3M Scotchgard for my Domke?

[winterlim]

I was wondering if anyone has any experience in using the 3M Scotchgard Fabric Protector Spray on their bags, specifically for the Domke F-2 Sand colored bag. I love the classic sand color, but i am sure it is prone to dirt and stains easily. The 3M Scotchgard looks like a great solution for this. Any drawbacks? or other suggestions for alternatives?

Just got my bag yesterday, and i don't want to go out without protection :D

[condyk]

Personally I would rather my bags look well used as probably less noticable on the street. I have a canvas bag I use for walkaround and every several months I put it in the washing machine and no problems. Maybe that's an option for you too.

[winterlim]

I suffer from OCD when it comes to my camera bags. :D The bag cost a BOMB compared to buying it elsewhere (due to the exchange rate), costing me RM485 (or USD138 ). But paying for something worth RM485 here is almost similar to buying something costing USD485 in US due to the earning power here. My heart would seriously ache if my bag were to get dirty (maybe it's the new bag syndrome), at least not for the 1st few months.

[Jon]

I have mostly sand Domkes (grey F-1x, one blue F-2, and the F-612 only comes in black), but no problem with dirt. They're easily washable if you get them really dirty or are really compulsive.

[TheHoff]

Agreed with Jon. Use it and enjoy the "wear" -- the canvas looks even better after a few years. Toss it in the washer when it is dirty. No need to baby a Domke!

[winterlim]

cool!

thanks for the replies!! i am absolutely in love with my new domke. hopefully i will put it to many years of good use. cant image tossing into the washer though. btw.. this may sound silly.. but how do you pronounce Domke? Silent 'e' as in dom-k, or dom-kay or dom-key?

[Jon]

I don't think I've ever done that with mine, and my oldest ones are from the early '80s.

[TheHoff]

I don't think I've ever done that with mine, and my oldest ones are from the early '80s.

That is because you have a dozen+ bags. There isn't a chance for any of them to get dirty enough ;)

IMO, the canvas is even better after coming out of the washer; you can even throw a new one in there before using it.




btw love the F2 in sand... that is the ultimate Domke classic

[Jon]

I made it through 20 years with just 3; then I shifted to digital :{)#

[Recon Photojournalist]

I did, exactly the sand F2 with 3M spray. The color will be darken a bit.

This is what PJs did before waterproof bag is invented. I am using the Domke J series most of the time now.

[winterlim]

btw.. this may sound silly.. but how do you pronounce Domke? Silent 'e' as in dom-k, or dom-kay or dom-key?

anyone?

[TheHoff]

I say Dom-key.

[winterlim]

i was thinking german.. like dom-kay..

?????????

thanks for all the info!

[Jon]

Domm-kee.

[Bill Roberts]

I'd say Domm-Kee too... Not that I'd ever buy one... I much prefer Billingham :p :lol:

cheers

[winterlim]

Billinghams are way too expensive!! I don't think they even have dealers in my country! But Billinghams look kinda' rigid and can't mould to the shape of the stuff i toss in.

Love to have a Billingham though. My funds will go to lenses 1st :D

[Samgoit]

Domkes are Billinghams without the leather. ;)

[Recon Photojournalist]

Domke used to make a leather version of the F2 too and I have kept a copy as a collector.

Unfortunately any leather cam bag will never be used ( don't want to scartch the leather or attract attention :cool:)

My only bags or cases that to daylights are : Domke J3, J 600, F2 and the Canon long lens case and Canon CAT L. What about you guys?

[TheHoff]

J1, J3, F-804 here currently. I previously have used F2s and I'm thinking about the chocolate brown canvas version they have out now as a new bag.

[SuzyView]

I just brush them off when dirt gets on them. Never a problem. They've been through rain, sand, snow, etc. Always cleans up well.

[Jon]

Depending on what I'm carrying, F-1x, F-3x, F-7AF, or F-802, with the F-612 as needed. Sometimes I'll take an F-5XB or F-5XA with a spare lens or two in it along with a single body.

[winterlim]

I actually got the bag for the purpose of street shooting, but just trying to get my gear in looks impossible. I tried, but with no success, fitting in a 40D (grip-less), 85mm 1.2, EF-S 60mm macro, 24-105 f4L, and either the EF-S 10-22 or the 16-35 f2.8L, with a 580ex and st-e2 and a bunch of other small stuff. I thought of putting in the 70-200 f2.8 but that is way out of the question. I am dead set in not lugging the lowepro computrekker plus around.

looks like there really isn't such a thing as a perfect bag. I suppose anything bigger than the F-2 would be considered cumbersome in street shooting. (think busy streets & walkways, outdoor asian market place etc)

[TheHoff]

Solution: that is way too many lenses for street shooting. Consolidate.

Get an extension tube, and lose the macro. Everything should fit. Jon could probably get the big zoom in there, too.

[Wilt]

I have used 3M spray on a number of different bags (not Domke), not for protection from stains and dirt, but simply to provide some water repellancy for those times when downpours suddenly begin. I find it better to have the water run off than to turn my bag into a somewhat soggy container.

[DisrupTer911]

you can fit a 70-200/2.8 into an F2 insert easily, they stretch and will even fit hooded.

My sigma 70-200/2.8 hooded is the same diameter as the Canon counterpart and fits just fine even with the tripod collar attached

[winterlim]

really? hooded even? i didn't know that was possible. i am kinda' cautious with keeping any of my lenses hooded in my bag, considering what's holding it in place is a small piece of plastic catch.

[DisrupTer911]

you needn't worry.

I've had mine in there liek that for over a year with no issues and no loss of tight fit.

if you don't keep the lenses hooded...where are you going to pack all the hoods away in the bag?

[winterlim]

i thought of either reversing it, and mount it in the right position when i am using the lens (which maybe cumbersome and time consuming) or alternatively, just not use one at all. cup my hands over the lens if necessary :D

[Jeff-D]

Wilt wrote: "I have used 3M spray on a number of different bags (not Domke), not for protection from stains and dirt, but simply to provide some water repellancy for those times when downpours suddenly begin. I find it better to have the water run off than to turn my bag into a somewhat soggy container."
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Hi, new to the list & was wondering about the 'Scotchgarding' for water repellency reasons, for my new Domke F-6. Any downside to doing this? Thanks, Jeff-D

[Jon]

Not really, but according to Tiffen's Domke product manager the canvas used in the Domke bags is already treated with a water-repellant solution.

[Pinto]

Not really, but according to Tiffen's Domke product manager the canvas used in the Domke bags is already treated with a water-repellant solution.

I would think that would certainly come out if the bag goes into a washing machine. Maybe after washing is the time for the Scotchgard.

[Jon]

I haven't yet needed to wash a Domke. And that includes one that's decades old.