Domke F-10 (black) review

[sabesh]

I use this bag to carry my favourite 7D combo: Canon 7D, 50L, 24L-II, Metz 58 AF-1, Pocket Wizard FlexTT5 & Pocket Wizard MiniTT1 (or 5D-II, 85L-II, 35L + the rest). It's a small, light bag that fits the mentioned gear with no bulges. It can fit up to an 85L-II attached (hood reversed) to the 7D/5D-II + 24L-II (hood removed, placed on top). It's a typical Domke: Minimalistic padding, canvas exterior with multiple pockets. There's a spacious pocket in the front which takes a full size flash, FlexTT1, MiniTT1 and CF cards. The bag is small, light, stylish and inconspicuous. It comes with the non-slip gripper strap, name tag, sewn-in leather/canvas carry handle & metal fasteners.

The main storage area is padded & supplied with two dividers. Placing a 5D or 7D on top of the dividers (camera vertical) with any sort of flat attachment on the tripod mount isn't a good fit (I have a hand strap attached). The flap barely reaches the velcro, but can be closed via the metal fastener. However, once the metal plate is removed from the tripod socket, the camera can be mounted vertically with no problems (neck strap can be bunched to a side). Hence, I have removed one divider and place the 7D or 5D horizontally, as I like using my hand strap.

In the vertical config, two small lenses (or flash) should fit on either side of the camera with attached lens. I don't have small lenses, so I'm unable to test this out. However, if anyone's interested, I can try fitting some of my smaller primes and post some related pictures.

This is a perfect bag for casual shooting which entails 1-2 lenses, a full size grip-less body, full size flash and accessories. The bags rests perfectly against my body and I can hardly feel it when walking around. Another excellent design by Domke.

Pros:
Solid construction: metal fasteners, tough canvas construction, sturdy yet flexible shoulder strap.
Supplied name tag.
Lightweight and portable.
Non-slip gripper strap.
Spacious compartment in the front which can take a full size flash + accessories.
Minimal padding makes for a discrete design which is perfect for daily usage.
2 dividers allow for customization of the main compartment.
Carry handle with metal fasteners (leather/canvas design).
Zippered compartment under the front flap to store more accessories (literature etc).
Slim compartment at the back for books and cables and other relatively flat accessories.

Cons:
Noisy velcro closure on the front flap.
Domke logo on the front flap: Difficult to remove as it's close-stitched.
Polycarbonate fasteners for the shoulder strap. I would have preferred metal fasteners.

Bag empty (next 3 pictures):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-10/IMG_4664s.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-10/IMG_4666s.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-10/IMG_4667s.jpg

Gear waiting to be loaded. Canon 7D, 24L-II, 50L, Metz 58 AF-1, Pocket Wizard FlexTT5 (MiniTT1 not in pic):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-10/IMG_4668s.jpg

Say "Aaaaah". Gear loaded:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-10/IMG_4670s.jpg

Bag loaded and closed:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-10/IMG_4675s.jpg

Main compartment:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-10/IMG_4676s.jpg

[sabesh]

With F-5XB & J-5XC (ballistic nylon version of the F-5XC):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-10/IMG_4680s.jpg

With F-5XB:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/sabesh/Domke%20F-10/IMG_4683s.jpg

[2mnycars]

Sabesh, good review. Nice to see. I'm new with Domke bags. I've considered doing something with the Logo too. The velcro isn't as bad as a Crumpler $7MDH I have; however, I've considered getting some velcro to cover some of the velcro over. Cdn Tire has some without adhesive ==just plain backing IIRC.
I wonder what Jim Domke would say on the Tiffen forum?
2mnycars
("My name is Dave; I'm a bagoholic")

[Cathpah]

("My name is Dave; I'm a bagoholic")

bw!

[hfgarris]

Thanks for the excellent review and pictures. I wasn't aware of this model Domke and it looks to be a very useful size for a minimal walk-around setup. Just what I need ... another bag ... :confused::oops:

-howard

[sabesh]

Sabesh, good review. Nice to see. I'm new with Domke bags. I've considered doing something with the Logo too. The velcro isn't as bad as a Crumpler $7MDH I have; however, I've considered getting some velcro to cover some of the velcro over. Cdn Tire has some without adhesive ==just plain backing IIRC.
I wonder what Jim Domke would say on the Tiffen forum?
2mnycars
("My name is Dave; I'm a bagoholic")
Thx Dave! I'm with you on the Velcro. Think Tank has the perfect solution with their Skin system: There are velcro patches just above the velcro. Hence, the velcro can be flipped above to eliminate noise:

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/product-images/xlarge/Feature-Skin-50-12.jpg

http://www.pinoyphotography.org/forum/tp-images/Image/skin_components/tt_skin-20080925-71130000.jpg

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/product-images/xlarge/Feature-Skin-75-Pop-Down-14.jpg

This came in incredibly useful during a recent Gig (church wedding). I hope Domke will implement something like that ;) In the meantime, do let us know how the Canadian Tire solution works out. I might try it myself. Cheers.

bw!
He's not alone, lol.

[Vascilli]

Where do you get your Domkes from, Sabesh? I can't find anywhere in Canada that sells them. (Btw I'm Mammoth on Niknon)

[sabesh]

Thanks for the excellent review and pictures. I wasn't aware of this model Domke and it looks to be a very useful size for a minimal walk-around setup. Just what I need ... another bag ... :confused::oops:

-howard
Hi Howard, I'm glad that you enjoyed the review. It's indeed a nice model, it's not like I really need it, lol. Having different models of Domkes does make things easy when I go out, as I have them all setup for specific scenarios. One can never have enough bags, ha ha .. Cheers.

Where do you get your Domkes from, Sabesh? I can't find anywhere in Canada that sells them. (Btw I'm Mammoth on Niknon)
Hi Vascilli, good to see you here. I order my Domkes from Adorama in NYC. In most cases, even with shipping, it's cheaper than Henry's. If ordered before 3PM, you will get it via UPS the next day: No duty, only 13% local taxes (just like when you purchase from Henry's). I usually order a bunch of items that I need, so that shipping won't make all that much of a difference anyways. Cheers.

[HelenOster]

...I order my Domkes from Adorama in NYC. In most cases, even with shipping, it's cheaper than Henry's. If ordered before 3PM, you will get it via UPS the next day.....

Delighted to hear that our shipping promise is holding up!

Don't forget that if you ever need after-sales advice or support, you can always contact me directly.

[sabesh]

Delighted to hear that our shipping promise is holding up!

Don't forget that if you ever need after-sales advice or support, you can always contact me directly.
It's great to see that Adorama monitors feedback in Photography forums! Thx Helen, and keep up the great work. Cheers.

[2mnycars]

Helen and sabesh I'm really impressed. I'm a virtual neighbour of sabesh's. I had a bad experience at a specialty shop in Mississauga sustaining my photography habit (bought 2 dslr's; got no after sales help. In fact it was abusive. No not a well known store). I need to rethink how I buy equipment and give Adorama a try.
Sabesh and Helen you're teaching an old dog new tricks!

DaveL

near Toronto

[henryp]

Where do you get your Domkes from, Sabesh? I can't find anywhere in Canada that sells them. (Btw I'm Mammoth on Niknon)

According to Tiffen, Domke's owner, there are a handful of places in Canada carrying their line (http://www.tiffen.com/intl_dlr_locator.html#canada)s.

[sabesh]

According to Tiffen, Domke's owner, there are a handful of places in Canada carrying their line (http://www.tiffen.com/intl_dlr_locator.html#canada)s.
Yep, been through that list already. Most of them don't have online ordering and even more don't have most of the Domke products in stock. Even Henry's has only a portion of the Domke inventory in stock compared to Adorama. Here's the irony: Adorama can deliver to Canada faster than Henry online shop, lol. Cheers.

[HelenOster]

......Here's the irony: Adorama can deliver to Canada faster than Henry online shop, lol. Cheers.

Music to my ears :D

[Vascilli]

The Camera Store wanted something like $200 for a F-2, I think I'll be dealing when Adorama when the time comes for me to order.

[2mnycars]

The reviews here are so very helpful. I found it difficult to buy a bag...the model number was hard to find. Henry's had about 10 bags on display.
I took my gear in and started loading bags, until I found one that worked. I'm picky; I have 2mnybags.
I've been a Lowepro buyer for many years; I've bought a couple of Tenbas recently. All have been lacking.
My new Domke is so easy to use; I wish I had bought one a long time ago.
Wish Tiffen displayed the model of bags better though; hard to find the right one on a rack.
Regards,

DaveL

[sabesh]

The Camera Store wanted something like $200 for a F-2, I think I'll be dealing when Adorama when the time comes for me to order.
Yep, CAD $230 @ Henry's too. It works out to apprx. CAD $160 including shipping from Adorama (you pay same amount of taxes on both). Cheers.

The reviews here are so very helpful <snip>
Wish Tiffen displayed the model of bags better though; hard to find the right one on a rack <snip>
Dave, I agree. I found the reviews here very useful, which is why I decided to give back and do some reviews myself.

Yep, Tiffen really should show multiple larger views of their products. If it wasn't for Google images, I would not have bought some of the Domkes that I now have, as I would not know what they looked like. Cheers.

[henryp]

The Camera Store wanted something like $200 for a F-2...

The F2 is my #1 bag and has been since I bought my first directly from Jim Domke before he sold the company to Tiffen. I am now on my 3rd. Great bag. When I started mine held two motorized 35mm Nikons, and (depending on length) from four to eight lenses. The end pockets held film and a Vivitar 283. Easy access, not too heavy, and strong as can be.

My only mistake was my current bag is black (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/15974-REG/) and it's very dark down there. :-)

[deirdrec]

Is the floor of the F10 stiff?

[sabesh]

Is the floor of the F10 stiff?
Slightly less stiff than the F-3X, but stiff enough to protect the gear.

[2mnycars]

henryp I bet it would be easy to put some light coloured material on the inside surfaces of the bag.

I have a Mountain Equipment CoOp messenger bag and they actually used reflective stripes inside so you could see what you're doing. Makes it so much easier. I had their 1st generation black througout bag; it was black as heck inside their. Hard to use. Bought the new bag only because of the change (anda small tear inside the 1st gen>)
DaveL

[Dj R]

Great review and pics.

How would this bag be for a 7D with 24-105 lens down. and 1 or 2 of my other lens and a flash? lens down, if it works, would there be any padding in there to protect everything? Or would I need to add some?

cheers

[sabesh]

Great review and pics.

How would this bag be for a 7D with 24-105 lens down. and 1 or 2 of my other lens and a flash? lens down, if it works, would there be any padding in there to protect everything? Or would I need to add some?

cheers
Yes, the 7D with the 24-105L down & hood reversed fits perfectly (just checked this out for you). I don't have lenses the size of yours (mine are thicker). It cannot accommodate a 135L and a 100L on either side of the middle compartment at the same time with hoods reversed (tight fit with hoods off). However, it should work with skinnier lenses like your 50/1.8 and 85/1.8. The flash can go in the zippered front pocket with ease (tried with 580EX-II). Cheers.

[Dj R]

Wow, thank you for checking that for me!!!!
I can't believe how much fits in this tiny bag!
Thx again.......... (slides beer down the bar)....

[sabesh]

Wow, thank you for checking that for me!!!!
I can't believe how much fits in this tiny bag!
Thx again.......... (slides beer down the bar)....
No problem! I forgot to mention .. the padding on the bottom is not thick, so you can't set it down harshly. Not a problem for me, as I never plop my camera bags down with force :) Yes, it's the lil' bag than can!

[Dj R]

domke is killing me. sooo many options.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=587520&highlight=domke+f-3x

this f-3x linked above can fit more than the f-10. but here's the kicker:

f-3x 12.5 x 7.25 x 9.6"
f-10 11.5 x 6.00 x 9.0"

it's not that much bigger. outside pockets = the goodness.
decisions decisions decisions...........

[Jon]

Get the F3x. They're incredibly flexible. It's my favourite bag to use with one camera and a couple of lenses. When I'm traveling it gets my netbook and other stuff I'll want access to on the plane while the F1x or F7 full of photo gear go up in the overhead compartment.

[mufutau55]

Jon. I just got my Domke F-3X Ruggedwear from Adorama last week and this bag is so nice and comfortable.. I may need to sell my F2 canvas type for another F2 Ruggedwear now.. I love this bag.. and upon all that I got it with a $20 discount which only comes ($129.99-$20)= $109.99 plus NYC Tax, what a nice bargain. I couldn't be happier. thanks for your Domke recommendations.

Mufutau

Get the F3x. They're incredibly flexible. It's my favourite bag to use with one camera and a couple of lenses. When I'm traveling it gets my netbook and other stuff I'll want access to on the plane while the F1x or F7 full of photo gear go up in the overhead compartment.

[Dj R]

I got the fx3 and love it. But I still need a bag for 7d with 24-105 and a flash. Want to sell my 3mdh and get a 4mdh or a domke and I keep coming back to this bag. But I think it's too big. The other one with the long zipper- don't like that it can scratch the camera or len; not easy to use IMO. Any other ideas?

[2mnycars]

Follow up to older post.
1. bought F3/x from Henry's. Ruggedwear. Started loading stuff in bags spread out on the counter. Salesman brought another brand/bag (Boda) over and said, "Here, picky people buy this." He eventually discounted the Domke for me. Probably wanted to get me out of the shop. From $219 Cdn (+ provincial sales tax@13%) down to $175 and tax.

Didn't like the attitude, but it's the only game in town.

When I wanted a Domke Postal Pad, I was shocked to see the local price at $42 Cdn. Plus tax of course. I'm a very slow learner. However, Helen O helped me out be explaining different shipping methods. Great! I bought 2 for $13 eachIIRC, and shipping.

So I'm a very happy Adorama customer.

2. I had a 7MDH I wasn't using, and traded to a local pro for his Domke F2 that he wasn't using. The 2nd postal pad went on that. So DjR I would suggest you look to Jon for advice here. I can get my other brand with grip and a couple of lenses in the F3x. If I need to carry much more, the F2 is larger. By the date, I bet you've bought already...but just in case!

Point is--prices from Cdn stores that I experienced were punitively high. They often had no stock or seemed to rotate stock between stores.

Finally I find the store's display of Domkes to be hard to figure out. The model number is hard to find. So if you don't know the line, then it takes quite a while to figure which one is right.

Best,

[HelenOster]

.....Helen O helped me out be explaining different shipping methods. Great! So I'm a very happy Adorama customer.

Delighted to hear it!:D

[henryp]

When I wanted a Domke Postal Pad, I was shocked to see the local price at $42 Cdn. Plus tax of course. I'm a very slow learner.

Ouch! The Domke Postal Pad (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16198-REG/)retails here for $13.22 and our new Purolator shipping to Canada runs $8.22 + $2.27 HST, etc.

Until recently cross-border shipping was either reliable or cheap. Now, with Purolator we believe we have an option for Canadians which is both reliable and reasonably priced.

[2mnycars]

Henry and Helen (!) the question I have is warranty on camera gear.

Nikon isn't helpful; if you don't buy it in Canada, there's no warranty. (Sorry folks about using that name!)
What about Canon? Panasonic? My backup camera is a G11. I use it a lot; when it's time to replace it I hope to get better pricing, but warranty is a factor.

I'm not worried about bags...I'm looking for best price.

Henry if you ship via Purolator will they drop packages at the door? Do they need a signature?

Best,

[Jon]

Henry and Helen (!) the question I have is warranty on camera gear.

Nikon isn't helpful; if you don't buy it in Canada, there's no warranty. (Sorry folks about using that name!)
What about Canon? Panasonic? My backup camera is a G11. I use it a lot; when it's time to replace it I hope to get better pricing, but warranty is a factor.

I'm not worried about bags...I'm looking for best price.

Henry if you ship via Purolator will they drop packages at the door? Do they need a signature?

Best,

Please take these discussions to email. POTN isn't a support forum for either vendors or stores.