Hello. I'm Michael. <Hi Michael> I have a Domke Bag Fetish...
She Who Must Be Obeyed (she who keeps me sane) has determined that I can only replace bags at this point one for one. If I want a new bag, one has to go first. <sigh>
Currently I have:
Domke 803 Blue
Not a huge fan of blue, but it is what they had in stock. I used to use this for my M kits, but now I keep IIIf, its lenses and accessories, my Ikon, my Retinette and my Vitto B in this bag when I'm not shooting with them.
Domke 802 OD
This serves as my album briefcase for meetings with prospective couples.
Domke F2 Sand
I still have my original, though it is getting due for a replacement. For small events oroccasional news/feature work.
Domke F1X Sand
This is my standard wedding kit bag though I'm starting to outgrow it. Holds three bodies, three flashes, tons of lenses, batteries, cards, bridal survival kit, etc...
Domke F6 OD
This is my carry everyday bag when I want more than the IIIF and meter. My Rollei, Leica, Palm T|X, Canon 700IS, film/cards/USB key, Leatherman Wave, cellphone, 9cm Elmar w/finder and Digisix all fit in this easily with room for more if needed...It is even more of a joy to carry all day if I leave the Rollei home.)
Domke F3X Black Ballistic "White House Press" edition
I promptly de-tag-ed in the store to not look like a wannabe. If I want to carry a single DSLR, an SB800 or two, cards, batteries, maybe an extra lens and my Palm T|X, this is the bag I use. I'm not a huge fan of the nylon or black, but it was all the shop had when I was looking.
Domke F3? Chocolate canvas w/sand trim.
This is a bag from the very early days of Domke which I bought used when someone traded it in with some F3s at my local shop. It is the same basic design as my F3X, just much smaller and no side pockets. Has no model listed on the tag with the original Philly address and only a piece of leather sewn on instead of the 'Domke Gripper' stuff on the strap...no handle D rings (no handle, though I use one of my others with it) and it has snaps on the sides like it took snap on accesory pouches. After-market addition? The short two cell insert fits it perfectly for an alternative carry bag to the F6. Holds about as much but is half the size.
Customisation:
I rarely use the spring snaps, but I leave them on anyhow. I pull the hard bottom boards out of my Domkes (that came with them) and replaced the boards with closed cell foam pads cut to the same size. This still protects the contents but allow the bag to hug my back/side better when body slung or shouldered.
I fold a clear plastic bag up underneath the pad for use in an emergency and for further waterproofing the closed cell foam when I set the bag down on wet grass/leaves/sand/snow. I also usually have a bag folded up in the flap zipper section as well for a added waterproofing on the top. I usually cut the diagonal tags off and remove the big plastic luggage tags (thief flag) as well. I've added velcro to the F6 flap. I generally prefer the earth toned bags because I shoot in the sun a lot and they do help keep my gear cooler. I have several additional inserts that I use with old work out army rucksacks and the like when I travel someplace that camera bags are tempting thief magnets.
One day at a time...One day at a time.