whwiden

I am a fan of Domke camera bags. For those of you who use them, or those who may be considering a new camera bag, I want to share two modifications that I use which address two issues that sometimes get mentioned when reviewing these bags.

I have noticed that the prices have dropped on these bags at B&H and now represent a pretty good value for the carrying capacity they offer.

I include some photos below to illustrate my remarks.

First, some complain that the snap hook closures at both difficult to use and sometimes pinch. What I do is use a #3 biner that I got at Home Depot to create an easy open and close. It just involves threading it with the existing Domke hardware. You can still use the more secure clip if you want extra security.

Second, some worry about padding and waterproofing. I have found an insert from a company called Ciesta that fits perfectly in the F6. And, based on the recent price drops I got the larger F2 with a larger Ciesta insert, which also fits perfectly. See link: https://www.amazon.com/Ciesta-Flexible-Camera-Insert-Partition/dp/B00C0OFAHC

I use the biner clips all the time with my Domke bags. I use the inserts sometimes for extra dust or water protection. However, other than dust, I have found the extra padding is not really needed for a day trip and the Domke is reasonably good at shedding water.

I like these bags because I can work out of them while I am standing up or walking around--and the access is great. I think many photographers overlook them as low tech or old fashioned, but they are worth consideration. With these two modifications they may work for a larger number of people. I have far too many camera bags but my Domke is the one that gets almost all of the use. That is why I got the larger F2 for a little more gear when I travel, having noticed the relatively low price. Domke is American made (though my add on products are not.)

These bags do not weigh very much for the carrying capacity so are good as airline carryon bags. They are comfortable and don't bounce around on your hip.

I hope these tips are useful to some of you.

Domke F6


S-Biner


clip through biner x-piece


biner through strap loop


biner clipped to close top


Ciesta insert in Domke F6

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Clever!

Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL

I use my Domke F2 all the time and never had any difficulty with the clips; however I really like the idea of the Ciesta insert. Thanks for posting.

Mundj Loc: Richmond TX

Thank you for posting. I had discounted Domke due to the clips used to fasten the flap. Your suggestion for the biner clip will make me reconsider them.

philo Loc: philo, ca

I have one that is about 50 years old and I must say I have not used it in year. I may pull it off the selves. One fact that I have learned is that the bigger the bag the heaver it gets.......go figure.

Plieku69 Loc: The Gopher State, south end

The clips on my Domke are a real pain to use. They swivel and are chrome plated so to slick to grasp. Biners look like a great solution, thanks.
Ken

whwiden

Thank you! The s-biner really makes the bag easier to use when on your shoulder without the need to destroy or remove the original clip.

whwiden

Thank you. It does reduce the amount of space but does provide a good deal of extra protection from dust and water--plus padding.

whwiden

The clips very much improved the function for me. I like the comfort of the bags, the light weight, good storage for weight and size, etc. You are most welcome.

whwiden

That is so true!

whwiden

I hope something like this works for you!

msettanni

Great post. . .thanks! I also own a Dome F2 and F6, both great bags. The F6 gets more use simply because of its size, but the metal clips definitely are a pain, so your biner solution is brilliant and, now that I've seen it, obvious. I'm slapping myself in the head between keystrokes. Adding the Ciesta, however, sort of defeats the idea of Domke bags, which I always thought was about keeping padding to a minimum. The Domke proprietary inserts accomplish this while keeping things simpler and roomier. I have the 6" x 8" (roughly) open rectangle insert that accommodates my Nikon F4 with 35-60 2.8d lens attached,leaving about 3" x 6" unpadded space at one end of the bag for an extra lens (or two if one is protected with lens wrap). The front zippered pocket is perfect for personal items such as keys, sunglasses and, in my case, film. I also have a Billingham Hadley Pro that is beautiful and great to use but seems designed for slightly smaller cameras. It worked great with my Fuji X-Pro with two lenses, all of which have a much smaller form factor. Anyway, gotta stop so I can head to my local hardware store for those biners.

whwiden

I often do not use the Ciesta--but it makes the bags even more flexible. I also do not mind the original clips--but for the lack of a quick release. Glad this is useful to you!

TRRR

Hi, many thanks for the suggestions. I have an F6 bag which I like a lot, but I don't find the original four-compartment insert very useful as they are so narrow. I am thinking of getting the Ciesta insert you suggest. Do you happen to know whether the medium or small size would be best for the F6? In your photo above it looks like a snug fit, so I'm guessing the medium as the small would seem to leave room at the sides, but grateful if you could clarify. Also, does the insert have any velcro on the sides for securing it to the velcro strips inside the bag? Thanks again!

henryp Loc: New York, NY

I bought my first Domke F2 bag when there was only one model so it was simply THE Domke bag. I bought it sight-unseen after reading a glowing review from Bert Keppler in PopPhoto magazine. Bert was right and the bag did everything I wanted and needed as my daily user for news and sports and photojournalism. Soon after I got it I was assigned to cover the St Patrick's Day parade on 5th Ave in Manhattan. Just about every photographer had the same bag and since it then only came in one color, there was some confusion.

It lasted for years and then I replaced it with an F2 - same everything but the name. Great bag and Jim Domke, the creator, is a great guy. My only issue is the one I have now is black and the inside is really really dark. :-)