Domke Next Generation bags are on the way!

The video doesn't help to sell it to me. I think they are absolutely awful. Big, boxy just like gadget bags of years ago. Almost any other bag you'd care to pick would be better than one of these. Yuk!
 
kuvvy said:
The video doesn't help to sell it to me. I think they are absolutely awful. Big, boxy just like gadget bags of years ago. Almost any other bag you'd care to pick would be better than one of these. Yuk!
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I agree. The whole point of the original Domke was basic simplicity. And the fact that they hug your body. These boxy things will only serve to bounce off your body. And the clips look even bigger and more 'dangerous' (plus they're way too shiny.) And I'm not into that orange accent trim. With the original Domkes I would always cut off the metal clip and use a lightweight carabiner (small and no potential damage, plus quick to open/close.)

Some people do feel more comfortable with lots of padding and configurations, plus loads pockets and zippers etc.. It seems to be the trend these days. But in my experience, one doesn't need that sort of padding in reality (unless air traveling; then you're better off with metal/plastic air containers.) I just prefer the basics and lighter weight. Currently I've become a fan of Courierware (aka Bare Bones) and their body hugging lightweight messenger bag style. Plus they're not flashy at all; they're even called 'Incognito' bags.

Anyway, according to the video they will still be offering the original Domkes (called 'legacy bags.')
 
back alley said:
i'm always happy to see new bags appear…these seem a bit boxy and stiff but really, hard to tell from the pics...
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Ahhh ... this ^ was the comment I had to search back through the thread to find.

Really ... it's the only one that matters! :D
 
I like a couple of the features that are shown in the video -- particularly that zipper on the top flap for interior access. That would definitely be useful when shooting an event. As well, I like the idea of the inserts for cards, pens etc.

I am also interested to see what that 'grandchild' of the F-803 ( The 'Herald') is ultimately going to be like.
 
Vince Lupo said:
I am also interested to see what that 'grandchild' of the F-803 ( The 'Herald') is ultimately going to be like.
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When I had the F803 I thought it was gonna be my last bag, based on the number of users here and the rave reviews. Sadly I didn't take to it and sold it. I would like to see Billingham produce something similar in size to the 803, a sort of mini hadley pro. Trouble with the smaller hadley is, as they've made them smaller they too became boxy in shape.

Agree about the Bare Bones Bag though, especially for an RF kit. So slim in profile, hugs close to the body, lightweight, holds an ipad if needed and nice internal padding.
 
kuvvy said:
Agree about the Bare Bones Bag though, especially for an RF kit. So slim in profile, hugs close to the body, lightweight, holds an ipad if needed and nice internal padding.
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fwiw, Courierware is the actual maker of the Bare Bones Bag (Stephen Schuab contracts them to make his BB bags.) Since Courierware makes all sizes of bags, they also work well with larger camera systems. And Eric Turan (owner of Courierware) is very receptive to any requests for personal customization. I've had him build a few bags to my specifications; I have one for a DSLR kit that works really well. Of course, it's larger than the usual Bare Bones (which is a Courierware small size; they also make a 'mini' that's good for RF systems and I use it for my RF kit.) But it still hugs the body, is slim and lightweight and yet still padded, and easy and quick to access the gear inside. Plus it's very discreet looking (and no exterior labels.) And with Eric's optional removable shoulder pad for the strap, it's super comfortable even when filled with heavier DSLR lenses.
 
"Next generation" of bags? Give us all a break! A bag is only a bag. It's bad enough there is a "next generation" of cameras every five minutes. I won't even mention cars. :))
 
Boxy? Yes.

But I'm not going to dismiss these new models until I hold them in my hands.
Some of the improvements like zippered opening and expandable side pockets seems useful.

But the one thing I'd be looking for is if these have the same durability as the old models. My Domke F2 is hard to beat in this regard.
 
Vince Lupo said:
I like a couple of the features that are shown in the video -- particularly that zipper on the top flap for interior access. That would definitely be useful when shooting an event..... .
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I had this feature on a LowePro "Stealth Reporter300AW" and never ever used it. It is much faster to pull up the flap and have full access to get whatever you need to grab in and out. Trying to push something through the zipper and locating where to put it without actually seeing it, this is just one of these nice to have features that are not really useful in real life. Just my experience.

I'm thinking to order a spare F-6 "legacy" before it will be discontinued ;).
 
According to the video, Domke will keep making the old style camera bags.

Thank goodness for that - I like them better than these "new and improved" (and fugly) styles.

The Journalist series bags are the best looking bags made by Domke IMHO, along with the F2 in sand color and the waxed version of the F2; YMMV.
 
I like how they're named after newspapers, Chronicle, Herald, Ledger.

I love my F-6 and don't see a need for a replacement but if it ever wears out like my first one did, I'd consider the redesign.
 
Some of the new bags appear to be in stock at B&H but the prices are around $300 and the color options seem horrid. Sadly there are no reviews or detailed photos up yet.
 
http://www.domkephoto.com/products
all the new bags are crazy expensive judging from the B&H prices

Chronicle ~ F-2 - 319-349
Ledger ~ F-6 - 289-319
Herald ~ F-803 - 269-299
Metro Messenger ~ F-832 - 349-379
Crosstown Courier ~ F-5XB - 229-259
Trekker - 159
Director - 249
Image Maker - 289
 
they look a lot more like.... camera bags. i still prefer the F-, domke wise. my everyday bag is a hadley small though - perfect size and the lid closes very tightly.

my leica tech has been doing some pretty sweet camera bags, ive been nagging him for some time to make them available worldwide on ebay with no success. they have more of a - ahem - british inspiration
 
The only complaint I have about my F2 and F6 are, of course, the metal fasteners. I don't know how they could be improved otherwise. Jim Domke got the concept right from the very beginning. I've had (note past tense) bags with zippers... they scratch gear. Metal buckles smack things, and are noisy when they smack things. The F2 & F6 redesigned with fastex would have been THE best thing they could have done.

These look interesting... how come no one has ever asked ME what the perfect bag design should be? <grin>
 
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