Domke F6 to work out of?

[nightfly]

Been trying to find a new bag. Bought a Domke J-803 and realized that it was a bit too deep and not quite right for me to work out of. I'm just carrying an M body with lens attached and another lens and film but need room for non-photo stuff as well. Rolled up jacket, newspaper, umbrella, headphones etc. The J-803 went back to B&H.

Was thinking the F6 might be better as it's shorter and wider and easy to grab the camera (I don't use a strap, camera is either in my hand for shooting or in the bag when not). Seems like it wouldn't feel as stuffed. The outer pockets on the J-803 keep the flap from closing if you have things in them so even though it's a slim bag, if you put stuff in it, it swells.

F6 seems like it might just mold to your body when not stuffed and might be easier to work from when there is stuff in it.

Anyone using one? Other ideas?

 

[Bill Kapinski]

I use an F6 bag and love it. On weddings it is my lens bag. It can hold my Canon 17-35 2.8, 85 1.8. 135 f2, extra flash, extra batteries, Stofen, and my lens baby. I also use it for about town with my F3 w 50mm and a 28mm and an F w/ drive. I have attached a few photos for you to see. It is also a great bag to work out of. flip the top flap back and everything is right there. It does snug to your body. When I used to own Hasselblads it would hold my 500cm with back and prism finder. 80mm, 50mm, and my SWC with film mag (yes I regret selling that camera):bang: The photos show the optional 2 lens insert. It comes with a 4 lens insert, which I use on occasion.

 

[Trius]

I love this bag. It normally carries an OM with lens, one or two addtional lenses in the 2x insert, and a 35SP. Film and gadgets go in the front pocket, perhaps a map, Moleskine, etc., in the back, and filters in the zip pocket in the flap. In other words, it's set up much like above.

My only quibble is that it doesn't accept the snap-on pouches on the ends. Sometimes that would be handy when I want to carry more film or keep things separated or better organized, etc.

It does mould well to the body -- at least the canvas version. I suspect the nylon might not be quite as pliable, but I've never tried it as I don't care for nylon bags.

 

[Graham Line]

My F6 is canvas. Consideringit routinely holds a D300 and four lenses, it ought to have plenty of room for your list of equipment, though it's not really the right shape for newspapers etc.

My only concern would be losing the tiny RF lenses down in the depth of the pockets. If you wanted to go a little bigger, the F2 is a hair deeper, I think, and has end pockets that are useful for separating exposed and unexposed film.

 

[BTMarcais]

I usually use mine for an SLR or DSLR setup, but it's great for when I want to carry a larger M setup as well. A very comfortable bag, and easy to work out of.
I usually use the 2 compartment insert though- gives me space for the DSLR and a bigger zoom when I need it, or better organization for two bodies w/ lenses mounted.

(FWIW, I do use the 803 more w/ the RF's, but mine is canvas. Never had any problems closing it, even w/ the top pockets loaded up, but the canvas might stretch more than the nylon in the J-803?)

-Brian

 

[Nikon Bob]

I am another who likes this bag for general use. I have the canvas version with the standard 4 pocket insert. It holds my M4 with 35 attached, two other lenses, light meter and film. I also use it for my D700 with lens attached, two other zooms and the battery charger when traveling. A very versatile bag for me. If using shorter primes you can always put two in one compartment using a double end cap.

Bob

 

[Rob-F]

Rolled up newspaper, umbrella, Jacket? No. Not in an F-6. Haedphones, yes. For the other stuff, I think you need a backpack. As a bag to work out of, well, that is what the F-6 is designed for. You don't have to spend time aranging things in the bag. You just drop it in. How about an F-6 plus a small backpack?

 

[fixbones]

I love my F6.
In fact i just came back from a walk around town today with my F9 carrying - 2 books, leica MP and ZM 50mm C sonnar.

It is a very versatile bag. From one body and one lens attached to 3 bodies with 3 lens attached and 2 lenses and extras!!

 

[back alley]

who uses the f6 as a daily carry bag?
i agree it is very easy to work out of but it holds everything i own, rf wise, and i rarely have a need for 2 bodies and 6 lenses on a day out.

 

[peter_n]

I used an F-6 for a couple years and liked it a lot, but I like the F-803 satchel better. I have an F-2 for when I want a lot of stuff, and it has the side pockets too. The major advantage of the F-6 is that it's shallow and everything seems very accessible in it. The F-2 is a bit deeper.

 

[Trius]

joe: I use it as an everyday bag cuz I don't really like the F5X all that much, even with a smaller load. The is a little stiff, but the big drawback for me is the opening.

As to the newspaper, no, it won't carry a Sunday NYT or Toronto Star. Bsut a smaller daily paper can be folded in half and placed into the back pocket. There are collapsible umbrellas (e.g., Totes) that might fit in the bag. I never carry an umbrella; rain is why Tilley hats and a proper jacket were invented. 😉

 

[nightfly]

Yes I was thinking one neatly folded section of the Times, not the whole Sunday edition stuffed in the slot in the back and sticking out and a compact travel umbrella and a folded up light nylon shell. I had an f-3x at one time when I had a Mamiya 6 and I know this would fit all that and the the F6 isn't much different size wise just a bit cleaner looking without the outside pockets and longer and thinner. A Leica would swim in the F-3x but the F-6 is about an inch and a half narrower.

 

[back alley]

earl, the a&a clone (oskar day bag) is like a 5xb but with a no zipper wide open top.