Domke F-3X questions...

[SoundsGood]

Got my new Domke bags... a sand colored F-3X and a black F-5XB. The F-5XB seems pretty straight-forward, but I have a few questions about the F-3X:

1) It's pretty stiff -- especially the top cover. Is it recommended to wash this bag first, to loosen it up a bit? Or is it better to not wash it?

2) If you do wash it, what do you do with the bottom pad/cushion? Washing that thing can't be good for it, right?

3) The hood from my 70-200 f/4 IS does not fit into the "loops" in the F-3X. I'm kinda bummed about that, since it fits just fine within the lens slot in my Crumpler 6 MDH. Anyway, what do you guys do with your larger hoods with this bag?

Thanks...

[Gidi Morris]

About washing- don't know. I haven't washed mine yet, but I haven't found it too hard either...

As for the hood- I don't think there really is a solution. I mean, a hood that can't fit- won't fit. Perhaps try placing it in the center of the bag so that the lens attached to the camera sits in the hood, but that is the only solution which comes to mind.

I personaly lucked out. my 28-70L & 135L hood fit perfectly in the two pockets & the 17-40L's hood sits parallel to the camera in the main part...

[ed rader]

Got my new Domke bags... a sand colored F-3X and a black F-5XB. The F-5XB seems pretty straight-forward, but I have a few questions about the F-3X:

1) It's pretty stiff -- especially the top cover. Is it recommended to wash this bag first, to loosen it up a bit? Or is it better to not wash it?

2) If you do wash it, what do you do with the bottom pad/cushion? Washing that thing can't be good for it, right?

3) The hood from my 70-200 f/4 IS does not fit into the "loops" in the F-3X. I'm kinda bummed about that, since it fits just fine within the lens slot in my Crumpler 6 MDH. Anyway, what do you guys do with your larger hoods with this bag?

Thanks...


is that a canvas or nylon bag?

ed rader

[SoundsGood]

Canvas. This guy here:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/15990-REG/Domke_700_30S_F_3X_Shoulder_Bag_Sand_.html

[ed rader]

Canvas. This guy here:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/15990-REG/Domke_700_30S_F_3X_Shoulder_Bag_Sand_.html

it'll soften then :D.

ed rader

[SoundsGood]

it'll soften then :D.
So, no washee?

[alt4852]

yea, it'll eventually soften up. it threw me off a bit when i first got it, but i've had it for a little while and the canvas loosens up over time. as for me, i haven't washed it yet since it seems like it's breaking in fairly well (think about what it's like to break in a new pair of jeans). i didn't wash it either because i was somewhat concerned that doing so might introduce lint and dust from the washing machines into the pockets and corners.

(and by the way, apologies to the OP about promising pictures of my f-3x in your other thread before you received yours.. i was really busy that week and didn't get a chance to take pictures and upload them in time.)

[ed rader]

So, no washee?

no you need to go out and actually use the bag...maybe sweat on it a bit :D!

ed rader

[SoundsGood]

Ok, this is weird.... the hood from the 70-200 now fits in the loops. Very strange. I swear it didn't fit just yesterday.

I guess the bag is loosening up already! ;)

[SoundsGood]

Well, so far I'm pretty darn satisfied with the F-3X.

Now the question is, do I keep the Crumpler 6 MDH... or sell it?

[_aravena]

^Sell it if ya don't need it. I wish it was a 5 though.

[In2Photos]

Well, so far I'm pretty darn satisfied with the F-3X.

Now the question is, do I keep the Crumpler 6 MDH... or sell it?
Sell it. Once you go Domke, nothing else compares. ;)

Your F-3x will bend and flex in due time. Mine is great and I love it. In fact I wish I had bought it sooner.

[_aravena]

I'm willing to convert to the dark side if I see a decent review of the F-802. :D :lol:

[SoundsGood]

Sell it. Once you go Domke, nothing else compares. ;)

Your F-3x will bend and flex in due time. Mine is great and I love it. In fact I wish I had bought it sooner.

Ha! :)

Thanks...

[nutsnbolts]

Huh? I didn't wash mine but do bring it out a couple times for some intensive use and it'll wear down after a couple uses. Literally.

I have the 70-200 f/4 IS and the hood fits in the inside loops. I do it everytime I use it. Make sure you put that in first. On the other hand, it's a little difficult to put back in, once you have everything in there. I don't overstuff so it's manageable to get the 70-200 with hood reversed attached in the inside.

[SoundsGood]

Ahh... that's it. The hood needs to go in first, otherwise it doesn't fit. Duh. :)

[Gidi Morris]

Well, so far I'm pretty darn satisfied with the F-3X.

Now the question is, do I keep the Crumpler 6 MDH... or sell it?

Well, thats an easy one.
Sell the Crumpler & use the cash to buy another Domke :D

[Jon]

I'm willing to convert to the dark side if I see a decent review of the F-802. :D :lol:Sorry - I don't do reviews. I just use 'em and answer questions. The F-802's a near-perfect bag for the moderate gear collection. I've repeatedly detailed the 2 bodies/4 lenses/flash etc. I haul in mine. That's 5D, 20D, 70-200 2.8IS, 24-70 2.8, Sigma 15-30, 35 f/2, 580EX. Takes the F-901 and/or F-902 on the ends no problem.

Yes, the beauty of canvas, like denim, is how it softens with use. No need to wash it soft. Just get out and go!

[SoundsGood]

Well, thats an easy one.
Sell the Crumpler & use the cash to buy another Domke :D

The Domke fans sure are a loyal bunch! :)

[terriyaki]

So is the Domke F-3X comparable to the Crumpler 6MDH in terms of the amount of gear it can hold?

[alt4852]

The Domke fans sure are a loyal bunch! :)

..because nothing beats simplistic design, and canvas. =)

[SoundsGood]

So is the Domke F-3X comparable to the Crumpler 6MDH in terms of the amount of gear it can hold?
It's pretty close... but I'd say the Crumpler holds more stuff.

[SoundsGood]

Hey guys, anyone put extra Velcro tape on your Domke bags?

I'd like to close the F3X a bit tighter, but there's no Velcro at that spot. Same with the outside side pockets. When empty, there's not enough velcro to pull them tightly shut.

[Jon]

Hey guys, anyone put extra Velcro tape on your Domke bags?

I'd like to close the F3X a bit tighter, but there's no Velcro at that spot. Same with the outside side pockets. When empty, there's not enough velcro to pull them tightly shut.Can't say I've ever had that "problem". My bags are always at or near capacity; if not with camera gear, with water bottles, books, etc.

[SuzyView]

No need to wash. The canvas will work itself out. My bag still keeps its shape well, but not stiff, just solid. Love the Domke bag. I am going to buy the little smaller bag when I get around to it.

[SuzyView]

Jon, you're back! We missed your input here.

[Jon]

You all seem to have done fine without me.

Been "field-testing" the F-3x and F-7 in Costa Rica and as airline carry-ons. F-3x as my computer/under-seat bag and F-7 as the overhead/camera bag. Both passed with flying colours, I'm hardly surprised to say. My one regret is that the F-7 doesn't have a back pocket like the F-2 or F-3.

American Airlines and Miami International Airport, OTOH . . . Let's just say that if I never see either again, it'll be too soon.

[Cassie]

I think this is what I need. I orderd the F-5XB but its too small:mad:

I just need to carry 20D body w/grip and one lens (30.1.4) with hood attached, I also need room for 1 more lens and a flash, maybe some cards and batteries.

I hate sending stuff back:confused: Is this the next size up?

Sorry to hijack....

Thanks.

[Jon]

I'd say it's between the F-3x, the brand new (and I haven't seen it yet) F-5Xc, and the F-803 Camera Satchel. Depending on what your tastes run to, the F-4 AF or F-6 might also be worth considering. But the F-3x will handle a fair chunk of your gear list.

[Familiaphoto]

The F-3X is a fantastic bag. I use it as my walk around bag and it passes with flying colors. Never found a need to wash mine it got nice and soft the more I used it. As to keeping the Crumpler, I have a 7MDH I have not used once since getting my Domke. I will be seeling it for an F2 I think. Anyone want a good price on a 7MDH? :D

[SoundsGood]

Yeah, I think I'll go ahead and sell my Crumpler 6.

[terriyaki]

Just got my F-3X along with my other things from my order with B&H. This bag is awesome.

Time to get rid of my 6MDH, too. :)