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Considering Domke bags (for now, F2 and F4)

pallo

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Brussels
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35mm
My current main bag is a Billingham Hadley Large that I’ve been using for over 10 years now. I’m still happy with its quality and size, but don’t always find the messenger-style bag convenient when switching lenses etc.

The two main reasons why I’m looking at the Domke F2 and F4 to complement the Billingham are: (1) a classic bag rather than a messenger bag and (2) a less rigid bag that “hugs” the hip/back.

For what do I need ? Basically, three situations:

Fuji xt4 with a few lenses (including a 2.8 standard zoom)

Leica M2 with two lenses, film and a few non-photography items

Leica M2 with two lenses, film and a rolleicord (and, again, film)

Two questions

Would the F4 be suffiently large?
What would be more modern alternatives that are not too rigid as well?
 
I use the F2 for 4x5 cameras, and I suspect it is going to be a bit large for what you’re planning to put in it. I’d definitely look at the size down.

I have a very beat up F-4 that came with a Bronica EC-TL I bought. I can hold the camera with mounted lens and film back, three additional lenses, and teleconverter, all in the main compartment (however, I’m not afraid to stack lenses in the same compartment—the lower one face down and the upper one face up. That way they sit on each other with only the plastic rear caps touching.) The two side pockets each hold an additional film back, and the front pocket holds a small container with 5 rolls of 120 film and a handheld meter.

I suspect it’s plenty large enough for what you want, but the shape of the available space and dividers is equally important.

I do love Domke bags because they don’t overdo the padding, and packing is very flexible.
 
There is also a waxed cotton version of the F in most models. Thats what most of my Domke bags are.
 
I have two F2s for my various cameras. One is a new production, and one is a late-70s model. They're both excellent, and offer more than enough room for the various lenses and accessories I tend to take with me. I haven't used an F4, but the extra size of the F2 isn't really a problem for me, and the extra space is nice to have.
 
That’s my reaction as well. Overall I think the extra space is welcome. If not for actual gear, then at least for film and some other stuff I tend to take along.

But that’s maybe what makes me doubt as well. Messenger-style bags sème to make more sense when mixing photo gear with other stuff. With a more traditional bag that feels less natural. Even though I often find a messenger bag such as the Hadley too cramped and not easy to get stuff out.
 
I just picked up a Domke F6. It comes with a four pocket divider. I’m putting in my 6x7 3D printed camera with a 65mm super angulon on the right, and in the pockets are my Sekonic meter, Bosch Blaze lazer, very small Godox flash, and Mamiya Press 23 view finder. Large front pouch hold fil, tools, etc
In the past I had an F2, F4s, and a satchel. I was surprised by the size of this bag even though I had the demensions.
 

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Artisan and Artist makes a few shoulder bags from canvas that are very nice for a light load but I still have two vintage Domke F2s that I regularly wash in the washing maching, they are great for that. I switch all the dividers around from other manufacturers and put PortaBrace leather shoulder straps on them, very comfy.
 
The Domke shoulder pad is also good for heavy loads
 

How do you dry your bags-air or heat?
 
Franklee said:
I treat them like towels and want them to look like worn blue jeans, high heat, shrink em down
Click to expand...

That is an interesting combination of cameras. I have a couple of small m mount Voightlanders I use on my infared converted Nikon Z50. Great lenses.
 
Many months later I settled for an F2, and so far that appears to be the right choice. My needs changed a bit, since now I want to be able to bring both a Fuji XT4 with several lenses (not necessarily small primes) as well as a Rolleicord and some film.

And for that setup the F2 has exactly the right size. Still amazed at how much can fit in a bag that remains small on the outside.
 
I found the metal fixtures on the f6 to be extremely annoying in the end, I scratches my hands/arms on them quite a bit. The strap ends don't fully swivel, so I seemed to spend forever untwisting it. The non-closing nature made be a bit nervous in bad weather too. I also found the strap very uncomfortable, and the UPS strap thing didn't help enough, and is very bulky. They look the part, but in the end I gave up.
I went with a wotancraft (pilot 10ltr), and honestly couldn't be happier. Pricey, but extremely comfortable and roomy.
 
I have two large Domke bags for my Hasselblads (plus one non Domke) and like them just fine but need to line the bottom, of one, with an extra film changing bag or high density foam.
 
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