Domke F-2 copies - where from?

[pmu]

Howdy, folks. Where to find Mekko F-2 or similiar Safrotto CF-600 bag with reasonable shipping costs to EU? Based on pictures, I think Safrotto CF-600 would be much much better than original Domke F-2...metal buckles and insert looks much better...and price is half of Domke. http://bursa.fotografer.net/images/photo/13822-foto3.jpg?kjh=5855

EBAY sells Mekko F-2 in US, but shipping is 67USD to Finland. That shipping cost is quite absurd...

Any idea where to find that Safrotto CF-600?

 

[gumanow]

I bought the Safrotto bag and used it for about two years everyday. It really worked well for me. I had an insert for a laptop as well. I took out the insert and have now placed it in a Timbuk2 bag as it has more room for some of the other stuff I need everyday. Also, the canvas was starting to feel heavy. Just comparing the bags, the Timbuk2 is lighter. I carry an M6TTL w/Elmarit 28mm attached and 35mm Sumimicron in the bag, plus either a Rolleiflex 2.8C or SWC/M. Plus the film and other stuff. The canvas was starting to weigh me down.

Great bags though. Really held up. I used it everyday!!!

 

[peter_n]

There's a thread from a long time ago here where some guys got together in Europe to buy a Safrotto satchel because they couldn't get them conveniently there. One guy bought a bunch of bags from China and then farmed them out.

As a user of both Safrotto/Domke I can attest to the superiority of the Safrotto/Mekko bags. No comparison to the original. Best shipping to Finland I could find is $45, check out sellers photo1818 and Photography Stuffs on eBay. Take a look at the inserts - they look like they're made for digitals - you presumably want the originals. If you're interested, email the seller to see if you can get the original 4-compartment insert in a bag.

 

[manfromh]

I bought a Mekko F2 off ebay and paid the horrible shipping cost to Estonia. The ebay store was GoShot Camera

I have no regrets. Its a great bag and still cheaper than Domke. I havent used the inserts though. With all the inserts in the bag is quite stiff, which is why I didnt want to buy a lowepro/tamrac/whatever in the first place.

Maybe you can buy directly from http://www.mekko.net/ and perhaps you can negotiate a lower shipping cost with them.

 

[peter_n]

I havent used the inserts though. With all the inserts in the bag is quite stiff, which is why I didnt want to buy a lowepro/tamrac/whatever in the first place.

I know exactly what you're saying here. The inserts are much thicker and more protective than the Domke inserts and for Domke clones of the F-2 or F-1X I can see where they might be bulky. My two Safrottos are satchel clones - the F-803 and F-802 - they are only slightly bulkier than the originals. I had an accident a couple years ago where I fell and the camera bag was smashed on the ground. Absolutely no damage to the M body or lens. I'm convinced that if I'd been using a Domke with the thinner inserts there would have been damage.

 

[kxl]

I have Domke and Safrotto bags, and the quality is comparable. I use Domke inserts. The Safrotto I have is the large one -- the F1X equivalent, and its great for either DSLR gear or smaller gear plus non-photo stuff.

 

[notturtle]

I can't help here, but would very much doubt that dropping a F-2 with a leica in it would result in damage, assuming it was not from an apartment roof! The stiff base insert is solid and the padding is sufficient I think for a mobile, light bag with lots of space. Its a bag which you can actually use unlike so many ultra padded bags which are no good for anything other than storage!

The only part of the Domke that is plastic are the loops that connect the strap to the bag. Sure, its a critcal part but plastic can be incredibly strong. Just look at the plastic clips on backpacks, imagine a military pack weighing 100lbs and the abuse they take. And the clips are plastic!

 

[manfromh]

I have heard of a few cases of Safrotto buckles breaking with no warning, causing the bag suddenly fall of the shoulder.
My Mekko bag came with a nice shoulder pad, but the domke ones appear to be softer (atleast on pictures).

Safrottos and mekkos have an extra zippered flap under the top flap, which you may or may not like. I find it useful, but it will get in the way slightly when getting something out of the bag.

 

[Trius]

I have no experience with Safrotto, and only have the Domke F6 and F5XB. Both arevery well made, with the F6 being just about perfect. I have NO fear of the plastic strap hardware. My only issues with the F5XB are the design of the opening and what I consider to be too much padding. I would prefer the opening to be the same design as the F6 and F2.

Aside from the design and construction features, I buy Domke because they actually DESIGN the products and don't rip off the work of others. YMMV.

As stated, Domke products can be found for reasonale prices from reputable on-line vendors with decent international shipping. Despite recent changes, many eBay vendors gouge on shipping.

 

[Trius]

I don't think the Domke's come with the mailman pad either, do they? These pads fit perfectly on the Safrottos too, by the way.

The thing is, for some reason the Domkes seem to be way overpriced in europe, even with EUR being 1.4+ of USD.

So buy online from the US and send a message to the Finnish distributors and hence to the Domke exporter.

 

[35mmdelux]

Howdy, folks. Where to find Mekko F-2 or similiar Safrotto CF-600 bag with reasonable shipping costs to EU? Based on pictures, I think Safrotto CF-600 would be much much better than original Domke F-2...metal buckles and insert looks much better...and price is half of Domke. http://bursa.fotografer.net/images/photo/13822-foto3.jpg?kjh=5855

EBAY sells Mekko F-2 in US, but shipping is 67USD to Finland. That shipping cost is quite absurd...

Any idea where to find that Safrotto CF-600?

Looks like this sucker can carry a 6 pack of liter beer.

 

[35mmdelux]

No patience here; my favorite is the F803 small RF satchel in OD green. I bought two bags 15 yrs ago -- F803 satchel (sand) and F5xb (black). The F803 I sold recently for a fraction of the retail price after washing it several times and replaced it with the od green version.

 

[notturtle]

Hmmm, didn't know you're a Domke F2 fan, Fred.

I pined for a black Domke F2 after using one that came with a rental camera.

Instant bonding, that is *the* best camera bag for me. The size is just right, and it's big enough to carry anything that I need, and it's comfortable for long walks or events.

I waited a long while, trying other bags, none fits as well.
.

The F2 is my choice too. Perfect for a solid RF outfit.