Domke F3X camera bag review - What will fit inside?

I like DOMKE Camera bags because of the look and I have been using one for my compagt systems (Sony, Leica). Now I decided to go the same way for my DSLR System (Nikon Df & lenses), got the Domke F3X and I am impressed!
The Domke F3X is not the most protective and modernly designed bag around! But if you don't overdo the bouncing it around it should serve you well and carry huge quantities of gear!

[@TasKarp]

Just a follow up. I have bought this bag (last Friday based partially on your review). This bag has become my favorite bag. Simply amazing what this bag can hold. I don't like to overpack but if I want I have that luxury. Truly amazing. What a layout.

[@Passion4Cameras]

TasKarp Happy I could inspire you ;) I love the bag! I can fit my whole Sony setup for events in it with two bodies, lenses and accessories easily, or use it to travel with all the stuff I need on me.

[@kevinmarkham6385]

this man literally pulls out every lens i want and my dream dslr. local store had a tokina 28-70 2.8 for half the price of its nikon counterpart so i picked it up to put on my f4

[@dominicwroblewski5832]

The Domke F3X and F2 are some of the best camera bags ever made. I have had mine for 30 + years and they may look beat up, they fulfill their function perfectly. They were designed by a photographer, for photographers.

[@TacoTeaser]

Yes, I bought this bag many years ago. It went with me to Chad, Nicaragua, and Sri Lanka. It was my best friend throughout my journalistic career.

[@cameraman655]

Yep, have this alongside the F-2 (30 years old and still rockin) and F1-X (20 years old, well, you know...) Ordered a 701 Reporter's Satchel for my 15 in Macbook Pro. You simply can not kill these bags, I've tried! Domkes are simply the best bag bar none, especially for PJs.

[@basujayanta1]

you must be a very strong person to carry al that stuff on a shoulder bag!!!!

[@TasKarp]

wow i am impressed. I have a few domke bags. i may be adding this to the collection. many thanks for a great review.

[@Passion4Cameras]

TasKarp Thank you for the compliments :) Yes, I really love this bag! It may not deliver the best padding but that is not what I am looking for. But for the size and weight you can carry a full setup easily...

[@gldnrtrvr1]

Check the plastic fittings on the strap. One of mine was broken, after very light use. Replaced them with simple carabiners. Same issue on my F2's when I received it from previous owner.

[@kevinmarkham6385]

Could this bag be collapsed and shoved inside a suitcase if it was empty and the inserts taken out?

[@Meloen5]

Is this bag useful as an daily bag too? Multipurpose? Not only as camera bag

[@Passion4Cameras]

As a matter of fact it is quite versatile as the compartments are flexible (as the whole bag is) and you can use them as you wish. In fact, when I travel, I use this bag for several items not related to photography...

[@Meloen5]

I just saw it doesn't have a padded bottom... And that is what I am looking for now in a massenger style camera bag. I also have my eye on a Domke F2 bag, which has a removable padded bottom, if I'm am correct. Any experience with that one as daily bag?

[@xxgg]

Do you prefer to full pack a smaller bag? or use a slightly larger bag and have spare room?

[@Passion4Cameras]

That is the magic question! Usually, assuming I really know what I will need for the day or trip, I prefer the smallest possible bag. So many times I chose my Dome F5XB. But that really does not allow for any spare room. The ideal thing would probably be the F5XB with some outside pockets. So this is the next best thing. For my standard setup (Leica M-P or Monochrom, 2-3 Lenses, eventually a second body) I end up having a lot of space left over, that I fill with useless stuff ;)

[@pauldixon8567]

The 28-70, is that a Tokina lens? If so, how do you find it?

[@Passion4Cameras]

Sorry, no... That was my old Nikon 28-70. It was great, but so big compared to the new ones.

[@TimeCodeMechanics]

No padding?

[@Passion4Cameras]

Not much! It is more for Transport than protection... But like this you can fit some stuff in it.

[@michaeldietzen8613]

the bottom has padding

[@TacoTeaser]

Put a towel or shemagh at the bottom, it works to protect and you can use the shemagh on your head if needed.

[@goat3779]

What laptop size can fit in this bag?