Domke F-5XB question...

[JohnLund]

Hey gang,

Anyone used a Domke F-5XB? See it here: 70052B Domke F-5XB Shoulder/Belt Camera Bag, Canvas, Black.

If so, will it hold a 5D, 24-105, 16-35 and 70-300 f4-5.6 which is my lightest travel kit? If not what is the next biggest size in a soft bag that can be used as a shoulder and belt configuration?

When flying I like to use a backpack for laptop, cameras, flash and accessories but once arrived I like to use a non-descript canvas bag that can be squashed into my checked luggage. I have lots of regular camera bags but they can't be squashed cuz they are too rigid including my favorite Lowepro Slingshot 200 AW but it won't carry a laptop.

Thanks,
John

[David_Buzzard]

I tried one to go with a Nikon D2x, D1x, 17-35, 28-70, 70-200, two flashes, and various other assorted stuff, and it wasn't nearly big enough. I ended up with a Billingham bag that takes it easily, but costs about triple.

Domke's were great in their day, but haven't kept up with the size of modern digital cameras and pro lenses. They only make one bag that's deep enough for the 70-200 not to be sticking up out of, but it only holds one body. I had the F1X bag for a long time, but that big lens always felt like it was about to topple out it.

David Buzzard

[JohnLund]

Thanks David.

So do you think the smallish 5D, and 3 small lenses would fit in this particular bag? I like it because it has both the shoulder strap and belt strap and the fact that it will flatten out in my checked luggage and doesn't have that steal me look.

Whistler huh!? I lived there in the startup years. Good times.

Cheers,
John

[David_Buzzard]

Check on is a tricky question these days. At the moment, any kind of electronics are a no go for check on, so you might want to check with your airline on whether you take gear on the plane at all.

What I used to do when I flew with equipment regularly was to put everything into a Lowepro backpack, and that included my 300 2.8, Powerbook computer, diskman (this in the pre-iPod era), books, and whatever else I needed. My Domke bag when into my suitecase, packed tight with socks and underwear. That way, it hardly takes any space up.

If you're only carrying one body and a few lenses, try the Domke F4AF (the F4 stands for Nikon F4, which give you an idea of how out of date the Domke bags are), it's a great walking around bag. I don't think the Domke's make good waist packs. When you look at the conections, it's just a couple of D-rings, hardly a lot of support on that. If you want a good waist pack, get the Lowepro model.

I'm a 32 year Whistler resident, there aren't many of us who've been around for that long.

David Buzzard

[JimHayes]

Acouple of years ago, there was a concern brought up on a forum (maybe this one?) where I think two people complained that the Canvas versions of Domke after a long time of use would start to give off sort of a cotton lint. They thought this a problem because they supposed this to be another source of dust on the sensor.

I don't know if it's true, and only two people I believe posted about it. Maybe still buy it, but watch for this happening as bag gets older? Or get the ballistic nylon version?

[David_Buzzard]

I used Domke Bags for 20 years, and I've never seen them get "linty".

David Buzzard

[carzee]

I have one. The shoulder belt I use on another bag -its good. I heard they were good and thought it a good deal as I needed a sh belt and I wanted my weighty white lens off my shoulder and on my waist belt with a couple of newswear pouches. Its long enough for a 300 f4 or 70-200 f2.8 horizontally...plus bits. It comes with velcro dividers and will fit 3 std lenses like a 135, 100macro, 24-70. No way will it also fit a body, small or not. It has a strong build, strong zip and good looks.

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