Domke VS Think Tank

[LMNOP]

Apug!

I'm buying a new bag for my RZ67 Pro ii - debating if this beast should be top loaded - lens down, or horizontally loaded. I really like the Think Tank Retrospective 20 and I can buy that one locally.

But, last night I discovered the even more appealing Domke F2 - Made in the USA, great material, etc. - I am leaning toward this bag but I'm not sure how the focusing nobs would do against my back, they jut out like big ears. Anyone go vertically top loaded with the RZ? I'd like to be able to carry an extra lens at least, maybe a grip at some point.

 

[Mike Evangelist]

I think you'd find the Retrospective 20 too small for that big camera.

Personally I prefer Think Tanks over Domkes. I don't care for the clips the Domkes use for closure, and I like the internal construction & configuration options better on the Think Tanks.

I use a Retrospective 30 for my Rollei SL66, which is somewhat smaller than the RZ; but I'm sure the bag could handle the RZ nicely. I typically put the camera in the bag with the lens facing up. This leaves room for one or two more lens as well.

Dead Link Removed

 

[Mike Evangelist]

PS, you don't want those knobs facing the back of the bag. Sometimes I've accidentally dropped the SL66 in the bag with its focus or wind knob towards the back, and it's not comfortable to tote that way.

 

[LMNOP]

When you say the back of the bag, do you mean like the Domke F2?

 

[Mike Evangelist]

When you say the back of the bag, do you mean like the Domke F2?

I mean you probably don't want the protruding knobs facing the surface which rubs against your body when you're carrying the bag.

 

[LMNOP]

Got it. There's a Retrospective 20 at a local shop, I think I'll go try it out.

 

[mitch brown]

I have my rz in the f-2 and don't like it . I feel its to small a bag.
mitch

 

[DannL.]

I don't use either of the bags mentioned in the original post, but do carry an RZ in a bag. I would definitely recommend using a bag that is padded on all sides. Another recommendation would be a bag that allows you to replace the shoulder strap with one that is comfortable. External pockets are also a plus.

Also, there is another recent thread on the subject of bags . . . (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[film_man]

I have an RB, a Domke F6 (a smaller F2) and just bought a Retrospective 30.

The Domke F6 is a very nice bag and I can actually put the RB in there if I take all the inserts out but then it has no padding on the sides which means it rubs against me with all the knobs and metal bits. Not nice.

The Think tank is great, has padding but not too much to make it unnecessarily bulky and will fit the RB vertical (so it then fits another 2-3 lenses and bits and bobs) or horizontal with a prism on top or lying on the side with the grip. I think the Retrospective 20 will fit the RZ vertical but not horizontal. If it did fit it horizontal then you're kind of wasting the bag as it is deeper than longer, whereas the 30 is longer and less deep (but still fits the RB with prism and still has some space on top).

I took the bag out on its first outing, around 4 hours walking around with RB, 90mm, 180mm, grip, extra back, lightmeter and film. It was comfortable and very easy to use. I particularly like the "silencers" on the velcro (they hide the velcro so the flap just rests on the bag). Makes it very easy to open/close the bag.

 

[Regular Rod]

Those shoulder bags are convenient and just right for small, light cameras as your shoulder is not going to be put to much pressure. Heavier gear in such bags is not so nice after an hour or so. Think Tank did a bag called a Sling-o-Matic that is as convenient as the shoulder bags but is supported nearly as well as a back pack. The big advantage is that you get at everything while the bag is still on you rather than on the ground.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMfS8M7AHXY

Get one while stocks last as they have dropped it from their range...

RR

 

[jerrybro]

I use the Domke F2, F5 and J3. The F2 is nice, but i find it a little tight for my Blad, you may want to look at the F1 or the large J models.

 

[LMNOP]

I ended up with a Retrospective 10, surprisingly! This fits the camera vertically, and just barely. It allows room for at least one more lens, maybe two, and some other little odds and ends. I will most likely not need more than one lens, and maybe an extra back. The camera comes right up to the top of the bag, but it feels very comfortable and I love the quality of the material, especially the strap. This will serve nicely as a 645AF kit bag if needed.