Just got the Domke F-1X

[4x4rock]

Man, it's a big bag, but I like it. :)

I throw everything I have into it and it still has plenty of room. I got it used so a little dirty and needs a little bath but I carried it around for about 1hr today and it felt good, a little tired on the shoulder but not too bad; maybe a little padding will help. It also came with a shoulder/backpack strap.

I need to rearrange it so I can fit the 70-200 on the camera lying down.

Thanks to Jon and others for the great info about this bag, I orginally wanted the F-2 or the Crumpler 7 Million but found this for $75 so what the heck. :)

I took a couple of pics

1. It has an extra 2 compartments insert, you can see I folded it next to the 1D. The front and rear pockets are empty.
http://www.sonnycao.com/web/domke/domke_f1x1.jpg

2. How it looks closed.
http://www.sonnycao.com/web/domke/domke_f1x2.jpg


3. Sit next to the Lowe Pro Micro Trekker 200 for size comparison.
http://www.sonnycao.com/web/domke/domke_f1x3.jpg

[_aravena]

For $75 I might have picked it up myself, that's how I got the 7MDH. Too large for my tastes though. 7MDH has served me well and I know it will continue to do so.

[nutsnbolts]

That does look big. Take a picture of you with the bag on it, I want to see the size on an actual person to see the size.

[4x4rock]

Yeah it's big. But I think I can use the extra space for the milk bottle cooler w/ 2 ice pack which can hold an 8oz bottle and a redbull while I'm out pushing the stroller :) The extra pockets can be used for diapers. The ultimate diaper bag ever. :lol:

A couple of quick pics of the me and the bag. Sorry for late night modeling. Man, I need to shave those legs hahaha :lol:


For reference, I'm about 5-6.
[edit] the bag was full loaded so it look a little bulky.
1.
http://www.sonnycao.com/web/domke/domke_f1x4.jpg

2.
http://www.sonnycao.com/web/domke/domke_f1x5.jpg

[nutsnbolts]

Ok that is B I G. I'm smaller than you and that bag may definately overwhelm me. Dang! Thanks for the pictures btw.

We'll see, it may still be something to get.

[4x4rock]

According to Jon, the F-2 is about 1 2-compartment insert shorter. So if you take away the 2 side pockets, that's what I think is the F-2 size, which I think is a very good size. :)

[rklepper]

Try -->THIS<-- (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16198-REG/Domke_725_310_FA_031_Shoulder_Pad.html) shoulder pad. Makes the bag a completely different one to carry. so much more comfortable.

[nutsnbolts]

I actually have this already for my F-3x. I also bought the shoulder backpack thingamagig. This is definately makes it more comfortable. I guess the problem I have now is the size. lol The bag if you stand it up is probably like half my size.

[ed rader]

Yeah it's big. But I think I can use the extra space for the milk bottle cooler w/ 2 ice pack which can hold an 8oz bottle and a redbull while I'm out pushing the stroller :) The extra pockets can be used for diapers. The ultimate diaper bag ever. :lol:

A couple of quick pics of the me and the bag. Sorry for late night modeling. Man, I need to shave those legs hahaha :lol:


For reference, I'm about 5-6.
[edit] the bag was full loaded so it look a little bulky.
1.


2.


imo the pictures make the bag look bigger than it is. i'm used to carrying the f2 and if the bags are loaded the same they really feel the same when you are carrying them.

but the f-1x gives you the ability to carry more and that's important to me now, and also it's a bit nicer than the f2 featurewise. both are great bags.

how do you like that backpack harness?

ed rader

[nutsnbolts]

That's the thing, despite it's size, I would probably just get the F-1x (and Thinktank Changeup/chimp..shhhh). I don't want to have to upgrade from an F-2 when my gear grows again.

The shoulder harness works well. I haven't really had any shoulder issues. It does sit differently in comparison to a backpack, so don't expect to wear it like a backpack.

[4x4rock]

Doc, thanks for the link to the shoulderpad, I have a removable velcro one from my old laptop strap that I may try to see how it feels but I'll probably order this soon.

Ed, you're right that the pic makes it look bigger. I was about 4 feet from the camera, a G-2, so its wide angle exaggerated the size a bit.

I haven't tried the backpack strap yet, but will report back soon.

nutsnbolts, are you planning to carry all the gears in your sig at one point?

[nutsnbolts]

Actually, the reason I'm entertaining the idea of the F-1x was started when I asked the question of what is larger than the F-3x to house an additional body and lens.

In my current F-3x, I carry the following seen in this picture:

http://www.eternalgathering.com/junk/f3x.JPG

This was supposed to be a light carry. No wires, no chargers, just the essentials. Good to go to wedding or similar event too (hence being black) as a GUEST (not a photographer).

Now that I have my 40D. I want to get another bigger bag to house everything in the previous picture, along with the following (future purchase)

-40D w/grip (now have)

Future items to go in the F-1x.
-24-70L
-100-400
-1.4 TC

[Franko515]

Try -->THIS<-- (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16198-REG/Domke_725_310_FA_031_Shoulder_Pad.html) shoulder pad. Makes the bag a completely different one to carry. so much more comfortable.

I second the use of the shoulder pad ;)

I was thinking of getting the backpack strap, would you mind posting a shot of you wearing the bag with the backpack strap?

[4x4rock]

nutsnbolts, that is quite a lot of gears, even with the f-1x, you'll do some creative arrangement to fit them all. :)

Franko515, I'll take a some pics with it when I get home from work today.

[In2Photos]

Actually, the reason I'm entertaining the idea of the F-1x was started when I asked the question of what is larger than the F-3x to house an additional body and lens.

In my current F-3x, I carry the following seen in this picture:

http://www.eternalgathering.com/junk/f3x.JPG

This was supposed to be a light carry. No wires, no chargers, just the essentials. Good to go to wedding or similar event too (hence being black) as a GUEST (not a photographer).

Now that I have my 40D. I want to get another bigger bag to house everything in the previous picture, along with the following (future purchase)

-40D w/grip (now have)

Future items to go in the F-1x.
-24-70L
-100-400
-1.4 TC
Also look at the F-7 Double AF.

[nutsnbolts]

F7 larger than F-1x? Looks like it is.

[In2Photos]

F7 larger than F-1x? Looks like it is.
Yup, even larger than the F-1x.

[ed rader]

F7 larger than F-1x? Looks like it is.


F7 = 16 x 7 x 11"

1X = 17 x 6 3/4 x 9"

ed rader

[4x4rock]

Here's a pic of of the bag and the backpack strap. It was designed to hang low and is pretty comfortable. I think the strap is great if you're out for a long walk and want to rest the shoulder.

http://www.sonnycao.com/web/domke/domke_f1x6.jpg

[Franko515]

Thanks for the shot of you wearing the backpack strap :D

[ed rader]

Thanks for the shot of you wearing the backpack strap :D


yes. thank you!

ed rader

[4x4rock]

np problem.

Has anyone used the Timbuk should pad? I wonder how it is compare to the Domke one.

[Cathpah]

np problem.

Has anyone used the Timbuk should pad? I wonder how it is compare to the Domke one.

i vastly prefer the domke strap...but as i said in another thread, the rubber is uncovered, so after many sweaty days shooting, the rubber can break down a bit. No worries though, because they're cheap enough to just get another. Mine usually last me a year or more, but in my travels through S and SE asia in the past year, I had to replace mine about 6 months in....but that's some damn sweaty weather i've been working in. :p

have i grossed you guys out yet? :)

[4x4rock]

Thanks CathPah, Domke pad it is :)

I sweat alot but I think it's cheap enough to be replaced every year or so, or a few drop of gorilla glue will fix it for good :)

[Jon]

I'm actually experimenting with the LowePro backpack strap on the F-1x. A bit bulkier, has padded shoulder straps and a waist belt. I'm using mini-carabiners on the bottom rings of the F-1x to attach the belt. Hangs a little less tilted than the Domke straps do, so more safe-seeming.

[SunTsu]

I'm trying to find a bag that will hold my 5D (or possibly a Mark III) with 24-105mm and hood attached. I like the camera in my bag ready to go, but it seems that takes up a lot of room. I notice you have your 1D with 24-70 attached with the hood reversed, but I'm wondering if you could do that same set-up with a 16-35mm or 24-105 with hood on the right way.

Also, with the 70-200 standing straight up, does the top cover close easily? Thanks

[BBrat]

I can stand my 30D w/grip and 16-35 w/hood (17-55 hood, dont use the one that came with the lens) attached and in the "ready to use mode" in the domke f-1x.

I can stand it stright up lens in first w/hood in front or can store it like the OP has pictured. IF you use the original hood then it shouldnt be an issue because its a little wider but shorter.

The short version...Yes.:)

[Cathpah]

I'm trying to find a bag that will hold my 5D (or possibly a Mark III) with 24-105mm and hood attached. I like the camera in my bag ready to go, but it seems that takes up a lot of room. I notice you have your 1D with 24-70 attached with the hood reversed, but I'm wondering if you could do that same set-up with a 16-35mm or 24-105 with hood on the right way.

Also, with the 70-200 standing straight up, does the top cover close easily? Thanks

can easily fit 16-35 or 24-70 on the body with the hood attached if you use the 3-across lens sleeve instead of the stock 2x2. I even store the 70-200 2.8 IS on my 1d3 with hood still attached and straight forward without too much effort that way.

[nutsnbolts]

I'm trying to find a bag that will hold my 5D (or possibly a Mark III) with 24-105mm and hood attached. I like the camera in my bag ready to go, but it seems that takes up a lot of room. I notice you have your 1D with 24-70 attached with the hood reversed, but I'm wondering if you could do that same set-up with a 16-35mm or 24-105 with hood on the right way.

Also, with the 70-200 standing straight up, does the top cover close easily? Thanks

You can check out the Speed Racer (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=387547).

[SunTsu]

can easily fit 16-35 or 24-70 on the body with the hood attached if you use the 3-across lens sleeve instead of the stock 2x2. I even store the 70-200 2.8 IS on my 1d3 with hood still attached and straight forward without too much effort that way.

Just to be sure, do you mean you can fit the lens in with the hood on facing forward (not reversed)? I don't suppose you have any photos? :lol:

With the lens and hood facing down, do you ever worry that any impact to the bottom of the bag will damage the hood and/or lens?

[Jon]

The F-1x has a padded plywood base, so I don't worry about bottom impact.

[Cathpah]

Just to be sure, do you mean you can fit the lens in with the hood on facing forward (not reversed)? I don't suppose you have any photos? :lol:

With the lens and hood facing down, do you ever worry that any impact to the bottom of the bag will damage the hood and/or lens?

yup...hood on, facing forward. sorry, don't have any pictures now, but i promise it's true! :p this is with the 3-across lens holders going along one side with the lens/camera taking up the rest.

The F-1x has a padded plywood base, so I don't worry about bottom impact.


I actually took mine out to have it more collapsable and be more fit to my body, and i've never had a problem with setting it down whatsoever. I certainly never toss the bag to the ground, and to a certain extent, it never comes off my shoulder when shooting (it is a shooting bag after all :) )

[4x4rock]

Here are some pics of the 24-70 with hood on.

1. Hood in ready to shoot position. The 300/f4 is in the 2 comps insert.
http://www.sonnycao.com/web/domke/domke_f1x7.jpg


2. Hood on, with the 4-comps insert holding the 300/f4, 50/1.4 and 85/1.8
http://www.sonnycao.com/web/domke/domke_f1x7.jpg


3. With the 70-200/2.8, hood on, 2-comps insert with 50/1.4 and 85/1.8
http://www.sonnycao.com/web/domke/domke_f1x9.jpg


4. If you reverse the hood on the 70-200, you have more room and more option for other lenses.
http://www.sonnycao.com/web/domke/domke_f1x10.jpg

[Cathpah]

^^^^^^ looks like you are in dire need for this (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16065-REG/Domke_720_230_FA_230_Insert.html).

makes the f-1x sooo much better

[Jon]

^^^^^^ looks like you are in dire need for this (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16065-REG/Domke_720_230_FA_230_Insert.html).

makes the f-1x sooo much better
Oh, yeah. That's the insert I use in most of my Domkes (F-1x, F-2, F-7AF, F-802). I really wish it was the standard. As it is, I have several dozen 720-240 kicking around. I use 'em in my storage locker :{)#

[4x4rock]

I may get the 720-230 if I end up needing it. For now, I can carry the 24-70 with the 240 and it can hold the 70-200 and 1 or 2 primes fine. When I need the 70-200 in shooting mode, I can fold the 240 a little and make room :)

The 720-240 fit perfectly in my day backpack too. A bonus. :D

[Cathpah]

I may get the 720-230 if I end up needing it. For now, I can carry the 24-70 with the 240 and it can hold the 70-200 and 1 or 2 primes fine. When I need the 70-200 in shooting mode, I can fold the 240 a little and make room :)

The 720-240 fit perfectly in my day backpack too. A bonus. :D

keep it in your backpack and pick up that 720-230 :p