View Full Version : domke 803 - i don't think i like it
back alley
03-16-2007, 18:57
just arrived today...
seems an odd size and doesn't hold much more than the 5xb bag.
the 802, the bigger bag, dwarfs the 803 and has much softer/flexible canvas, though i think the 802 is too big for a carry all day camera bag.
the mclassic, which is slightly bigger than the 803, seems to hold way more gear and with much easier access to it.
the 803 came with a very narrow insert that seems fine for a long slender lens but the zi with 50/1.5 and hood barely fits. i have a bigger insert that i bought for the bigger 802 and it's too big for the 803!
i had such high hopes for this bag.
joe
Just learn to use it, Joe. That insert can be placed slightly off-center, creating a larger compartment to the side. The remaining 2 spaces will hold lenses and/or cameras with small lenses attached.
visiondr
03-16-2007, 19:14
Joe
Maybe I should have asked for more money for the 5XB I sold you!... Hmmmm:D
back alley
03-16-2007, 19:20
ron, i have another 5xb on the way - a trade with chris - and yes, so far they are my favourite bag.
frank, i was looking for a mid size bag to load all my gear (2 bodies, 4 lenses) into for the montreal trip.
the mclassic will hold it all but the new domke is of no use to me that i can see. i also thought it would be a more comfortable bag (than the 5xb) to use everyday with 2 cameras and lenses attached. it may work for that.
it just feels awkward.
Joe, I can easily carry 2 bodies and 4 lenses in mine. I even fit a third body (smaller like my IIf) in there as well. The front pockets are for film cans and meter, etc.
Guess it's all a question of expectations. Yes, the canvas was stiff at first, but I find the 803 very comfortable to carry around all day, even with two RFs, each with a lens, and an extra lens and flash in the middle (or to the side, as mentioned above). The metal clip took some getting used to, but sometimes I don't even latch it if I'm walking around. I especially like the shoulder strap, which is comfortably wide can be extended to hang down at hip level and has some rubbery filaments on the inside so it's non-slip. I carry up to 10 film canisters in the outside flaps. Anything larger would be more obtrusive for my purposes. I have such bags, but they're not for everyday, walk-around use.
back alley
03-16-2007, 19:39
Joe, I can easily carry 2 bodies and 4 lenses in mine. I even fit a third body (smaller like my IIf) in there as well. The front pockets are for film cans and meter, etc.
and you just use that narrow insert in the middle of the bag?
maybe i'll wash it to loosen it a bit or just throw it in the dryer with a wet cloth.
joe
back alley
03-16-2007, 19:41
mr. ho, you are right about the expectations.
i am very bad for that. i am not a very practical person and usually make quick decisions based on a feeling more than anything.
not to say i don't consider things sometimes but it's not uncommon for me to act quickly.
joe
I just checked, I could carry 3 RF bodies with smaller lenses attached, and an extra lens in each of the 3 compartments. The unattached lenses are in hard leather cases or soft leather pouches. The longer 90 Elmar goes in one of the front pockets.
back alley
03-16-2007, 19:55
did you try the f-802?
i have one if that's what you mean.
it's sold as a satchel by dome, not advertised as a camera bag. it's great for a laptop, lots of stuff and a camera, all as a daybag or funky briefcase.
that's how i use it anyway.
back alley
03-16-2007, 19:57
I just checked, I could carry 3 RF bodies with smaller lenses attached, and an extra lens in each of the 3 compartments. The unattached lenses are in hard leather cases or soft leather pouches. The longer 90 Elmar goes in one of the front pockets.
i have it tossing about in the dryer right now.
when i take it out, i'll also take a deep breath, try to clear my mind of prior judgements/bad feelings and see how i can load it.
joe
I can't believe that anyone so obviously damned hard to please ... is a moderator! :eek: :D
No wonder we all keep getting into so much trouble. :p
back alley
03-16-2007, 20:39
ok, i have it loaded with both bodies/lenses attached and the other 2 lenses crammed in there, on top of each other.
there is room for film also but that is about it.
so, it's more compact than the m classic bag and holds essentially the same stuff (tho the mclassic can hold more) but for travel it would be be better in that it is smaller/more compact. for an outing with 2 cameras and lenses attached it seems more roomy than the 5xb bags, but just.
i may have been a bit hasty in my initial impression...
joe
back alley
03-16-2007, 20:40
I can't believe that anyone so obviously damned hard to please ... is a moderator! :eek: :D
No wonder we all keep getting into so much trouble. :p
bit of a conundrum, eh?
joe
I hope Dave is reading yet another "bag thread"...
Peyton Hoge
03-16-2007, 21:24
You gotta use 'em to break 'em in.
back alley
03-16-2007, 21:37
You gotta use 'em to break 'em in.
that's why i like buying used bags...
Like houses--square/ rectangular in camera bags is a more efficient use of space. Therefore, my 803 is not used often. Instead, I use a Tenba P211 satchel now that seems the same size outside, but a lot bigger inside.
I sold mine after one week I purchased it. Too heavy and don't like the strap.
wlewisiii
03-16-2007, 22:50
joe,
I have a Mekko clone & like it when I'm going out on the road. Especially if that's in my "big truck". I can fit my Bessa, all my Canon RF lenses, a pile of film, my Vivitar 285 flash & my Zeiss Ikoflex TLR (and a few rolls of 120) into it with a bit of thought. But if I want to just have a lens or two, a couple of rolls of film & my Bessa, then I have a much smaller bag. It's good to have more than one bag & even better to learn when each one is best to use :)
William
OK, I read the whole thread so let's make believe I was awake last night. (Been very fatigued this last week or so, I have to get back into the swing of things.)
Just learn to use it, Joe. That insert can be placed slightly off-center, creating a larger compartment to the side. The remaining 2 spaces will hold lenses and/or cameras with small lenses attached.
My initial thought too, a little odd, but a nice bag, I carry it a lot during the week with a paper or two in the outside pocket for work when I need to.
frank, i was looking for a mid size bag to load all my gear (2 bodies, 4 lenses) into for the montreal trip.
I hate to overstuff bags, this is why I am considering an F2, but your comments aobut the 802 are interesting. I would rather have a big bag relatively empty than a small bag packed to the brim. I think I am going to travel light to Montreal though so I am not sure I will need the F2.
maybe i'll wash it to loosen it a bit or just throw it in the dryer with a wet cloth.
I haven't washed my Domke's yet, even the 5xb with the built in insert? My 5 is olive, I would love for it to start fading a little.
I use a Tenba satchel now that seems the same size outside, but a lot bigger inside.
Now I have to go look at these.
RObert Budding
03-17-2007, 03:35
I've owned both the Domke 802 and 803. I now use Timbuk2 messenger bags - they open wider and are made of coated nylon.
This looks interesting. (http://www.the-meissners.org/albums/camera-hacks/index-seq.html) A bit small for a laptop, but that's not one of Joe's requirements.
tedwhite
03-17-2007, 07:44
I have the Domke Brick 10 which I like. It has the best bag strap I've yet seen. It is shaped more like a courier bag. The top (or side) opens completely to reveal a bright yellow interior. Much easier to locate stuff. In it right now is a DSLR with three lenses, a Rolleiflex 2.8E, and a Bessa R with two lenses. Plus bits and pieces and "lid" holds plenty of film and filters. Big plus is that it is tough and well padded.
Of course, with all that stuff it's a bit heavy. Mostly it remains in my Passat. I decant what I intend to use into a much smaller Tamrac bag.
amateriat
03-17-2007, 09:34
that's why i like buying used bags... Hey, maybe I can swap you my four-year-old 803 for yours...broken-in the old-fashioned way (i.e. the long way 'round), with that grizzled/grumpy-old-shooter look. ;)
Seriously, I suggest you stick with it. Give it a second tumble in the dryer if need be. It's become my all-time fave bag, and now looks the part.
- Barrett
Rodinal Addict
03-17-2007, 09:52
I love my 803, it's my everyday carry bag. Right now I have my D70 and a Bessa L in it, along with all the stuff I'd normally carry in my pockets. (NO, its NOT a "man purse").
I've installed an extra strap on the left side, to hook onto a belt loop on the left side of my pants, to secure the bag from swinging and bouncing around when I'm walking or climbing around on things. I also just found Domkes foam rubber shoulder pad, (looks like a mail carriers pad), that really makes it comfortable, and doesn't cut into your shoulder after a few hours.
Robin
Robin: Don't be closed minded; it's a man purse. :D
nah, these are purses. scary, scary purses.
http://www.purseblog.com/
I recommended the 803 but to be honest I prefer the Safrotto clone. A smidgin bigger and no stiff plastic bar under the handle.
back alley
03-17-2007, 15:12
a little bigger might help...
i used the 803 for today's outing, carrying both zi's with the 50 and the 35 attached. it went well.
for 2 cameras the 803 is nicer than the 5xb.
for one camera and maybe 2 lenses the 5xb is hard to beat.
so i'm set up for one camera and 2 lenses (5xb), 2 cameras with 2 lenses attached and a 3rd if i wanted (803) and all of them for travelling (mclassic).
i am content...:)
ChrisPlatt
03-17-2007, 15:14
I too didn't like the Domke Satchels as much as I thought I would.
Apparently Joe and I are not the only ones fussy about bag choice;
at B&H the camera bag section is always one of the most crowded.
Those of us lucky enough to live in or near NYC can "test drive"
hundreds of bags there.
But even with that huge selection I still have a tough time finding
something that I feel really works for me.
I think my ideal 35mm bag would be exactly like the Domke F5XB,
but about 4 inches longer, and maybe an inch wider and deeper.
Are you listening Jim Domke? ;)
Chris
amateriat
03-17-2007, 16:06
nah, these are purses. scary, scary purses.
http://www.purseblog.com/
Don't all our pursuits here seem so damned...ordinary, after perusing a site like that? ;)
- Barrett
BronicaLee
03-17-2007, 20:45
I am Man, here me roar...
galavanter
03-17-2007, 20:46
I just ordered one last night from here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSAA:US:11&Item=220090923788
I think I came across your recommendation in another forum...
I recommended the 803 but to be honest I prefer the Safrotto clone. A smidgin bigger and no stiff plastic bar under the handle.
back alley
03-17-2007, 20:58
i looked at the clone bags but the shipping was nuts.
the bag that galavanter just ordered has a shipping cost of 26 bucks to canada.
my domke shipped for 9.50.
If you are buying a new bag (which I think you weren't Joe) the clone from China is less expensive than a Domke from a discount store plus shipping. I went through three of these bags; a clone, then a Domke and finally another clone because I thought the clone was a better bag as well as being less expensive than the Domke.
galavanter the bag is not waterproofed to my knowledge. I use Nikwax TX.Direct spray-on to waterproof my bags and it does an excellent job. Available from most outdoor suppliers.
galavanter, I just ordered one too. been meaning to try one of these for ages and at that price it's even better. I have the 5xb in blue which I bought from another member here that looks nicely worn (the bag, not the member!). Wanted something slightly bigger with a 'flatter ' profile and the Safrotto looks to fit the bill.. Have a Billingham Hadley too, to hold my DSLR and extras.
galavanter
03-18-2007, 15:15
Yeah Joe do the math!
Nikwax? Never heard of it. I'll get some. Thanks.
Kuvvy this is my first dedicated camera bag. I like well made bags (Brenthaven ballistic nylon for my laptop) but I decided light and soft and cheap for the RF bag. The grunge look I guess. I wanted a Domke forever (he was a photographer in Philly where I use to live and went to school) and felt a little guilty getting the knockoff but when I saw the Tamron/Domke well...
If you are buying a new bag (which I think you weren't Joe) the clone from China is less expensive than a Domke from a discount store plus shipping. I went through three of these bags; a clone, then a Domke and finally another clone because I thought the clone was a better bag as well as being less expensive than the Domke.
galavanter the bag is not waterproofed to my knowledge. I use Nikwax TX.Direct spray-on to waterproof my bags and it does an excellent job. Available from most outdoor suppliers.
TeePee Smith
03-18-2007, 15:33
If you are buying a new bag (which I think you weren't Joe) the clone from China is less expensive than a Domke from a discount store plus shipping.
If American, why not "buy American"? The slight additional cost of a real Domke is a small price to pay in support of our weakening economy, don't you think? Besides, Domke has long ago made their "investment" in support of photography and continues to support us photographers.
I use (in order of increasing size) a Domke F-6, a Domke F-2, and a new Domke F-1X. I also still have my Domke F-803, but I bought the clone, as I said above, because I thought it was a better bag.
I'm English BTW... :)
TeePee Smith don't pick on peter_n for not recommending buying American. He has a number of Domke which I assume he bought in the US but if the clone suits his needs better than why shouldn't he go for it.
peter_n is a Brit, like me, but I'm still in the UK where we pay around twice the prices you do, hence me having ordered the clone bag. I'm coming over to NYC and Boston in a few weeks and if I get chance I'll be keeping out an eye for a bargain.
TeePee Smith
03-19-2007, 08:17
TeePee Smith don't pick on peter_n for not recommending buying American. He has a number of Domke which I assume he bought in the US but if the clone suits his needs better than why shouldn't he go for it.
peter_n is a Brit, like me, but I'm still in the UK where we pay around twice the prices you do, hence me having ordered the clone bag. I'm coming over to NYC and Boston in a few weeks and if I get chance I'll be keeping out an eye for a bargain.
Feel free to call me "Tom". OK, sorry... my bad. I guess the "Boston, USA" in his location is what made me assume peter_n is American.
Come to America, my friend, and buy the real deal. Bring cash, though, the streets are no longer paved with gold. ;) Enjoy your visit!
Harry Lime
03-19-2007, 08:47
You may need to pull some or all of the foam 'armor' plates out of the divider. You certainly don't need the two on the ends. This will give you more space. I use mine with no plates except on the floor of the bag and never had a problem.
Turn the cameras on their side, so the lens faces inward. You should be able to comfortably fit two M bodies mounting 35/50 and a spare lens or two in that bag.
back alley
03-19-2007, 18:49
as a side note, my latest used domke 5xb bag arrived today.
it is a thing of beauty and function to me!
it will be home to the nikon s3 kit.
i noticed (takes a while) that the 803/802 straps do not swivel like those on the 5xb. i uunderstand that having the strap go under the bag helps with strength/security but i love the swivel and it makes the larger bags seem much more rigid to use.
joe
tedwhite
03-19-2007, 19:50
Hey, Joe:
I just took a look at the 5xb ($59 at BH) and it looks quite cool in khaki. Probably hold a Bessa R and a couple of lenses easily?
Ted
amateriat
03-19-2007, 20:42
as a side note, my latest used domke 5xb bag arrived today.
it is a thing of beauty and function to me!
New bags carry cameras. Old bags carry stories. :)
- Barrett
back alley
03-19-2007, 21:03
ted, it will do the job for you yes.
great quote barrett!!
joe
I have the 5xb as well. It's a nice bag for small camera and lens, too bad it has to be labeled as a man purse.
back alley
03-20-2007, 07:34
i'm man enough to wear it!
;)
I have the 5xb as well. It's a nice bag for small camera and lens, too bad it has to be labeled as a man purse.
You shouldn’t have gone for the pink one!
:angel:
tedwhite
03-20-2007, 07:51
A friend of mine carries a wine-maroon leather man purse. In it is a 9mm Glock. There's a concealed slit on one end so he can access the Glock without having to fiddle around opening the purse.
He's a detective.
Well I think that probably looks very manly indeed
:D
RObert Budding
03-20-2007, 07:57
Just make sure that your bag matches your shoes.
And don't wear white after Labour Day. (beginning of Sept.)
tedwhite
03-20-2007, 08:23
I'll tell my detective friend about the matching shoes. He's very much into style - admittedly a rather loosely used term here in the great Southwest.
The model's bag pose is absurd here:
http://image.www.rakuten.co.jp/mitsuba/img10211037927.jpeg
I'll tell my detective friend about the matching shoes. He's very much into style - admittedly a rather loosely used term here in the great Southwest.
Tell him to go for nickel plate; chrome is so last year... for a Glock that is
tedwhite
03-20-2007, 10:03
ywenz:
Clearly, this bag looks lots better after it's been washed.
But I love the hairdo.
Ted
The smaller version: Petrol PMDCB ~ $50
Interior Dimensions 7.87 x 4.33 x 7.09" (20 x 11 x 18 cm) (LxWxH)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/392586.jpg
The larger version of this bag is named Petrol PDCB-N ~ $50
Interior Dimensions 10.4 x 5.5 x 9" (26.5 x 14 x 23 cm) (LxWxH)
It has it all - bit of padding, bottom compartment for lenses (a major perk for me), fairly quick access to gear, small size. I just ordered one from B&H to test this theory.
Hey, Joe:
I just took a look at the 5xb ($59 at BH) and it looks quite cool in khaki. Probably hold a Bessa R and a couple of lenses easily?
Ted
I have sand, and I like it. I think I'd like khaki as well, but it didn't look as good on the monitor when I was shopping.
I got mine through Helix in Chicago ... better price, esp. as I'm in NY and would have had to pay state sales tax through B&H. Even without that, I think Helix was a better deal. I also bought the F6 at the same time, and Helix' price was better than anyone else ... way better than several vendors.
ChrisPlatt
03-20-2007, 14:35
The khaki green F5XB is gorgeous.
Chris
does anyone have the nikon x porter bag? looks very nice.
back alley
03-31-2007, 13:46
i like this domke 803 in theory.
it is a great size, fits well while walking around and carrying it, has a great handle.
but i'm not getting used to it for actual use. hard to get stuff in and out of.
easily carries one body, 3 lenses and film + more but the insert seems too big for the bag.
i have traded one of my one compartment inserts for a 2 compartment insert but i doubt that's gonna help.
i'm off from work this week and hope/plan to be out alot and shooting.
i'll give it the week...
joe
I figured out what the problem is Joe: your Zeiss lenses are too big. I can easily fit 3 camera bodies each with a compact lens attached into my 803 bag, one in each compartment, with 3 more lenses each in a wrap, also one in each compartment. Your Z25 is much longer than my CV25, your Z35 is much bigger than my CV352.5 or Summaron, and your Z50 is way bigger than most of the 50's I've got, including the compact CV50f2.5 and my various collapsible Leica 50's.
back alley
03-31-2007, 14:06
with hoods on?
The CV lenses all have (small) hoods on. Not so with the other lenses. I guess I'm just lucky to have small lenses, while your big lenses are your burden to bear, Joe. :)
back alley
03-31-2007, 16:14
a burden i must bear...;)
btw, i could fit 3 bodies with lenses attached in the 803 as well.
it's that square and narrow insert that is too tight and makes for difficult in & out of gear.
plus the one side of the bag has a bit of a lip that interfers also.
geez, i'm talking myself out of this bag here.
joe
sepiareverb
03-31-2007, 17:01
Joe-
One thing that helps me is to remove some of the padding from the inserts. The satchels have padded sides, so by pulling some of the foam from the inserts you can gain a little room, while still being compartmentalized.
I do agree that the inserts are not sized the best for RF's- they seem to be designed around SLR equipment- and indeed the compartments were perfect for my F4's and chunky SLR zooms. When I was shooting stock these bags- the F2 and F1x (I think- the 'little bit bigger' bag) were without equal. For my current needs the F2 is my usual bag- I've been carrying 2 M's and a Contax G2/21 set-up, The M's with a 50 and 35 attached, and a 90 in the bottom of one insert. Exposed film goes into the bottom of the middle insert, fresh is in the end pockets. I carry the Satchel on teaching days- (too much else to carry) with just the 2 M's as above, and yes the fit is tight. I'll agree that access is harder with the satchels, but I tend to carry the cameras out of the bag while working- one on neck and one on shoulder- keeping the bag for film & the extra lens or the G. So I usually 'unpack' the bag at the car or at the office and then head out. I very much like that the bag is so compact when I'm carrying it and not shooting- at the market etc, and still can carry most of what I want to have with me.
I also have several pieces of foam cut to fit in the inserts- to go between lenses or between a body over a lens. This gives me some peace of mind when carrying lenses out of the cases.
Hope you settle into the bag as I have.
-Bob
back alley
03-31-2007, 17:37
i love the 5xb bags and i use the large 802 satchel as an everyday bag for work and have been keeping one zi with 35/2 in there along with the panasonic fz20 plus my other regular stuff.
this 803 seems like a pair of jeans that shrunk just enough to make life uncomfortable.
I hate to say this, but the Domke clone (Safrotto CF700) has a full bag-size insert with three compartments made from two walls that are too wide for the width of the bag. The Velcro fastener on the outside wall is a bit wide too. The compartments have incredible flexibility in size. I generally use just one divider, and the bag will comfortably take 2 M bodies, one with a 50 + hood and the other with an APO 90mm ASPH + hood (a big lens). The attached pic shows the Safrotto insert stuffed into a Domke bag so you can see what I mean. In the pic are two Ms and a 35 ASPH + 90 ASPH. You can see the position of the second (unused) Velcro fastener on the outside wall.
back alley
04-01-2007, 08:34
bob,
just took another look, my 803 has no padding at all.
the insert has thin padding. i added some closed cell foam to the bottom to get better access to the camera, not so deep into the bag.
peter, pardon me but, i'm not sure from your description if you like the insert or not. (it's early yet)
joe
ChrisPlatt
04-01-2007, 09:17
Joe, you tell Jim Domke what we really want is a larger version of the F5XB...
Chris
Regrettably Jim Domke has no longer associated with the bags that bear his name... :(
yah Joe too early in the morning. I should be out in this beautiful weather but I am sick (close to flu). Anyway I do like the insert and I also prefer the Safrotto bag to the Domke version. My major beef with the Domke is that stiff plastic part under the handle - makes the bag very uncomfortable to wear. The SF bag doesn't have it.
I have one of these, a black one. It has been a favourite ever since I bought it on *bay, and teased those ugly labels off.
It has tons of space. I took out one divider, so I have two main sections, and I carry the FE in one half, and the Autocord in the other. I put the M6 (in a Domke wrap) in one front pocket, and the Ricoh Gr1s in the other. All the little bits and pieces - film, the VCII - fit into the zippered pockets. Extra lenses I can tuck everywhichwhere.
I festoon mine with the photoblogger buttons (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5294928) that Lala makes. (Gifts. These make great gifts)
It is not only functional; it is also testimony to my total hipness. :rolleyes:
AHEM.
I just ordered one last night from here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSAA:US:11&Item=220090923788
I think I came across your recommendation in another forum...
vBulletin® v3.6.8, Copyright ©2000-2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.