Domke f2/f3x for RF kit - pictures?

[nickthetasmaniac]

**EDIT** The title is wrong, I meant the f8, not f2!

Hi all,

I'm looking at getting either a Domke f8 or f3x to replace an f10 for my film kit. I love the f10, but it lacks some extra pockets when carrying a light meter and film.

So, does anyone have any pictures of the F8 or f3x with a basic 3-lens RF kit? This is what I carry around the place:

M2
VM 35/f2.5 Color Skopar (may become a 35/f1.4 Nokton in the future)
VM 50/f1.5 Nokton
Leica 90/f2.8 Tele-Elmarit (fat version)
Sekonic L-308
2-3 rolls of film
Small note-book, small wallet, Sharpie, pencil, phone, lens cloth.

I've found quite a few reviews of both bags, but generally they have pics of CSC/dSLR kits with largish zooms... I find that the F10 main compartment is slightly bigger than I need, and I'm concerned the F8 might be a tad small, and the F3x a tad big.

Cheers, Nick

 

[benji77]

I personally feel the F2 would be too big.

The best balance in your case would be the F6 or F3x.

The F6 has a nice front pocket that will fit the M2 & 35/1.4 mounted even. A good pocket to store the Sekonic n film too.

 

[_goodtimez]

I have the F2 and it's OK.
If you travel you won't want your gear to be fitted so tightly that at the end you won't dare taking it out anymore.
In my F2 I also fit some phone chargers and a fruit on occasion.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

I meant the f8, not f2, as described in the body of the thread (typo in the thread title).

F2 is much bigger than I want, as is f6. As mentioned, I'm fairly happy with the internal size of my current f10 and wouldn't mind going slightly smaller.

 

[benji77]

How about the F5XB?

 

[_goodtimez]

I meant the f8, not f2, as described in the body of the thread (typo in the thread title).

F2 is much bigger than I want, as is f6. As mentioned, I'm fairly happy with the internal size of my current f10 and wouldn't mind going slightly smaller.

Yes I noticed however I think the F8 will be too tight for the equipment you are mentionning, unless the camera is not in the bag.

 

[benji77]

I carry quite a bit of extra stuff while I shoot, especially during travels. Stuff like sunglasses, sunblock, insect repellant, water bottle. These little stuff actually take up lots of valuable space. But its the only way to go if we need both hands free and cannot afford to carry another bag/case.

So I think a slightly bigger bag to accommodate for extra 'growth' is better. The comment about the bag being too tight is really relevant.

 

[Rob-F]

The f8 looks roomy in pictures, but the interior main compartment is much smaller than that of the f3x, and much smaller than your f10. I would either keep the f10, or try out the f3x. You may find that you can get as much into your 10 as the f3x will hold.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

I probably should have clarified my OP. I'm not looking for a bigger bag than the f10, rather one that has a bit more organisational ability (hence my interest in the f8 and f3x with their side pockets).

I travel a lot, and when I do I travel with very little.

 

[wjlapier]

The F8 is much smaller than the F3X. I have F2, F3X, F6, F8, F5XB, F10, and the messenger type which model eludes me for now ( 803? ). All rugged wear.

The first three bags are very big for just the gear you mentioned. Add water, food, and a collapsible rain jacket then they begin to fill up. ( I don't have all my bags with now or I would be clearer ).

The F3X has those sewn in dividers with the one removable divider. The F2 or F6 comes with the 4 slot movable insert. I use this insert with another to hold ( not carry ) my Nikon kit. F3, 20/3.5, 28/2.8, 50/2, 105/2.5, and 200/4 all AIS lenses. The F8 has a mFT kit. GF1/20/1.7, 12-32, 45-200. Very little room for anything else. The 803 fits much more as is with the one included insert, or with the three slot insert ( which I have ).

All that said, I found that I can carry comfortably, a smaller RFer Kit with GA645 and accessories in a Filson shoulder bag if I combine three Domke single slot dividers stuck together. I'm done buying bags finally ( really!? ). I have my kit and a way to carry it.

I did try to sell the Domke bags but buyers wanted them for nothing so they are in a plastic tote in my storage.

 

[BillBingham2]

How often do you switch lenses?

I have an old F8 and love it. I also rather like an OLD tenba that looks like a nylon F5 (without the waist loop).

Between the F3 and F8 I'd suggest the F8 as it's smaller. That means that your "Stuff" will be closer together and you might need to find material to divide them without taking up too much room.

A lot depends upon how much room you want around your stuff and how often you go into your bag to pull/return lenses, meter, film and alike.

B2

 

[wjlapier]

Here is a picture of the Filson bag, F8, F5XB, and F2.

 

[wjlapier]

Some stuff I bring in the Filson.

 

[wjlapier]

Filson with the F8.