Domke bag alternative ?

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Steve: Nice solution for carrying your 'blad. Yet another method for finding a bag that gets the job done.


- Barrett
 
I'am also a fan of Timbuk2 - great build quality and robustness plus it's waterproof.

Also at yesterdays RFF SFMOMA meet, here's contents spilled out from the four year old small messanger bag I had with me:

Timbuk2_SFMOMA.jpg


However they are not really cheaper than Domke.
But you could apply the same, inserts and small bags for lenses, tricks to any bag.
 
I've got some of these

I've got some of these

They say Calif. Innovations inside, but "Ci Sport" on the outside, with a few more tactical expansion velcro bands and watter bottle (lens) side holder.

The more interesting thing for me about the insulation is it's padding built-in, something you don't get with say a timbuk2 bag, unless you put some in yourself.

Steve M. said:
My bag solution is for a different camera but the scheme is similar. As much as I like the nice bags, they are not priced where I want them (to put it mildly), so I like to root around at thrift stores for what can be adapted to work. Some of the women's black leather bags look very doable, but what I usually end up using comes from the bins that have backpacks, lunch bags, laptop bags, etc.

My 'blad turned out to be a handful on a strap, so I found this nice little bag for $3 and put one of those elastic type camera straps on it to make the weight a little easier to tote. It worked almost as well w/ the strap that came on it though. The bottom is reinforced w/ a small bottom reinforced liner that was inside an old side bag.

The nice thing is the bag is insulated, which helps in the summers. I would prefer that it open from the top rather than the side, but it's worked so well that I'm happy w/ it just as it is. The camera sits firmly in it even when opened, and the webbed pouches work for holding the dark slide, lens cap, filters, light meter and film .

4826956631_f891207504.jpg


4826956639_fff11d0604.jpg
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Side opening bags are fine for transportation, but don't really work very well as wearable workbenches: changing bodies, lenses, film baseplates or inserts etc.

I would also be very wary of any bag that has a detachable strap.
The clip might get snagged or through some other inexplicable event somehow releases your precious gear onto the ground -over a cliff or into the sea. :(

Steve M. said:
4826956639_fff11d0604.jpg
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FrozenInTime said:
I'am also a fan of Timbuk2 - great build quality and robustness plus it's waterproof.

Also at yesterdays RFF SFMOMA meet, here's contents spilled out from the four year old small messanger bag I had with me:

Timbuk2_SFMOMA.jpg


However they are not really cheaper than Domke.
But you could apply the same, inserts and small bags for lenses, tricks to any bag.
Click to expand...

what insert is that in the bottom right? looks like exactly what i've been looking for.
 
I've got a black Safrotto that I think I've used twice (it was a bit big for me). If anyone is interested, throw an offer at me. It's been sitting in a closet for 3 years and ought to be put to use by someone.
 
ornate_wrasse said:
Before I went to Buenos Aires, Argentina last September, I looked around for a bag that would be more secure than my Lowepro backpack. I ended up buying a Safrotto on Ebay that looks like this one (one of the bags in your link):

http://cgi.ebay.com/Safrotto-Canvas...ultDomain_0&hash=item4aa299f53d#ht_500wt_1002

I really like the bag and use it to this day for my M6, lenses and film. I think it only cost me about $50 to $60.

Ellen
Click to expand...

That really looks like the Domkey J803 I have. Mine is made with Ballistic cloth, but I think they make the same bag in canvas. I wonder if they copied the Domkey... Are the zippers well made? The ones on my old bag (circa 2000) are holding up. Zippers are usually the first thing needing repair. p.

The pockets on the front of the bag are big enough to hold a Nikon body.
 

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FrozenInTime said:
I'am also a fan of Timbuk2 - great build quality and robustness plus it's waterproof.

Also at yesterdays RFF SFMOMA meet, here's contents spilled out from the four year old small messanger bag I had with me:

Timbuk2_SFMOMA.jpg


However they are not really cheaper than Domke.
But you could apply the same, inserts and small bags for lenses, tricks to any bag.
Click to expand...

What's the little camera in the upper right? p.
 
I had really good luck finding a used Domke canvas shoulder bag. Fits my M6 perfectly. I got the Domke 801 (IIRC) waxed canvas bag.

Perfect. Used may be an option...I would add that price equals out when you realize these bags last a long time -- you don't save any money if a bag falls apart and your gear is ruined!

Saffrotto have a wide selection, I picked mine up while in China...I'd still go for Domke, all told.
 
wow

wow

That really does look like a Domke knock off. But unfortunately, at least for my needs, it's almost as heavy as the real thing too.

a 2lb bag for casual RF carrying is too heavy for me.

ornate_wrasse said:
Before I went to Buenos Aires, Argentina last September, I looked around for a bag that would be more secure than my Lowepro backpack. I ended up buying a Safrotto on Ebay that looks like this one (one of the bags in your link):

http://cgi.ebay.com/Safrotto-Canvas-camera-bag-NEW-FREE-INSERT-/320555578685?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa299f53d#ht_500wt_1002

I really like the bag and use it to this day for my M6, lenses and film. I think it only cost me about $50 to $60.

Ellen
Click to expand...
 
ornate_wrasse said:
... I ended up buying a Safrotto on Ebay that looks like this one (one of the bags in your link):

http://cgi.ebay.com/Safrotto-Canvas-camera-bag-NEW-FREE-INSERT-/320555578685?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa299f53d#ht_500wt_1002

Ellen
Click to expand...
That's the Safrotto version of the Domke F-803, and also my copy. The listing says F-802 but it's wrong. A lot of the bag listings are incorrect on eBay so you need to go through a verification process before you buy.
 
Based on the kit the OP describes, the Domke F-5XB would be just right. It's what I've used for years for almost exactly the same gear. Relatively inexpensive and will last a couple decades of daily use. My only mod was to quiet down the rattling zipper tabs with some woven cording. This may or may not be relevant to you, but the canvas fabric used by Domke is compatible with most clothing. Doesn't it bother anyone else that the "ballistic nylon" and other synthetic "high performance" fabrics used in many bags act as abrasive against shirts, jackets, sweaters and pants? Over weeks of sliding against your side, they sand away at your clothing. Not important if you're always in leather jacket and jeans, but other stuff takes a beating. Some of the slicker synthetic fabrics are less abrasive, but the slippery plastic sound when they slide against you as you walk really bugs me over time. My point is that some bags may look right, but they may not feel or sound right once you put them to use.
 
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