Which Domke bag to get?

In this video, I will talk about my experience with three different Domke bags - the F2, F-3x and F-803.
I have made a separate, detailed video on how I use my Domke F2-bag and what's I have in it.
Here is a link: • Will the iconic Domke ...
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A brief background
You are probably already familiar with the history. But here it is anyway.
It all started 1976 with the American photojournalist Jim Domke, who at the time worked for an American newspaper. Always lugging around photo equipment, he was not happy with what was on offer on the market. So he attempted to make his design.
After using a prototype of his new design during a convention in Kansas City, Jim finalized his creation into the F2.
My view
Many people relate to these as the Land Rover of camera bags.
'No-frills' is a phrase that comes to mind. And in this case, it is true.
Finding the perfect camera bag for all situations is quite unlikely. Most photographers will tell you how many bags they've had and how they are still searching for the one that satisfies all their needs. No bag can cover all your needs, and you will probably end up with a particular bag for one specific situation, although you will most likely end up with a favourite.
Let's be frank. You can use pretty much anything to hold your camera gear. A heavy-duty shopping bag from the supermarket works just fine. For a short while anyway. Or if you have a small camera with a fixed lens, why need a bag at all? I stuff down my small Fuji X100F in the pocket of my coat or whatever.
With two cavernous end pockets and a couple a smaller pocket at the front and back, plus - of course - the main compartment, the F2 holds a lot of gear. The bag itself is not heavy, but with all the gear inside, it can be.
My view on a camera bag is this:
The camera gear is to be used, not cossetted away in a highly padded bag sealed in with a multitude of zips and flaps, making it a mission every time you want to take a photo.
I want to be able to drop the bag right there on the dirt-road or gravel or on the ice without being too worried, that it will ruin a crisp patina.
The F2 my first choice from the Domke brand. Now I have two more.

[@rodneysmith7272]

I used several Domke bags over my 25+ years as a photojournalist and loved every one of them. I still have my very first bag but retired it once I wore several holes in the corners, never had a zipper go bad and or a strap break, great bags. I always had two bodies and at least 4-5 lenses and a flash, batteries and charger, film, notepad, pens, cleaning kits, blowers, cable release and anything else I might need.

[@cameraman655]

Love my Domke’s I still have my F2 original from 1983 and other bags acquired over the last 3 decades. Great bags, designed and created by the photographer Jim Domke of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

[@janmalmstrom7843]

Yep! You'll right! I think these bags are so understated that many people do not know about them.

[@brandonamato4999]

Great video, thank you for sharing!

[@smokingxgunx]

My friend, I very much appreciated and enjoyed this video. I got a F-3X for my daughter and one for myself for Christmas after watching this video. I absolutely love it. Yours has some serious use and love on it. Again thank you for the video.

[@janmalmstrom7843]

Thanks! I don't think you could ever go wrong with a Domke...

[@ALWH1314]

Canvas bags are tough, soft and not heavy that gets better over time. These are obvious working bags for you, unlike many promotional video, this is a real user review, thank you.

[@janmalmstrom7843]

Thank you for watching. And also thanks for the kind words.

[@jmk137]

I bought mine in 1985 and it’s still lovely and holding up. I have only replaced the inserts.

[@janmalmstrom7843]

Yes, they are sturdy. I'm toying with the idea to use thick felt as inserts.

[@simonhilton1150]

I used the Domke F804 "super" satchel for a number of years which suited my purposes very well. Domke do make a excellent rugged bag but returned to the Billingham for my walkabout bag.

[@janmalmstrom7843]

Yes, I like the Billinghams also, and have one too!

[@calvinwerry5272]

My 803 wore out after about 15 years, will most likely replace , maybe with a sling bag.

[@filmic1]

I have my Domke F2 since '93 when I bought my Nikon F90 and FM2n. The back slip pocket/panel abraded/wore through but I found an upholstery store/workshop in Peterborough Ontario (Canada) who completely replaced it with almost exactly the same material. Love the bag. I had to replace the hauler straps and sling, as well... boy did I put that bag through it's paces.

[@janmalmstrom7843]

Nice to hear. Yes, it seems like these bags are properly used. I like them used and torn and they sort of moulds around your body after a long time of use.

[@PaulCrouse]

Thanks for this video. I bought my first domke F2 back in 1983 when I was in college. It was used and heavily worn, but I loved it. I still have 3 Domkes. BTW, what size Think Tank rain cover is that for your F-3X?

[@janmalmstrom7843]

Hi and thanks. I think that one came from my Think Tank Streetwalker bumbag.

[@PaulCrouse]

@@janmalmstrom7843 Thanks!

[@marcyoung8549]

Jan i see our F3x bag are about the same age!!! i was given mine in the 80s by my father.....

[@janmalmstrom7843]

Could be true. I think they look so much better with age.

[@marcyoung8549]

@@janmalmstrom7843 i think this year i will get a new one,,,,but not sure what one to get

[@kiwipics]

I did consider a Domke bag, but ended up buying a tough but cheap canvas bag and a few padded inserts with dividers off of Ebay .... I just preoad the inserts with either digital or analogue kit.

[@janmalmstrom7843]

Yes, that would work as well. Sometimes, I skip taking a camera bag and just stuff a few of my lenses in my jacket pockets. Works with small Fuji X cameras at least.

[@pineapples10]

Thank you for the video! Do you still like the F-3x for carrying a GW690 and an X100? That's the same setup I use most days and need a new bag. So far the F-3x seems like it fits the bill, but am also looking at the Think Tank Retrospective 7.

[@janmalmstrom7843]

You are welcome (and sorry for such a late response). I use my F-3x for all kinds of cameras. If I go for a shoot carrying my F2, I usually have the F-3x with my Fujis as backups.

[@pineapples10]

@@janmalmstrom7843 No worries! I actually picked up an FX-3 based on your video. It fits my GW690III and an X100T Perfectly. What a nicely made bag! Thank you again for the video!

[@janmalmstrom7843]

You are welcome! And thanks.

[@mvooo]

Thank you for this video! Do you think the F3X would fit a Pentax 67 with 105? Ive been looking for a suitable bag for that camera for ages!

[@janmalmstrom7843]

Hi Mvooo, and sorry for the late response. Yes, I would think it does! Although, the Pentax is a beast!

[@archerpiperii2690]

You can't go wrong with a Domke.

[@elifan2523]

Is the f-3x in navy color?

[@janmalmstrom7843]

Yes. Although, mine is faded.

[@elifan2523]

@@janmalmstrom7843 That's beautifully worn!

[@AI-Hallucination]

Can I buy that bag?

[@janmalmstrom7843]

Nope. Sorry. At least not from me.

[@ziggyziggyz1756]

Question is, where we can buy Domke bags in Europe...

[@janmalmstrom7843]

www.photospecialist.co.uk/domke-f-2-domke-s-original-tas-olijf

[@janmalmstrom7843]

www.amazon.de/-/en/Domke-F-4AF-Pro-System-Bag/dp/B00009R893/ref=sr_1_8?crid=1KBJYQEZZILRL&keywords=domke%2Btasche&qid=1652350262&sprefix=domke%2Bbag%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-8&th=1

[@raytheonbuna1021]

I use B&H Photo in NYC into the UK all the time. Super efficient.

[@jimmyborden5650]

I almost stopped watching then the dude pulls out a GW690iii and im like okay nevermind he definitely knows what hes talking about lol

[@Darkslide99]

omg same! I have that camera and I was like ok i’m listening