I washed my Domkes

[rover]

I was bored, and it seemed like such a good idea.

Took out the inserts, and in went the F2 (new arrival, it was stiff and that is really why I washed the crew), F3x, 5xb, F6 and 803.

Don't wash your sand and black bags together.

When they dry I suspect mine will be comfortably weathered, the way they should be.

[michaelging]

I have always thrown mine in the washer,and never had a problem with them. I also coat mine with canvas waterproofing spray (made by Kiwi,used on tents and boots) when I get the bag. I do several coats,as I travel in Asia and Eurpope where it rains a lot. I recoat them again after washing them ,to keep them waterproof. They are great bags that just keep looking better, and better the more they age, till you wear a hole in them.

[rover]

My F6 is pretty well broken in, the 803 too. I just got the F2 and it is STIFF, thick canvas.

[peter_n]

Yes I have washed all mine too. The new F-2s I have seen in the stores do seem to be a bit on the stiff side. Mine is 16 years old and is not stiff any more but the canvas is really thick. I do the same as Michael; I use Nikwax and apply about three coats. Works well.

[Pablito]

yup. wash 'em when dey get ditty.

[vrgard]

Originally Posted by rover

I was bored, and it seemed like such a good idea.

Took out the inserts, and in went the F2 (new arrival, it was stiff and that is really why I washed the crew), F3x, 5xb, F6 and 803.

Don't wash your sand and black bags together.

When they dry I suspect mine will be comfortably weathered, the way they should be.

How did the F-5XB turn out after you washed it? I did not wash mine because there is a sewn in floor panel that I fear is cardboard. Maybe I shouldn't have been concerned. Can you enlighten me on this?

Thanks,
Randy

[Trius]

I haven't washed mine yet; the F6 is soft enough but not nearly dirty enough to need a wash. I'm talkin' about "eight-year-old boy 'I ain't dirty mom!' type of 'not dirty enough'".

Anyway, Domke/Tiffen states the canvas bags are treated with water repellent during manufacture, so I don't bother with any other application, but I may need to do so after washing. Hmmmm, think I'll e-mail Tiffen support and see what they say.

[kshapero]

I am assuming that you air dry them.

[back alley]

Originally Posted by vrgard

How did the F-5XB turn out after you washed it? I did not wash mine because there is a sewn in floor panel that I fear is cardboard. Maybe I shouldn't have been concerned. Can you enlighten me on this?

Thanks,
Randy

i washed one of mine and it seems fine.
a bonus side benefit is that velcro is a bit quieter.

joe

[vrgard]

Thanks, Joe. So the solid bottom didn't get out of shape or anything? Interestinng. Maybe it isn't heavy cardboard as I had presumed.

-Randy

[Rodinal Addict]

Yea, that's my concern on my 803, the stiffner under the top carrying handle. Is that cardboard that can come apart??

Robin

[rover]

Originally Posted by vrgard

How did the F-5XB turn out after you washed it? I did not wash mine because there is a sewn in floor panel that I fear is cardboard. Maybe I shouldn't have been concerned. Can you enlighten me on this?

Thanks,
Randy

No problem, the floor is as solid as ever.

[rover]

Originally Posted by kshapero

I am assuming that you air dry them.

One run through the dryer, air only no heat, and then just letting them sit out to finish drying.

[rover]

Originally Posted by Rodinal Addict

Yea, that's my concern on my 803, the stiffner under the top carrying handle. Is that cardboard that can come apart??

Robin

The 803 is fine too. That is a stiff board, I don't think it is paper.

[mwooten]

Originally Posted by Rodinal Addict

Yea, that's my concern on my 803, the stiffner under the top carrying handle. Is that cardboard that can come apart??

Robin

It's plastic -- at least in mine it was. I took an X-acto knife, cut a slit in the underside of one end, and removed the board. The bag fits a bit closer to my body now.

I have one of the little 5 bags that I think I'll leave outside in the summer sun for a few weeks to get the "new" out of it.

Michael

[Ken Ford]

This is good news about the 5. I called Domke after I got mine to ask the question about washing, and the gentleman there thought it was a paper-based bottom. I'll give mine a wash now - it's awfully stiff and new.

My other Domkes have broken in wonderfully over the years!

[peter_n]

Originally Posted by kshapero

I am assuming that you air dry them.

I put mine in the drier. It's a bit noisy but I make sure my wife isn't around when I dry them.

[sepiareverb]

Well this should be the fix for my 803- still stiff as the dickens...

So do they shrink?

[michaelging]

I washed mine in woolite in cold water and let it air dry. No it did not shrink.

[kshapero]

I washed mine in the washing machine with other stuff on cold. Hang it up outside for the day. Now it has character.

see: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/foru...2&d=1164850460

[sepiareverb]

Ah to be able to air dry in Phoenix... Here air dry takes a little longer!

Thanks michaelging- I will wash it tomorrow, weather willing.

A Florida air dry is more like I'll get here- that can work.

[John Camp]

Originally Posted by rover

I washed my Domkes. I was bored, and it seemed like such a good idea.

Oh. My. God. You should see a counselor immediately.

[erikhaugsby]

I washed mine (an 803) through a torrential downpour in the Cinque Terre (Italy). My M2 and two lenses were inside; no water got through any of the bag, and even a magazine stashed in the rear (and uncovered) pouch stayed remarkably dry.

[peter_n]

Originally Posted by sepiareverb

So do they shrink?

No they don't.

[amateriat]

Talk about feeling like the Great Unwashed: in the four-plus years I've owned it, my 803 has never been through the washer. Of course, the first six months I owned it, it went on my shoulder and out the door virtually every day, rain or shine; break-in time was fairly quick.


- Barrett