OMG! - My First Bag Thread

[SciAggie]

Resistance truly is futile. If one hangs out here long enough, you WILL be assimilated - 😀.

I am trying to decide between the Domke 803 and the 5XC. I generally carry my M8 with a 50 Summicron and my M7 with the 35 Summicron. Will those cameras fit if I have the Noctilux on the M7 and say the VC 35 1.2 on the M8?

I am leaning toward the 5XC to carry three extra lenses in the bottom. I like to have a really wide angle lens like the VC 15mm, a 90mm, and/ or the noctilux and VC 35 mentioned above.

Ideas? Thoughts?

 

[mathomas]

I believe the F-5XC will fill the bill even with the larger lenses. I only wish I had that selection of lenses to test with!

You speak (type) as though you've seen it, but here's my video review of the bag, just in case:

http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=/&gl=US#/watch?v=hG8K4hgbe8o

 

[fotomeow]

Gary,
Just make sure your bag matches your shoes, then you CAN'T go wrong.😛

 

[ampguy]

I'd go with the J803, especially with those expensive lenses. The reason is that with the 5XC, if you put your lenses down in the easy access bottom part, you only have padded dividers above them holding your cameras on top of them, so you'd need extra padding and dividers from the get go.

With the 803, you have these 2 huge pockets for lenses, and a main area for your bodies with lenses, and depending on which version you get, either one or two sleeves for slim folders, an ipad, or a macbook air.

 

[SciAggie]

I believe the F-5XC will fill the bill even with the larger lenses. I only wish I had that selection of lenses to test with!

You speak (type) as though you've seen it, but here's my video review of the bag, just in case:

http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=/&gl=US#/watch?v=hG8K4hgbe8o

I have seen your video - it was very informative. I really think the 5XC is the bag I want, but the 803 seems to have a devoted following.

 

[FrankS]

Cool, thanks for the link to your camera bag video!
Everyone is different, and for me, the Velcro and zippers would drive me crazy.
The 803 is similar in size, but access is only through the top. There is room for 3 cameras in a row (with short lenses) and 3 more lenses in the bottom of each camera compartment. These lenses would have to be protected in a case or wrap so as not to be damaged by the cameras sitting on top of them.

 

[SciAggie]

I'd go with the J803, especially with those expensive lenses. The reason is that with the 5XC, if you put your lenses down in the easy access bottom part, you only have padded dividers above them holding your cameras on top of them, so you'd need extra padding and dividers from the get go.

With the 803, you have these 2 huge pockets for lenses, and a main area for your bodies with lenses, and depending on which version you get, either one or two sleeves for slim folders, an ipad, or a macbook air.

Thanks! I didn't realize the 5XC didn't have a padded bottom. That makes a difference.

 

[mto'brien]

messenger bag of your choice + insert = pretty darn good camera bag that can turn back into a messenger bag in a flash. And then back into a camera bag at will. And so on.

 

[FrankS]

Here's a pic showing 3 cameras.

Hey, can I not select a pic to load a pic from my iPad?:bang:

 

[back alley]

Thanks! I didn't realize the 5XC didn't have a padded bottom. That makes a difference.

it has a padded bottom. you need extra dividers to use the bottom section to store your lenses...it's a weird set up...the extra bottom part needs to be set up by you otherwise it's just a long/deep bag.

it's actually a pretty good bag if you want to carry a lot of gear...

 

[SciAggie]

it's actually a pretty good bag if you want to carry a lot of gear...

Yes, I want this bag for times when I want several lenses with me. Will the cameras fit in the top with larger lenses attached? I'm mainly referring to the 35/ 1.2. That lens is not huge, but it's big enough to be a pain in the bag I currently use.

 

[back alley]

2 bodies with 2 large lenses will easily fit into the top of the bag.

 

[paulfish4570]

oh no, an actual texican - and an aggie to boot - starts a bag thread. you'd kind of expect somebody from austin to start a bag thread. but an aggie?
aieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
🙂

 

[SciAggie]

oh no, an actual texican - and an aggie to boot - starts a bag thread. you'd kind of expect somebody from austin to start a bag thread. but an aggie?
aieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
🙂

This place has a viral effect on regulars... I ordered 75 rolls of film yesterday. I ordered some prints earlier today - B&W even - to hang in my classroom. I don't know how to explain myself Paul...

 

[paulfish4570]

wow, 75 rolls. glad to see you're serious ... 🙂

 

[SciAggie]

wow, 75 rolls. glad to see you're serious ... 🙂

I'm more like a dove hunter that gets one bird out of a box of shells. I need a lot of "ammo" to try to get a few good photos. You're the one that got me started on Arista Premium.

 

[woodphoto]

Domke F-832. Its a new bag that is more like a satchel. I've used both the 803 & 5XC, both are nice and are built well. At 6'5", they were both just too small and the straps too short for me.
I think the 803 has a following in large part to Steve Huffs review. It feels to much like a stiff laptop bag and I don't want cut it open to remove the plastic insert, as some have suggested. The 5xc is nice as well, but those little pockets don't hold anything but film, or some batteries. Overall its a one camera and extra lens bag.

For what you want to carry, try the F-832. You might like it. Good luck on your search.

 

[mathomas]

...
The 5xc is nice as well, but those little pockets don't hold anything but film, or some batteries. Overall its a one camera and extra lens bag.
...

I think you may be confused. The F-5XC holds M two bodies with lenses mounted, and three additional lenses, with ease. I know, because I own one and have done so on many occasions, and have reviewed it as such. Maybe you're thinking of the F-5XB (which will actually hold two bodies and mounted lenses with ease, but not a lot else). Or the F-5XA, which will hold about what you say.

 

[mathomas]

Photos:


leica kit in domke f-5xc by mike thomas, on Flickr



leica kit in domke f-5xc by mike thomas, on Flickr

 

[woodphoto]

I think you may be confused. The F-5XC holds M two bodies with lenses mounted, and three additional lenses, with ease. I know, because I own one and have done so on many occasions, and have reviewed it as such. Maybe you're thinking of the F-5XB (which will actually hold two bodies and mounted lenses with ease, but not a lot else). Or the F-5XA, which will hold about what you say.

I double checked the tag just in case, and its a 5xc (I have both). I think we just have different ideas about loading a bag. Your pics are great and I enjoyed your review, which is one of the reasons why I got the bag. It just ended up not being for me, and I always felt like I was over stuffing it. I also didn't like that zipper style pouch at the bottom which make the cameras sit up high in the bag. I found that I prefer a slot for each, and one top opening. I'm glad you found a bag, as I know how hard it is to be satisfied in our never ending search for the perfect bag. I was just giving my two cents to the OP