Domke Bags

[WJJ3]

There's a good idea. Do you know the model name for the insert you have? The one thing putting me off from the F2 is the relatively small amount of space in the padded insert.

The little insert that comes with the F2 is a head scratcher.

Here’s the one that really makes the bag shine:

http://ciesta.co.kr/ciesta9_com/product/Flexible_Partition_L.inc

Scroll to the bottom for pics of it in the bag. That it’s the large size. They have many online distributers.

 

[PKR]

As inserts for the F2 went, I liked the thin canvas one that came with the bag. It could be collapsed into a small width within the bag allowing for a lot of storage space.

When traveling by air, I always took my film onboard. The F2 with the lens partition collapsed, allowed for 5 bricks of Kodachrome plus an F3 w/motor to be packed into the main space. Polaroid went into all the side pockets.

When going through inspections, the only thing requiring a hand search was the Domke. Jim Domke designed the F2 to hold up to 7-8, 20 roll bricks of film in the main bag storage area. That bag was well designed.

 

[Doug A]

The Filson bag should be nice - for $275! 😱

Chris

Indeed! I would never have bought it myself. But having been beaten up with years of use, an Ape Case Cubeze insert, and an almost matching Domke strap it makes an awfully nice camera bag.

 

[agentlossing]

I'm not surprised about the price of the Filson, that's the way they roll. Ironic when a field shell bag made for storing (somewhat) cheap shotgun shells (or empties) costs more than a bag designed to protect our expensive electronics and glass!

I keep feeling pulled in the direction of the F2, with the replacement insert.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

I'm not surprised about the price of the Filson, that's the way they roll. Ironic when a field shell bag made for storing (somewhat) cheap shotgun shells (or empties) costs more than a bag designed to protect our expensive electronics and glass!

I keep feeling pulled in the direction of the F2, with the replacement insert.

Prices are high, but Filson products just don't wear out. They're really old school production style. Buy once lasts several lifetimes.

 

[agentlossing]

That's why I really want a Filson Cruiser Mackinaw wool coat... but it's usually close to $500 and, well, that's a lens...

 

[KM-25]

Among others, I have owned and used Domke bags since the late 80's, I am also friends with Jim Domke who is still active in making photos on assignment.

I find that unless I am going super light with an M body and one other Summicron sized prime, the F5 bags can be a bit constrained in getting gear in and out. But I do own both the F5XA and B bags and like them a lot as walk about options and especially for the rare equestrian assignment in which I put a belt through the side loop to hold down the bounce.

The F2 is just a great sized bag. I have one from 1992 that should be retired but I can set it on the floor of a dirty warehouse and just not worry about it. I have packed it to the gills and also taken the center lens insert out and put a larger DSLR with a 70-200 on it and been able to stuff a wide prime in one pocket and spare batteries in the front ones, it's a good all rounder for a reason.

But like I said, I do not use Domke bags exclusively....I have a ton of bags, packs and pouches to accommodate a never ending array of combinations of gear. That's just part of the deal of getting all kinds of gear on location...

 

[abstrack]

Domke bags

Domke bags

I have two F2 bags, one original canvas and a second one in ballistic cloth.
The blue one is from about 1978 and is pretty worn. I carried an F2 and MD-2 with about 4 lenses and film in the end pockets. The canvas is worn and floppy and has lost its shape. The black one was bought in 1993 and carried a Nikon F4s (on my other shoulder), a backup Nikon FE2 plus MD-12 (in the bag) and about 4 lenses, a flash unit, spare batteries and film. Either of these bags, as others have stated, provided quick and easy access to gear. In actual use, the two metal clasps were indeed a secure way to keep the cover flap closed but while shooting and in the heat of the moment, the metal would sometimes hit my gear when I flung the cover open or closed.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/192834156@N05/shares/rEn0f1

The canvas walls are indeed thin, but I added a thin pad of foam at the bottom of the bag. The original bag used a small sheet of masonite-like material for a stiffener. The black model used a 3/16” lightweight, multi-ply wood panel.

These were both used when I shot professionally but infrequently now, as I have downscaled the amount of gear I carry since I rarely do commercial work anymore. Both bags were perfect for when I needed to transport that much camera gear to a location, along with any additional studio lighting gear.

If I want to carry or transport this amount of gear to a site and it required me to be mobile while shooting, I would still use a bag of this size and type. I also use a medium size backpack-style bag when walking around all day and can thus set the bag down once in a while to access the gear while avoiding the sometimes onerous weight of a shoulder style bag. Luckily, since then, many cameras that are made today have shrunk in size and weight!

 

[agentlossing]

I'm also interested in the F2's capability for being a shoulder bag, not exclusively carrying camera gear but maybe packing in a water bottle, lightweight jacket, etc. I've always been more of a backpack guy than a sling bag guy, but the rubberized straps just hold in place very well, it feels like I could hike it up a little ways on my back when not actively needing access..is this true or would the contents fall out?

 

[E.M]

you can also use the F2 as a backpack when you buy the additional strap for it. I have one but I do't know if they are still available.

 

[gavinlg]

The canvas Domke's aren't the most durable bags on the market (that would go to billinghams or any of the modern nylon bags) but damn they look good when they've been thrashed. They're also not at all dorky like most camera bags are.

I've got an f6 right now in olive. I like it.

The best camera bag I've ever used is my girlfriends filson zippered tote with an insert.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

The Domke canvas bags just get better with age. To hasten the process I machine wash mine.

FWIW depending on insert(s) used Domke F6 holds about twice the gear the F5XB does; the F2 perhaps 3-4 times the amount.
The B&H website is a good place to check the measurements of all the Domke models.

Chris

 

[ChrisPlatt]

That Slow Tools leather bag sure is a beauty but costs over $300.
Amazon Warehouse occasionally has Domke F2 bags for around $80...

Chris

 

[Ko.Fe.]

The Domke canvas bags just get better with age. To hasten the process I machine wash mine.

....

If you like hobo style 🙂

Mine is never washed and already close to it.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

That Slow Tools leather bag sure is a beauty but costs over $300.
Amazon Warehouse occasionally has Domke F2 bags for around $80...

Chris

I think i paid about $100 for the Slow Tools canvas

 

[Rob-F]

I've briefly owned a couple of Domke bags, the little F5XA and the Heritage bag (which I'm pretty sure is the F5XB or similar) and ended up returning both of those, one with the tags still on, as they were just a little too cramped feeling getting things in and out. I like small bags and I typically use small cameras (only my Pentax KP when the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 is mounted feels anything but fairly small), but the cover and zipper opening was awkward for me.

How's the F2, for those of you who've used one? It might be about the right size for me, I'd like to carry a film camera and a digital, and maybe an extra lens. Do you like Domke bags in general? Even though I haven't found the right fit, I keep being drawn back to their styling and solid construction, and the strap sits so well without sliding. Bags get a lot fancier than Domke, and a lot more expensive, but I keep thinking if I find the right one it'll be a winner for me.

Since you typically use small cameras, and are thinking of an F2, take a look at the F6 "little bit smaller" bag. The F2 might be too big for your needs (I can get a Hasselblad 500CM with lens and film backs, 3 or 4 more lenses, meter, and film into my F2). In an F6 I can carry 2 Leica M bodies, one with lens and one not; several more lenses, film, meter, and a pocket size P&S. Plus lens cloth & rocket blower. It's a good home away from home bag.

I also like my Think Tank Retrospective bags for small outfits. I have used them a lot since getting them! They have lots of little compartments, which can either be nice and tidy, or else "too fiddly" depending.

 

[agentlossing]

Thanks, I usually don't bring a bag at all if I'm only bringing one camera, so I would plan on having at least two - say, a rangefinder plus the KP with a small lens and the 17-50 2.8 as well, That lens is somewhat large. Add in a light shell and water bottle and a couple other odds and ends, does that sound F2-worthy?