Domke F-8: NOT for DSLR users!

I just received my Domke F-8 that I ordered from Amazon late last week and I am a bit disappointed. I thought it was going to be my "travel light" bag for times when I wanted to take my camera, one lens attached, a flash, and some small accessories. No way!

The Domke site states:

F-803?

F5-Xb orF6?

Or a smaller Billingham, like the206

In2Photos wrote in post #4093216
I just received my Domke F-8 that I ordered from Amazon late last week and I am a bit disappointed. I thought it was going to be my "travel light" bag for times when I wanted to take my camera, one lens attached, a flash, and some small accessories. No way!

The Domke site states:



What a joke! The bag would barely hold my camera, sans grip, and a lens, much less a flash. This is where bag manufacturers can get you. There is a slight chance you could fit this much gear in the bag. Camera with no grip, no lens attached, pancake lenses, and an older, small flash. Then you could put "film" (why do they use this term still? The bag is supposedly for "...[SIZE=2] today's popular digital SLR cameras" ) in the side pockets, and batteries or filters in the front.

[SIZE=2]Now, true to my Domke F-2, the bag is well built, and quite beautiful. The construction is top notch, just like you would expect. The inside compartment is different though. It is more like a Crumpler, with soft, fleece like material, rather than the insert type material (some type of nylon maybe?).

So is it a bag you should steer clear from? If you want to use it with a DSLR then IMO, yes. For a larger P&S camera though with a few accessories it would be perfect.

My search for my "travel light" bag continues. The F-3x seems to be too big, and I don't like the F-5x style of a zippered top. Domke doesn't appear to have anything to suit my needs for this type of bag, which is a big bummer. I was really hoping the F-8 would be the bag for me. If it were an inch bigger, in both L and W it could possibly be that bag.

This is quite interesting. I have the F-3X and love it. When I saw your post last week, I went to the domke site and it "seemed" the F-8 was just a bit smaller than the F-3X, which I have yet to "max" out. I was thinking I should have considered it instead of the F-3X. Would love if you could post some actual pics with gear.

Sure glad I read this.

Bosman wrote in post #4093830
This is quite interesting. I have the F-3X and love it. When I saw your post last week, I went to the domke site and it "seemed" the F-8 was just a bit smaller than the F-3X, which I have yet to "max" out. I was thinking I should have considered it instead of the F-3X. Would love if you could post some actual pics with gear.

Sure glad I read this.

I should have taken some pics but in my angst to send it back today I didn't get around to it. The F-3x would work, but it is still too big. I think I could fit all my current gear in it (which currently resides in an F-2, but has room for more) and I don't want that.

Maybe they meant 1-2 P&S cameras, OR 1-2 lenses, OR a flash unit, OR film and accessories.

Lightstream wrote in post #4093236
F-803?

Still don't think the XT w/grip would fit with a lens attached, but thanks.

René Damkot wrote in post #4093380
F5-Xb orF6?

Or a smaller Billingham, like the206

The F-5X is still a possibility but I really like how the other Domke bags open up without the zippered top. The F-6 is a little too big still and that Billingham is a definite NO! I mean, I could buy a 50 1.4 or 85 1.8 for the same price.

cdifoto wrote in post #4093900
Maybe they meant 1-2 P&S cameras, OR 1-2 lenses, OR a flash unit, OR film and accessories.

You are probably right Don.

I notice that with a lot of bags. Most are truly valid in their claims....especially when they say for two professional cameras!....IF.... I decided to carry around my 1970s Pentax KX. Yeah, two of those with lenses and those pentax flashes will definitely fit. I can most certainly fit in another couple lenses and film to boot! And its still pretty light!

In reality...that doesn't apply today with the new digitals. Some will...if the lenses aren't attached. I've returned probably 4 or 5 bags in the past year due to this not working functionally in any configuration. Functionally is also a key word there.

Crumpler 7 is nice. ThinkTank Urban Disguise 50 or 60 are also nice. I have the 60 now and the crumpler 7 and both I find hold two cameras pointing down side by side perfectly along with a flash and a lens plus all my stuff. Very easy to work from. Not light...but not back breaking if the strap is pulled short. Those are bigger bags though. Depends what you are looking for in "traveling light."

I usually carry two cameras cause I shoot a lot of Infrared. But when I really want to be light, my setup is as follows and it works well...

Lowepro Nova 2
430ex flash and diffuser, 5D w/35L, Cokin P & filters all in the main pocket.
Strap, batteries, brush, etc... in the front pocket.

I don't use a grip anymore, but an XT with a grip is probably still small enough to fit in a bag like that. Basing that on turning my infrared XT sideways and still having lots of room.

Blue S2 wrote in post #4093907
I notice that with a lot of bags. Most are truly valid in their claims....especially when they say for two professional cameras!....IF.... I decided to carry around my 1970s Pentax KX. Yeah, two of those with lenses and those pentax flashes will definitely fit. I can most certainly fit in another couple lenses and film to boot! And its still pretty light!

In reality...that doesn't apply today with the new digitals. Some will...if the lenses aren't attached. I've returned probably 4 or 5 bags in the past year due to this not working functionally in any configuration. Functionally is also a key word there.

Crumpler 7 is nice. ThinkTank Urban Disguise 50 or 60 are also nice. I have the 60 now and the crumpler 7 and both I find hold two cameras pointing down side by side perfectly along with a flash and a lens plus all my stuff. Very easy to work from. Not light...but not back breaking if the strap is pulled short. Those are bigger bags though. Depends what you are looking for in "traveling light."

I usually carry two cameras cause I shoot a lot of Infrared. But when I really want to be light, my setup is as follows and it works well...

Lowepro Nova 2
430ex flash and diffuser, 5D w/35L, Cokin P & filters all in the main pocket.
Strap, batteries, brush, etc... in the front pocket.

I don't use a grip anymore, but an XT with a grip is probably still small enough to fit in a bag like that. Basing that on turning my infrared XT sideways and still having lots of room.

The Nova 2 or 3 would likely work well but I hate the style of the bag. Everytime I look at one I think, "that is the exact size I need, but man that is so 'camera bag'." The Domke has me spoiled. Maybe I just need to try the F-5x. I wish I could do it locally but the only store that carried Domke closed earlier this year.

Domke f-4af may be what you want? or try one of the satchels from Domke...f-802, f-803 or the f-804 super satchel?

BBrat wrote in post #4093944
Domke f-4af may be what you want? or try one of the satchels from Domke...f-802, f-803 or the f-804 super satchel?

The f-4 is bigger than the F-3x!

In2Photos wrote in post #4093883
I should have taken some pics but in my angst to send it back today I didn't get around to it. The F-3x would work, but it is still too big. I think I could fit all my current gear in it (which currently resides in an F-2, but has room for more) and I don't want that.

I had the f-6 and now have the f-3x, it really isn't that big and it "compacts" nicely, unlike the F-6 because of the fourway insert. I think you would like the f-3x, have you ever seen one? It really hugs your side very well making it seem smaller.

Bosman wrote in post #4094498
I had the f-6 and now have the f-3x, it really isn't that big and it "compacts" nicely, unlike the F-6 because of the fourway insert. I think you would like the f-3x, have you ever seen one? It really hugs your side very well making it seem smaller.

yep, f-3x is a joy to use. My fiance just adores hers.

Cathpah wrote in post #4094527
yep, f-3x is a joy to use. My fiance just adores hers.

In that case, my male ego refuses to allow me to buy one.