Domke Bags
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- Chris
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I've got a couple of Domkes, an F2 and an F5XC.
The F2 is my 'big bag'. Loads of room inside for lenses and plenty of pockets outside for all sorts.
The F5XC is just the opposite, small and discrete. It takes my (un-gripped) 5DmkIII with 24-105, 580EXII and has a bit of room left in the bottom for filters and personal bits. It also has a couple of pockets beneath the flap on the front. I use this as my travelling light 'daily driver'. It really doesn't look much like a camera bag at all which is useful in some situations.
Domke bags aren't particularly well padded (the F2 has some padding in the bottom), but they are very well made. Both of the ones I have are the heavy canvass type which would eventually get wet in bad weather. There are ballistic nylon versions which may be more weather proof. I don't really think Domke bags are about being weather proof though. If this is essential to you, you may want to look elsewhere.
I've had them both well over a year and the canvass still hasn't worn in. I'm looking forward to them having that 'used' look. Ironically they do the 'Rugged wear' series now which are pre-distressed.
The F2 is my 'big bag'. Loads of room inside for lenses and plenty of pockets outside for all sorts.
The F5XC is just the opposite, small and discrete. It takes my (un-gripped) 5DmkIII with 24-105, 580EXII and has a bit of room left in the bottom for filters and personal bits. It also has a couple of pockets beneath the flap on the front. I use this as my travelling light 'daily driver'. It really doesn't look much like a camera bag at all which is useful in some situations.
Domke bags aren't particularly well padded (the F2 has some padding in the bottom), but they are very well made. Both of the ones I have are the heavy canvass type which would eventually get wet in bad weather. There are ballistic nylon versions which may be more weather proof. I don't really think Domke bags are about being weather proof though. If this is essential to you, you may want to look elsewhere.
I've had them both well over a year and the canvass still hasn't worn in. I'm looking forward to them having that 'used' look. Ironically they do the 'Rugged wear' series now which are pre-distressed.
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have a Billingham and a Domke. Very different beasts. Both superb. Billingham is style, padding, classic British in the same way that a Barbour or Hunter wellies are. Lots of camera protection, lovely shoulder strap. Domke is rugged, utilitarian, less padding. Both bags last a lifetime. The main difference is that you generally want to keep a Billingham clean and develop that gentle patina of age.... whereas you want as many battle stains as you can on the Domke.
Billinghams look great with laughter lines. Domkes need scars.
Billinghams look great with laughter lines. Domkes need scars.
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- Allan
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I've just bought a Domke F-803 ruggedwear bag.
I am very impressed with it, mostly. It fits my cameras and has lots of room for batteries, charger, leads, sunglasses etc. It isn't huge, you may struggle to get a large dslr with lens in, but it can be done.
There isn't much padding to Domke bags, but you can buy their inserts and also many third party ( read "cheaper" ) inserts are available.
The rugged wear range are proofed against the weather with wax, similar to waxed jackets. But, despite reviews saying they are sticky and slimy, they are not. Mine is dry and looks great.
So, why the "mostly"
Well, they are very expensive, but, I suppose they last a lifetime, so if you like them, you keep them forever.
The catch on the front flap is horrendous, and designed to cut your fingers. It will be replaced with something more user friendly soon.
So apart from that, a big thumbs up for Domke from me.
I also have a Billingham Hadley Pro. Another bag that will last forever, but there is proper padding all round and front flap is easier to undo.
But, I prefer the Domke. It is slim and exactly the right size for what I want.
I do wish that camera bag sellers would show someone wearing the bags they are selling though.
It will save a lot of bag buying and selling till you have the right one! Its a pain buying a bag that, according to measurements, seems ideal, only to find its too small or big and bulky or looks silly over your shoulder!
Allan
I am very impressed with it, mostly. It fits my cameras and has lots of room for batteries, charger, leads, sunglasses etc. It isn't huge, you may struggle to get a large dslr with lens in, but it can be done.
There isn't much padding to Domke bags, but you can buy their inserts and also many third party ( read "cheaper" ) inserts are available.
The rugged wear range are proofed against the weather with wax, similar to waxed jackets. But, despite reviews saying they are sticky and slimy, they are not. Mine is dry and looks great.
So, why the "mostly"
Well, they are very expensive, but, I suppose they last a lifetime, so if you like them, you keep them forever.
The catch on the front flap is horrendous, and designed to cut your fingers. It will be replaced with something more user friendly soon.
So apart from that, a big thumbs up for Domke from me.
I also have a Billingham Hadley Pro. Another bag that will last forever, but there is proper padding all round and front flap is easier to undo.
But, I prefer the Domke. It is slim and exactly the right size for what I want.
I do wish that camera bag sellers would show someone wearing the bags they are selling though.
It will save a lot of bag buying and selling till you have the right one! Its a pain buying a bag that, according to measurements, seems ideal, only to find its too small or big and bulky or looks silly over your shoulder!
Allan
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I hope so
I've bought a lot of bags trying to find the right one. Hopefully I have 3 that are right for me now.