jeff_spear1 Posted January 31, 2003 Share Posted January 31, 2003 I apologize in advance for asking a bag question, but I've searched the archives with no success, and have no dealers nearby where I can check out the bags in person. The Domke 803 seems to be a popular choice for Leica kits. Its description in the Domke catalog plainly says that it comes with a padded insert, and has velcro inside for adding/arranging more. From a size perspective, I'd prefer the 802, but its description says nothing about compatibility with inserts or the presence of velcro. Has anyone used the 802? Can it be fitted with padded inserts or otherwise made to hold M's and small lenses safely? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlee Posted January 31, 2003 Share Posted January 31, 2003 Jeff, Seems like I ran into a similar problem about a year ago. If I remember correctly, NO the 802 is not fitted with the line of velcro around the rim. However, the construction was the same and it shouldn't be too hard to sew (or have sewn) the same line of velcro around the interior. Domke does sell individual inserts with which you could customize. In fact, a fellow student did just that with his messanger bag. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vic_. Posted January 31, 2003 Share Posted January 31, 2003 I have both the 802 and the 803. You can see the exact dimensions at www.bhphoto.com The 802 is big enough to fit a thick laptop computer or a couple of phone books, and looks like a regular bicycle messenger bag. I don't use it for Leica as the 803 is perfect for two bodies and three lenses. The 802 is too big for my purposes, and IMO too big for the Leica M cameras, and would be uncomfortably heavy if fully loaded with these Germans bricks. I keep it as a backup bag in case the 803 gets wet or lost, since it's cheaper. Thanks to Leica M people, the smaller 803 is priced 40% higher than the larger 802. I got the postal worker shoulder pad so that the 802 doesn't slide off the shoulder. Wouldn't want to do an unexpected drop test! The Domke dividers are overpriced pieces of high-margin junk. Basically sewn nylon with cheap foam inserts costing less than $1 and priced at $13. Pure crap. And they won't stay put in the 802, because unlike the 803, it doesn't have velcro on the side. Padded FedEx envelopes are much better, unless you're a Domke purist. The 802 is quite good in that it stays flat, unlike other camera bags that stick out and get in the way. A good strong bag. If you're a big tough guy, this is the bag for you! I hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_locher Posted February 1, 2003 Share Posted February 1, 2003 Jeff, I'm not sure what you want to pack, but if it's just a couple of cameras a few lenses and a flash and some film the 803, which I have, is great. A friend of mine has the 802 but she uses it for a laptop and a bunch of other stuff. I think it would be a bit too deep and large for just a few leicas with lenses. Domke bags aren't really made for stacking gear on top of each other, which is why I think the 802 would be deeper than you would need, unless you wanted to throw an extra sweatshirt or something soft on top of your cameras. If your looking to carry some books or other similar sized stuff along with your camera stuff, the 802 would work well with the insert that has one colum of three square compartments. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
godfrey Posted February 1, 2003 Share Posted February 1, 2003 I have the 803 and don't use any dividers. I just wrap fragile items in Domke or other vendors' wraps and stuff them in. Never had anything get damaged that way. The 802 seems huge compared to the 803, and the 803 carries far more than I ought to carry without a backpack support system... Godfrey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neil_parker Posted February 1, 2003 Share Posted February 1, 2003 They are both great satchels. The 803 is more expensive because of the padding and dividers. I have an 802 which I have practically lived in for a number of years. Sometimes its a camera bag, big enough for a couple of nikons and lenses + an M or digicam. Sometimes its a briefcase, or a laptop bag. When I pack photo gear into it, I usually use an assortment of padded pouches or holsters as inner 'compartments.' I have a separate external domke canvas pouch which I attach sometimes for an extra body or 180. It's not the most elegant solution, but it means I need only one bag for multiple purposes. I agree the 802 might not be the best choice as a strictly leica bag, unless you had separate dividers or pouches, but if you are carrying additional gear, it might be just right. The best thing about the the domke satchels is that they don't look like camera bags, and they are soft sided, so they conform to your body, rather than stick out like a huge block like many camera bags., making it easier to work in a crowd. Tiffen.com is the distributor and has a good catalog and descriptions online. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob F. Posted February 1, 2003 Share Posted February 1, 2003 Tiffen is also introducing a new (to the U.S.) line of unobtrusive bags:<p><a href="http://www.saundersphoto.com/html/domkest.htm">NEW LINE<a/> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lordnikon1 Posted February 1, 2003 Share Posted February 1, 2003 Since you are looking at both the 802 and 803, keep in mind there is an 806 which will hold the inserts and is a decent size for an M series camera. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
todd_phillips1 Posted February 1, 2003 Share Posted February 1, 2003 I have an 801 with insert and strap if you are interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_cuttler Posted February 2, 2003 Share Posted February 2, 2003 I found the perfect bag for a Leica is an Olive Drab colored messenger bag. It doesn�t look like a camera bag, cost about $12.00 in a surplus store, and everything fits in it with ease. I wrap the spare lenses, and leave the camera loose in the bag ready to use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_r._fulton_jr. Posted February 3, 2003 Share Posted February 3, 2003 Tenba makes better inserts than Domke. They're padded on the bottom for one thing. http://www.tenba.com/access_press.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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