Domke F5XB - but more everyday-friendly

[Rob-F]

The ACAM (GCAM for the fancy leather finish) is a hair shorter than the Domke F5XB and a hair longer.

It is shorter and longer at the same time? Quantum uncertainty?

 

[Godfrey]

What's stopping you from the f5xc?

I tried one and returned it. The tall form factor didn't work well for me, and the pockets were useless.

G

 

[Godfrey]

It is shorter and longer at the same time? Quantum uncertainty?

The vertical height is shorter, the horizontal length is longer. Not quantum physics, just 3D solids geometry ... ;-)

Sorry for being a bit ambiguous before.
G

 

[Godfrey]

I learned that there's no such thing as a "one size fits all" bag. It all depends what you will carry on that particular day. ...

That's why I have so many of the darn things. :bang:

G

 

[back alley]

Words from the Bag Man 😀

Great to hear from you Joe. Mate while I head off and do my research - including where to source this Tenba model in Australia - do I surmise that you'd not recommend the A+A ACAM 1100? If so, can I ask where it falls short mate.

i've never seen one in real life, the a&a bag, that is...
the domke f8 is a strange bag size...i bought one for a single camera with lens attached and it does work but seems oddly sized/shaped...i have it here if you'd like it.
the domke f6 is a great bag...i use it as my go to bag...it holds quite a bit.
the tenba cooper is handsome, great for when you're travelling or just want to upgrade your style...i bought one and feel guilty for not using it but cannot bring myself to sell/give it away.

 

[stillshunter]

i've never seen one in real life, the a&a bag, that is...
the domke f8 is a strange bag size...i bought one for a single camera with lens attached and it does work but seems oddly sized/shaped...i have it here if you'd like it.
the domke f6 is a great bag...i use it as my go to bag...it holds quite a bit.
the tenba cooper is handsome, great for when you're travelling or just want to upgrade your style...i bought one and feel guilty for not using it but cannot bring myself to sell/give it away.

Yeah, Joe, I think I've discounted the F8 as it doesn't really seem to offer much more than the F5XB. The F6 seems pretty big! @michaelwj was kind enough to send me a photo of the F6 packed with a couple of Leica, and t doesn't look much different to my F2...minus the two side pockets. I am really keen to keep the profile low - and am taking the F5XB as the benchmark. To be honest any bigger and I'd be tempted to just buy a Billingham Hadley Small.

 

[stillshunter]

That's why I have so many of the darn things. :bang:

G

You are not alone mate. I'm currently selling 4 bags, but have another dozen or so up on the shelf. 😱

 

[stillshunter]

Stillshunter,

My Ruggedwear F-5XB is serving me well, and holding up well after three years.

That said, I prefer my Domke F-10 Medium Shoulder Bag Ruggedwear, which is slightly larger and easier to use with my Leicas and lenses, having a zipped front pocket and lid, and no zipper on the main compartment to scratch cameras and lenses.

Mate I had the F-10 as well. Not a bad bag, but was a little put off by the shape of the bottom. I prefer packing my gear flat across the bottom and the dip at the bottom - which I assume is to aid top-loading - just made the contents sit awkward. A shame as it discounts both the F-10 and F-9 for me. But if not for my idiosyncrasies I can completely understand why you'd like it.

 

[stillshunter]

What's stopping you from the f5xc?

Personally, I don't like the height. The shape is reminiscent of my J-803, which I find awkward. I can see the appeal for those who carry more bodies or 5+ lenses, but for me (and my present requirements) I'm looking to supplement the F5XB profile with some personal items storage....with a small concession made to some dimensions....but not to the extent of the F-5XC.
Caveat Emptor: IMHO!

 

[Mute-on]

Check out Mainline Photographics for the A & A Acam 1100 insert or NY300/310 pouches. Insert into whichever bag takes your fancy.

I put the Acam 1000 insert into a Brady Trout small bag (Tom A's favourite bag). Fits beautifully with plenty of room for extras. The ACAM 1100 insert is a bit smaller and would leave extra space internally.

Cheers

J 🙂

 

[stillshunter]

Check out Mainline Photographics for the A & A Acam 1100 insert or NY300/310 pouches. Insert into whichever bag takes your fancy.

I put the Acam 1000 insert into a Brady Trout small bag (Tom A's favourite bag). Fits beautifully with plenty of room for extras. The ACAM 1100 insert is a bit smaller and would leave extra space internally.

Cheers

J 🙂

Ha Ha Ha Mainline - my fave local store. Scott and his crew do great work. Actually my desire for the ACAM-1100 all started there, as I was looking to plussing up my order to make postage of a 39mm filter worth it....and it turned into a frenzied bag hunt. 😱

Mate you happen to have a few photos of this Brady Trout pimped set-up? The masses here are curious.

 

[gavinlg]

I have had the Domke F5XB, the canvas one, for 2 years and 3 months.
Perfect little bag for 2 M bodies, or M plus a couple of lenses and a few other odds and ends.
Unfortunately mine is now pretty much dead, the straps are about to fall off, there is a massive rip through the flap that closes it and four holes in the bottom corners.
Good bag and not super expensive but a 27 month life expectancy, I was all set for a 'lifetime'.

Funny, I get about 2 years out of them too. Same bag, at the end of 2 years the strap webbing was gone, the velcro on the flap had torn off, the stitching was falling off everywhere, and the canvas was wearing through the bottom. I like the bag but feel it should last a little longer.

 

[stillshunter]

Funny, I get about 2 years out of them too. Same bag, at the end of 2 years the strap webbing was gone, the velcro on the flap had torn off, the stitching was falling off everywhere, and the canvas was wearing through the bottom. I like the bag but feel it should last a little longer.

WOW! 😱
...maybe I'm babying mine?
(I'd estimate it's between 15-20 years old)

 

[gavinlg]

WOW! 😱
...maybe I'm babying mine?
(I'd estimate it's between 15-20 years old)

I suspect the older ones are more durable. By comparison I have a filson Tote (3-4 years) and a crumpler 4 million dollar home that I bought in about 2007 for my university and both of them still pretty much look like new.

 

[gilpen123]

I had the F5xb for 9 years only problem now is the insert . I still have many; F5Xc which I find too big for my needs (height wise) and very loud velcro, F6, F2 which I used when I still have the DSLRs and medium format film camera, Ona Bowery, Billingham Hadley small, etc. I just bought the Black Label Evans Walker II and can't wait to see it. I'll travel to US next month with my Pen F with 25 1.8 and 45 1.8 and the GR. and hopefully the bag works for me.

 

[creenus]

I bought a used Domke F3-X for about $50.00. It carries 2 bodies and three M lenses with lots of room for keys, maps, extra film, batteries, a novel, light meter, tripod head for monopod and prescription sunglasses. I can even squeeze in a sealed water bottle. I traveled throughout Europe with this bag - it was a good and sturdy companion. I wore it slung across my chest with no problems at all.

It's a bigger bag but still very manageable. You might consider one.

.....and so the grael quest for the ideal bag continues. Presently after something that can comfortable fit the M6+35-cron with back-up GR and my daily essentials.

What I've found comes the closest presently is the Domke F5XB. Really appreciate that I can even squeeze the IIIf in there too if need be. The F5XB's size (esp. width and depth) and form factor is just perfect BUT what I really want is the F5XB guts - but with just a little more to carry everyday 'essentials' such as keys, wallet, phone, glasses.

On paper the likes of the Artisan+Artist ACAM-1100 (a.k.a. Evans Walker) seems to come close. Am I on the right track? Otherwise what else should I be thinking about?
...I need to work off spec and opinion as I have no local store that stock or can order these in for hands-on comparison - so I will need to mail-order online.

FYI: mistakes I have made so far...
- ThinkTank Retrospective 5. Bigger, heavier with remarkably little usable space.
- ONA Bowery. Much prefer the F5XB for materials and practicality
- Domke J803 - just not right. Too tall, too deep, too unstable.
- Timbuk2 XS - can't warm to the stuck-to-your-back style
- Crumpler 5MDH - great for dSLR, just not right for rangefinders.
NB: the last three are currently being sold!

...oh and - Billingham L2 Alice - have one as my next size up bag. Love it, but it's not this daily bag that I seek.

Hope you can help....as the mistakes cost! :bang:

 

[Godfrey]

I bought a used Domke F3-X for about $50.00. It carries 2 bodies and three M lenses with lots of room for keys, maps, extra film, batteries, a novel and prescription sunglasses. I can even squeeze in a sealed water bottle. I traveled throughout Europe with this bag - it was a good and sturdy companion. I wore it slung across my chest with no problems at all.

It's a bigger bag but still very manageable. You might consider one.

I've had a Domke F3X for many years. I used to carry my Nikon F3 kit in it:

• F3+MD4 motor
• six to seven Nikkor lenses, 20mm to 300mm
• FM2 spare body
• Meter
• 8 rolls of film
• notebooks, pens, pads, voice recorder, spare glasses and sunglasses, hat, book, travel documents

It's a lovely bag, but I didn't list it in my summary because it is way larger than needed for a couple of Leica Ms! The Tenba Messenger Mini is in the same class.. Mine is currently filled with two Leica R bodies and seven R lenses. Same for the Domke F6 (currently filled with my portable lighting gear...), which is a bit smaller and a bit more apropos for Leica M.

G

"Too many bags" generally means "too much gear."

 

[coogee]

Funny, I get about 2 years out of them too. Same bag, at the end of 2 years the strap webbing was gone, the velcro on the flap had torn off, the stitching was falling off everywhere, and the canvas was wearing through the bottom. I like the bag but feel it should last a little longer.

I had a moment to grab a few phone pictures of how mine is looking (2yrs 3months.) Not amazing really. None of my other bags fell to bits like this, but then I probably don't use them as much.

 

[Mute-on]

Ha Ha Ha Mainline - my fave local store. Scott and his crew do great work. Actually my desire for the ACAM-1100 all started there, as I was looking to plussing up my order to make postage of a 39mm filter worth it....and it turned into a frenzied bag hunt. 😱

Mate you happen to have a few photos of this Brady Trout pimped set-up? The masses here are curious.

I'll try to get photos over the next few days. Bit of a crazy week ...

I also use the L2, which is a brilliant two body and lens bag to shoot from. The Brady is actually about the same capacity but with the bonus of additional depth to drop a jumper/soft jacket, etc., into. The two outside pockets are perfect for wallet/keys/phone/glasses.

Cheers

J 🙂


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[stillshunter]

I had the F5xb for 9 years only problem now is the insert

Funny you should say this mate, as this is exactly my issue too. The insert has become so 'fluffy' that the velcro has a hard time staying in place. Outside is still quite good. Nicely worn in. Noting concerns about the durability of the more recent factory outputs, sounds as though I don't want a new one though