Should I wash my Safrotto bag?

[carlb]

My Safrotto bag arrived today. It's the one that looks like the Domke F803 and it appears very well made and looks like it'll do the job nicely.

Should I give it a session in the washing machine first? And will it be OK to put the shoulder pad through the wash as well?

 

[Solinar]

Have you considered hand washing it?

 

[RObert Budding]

I like to load my camera bags with bricks and drag them behind my car for a few miles to really get them broken in.

 

[kuvvy]

I have a Safrotto (black) and it has been washed in the machine, albeit only once. Didn't put the shoulder pad in though. Hasn't done it any harm. I then gave it a spray of Nikwax for a bit of waterproofing. Seems okay so far.

 

[Pablito]

is it dirty?

 

[carlb]

is it dirty?

Nope, but I remember reading on here that bunging the Domke's in the wash softens them up nicely so that they fit your hip more snugly. I put my Domke 803 through he wash and it seemed to help, so I wondered if the Safrotto might benefit from the same treatment.

Having said that, it does feel quite soft anyway (it's the sand coloured version) so maybe it's best left as is. Thanks for the replies.

 

[pfoto]

I have the exact same bag. Don't bother washing it until it gets really dirty. As Kuvvy says above, spray with a bit of Nikwax TX.Direct and you'll be all set. I did not wash my shoulder pad.

I just got the Safrotto version of the Domke F-802 on eBay last week and that is a seriously nice bag too. This is my third Safrotto bag.

 

[nksyoon]

I have the sand coloured version and it's a bit dirty now - the ring holding the main flap clip has had the paint scratched off - any possibility of rust if I wash it?

 

[mervynyan]

i only hand wash domke f2 when i feel like it, soap and water, air dry.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I'm amazed how many photographers, who would bitch to the moon if someone violated their copyright are willing to buy Chinese knockoffs of American made Domke bags and French/Italian made Gitzo tripods (eg Feisol). To me that's a hypocrisy. I have 3 Domke bags, and I don't care that they cost $30 more than the fake.

 

[BillP]

I'm amazed how many photographers, who would bitch to the moon if someone violated their copyright are willing to buy Chinese knockoffs of American made Domke bags and French/Italian made Gitzo tripods (eg Feisol). To me that's a hypocrisy. I have 3 Domke bags, and I don't care that they cost $30 more than the fake.

Right.

That's enough ill-informed rumour.

Safrotto bags are not violating anyone's copyright. Domke went bust. Safrotto picked up their designs and went into business making bags to the same design. The Domke name was subseqently bought and is now no more than a trademark. The "Domke" bag of today is no more "genuine" than a Rolls Royce. Furthermore, the Safrottos are BETTER MADE than the current neo-Domkes - better quality canvas, and solid metal fittings - no plastic here. Add on the fact that they come WITH inserts and I would rather have a genuine Safrotto than a badge-engineered "Domke" any day.

Oh yes, and I have one of each - a "classic" Domke, a Safrotto, both of which will likely outlast me, and a neo-Domke, that I use to store stuff at home.

Regards,

Bill

 

[pfoto]

I have the sand coloured version and it's a bit dirty now - the ring holding the main flap clip has had the paint scratched off - any possibility of rust if I wash it?

No. It's aluminum I think (at least it looks like aluminum).

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Right.

That's enough ill-informed rumour.

Safrotto bags are not violating anyone's copyright. Domke went bust. Safrotto picked up their designs and went into business making bags to the same design. The Domke name was subseqently bought and is now no more than a trademark. The "Domke" bag of today is no more "genuine" than a Rolls Royce. Furthermore, the Safrottos are BETTER MADE than the current neo-Domkes - better quality canvas, and solid metal fittings - no plastic here. Add on the fact that they come WITH inserts and I would rather have a genuine Safrotto than a badge-engineered "Domke" any day.

Oh yes, and I have one of each - a "classic" Domke, a Safrotto, both of which will likely outlast me, and a neo-Domke, that I use to store stuff at home.

Regards,

Bill

As Fred pointed out, Domke's manufacturer, Tiffen, is still very much in buisness. What the heck is a Neo-Domke? In any case these Chinese companies ARE stealing other companies designs and making near-exact copies. That's theft. The designs are patented but probably the patents are expired. I wonder of the appearance of them is trademarked or copyrighted?

 

[35mmdelux]

My 1992 sand color F-803 Domke is still kicking after all these years and several machine washings in warm water. Recently I bought an OD green version to color-coordinate with my 501 jeans.