Domke F-5XB review (Chocolate Brown)

[sabesh]

The F-5XB in Chocolate Brown is the latest addition to my Domke collection (I have 7 of them). Why Domke? Because:

A/ I don't generally bang my gear around. Hence, I don't need thick padding. I also don't need all-weather hoods, digital wallets & lens-gates.

B/ I need a portable, light bag.

C/ I need a simple bag with a simple insert(s).

This is my most minimalistic Domke for casual situations which require one DSLR body with a lens mounted to it (with hood) + a full size flash. To this regard, it doesn't get any more portable than the Domke F-5XB. This bag consists of interior padding with 2 dividers of which I use one (to separate the lens hood from the flash).

Pros:
Solid construction: metal shoulder-strap fittings, tough canvas construction, sturdy yet flexible shoulder strap.
Plastic zipper with metal fasteners: plastic minimizes damage to gear inside.
Supplied name tag.
Belt mountable design.
Lightweight and portable.
Non-slip gripper strap.
One exterior & one interior slim compartment in addition to the main compartment.

Cons:
Noisy velcro closure on the front flap (I'm thinking of removing the velcro).
Domke logo on the front flap: Difficult to remove as it's close-stitched.

I intend to use this as a walk-around bag for those times when I need just one lens. It's inconspicuous and light. The pictorial examples below show the following gear which are easily loaded into the F5XB:

Canon 5D, Mark II
Canon 50L (hood attached and not reversed).
Metz 58 AF-1 with Sto-fen diffuser attached (similar in size to the Canon 580EX-II)

I hope that this mini pictorial review helps with your purchase decision. Cheers.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-5XB/IMG_6858s.jpg

I took out one divider, leaving one:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-5XB/IMG_6849s.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-5XB/IMG_6845s.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-5XB/IMG_6844s.jpg

Gear waiting to be loaded:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-5XB/IMG_6860s.jpg

Gear dropped in (flash head hasn't been tilted yet):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-5XB/IMG_6861s.jpg

Flash head tilted & gear loaded:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-5XB/IMG_6862s.jpg

Zipper closed (no bulges):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-5XB/IMG_6863s.jpg

[sabesh]

Ready to go:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-5XB/IMG_6864s.jpg

Belt loop at the back:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-5XB/IMG_6868s.jpg

[SuzyView]

sabesh, nice review! I love mine in blue. It fits the 5D2 with 24-70 hood reverse very nicely and it's my most minimal bag as well. The blue dark enough the Domke logo doesn't seem overwhelming. If you really hate it a lot, you can probably cover it up with something else. I've never seen anyone try to unstitch it, but that's something to think about.

[johnlo]

Nice review. I got the bigger model. i think its C. My bag is all black.. and i cut out the logo. it was too RED. hahah

[sabesh]

sabesh, nice review! I love mine in blue. It fits the 5D2 with 24-70 hood reverse very nicely and it's my most minimal bag as well. The blue dark enough the Domke logo doesn't seem overwhelming. If you really hate it a lot, you can probably cover it up with something else. I've never seen anyone try to unstitch it, but that's something to think about.
I did scout the blue version: However, it's discontinued :( The Olive version has a subdued logo. However, I didn't like Olive for this form of bag. Good idea: I'll try and cover it up with something. Thx!

Nice review. I got the bigger model. i think its C. My bag is all black.. and i cut out the logo. it was too RED. hahah
I hear ya about the logo, lol. Some people like the red-on-black design as it matches the L lenses :) I have the F-5XC as well in black. It's the ballistic nylon version, so the logo is low profile. Cheers.

[hfgarris]

They must have changed the logo attachment recently. Both of my black F-5XB bags have the logo strip only attached at each end and loose in the middle. It is easily removed by simply cutting it off close to the seam at each end with small scissors.

I agree, it is a very versatile bag for travel with minimal equipment. I often carry my 5D-II with 24-70 or 24-105 in one. The other is set up as a light weight travel system and holds a Canon XSi with the new 15-85mm, a 70-300DO, and a 35mm/2.0 all in that tiny little bag! That includes the hoods reversed on both the zooms!

-howard

[Todd Lambert]

Love mine too... I have the Olive which matches my F-2.

Nice review and glad to see you got your bag so fast, that was quick!

[sabesh]

<snip> The other is set up as a light weight travel system and holds a Canon XSi with the new 15-85mm, a 70-300DO, and a 35mm/2.0 all in that tiny little bag!
That's pretty impressive! If I reverse the hood and swap the Metz for a 270EX, I might be able to get in another lens. I'll try it out and post a pic. Cheers.

Love mine too... I have the Olive which matches my F-2.

Nice review and glad to see you got your bag so fast, that was quick!
Thx Todd! Adorama does next-day shipping to Canada. I had to order some other items too, so I took advantage of the combined shipping. It was your pic of the F-5XB with the tilted flash head that sealed my decision to purchase :)

[toxic]

I just got one of these. The only thing I have reservations about is the zippered opening - I feel like it gets in the way too much if I'm trying to put something in or take something out quickly.

[hfgarris]

I just got one of these. The only thing I have reservations about is the zippered opening - I feel like it gets in the way too much if I'm trying to put something in or take something out quickly.

It does help to keep the "bulky (ie. camera body)" part close to the center of the bag for easy access as it will open wider there.

[Jason Kim]

My bag's label is loose in the middle for easy removal.

They must have changed the logo attachment recently. Both of my black F-5XB bags have the logo strip only attached at each end and loose in the middle. It is easily removed by simply cutting it off close to the seam at each end with small scissors.

I agree, it is a very versatile bag for travel with minimal equipment. I often carry my 5D-II with 24-70 or 24-105 in one. The other is set up as a light weight travel system and holds a Canon XSi with the new 15-85mm, a 70-300DO, and a 35mm/2.0 all in that tiny little bag! That includes the hoods reversed on both the zooms!

-howard

[Agwe]

Nice review. Got one in Sand for my 50D + Tokie 12-24 & 50mm or 580EX II. It's my first Domke and I'm itching to get a bigger one to fit the rest of my gear.

[sabesh]

Nice review. Got one in Sand for my 50D + Tokie 12-24 & 50mm or 580EX II. It's my first Domke and I'm itching to get a bigger one to fit the rest of my gear.
Thx! Hope to see some street scenes from Manilla :-)

[Staszek]

Has anyone had problems with the zipper scratching or damaging your body or lens? I'm tempted to get the 5B for my lightweight daily carry (body/lens + another lens or flash).

[Todd Lambert]

It's got a coating on it, that doesn't seem to scratch anything. I've used mine pretty hard, and I rarely have it zippered, I usually just jam things into it. No problems so far.

[FLiPMaRC]

:cool: Very nice. Thanks!

[Jon]

The zipper's a Delrin YKK - it's not going to damage much of anything. If you get one with anything but a YKK zipper it's a counterfeit.

[Staszek]

The zipper's a Delrin YKK - it's not going to damage much of anything. If you get one with anything but a YKK zipper it's a counterfeit.

Good to know. Thanks.

It's got a coating on it, that doesn't seem to scratch anything. I've used mine pretty hard, and I rarely have it zippered, I usually just jam things into it. No problems so far.

I was thinking of when you take the camera in and out of the bag, it would rub on the teeth of the zipper. When I checked it out yesterday, I noticed there was a lining under the zipper. But I was concerned about the teeth.

If you guys haven't had a problem, I'll pull the trigger. I wanted a green bag, but I found the black for $20 less! :D

[2mnycars]

Great review! Next to you, I'm an Apprentice Bagaholic! I have one bought for 2 much from Henry's; one traded for (Thanks Alec! from that other forum).
Domke needs to borrow Think Tank's velcro silencers.
So if your bag came quickly, it's not from Henry's? :)

I don't like the new name tags from Domke either. Perhaps I'll go to the every day carry forum and get crests to put on over top. Maxpedition, 511, Glock or something. ;)

[sabesh]

Great review! Next to you, I'm an Apprentice Bagaholic! I have one bought for 2 much from Henry's; one traded for (Thanks Alec! from that other forum).
Domke needs to borrow Think Tank's velcro silencers.
So if your bag came quickly, it's not from Henry's? :)

I don't like the new name tags from Domke either. Perhaps I'll go to the every day carry forum and get crests to put on over top. Maxpedition, 511, Glock or something. ;)

Dave,

Great to see you here again mate! I confess, I am a bagalholic. It's so bad that my pals come over to borrow one from my "collection" for specific instances of some photoshoot they have to do, lol. BTW, I tend to purchase from Adorama or B&H. Helen from Adorama has been excellent at helping out with some problematic orders too.

Yes, TT's silencers are the best. I have used them @ church weddings with no disturbance at all!

Cheers,

Sammy.

[Savas K]

I'm getting one.

[iwasinvertedx]

could an ipad fit in this bag?

[2mnycars]

Sammy--Helen solved a cash problem for me. They normally ship UPS. I needed a Domke postal pad. It's $42 CDN at Henry's. $12US at the time at her store. But UPS cost would have eaten up the difference. She and Fred fixed it so they shipped another method, much cheaper. They thought outside the box. Small order, but deal or no deal for me. I bought 2 pads because the shipping was reasonable.

Now I have 2 Domke's so I don't have a spare. ;)

Best,
DaveL

Dave,

Great to see you here again mate! I confess, I am a bagalholic. It's so bad that my pals come over to borrow one from my "collection" for specific instances of some photoshoot they have to do, lol. BTW, I tend to purchase from Adorama or B&H. Helen from Adorama has been excellent at helping out with some problematic orders too.

Yes, TT's silencers are the best. I have used them @ church weddings with no disturbance at all!

Cheers,

Sammy.

[HelenOster]

.....I tend to purchase from Adorama or B&H. Helen from Adorama has been excellent at helping out with some problematic orders too.

Sammy.

Sammy--Helen solved a cash problem for me. They normally ship UPS. I needed a Domke postal pad. It's $42 CDN at Henry's. $12US at the time at her store. But UPS cost would have eaten up the difference. She and Fred fixed it so they shipped another method, much cheaper. They thought outside the box. Small order, but deal or no deal for me. I bought 2 pads because the shipping was reasonable.

DaveL

Always a pleasure to be able to help! http://planetsmilies.net/obscene-smiley-1050.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)

[sabesh]

could an ipad fit in this bag?
Just checked. Nope, my iPad won't fit in here.

Sammy--Helen solved a cash problem for me. They normally ship UPS. I needed a Domke postal pad. It's $42 CDN at Henry's. $12US at the time at her store. But UPS cost would have eaten up the difference. She and Fred fixed it so they shipped another method, much cheaper. They thought outside the box. Small order, but deal or no deal for me. I bought 2 pads because the shipping was reasonable.

Now I have 2 Domke's so I don't have a spare. ;)

Best,
DaveL
Dave, I'm glad that it all worked out for ya! Those Domke Postal Pads are sooo comfy, eh?

Always a pleasure to be able to help! http://planetsmilies.net/obscene-smiley-1050.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)
I see that Dave lit the Oster-Torch :) Helen, you are the best!

[HelenOster]

I see that Dave lit the Oster-Torch :)

http://planetsmilies.net/animal-smiley-4949.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)


Helen, you are the best!http://planetsmilies.net/obscene-smiley-1033.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)

[2mnycars]

Sabesh, I'm back looking. :)
Went to Cape Cod and took my Think Tank Retro 10 PS. Lots of east coast Atlantic Sunshine. (Fog; drizzle.)
I don't like the raincover on the TT bag. It leaves a patch on the back of the bag exposed. So I took to carrying my d300s, grip and 18-200VR mounted. Kept it under my goretex coat when it was wet out. Darned if I didn't fall, hard! When I was thinking about picture taking rather than walking.
Now I want (some)protection for my camera. And ideally I want something weatherproof.
That's why I'm looking. I did go astray, spending some time at a Billingham store. Kept my wallet hidden.

Best,

[sabesh]

Sabesh, I'm back looking. :)
Went to Cape Cod and took my Think Tank Retro 10 PS. Lots of east coast Atlantic Sunshine. (Fog; drizzle.)
I don't like the raincover on the TT bag. It leaves a patch on the back of the bag exposed. So I took to carrying my d300s, grip and 18-200VR mounted. Kept it under my goretex coat when it was wet out. Darned if I didn't fall, hard! When I was thinking about picture taking rather than walking.
Now I want (some)protection for my camera. And ideally I want something weatherproof.
That's why I'm looking. I did go astray, spending some time at a Billingham store. Kept my wallet hidden.

Best,

Dave, do let me know what you end up getting! Thx.

[Jon]

Sabesh, I'm back looking. :)
Went to Cape Cod and took my Think Tank Retro 10 PS. Lots of east coast Atlantic Sunshine. (Fog; drizzle.)
I don't like the raincover on the TT bag. It leaves a patch on the back of the bag exposed. So I took to carrying my d300s, grip and 18-200VR mounted. Kept it under my goretex coat when it was wet out. Darned if I didn't fall, hard! When I was thinking about picture taking rather than walking.
Now I want (some)protection for my camera. And ideally I want something weatherproof.
That's why I'm looking. I did go astray, spending some time at a Billingham store. Kept my wallet hidden.

Best,
Ruggedwear F3x?

[2mnycars]

Sabesh and Jon--thanks
Jon I have one. Better get it out and see. I haven't used it in a while.

[2mnycars]

Jon your opinion counts a lot. I need to realize that Domkes are more waterproof than I anticipate.
I described above, where I suddenly felt very old.
Walking along a lumpy sidewalk in Provincetown, I fell hard.
I had my d300s and lens under my goretex coat, hung by the strap with camera unprotected, but kept from swinging by my coat. Camera wasn't even marked.
I was a little.
I had decided to leave my TT Retro10 behind, because it had rained and I don't like the rain cover on it. While it's a good shooters' bag, it is quite heavy.
got away with it this time.
Feeling like an old frt.
Mr Domke does make good bags. I mean Mr Tiffen. :)

[2mnycars]

So my Ruggedwear F-3 is getting more use.

Sabesh, I bought a Billingham Hadley Digital from Rob Skeoch in Burlington (a dealer--mainly film large format! and pro photographer for over 30 years. )

Fits my 300s+18-200VR easily. Will even take the rig with grip on! Barely! Howard knows! :-)

Keep looking. I have been in Henry's 3times in 2 days....

[sabesh]

So my Ruggedwear F-3 is getting more use.

Sabesh, I bought a Billingham Hadley Digital from Rob Skeoch in Burlington (a dealer--mainly film large format! and pro photographer for over 30 years. )

Fits my 300s+18-200VR easily. Will even take the rig with grip on! Barely! Howard knows! :-)

Keep looking. I have been in Henry's 3times in 2 days....

Nice! I have often ogled at Hadleys, but could not justify getting one over a Domke. Maybe it's time :)

[2mnycars]

Rob is open by appointment. He's on Walker's Line in Burlington IIRC.

May I ask a favour? Do you still have your F-3X Ruggedwear that you reviewed here? Would you please check the tab and tell me what model it is? Mine has a silly label. Calls it an F3...and that's a backpack! Bought it at Henry's and have a post going here. Jon commented it might be counterfeit...

Thanks
DaveL

Mississauga

[sabesh]

Rob is open by appointment. He's on Walker's Line in Burlington IIRC.

May I ask a favour? Do you still have your F-3X Ruggedwear that you reviewed here? Would you please check the tab and tell me what model it is? Mine has a silly label. Calls it an F3...and that's a backpack! Bought it at Henry's and have a post going here. Jon commented it might be counterfeit...

Thanks
DaveL

Mississauga

Hi Dave,

I replaced my Ruggedwear version with the Ballistic nylon version.

Thanks,

Sabesh.

[2mnycars]

Good choice. Henry's??
They don't have much stock anymore. More heavily in to TT bags, with some Kata and LowePro.

Thanks for letting me know.

[sabesh]

Good choice. Henry's??
They don't have much stock anymore. More heavily in to TT bags, with some Kata and LowePro.

Thanks for letting me know.

I got all my Domkes via Adorama. Fast shipping and vast choices. Cheers.

[2mnycars]

Thanks Sam!

[HelenOster]

I got all my Domkes via Adorama. Fast shipping and vast choices. Cheers.
http://planetsmilies.net/not-tagged-smiley-10842.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)

[2mnycars]

Thanks Helen for your help providing information on camera bags via another source. Your information has opened up new possibilities for me.
When I used to shoot as a business, I used a LowePro Magnum as an island, keeping my gear safe and contained. Today I would consider a TT roller bag or a Pelican on wheels to do the same thing. (Don't want punch spilled on the gear, or for it to develop legs!)
Now I prefer shooter bags. They meet my needs better.
But I have had frozen shoulder and my preferred carries--shoulder bags--have been a problem from time to time. I don't work well out of a backpack. I'm old and inflexible.

I have 2 Domkes. F3 or whatever (F3X? -- a thread going on elsewhere; it's tagged an F3) and a J2 that I traded another bag for. I've not enjoyed my Retro10 so it is gone.

Recently I bought a NEX system. I look at it in my F3 and wonder why I'm carrying such a big bag. I know why! It's bought and paid for!

Thanks

[HelenOster]

Thanks Helen for your help providing information on camera bags via another source. Your information has opened up new possibilities for me.


Aaah... I know who you are! Do all roads lead to that place - or to POTN? (I prefer the latter....)

[2mnycars]

Helen this is a much better forum, with very helpful people. I learn a lot here. The quality of photos that are posted here is great.
And you provided a link at FB too.
Best, DaveL

[joshr]

Thank you for the review, would this bag fit a 550d gripped with a 50mm and/or kit lens in the bag?

[Veemac]

...I hope that this mini pictorial review helps with your purchase decision. Cheers....
Thanks for the thorough review, Sabesh - it did greatly help with my purchase decision (nearly two years after you originally wrote it!). I've been looking for a small, unobtrusive "everyday" bag that I can use as a quick-grab for just my camera, lens, flash and maybe a few small extras. Your review, along with the photos you added to it (along with Jon's hearty and repeated endorsement of Domke bags), led me to the F-5XB. I ordered the Ruggedwear version as a Christmas gift to myself and it just arrived today. I configured it as you did (one divider) and it comfortably fits my 50D/Sigma 17-70 OS (hood reversed) in the main section, with a 50mm 1.8, 430EXII and spare battery in the other section (I'm pretty sure I could fit the 70-300 in there if I removed the flash and the nifty). Everything fits snugly without being too packed in and the bag is the perfect size for casual/everyday carry. The Ruggedwear finish is more discreet (and classy looking, IMO) than black ballistic nylon, and it came with a tin of refinishing wax for touching up the exterior finish. Nice.

I read a review elsewhere on the 'net where a guy said he grew tired of his friends chiding him because it looked like a "European man purse". I guess I can maybe see where it could be looked at that way, but I'm far beyond worrying about looking "cool" (and pretty shameless to boot), so no worries there. I have several other backpacks and shoulder bags (who of us doesn't?) for when I want to carry more gear, but the F-5XB will do the trick nicely for short jaunts when I don't need to bring an entire arsenal of photo gear with me.

[Rainyday]

Well, I think the chocolat brown color is brilliant. I have mine in brown and think it's very handsome indeed. (My Domke is a F-3x, though.)