Domke f2 or Thinktank Retrospective 30?

yeah Think Tank has metal ones. hmm i either have to decide if it will be better to change the plastic rings on the Domke or sew on metal clips onto the Think Tank.
Thanks for your help again Jon

It's certainly easier to slide mini-carabiners onto the Domke than to sew something on to a bag. Does the R30 have a pocket in the top that sewing the clips on might compromise? Domkes have a lid pocket that's handy for all sorts of small stuff that you might want around but don't constantly need.

My Domke F2 and all the stuff that fit into it for a trip to Africa last year. You can't beat this bag in my opinion.

The only thing on the R30 is velcro no pockets on that flap like the domke. So you keep the plastic ones on an put metal carabiners on it aswell? or do you take the plastic ones off?

bpalermini wrote in post #15567324
My Domke F2 and all the stuff that fit into it for a trip to Africa last year. You can't beat this bag in my opinion.

Holy crap...that fits alot of stuff!
How'd it go for the travelling?

I leave the plastic ones on unless they break. I festoon my bags with mini-carabiners anyhow; they're just convenient for temporarily attaching a GPS, small accessory pouch, or accessory straps on the bag whenever you want. I will say that I routinely subject my bags to extreme loading.

Jon wrote in post #15567293
...The original F2 had metal rings there...

how old or of what vintage are 'the original F2s'?

mine is from 1984-1985 and its got plastic that are going strong...

Oh btw Jon, is the adjusters on the strap of the Domke f2 plastic or metal? or is it only where the strap meets the body.

Ltdave wrote in post #15567361
how old or of what vintage are 'the original F2s'?

mine is from 1984-1985 and its got plastic that are going strong...

'81 or '82. I do mean "original". My first plastic break was on an F2 I was carrying to Halifax, with a flight change in Boston. Picked the bag up and the piece broke. I picked up a 2" split-ring key ring in Halifax to handle the repair (mini 'biners weren't as easy to find as they are now). Of course, I was carrying 2x gripped F-1s and a T90, along with a variety of lenses up to the 100-300, a flash and 10-12 rolls of film. So it was pretty full.

ISTR Jim Domke saying at one point that they changed to plastic because the straps tended to bunch up on the metal and this was less of an issue with the plastic ones, but ICBW. What I have seen is some wear of the strap where it rubs against the metal for a prolonged period of time. These aren't flat metal pieces as the plastic ones are; they're about 0.1" metal rod formed into a rectangle and with a chrome finish.

nathan549 wrote in post #15567741
Oh btw Jon, is the adjusters on the strap of the Domke f2 plastic or metal? or is it only where the strap meets the body.

The adjuster for the shoulder strap is plastic (it's basically the same piece that they use for attaching the strap to the bag). The adjusters for the snap straps are metal. But then I don't think the adjustment sliders are subject to much load. The various O rings and D rings for clipping on accessory straps (handle, backpack strap, and the flap closures) are all also metal.

I've not had any issues wit the plastic, and it has alot of miles on it. I did spend a few dollars at the hardware store an put some metal screw-links there, along with the plastic, just because I'm a worry wart.

Jim

jbrand wrote in post #15569278
I've not had any issues wit the plastic, and it has alot of miles on it. I did spend a few dollars at the hardware store an put some metal screw-links there, along with the plastic, just because I'm a worry wart.

Jim

I was thinking of just getting metal rings and welding/solder it so its a solid metal ring instead of the plastic ones. im really liking the domke f2 still so confused what to do haha have to make up my mind. i haven't spoken to anyone who has had both, would help a lot if someone has experienced both and have their say

so the only plastic parts on the bag are on the main strap?

Is there any other issues with the domke apart from the plastic part breaking occasionally? Im just about to buy the domke and just making sure there isn't any other issues that could arise with it

I have and love the Think Tank Retro 30. Quite a different look, but I like the minimalistic looking (not in size but in straps/decoration etc) front flap that closes all the way to the bottom and is VERY secure with the huge velcro areas. I prefer that big flap over the Domke straps.

Size-wise it's a wash. The Retro 30 allows a tiny bit more gear but needs better lego-stacking to make optimal use of it. All in all the Retro 30 feels more modern with perks like the velcro silencing, zippered back pockets that fit a tablet, side straps that you could hang extra stuff from, rain cover etc.

To me personally, the combo of Think Tank Retro 30 for lots of gear and a Domke F-5Xz for 1 body / 2 lens is excellent and the best I've used.

i've decided i am going to get the domke mainly because of the front clips instead of velcro thats a big plus in my book, just feels more secure and i know my gear will be safe.

Jon, what do you think of the domke j2 compared to the f2?
Oh and canvas vs ballistic nylon?

I don't have any of the ballistic Domkes. My general experience with coated nylon bags (whatever the source) is that they're more vulnerable to wear, since the coating will tend to abrade away over time, leaving you with "leak zones". The canvas threads swell up when wet and provide a level of water-resistance as long as the fabric's not actually threadbare and nearly worn through.