Would Anyone Be Able To Test-Fit Some Gear In A Domke F-803?

[jyl]

I'm almost ready to buy a Domke F-803 satchel. I know it will work great for my rangefinder (Canon P w/ 1-2 extra lenses). But I need to know if it will hold my SLR. The SLR is a Nikon F with motor drive and typically a 50mm.

Is there any chance someone who has a F-803 and a motorized SLR of similar size could see if the SLR w/ a 50mm, and two other lenses, can fit in the F-803 without making the bag too "bulgy"? Any pics would be a great bonus.

I ask this because the one complaint I've read about the bag is that it isn't "deep" (thick) enough for some people's gear.

Thank you!

 

[Terence T]

I had a 803 and did find it a little small to fit a RF and SLR body with maybe 3 lenses. I found the solution in the 802 digital satchel. I prefer the nylon material on the 802 anyways. I recommend you take a look at that one. I'd be happy to take a pic of mine if you like. I think it's cheaper than the 803, even though it's larger.

 

[jyl]

Thanks, Terence. Would the F-803 fit just the SLR and two lenses? I wouldn't be carrying the RF and the SLR at the same time.

 

[Terence T]

The SLR/drive and 2 lenses would fit if the lenses were unmounted. It could take a standard lens, say a 50/1.4 and a slightly longer telezoom, maybe a 70-210 with no problems.

I used to have my Canon 1D in it with a 28-135 and it was bursting at its seams. An older SLR body would not push the bag to its limits.

Also be warned that the 803 only comes with a single compartment insert, you'll have to spring extra $$ for a 3 compartment insert. And the silly thing with the Domke 3 compartment is that the 2 center partitions are not removable so you can't configure the insert to fit your equipment snugly.

My solution was to get a clone insert from Safrotto, which makes 803 clones that sell for half the price of the Domke. They are available on evilbay and come standard with the insert. You might want to consider those. Quality is similar to the Domke.

 

[peter_n]

jyl I have equipment near to your requirements: A Safrotto F-803 clone with 3-compartment insert, and a Nikon F-3hp plus MD-4 motor drive with a Nikkor 28mm lens mounted. I'm afraid it doesn't fit without bulging the bag, sorry no pics.

The camera absolutely won't go in lengthwise, but if I put it in sideways on with the lens pointing out, then it will fit but there is a fair bulge in the front of the bag. You wouldn't be able to put anything in the outside front pocket where the lens is. 🙁

 

[jyl]

Thanks for the info. That's a shame. I read the inside thickness of the bag was 4" and I measured the front-to-back of the Nikon w/ lens at 4", so I hoped it would fit - but sounds like I'll have to resume my bag search. I'll look at the other Domke satchels.

 

[peter_n]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Take a look at the F-802, I think your SLR will probably fit into that... 🙂

 

[Roman]

I would not be too sure about the 802 either - it is taller an longer than the 803, but not really wider front-to-back! Unfortunately, I don't have a huge SLR with motor drive to test this, only rather smallish Pentax SLRs, which do fit both into the 803-clone and original 802 I have (I think, the motor-drive is the deal-breaker here...)
In the Domke-line, one of the F-series bags would be a better choic, I think.

Roman

 

[Jeroen]

After some time searching (also on this forum) for the Safrotto bags, I decided to opt for the bigger black F-802. I want to use it for going to work and travelling (sometimes with a laptop computer) besides photography, and since I only use smallish gear and no motor drives on my SLRs, the thickness of the bag won't be a problem for me. I'm anxious to get it, though!

 

[jyl]

Turns out Domke offers the F-804 which is the same height and width as the F-802, but 6.5" deep. Not many places carry it, though.

 

[peter_n]

There is also the F-805 which is the same size as the 804 but with more compartments and pockets.

Remy is right, its the motor drive thats the killer - take that off my F3 and it fits in the bag no problem.

 

[jyl]

And - pause for effect - the F-804 and F-805 are nowhere to be found in the real world (or the online one). I wonder if they are actually in production? I've found one place in the UK that advertises them, but I'm not going to resort to that.

Is it the padded insert that makes the F-803 too thin? I've no problem with ditching the padding. I wonder if the F would fit then? This is with camera upright, the motor drive facing down and the 50mm lens facing "out" (toward the pocket).

 

[peter_n]

Its still going to make the bag bulge, or at least my 28mm lens is.

Also Safrotto clone 804s & 805s are being sold on eBay out of California, look for today's thread by JoeFriday on bags - it has the link.

 

[jyl]

Peter, you have made my day. I am happily browsing the linked store now, choosing my Safrotto.

I wanted to buy a Domke, but if they make it so hard, well I tried. I've heard good things about the Safrottos. Thanks all!

 

[peter_n]

Great! 🙂 You will not be disappointed in the Safrotto. I love the design of the Domke bags but I'm really unhappy with the production quality of the current bags. IMO the Safrotto bags are much better value for money.