agentlossing
Well-known
True true, I was trying to be descriptive of the size but let my feelings on the bag intervene. It's probably a good size for the above use, if you don't worry about the zipper rubbing against the camera when removing and replacing. It's not a sharp-toothed zipper, so probably wouldn't be a problem. However I still consider the velcro/hook-and-loop a bit too stiff.
agentlossing
Well-known
If I were to keep and modify one, I'd probably cut the stitching for the velcro out and remove it, but keep the flap for water resistance.
j.scooter
Veteran
Think I am number 3.
This is a good bag. I have a 6L it fits 2 rf bodies with lenses attached and has space for 2 other rf lenses.
The 3L will be perfect for rf + 2 lenses
davhill
Canon P
Got that. And I over-reacted, for which I apologize. You gave some good context for the Domke F5XB: good for one, not quite enough for two cameras. And the Velcro bit is worthwhile feedback.
For my part, this discussion inspired me to toss my Canon P and 3 lenses into my well-worn J-803 and go for a long walk yesterday. Yes, I like this bag, but the padded insert I’ve had in it is far too crowded so I’ve found a simpler (1-pocket) insert which should suit it better.
ChrisPlatt
Thread Killer
Compromise, modify...
Compromise, modify...
I agree that the Domke F-5XB is the perfect small camera bag - almost.
A tailor or shoemaker could neatly remove the zipper and part of the Velcro.
Chris
Compromise, modify...
I agree that the Domke F-5XB is the perfect small camera bag - almost.
A tailor or shoemaker could neatly remove the zipper and part of the Velcro.
Chris
taffy
Well-known
I have the FX5B and the v1 Peak Design Sling 5L. I like the look of the Domke but I find the Peak Design to be a better bag.
Get the v2 6L if you go peak design. V2s have better straps than the v1s which come loose. But the bag is rugged, easy to access, and protects your gear well.
Get the v2 6L if you go peak design. V2s have better straps than the v1s which come loose. But the bag is rugged, easy to access, and protects your gear well.
kuvvy
Well-known
The Alpaka Go Sling Pro May suit. Well-made, cut-proof material, USB charger port. Prices down by 50% since I bought mine. I use it when carrying minimum kit, eg Fuji X70.
www.alpakagear.com
Paul
www.alpakagear.com
Paul
keytarjunkie
no longer addicted
I have the Peak Design 3L sling. It is almost cavernous for a small 35mm rangefinder kit. I have owned a similar size Domke bag (F5XB) for many years, with an enormous unprotected metal zipper and almost no padding except on the bottom. This is much better. This bag can handle a lot of rain without leaking, and there is padding all around the bag (though I might add some extra on the bottom). The divider is a nice design but I wish it came with more than one. There are many elements of the construction, from the strap to the little pouches on each side, that I think are really well thought out.
Archlich
Well-known
One of the bizarre things with the F-5XB is its nylon sibling, the J-5XB, has side paddings and a rear pocket. Yet they never bothered to apply the update to the F-5XB. I mailed Tiffen to see if I could buy extra paddings from them. The nice lady offered to help, but replied a month later that they didn't have any for sale.
Just why Domke. Why?
Just why Domke. Why?
Godfrey
somewhat colored
I have accreted so many bags that I like for this particular use that saying "this is The One" is just about impossible. 
Just a few that work extremely well:
PD Everyday Sling 5L (v1) ... excellent!
Billingham Alice L2 ... excellent, more room!
Wotancraft MiniRider sling ... superb!
Patagonia Atom 8L ... fantastic!
Domke F5XB ... Outstanding!
LOL!
What do I actually use? Well, my Leica CL (digital) lives in the PD Sling 5L all the time. My Hasselblad 907x with two lenses lives in the Billingham L2 most of the time. The Domke F5XB I've owned since 1989 has carried nearly every camera I've owned over this time and gone around the world with me more than twice. The Wotancraft MiniRider compresses for a light load like the CL and expands up to big enough to carry a Hasselblad 500CM+80mm lens and has the very best harness to keep it still and safe on motorcycle or bicycle...
What I use nearly every day right now is the Patagonia Atom 8L. It's not technically a camera bag, just a small, light sling-type day bag, but I've found it incredibly flexible and comfortable for bicycling and walking. It only has padding on the side against my back, which maximizes its capacity/size envelope but doesn't offer much protection against casual tossing it down without thinking. It's the fastest bag of all the above for me to stop, while on the bicycle, flip around to my chest, nip out the camera, take a shot, and toss the camera back in, move on. The design of the strap keeps it in place nicely, it can carry my iPad Pro 11" easily (in an internal, lined pocket!), it's utterly simple and very light weight. And it cost me only about $50.
I once gave away and sold three dozen bags that had accreted, keeping only the three that worked. But the closet is full of various bags. Again. :angel:
G
Just a few that work extremely well:
PD Everyday Sling 5L (v1) ... excellent!
Billingham Alice L2 ... excellent, more room!
Wotancraft MiniRider sling ... superb!
Patagonia Atom 8L ... fantastic!
Domke F5XB ... Outstanding!
LOL!
What do I actually use? Well, my Leica CL (digital) lives in the PD Sling 5L all the time. My Hasselblad 907x with two lenses lives in the Billingham L2 most of the time. The Domke F5XB I've owned since 1989 has carried nearly every camera I've owned over this time and gone around the world with me more than twice. The Wotancraft MiniRider compresses for a light load like the CL and expands up to big enough to carry a Hasselblad 500CM+80mm lens and has the very best harness to keep it still and safe on motorcycle or bicycle...
What I use nearly every day right now is the Patagonia Atom 8L. It's not technically a camera bag, just a small, light sling-type day bag, but I've found it incredibly flexible and comfortable for bicycling and walking. It only has padding on the side against my back, which maximizes its capacity/size envelope but doesn't offer much protection against casual tossing it down without thinking. It's the fastest bag of all the above for me to stop, while on the bicycle, flip around to my chest, nip out the camera, take a shot, and toss the camera back in, move on. The design of the strap keeps it in place nicely, it can carry my iPad Pro 11" easily (in an internal, lined pocket!), it's utterly simple and very light weight. And it cost me only about $50.
I once gave away and sold three dozen bags that had accreted, keeping only the three that worked. But the closet is full of various bags. Again. :angel:
G
paperino
Member
Thanks to everyone, for the valuable suggestions.
Ccoppola82
Well-known
The Billingham f8 is on sale at BH now for $99 ($100 off) on one of their rapid sale things. I have a Hadley pro and it’s excellent. I have no reason to think this one wouldn’t be as good
Dogman
Veteran
Anything Billingham is superb quality. Usually expensive and worth it. Anything Domke is useful quality. Not too expensive and worth it. Everything else is just everything else. YMMV.
agentlossing
Well-known
That would be ideal! Leave just a little velcro to hold the flap down. If the zipper went around the edges of the bag instead of bisecting it, it wouldn't interfere with insertion and removal of gear - but I guess that would create a "sub-flap."
agentlossing
Well-known
I just had a look at that one - it's tempting, very tempting!
back alley
IMAGES
a bit of ductape will cover as much or as little velcro as you like ...
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
A nice thing about Think Tank bags is that they have flaps that can be closed over the velcro so that the main bag flap will not stick. They call it a Velcro Silencer.
agentlossing
Well-known
That's a fantastic idea. I think I'm going to hang onto the Domke and modify it a bit, probably with something like that.
RObert Budding
D'oh!
I stopped looking at bag brands after I bought my first Billingham. Now I own several in various sizes.
davhill
Canon P
Now I know Ductape is very stylish stuff, and would certainly be effective over the Velcro, but the thing about ductape is it’s sticky and as it gets older it gets gummy, and maybe not as chic as it once was. So I avoid ductape on my bags.
What you do is get another piece of Velcro of the same size and opposite gender, and stick that onto your noisy Velcro when you want quiet operation; rip it off and stash it when you need security.