The Better Bag - Retrospective 5 or Domke 803?

[V-12]

I imagine the OP has bought one by now, but I'm not going to vote because I have both bags and they are different types of bag so I don't think they can be directly compared.

The 803 can take an awful lot of stuff, which I like, but the Retro 5 is a softer bag that conforms to the kit you have in it, and it conforms around your body. So pull the flap down on the Retro and all your gear is underneath a tight fitting flap that opens with a roar if you rip the Velcro back (it can be silenced). But the flap of the 803 is less adjustable so it can make the gear you have inside move around more if you have a half filled bag and put the bag down or its in the boot of a car.

Get the 803 if you always carry tons of stuff, the Retro 5 if it varies, or better still the Retro 7.

V

 

[besk]

For the past 15 years I have found the Domke 803 to be functionally perfect for 1 x Leica M plus two lenses or 2 x Leica M plus one lens - with ample room for light meter, plenty of film, or memory cards, external viewfinders etc. And room in the pack pocket for an iPad or paper notebook.

Like many others, I've found it to be the perfect Leica M shooting bag. Except.. that after a couple of years they start to look very scruffy. Great for unobtrusively wandering around in public, but not so great for going to more formal work or social events.

I'd love to find a bag that's functionally equivalent to the 803, but remained a little smarter after long use. Any suggestions?

My J-803 is black nylon and after 10 years of use still looks great.

 

[Mike-D]

I looked at both and ended up getting a Troop London classic messenger bag. I hate the handle on the 803 and this one is about the same size. I've only had it for a couple of days so I'm just getting used to it. Its very well made though a little heavy. I've tried it with a couple of inserts I have, but I like it better without because it conforms to my body better. The canvas is very thick so I don't think it needs much external padding, just something to keep the gear from banging together.

 

[Travis L.]

I love my 803, but if you're only carrying one body it may be bigger than you need. I routinely carry two, sometimes three M bodies with lenses attached, meter, loads of film, and whatever else I need for a day out shooting.
I've heard that it's no longer available, but I use a three compartment Domke insert with mine. it's perfectly sized to carry M cameras.
Mine is probably 12-15 years old and still going strong.

 

[noisycheese]

Domke makes about the best bags for the money that you can get. I had a total of four Domkes and sold two of them. Been kicking myself ever since.

There are a lot of nice camera bags out there but unless you want a luxury type bag, Domke bags are hard to beat.

 

[pismo923]

Well after working with both the Retro 5 and F-803 I decided that the Domke was the bag that worked better for me and have sold the Retro 5. They are both very nice bags for a rangefinder kit. I have ordered the 3 compartment insert which should make it a very functional bag for my needs. I have also looked at the F-10 and may add that to the mix at some point but for now the F-803 it is.