bag packed to the brim. I think I am going to travel light to Montreal though so I am not sure I will need the F2.

maybe i'll wash it to loosen it a bit or just throw it in the dryer with a wet cloth.
Click to expand...

I haven't washed my Domke's yet, even the 5xb with the built in insert? My 5 is olive, I would love for it to start fading a little.


I use a Tenba satchel now that seems the same size outside, but a lot bigger inside.
Click to expand...

Now I have to go look at these.
 
I have the Domke Brick 10 which I like. It has the best bag strap I've yet seen. It is shaped more like a courier bag. The top (or side) opens completely to reveal a bright yellow interior. Much easier to locate stuff. In it right now is a DSLR with three lenses, a Rolleiflex 2.8E, and a Bessa R with two lenses. Plus bits and pieces and "lid" holds plenty of film and filters. Big plus is that it is tough and well padded.

Of course, with all that stuff it's a bit heavy. Mostly it remains in my Passat. I decant what I intend to use into a much smaller Tamrac bag.
 
back alley said:
that's why i like buying used bags...
Click to expand...
Hey, maybe I can swap you my four-year-old 803 for yours...broken-in the old-fashioned way (i.e. the long way 'round), with that grizzled/grumpy-old-shooter look. ;)

Seriously, I suggest you stick with it. Give it a second tumble in the dryer if need be. It's become my all-time fave bag, and now looks the part.


- Barrett
 
Last edited:
I love my 803, it's my everyday carry bag. Right now I have my D70 and a Bessa L in it, along with all the stuff I'd normally carry in my pockets. (NO, its NOT a "man purse").

I've installed an extra strap on the left side, to hook onto a belt loop on the left side of my pants, to secure the bag from swinging and bouncing around when I'm walking or climbing around on things. I also just found Domkes foam rubber shoulder pad, (looks like a mail carriers pad), that really makes it comfortable, and doesn't cut into your shoulder after a few hours.

Robin
 
I recommended the 803 but to be honest I prefer the Safrotto clone. A smidgin bigger and no stiff plastic bar under the handle.
 
a little bigger might help...

i used the 803 for today's outing, carrying both zi's with the 50 and the 35 attached. it went well.
for 2 cameras the 803 is nicer than the 5xb.
for one camera and maybe 2 lenses the 5xb is hard to beat.

so i'm set up for one camera and 2 lenses (5xb), 2 cameras with 2 lenses attached and a 3rd if i wanted (803) and all of them for travelling (mclassic).

i am content...:)
 
I too didn't like the Domke Satchels as much as I thought I would.

Apparently Joe and I are not the only ones fussy about bag choice;
at B&H the camera bag section is always one of the most crowded.

Those of us lucky enough to live in or near NYC can "test drive"
hundreds of bags there.
But even with that huge selection I still have a tough time finding
something that I feel really works for me.

I think my ideal 35mm bag would be exactly like the Domke F5XB,
but about 4 inches longer, and maybe an inch wider and deeper.
Are you listening Jim Domke? ;)

Chris
 
i looked at the clone bags but the shipping was nuts.
the bag that galavanter just ordered has a shipping cost of 26 bucks to canada.
my domke shipped for 9.50.
 
If you are buying a new bag (which I think you weren't Joe) the clone from China is less expensive than a Domke from a discount store plus shipping. I went through three of these bags; a clone, then a Domke and finally another clone because I thought the clone was a better bag as well as being less expensive than the Domke.

galavanter the bag is not waterproofed to my knowledge. I use Nikwax TX.Direct spray-on to waterproof my bags and it does an excellent job. Available from most outdoor suppliers.
 
galavanter, I just ordered one too. been meaning to try one of these for ages and at that price it's even better. I have the 5xb in blue which I bought from another member here that looks nicely worn (the bag, not the member!). Wanted something slightly bigger with a 'flatter ' profile and the Safrotto looks to fit the bill.. Have a Billingham Hadley too, to hold my DSLR and extras.
 
Yeah Joe do the math!

Nikwax? Never heard of it. I'll get some. Thanks.

Kuvvy this is my first dedicated camera bag. I like well made bags (Brenthaven ballistic nylon for my laptop) but I decided light and soft and cheap for the RF bag. The grunge look I guess. I wanted a Domke forever (he was a photographer in Philly where I use to live and went to school) and felt a little guilty getting the knockoff but when I saw the Tamron/Domke well...

peter_n said:
If you are buying a new bag (which I think you weren't Joe) the clone from China is less expensive than a Domke from a discount store plus shipping. I went through three of these bags; a clone, then a Domke and finally another clone because I thought the clone was a better bag as well as being less expensive than the Domke.

galavanter the bag is not waterproofed to my knowledge. I use Nikwax TX.Direct spray-on to waterproof my bags and it does an excellent job. Available from most outdoor suppliers.
Click to expand...
 
peter_n said:
If you are buying a new bag (which I think you weren't Joe) the clone from China is less expensive than a Domke from a discount store plus shipping.
Click to expand...

If American, why not "buy American"? The slight additional cost of a real Domke is a small price to pay in support of our weakening economy, don't you think? Besides, Domke has long ago made their "investment" in support of photography and continues to support us photographers.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom