Need advice on Domke 803 or equivelent

[kristian dowling]

I need your help out there. i have searched the threads, but

haven't found the answers to my questions.

 

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I looked at the 803 Satchel and liked it but am concerned about a

few things.

1. The one insert doens't seem enough for my M6 body, Sf20, 35

Lux Apsh and 90 Apo. Do you add other compartments, or do you

put the lenses in their original cases?

2. It doesn't seem very well padded. If I was to drop the bag with

my gear without cases, would my gear be damaged?

3. Is there an equivelent of better bag. I already own a Lowepro

S&F Reporter 100 bag that is excellent. But I wanted a bag that

doens't look like a camera bag. I like the Billingham Alice or

Hadley, but they also look like a camera bag, just old ones.

 

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Please advise.

[kristian dowling]

Also If I was to go for the Hadley or Alice, what are differences in

size, weight etc. Where is the best place to buy?

 

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Anyone wanting to sell any bags?

[mikep]

Buy more inserts, I love my J3 bag and it has enough protection. The

Extra inserts will help, I believe they sell them 2 per pack. I also

thought of the hadley, but went against it in the end, too much like

an expensive camera bag, the Domke is low key and black, the name tag

is dk green, no big signs of whats it is. I never regretted my bag

once in the year and a half since I own it. I can manipulate it to my

needs, I even take my Bronica SQA with me in it from time to time.

[stefan www.randlkofer.co]

the insert is deep enough to house two lenses, but i keep mine in

small leather bags. the original leica ones are too bulky and

difficult to maneuvre single handed. you find tokina ones pretty

often in used-camera shops for next to nothing. the sf-20 goes into

one of the front pockets, the m6 with one lens attached is well

protected in the rest of the main compartment, but if you are

concerned, buy a second insert, with the lux it is a very tight fit.

[mikep]

Buy AT B&H in NY, they are best for items as such, stay away from

ebay where these bags go for 80-90% of the new B&H price.

[msitaraman]

Have you looked at the J803 satchel? It is a bit more padded, I feel

(I own it).

 

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If you mount your lenses back to back using two rear lens caps epoxy

glued together they will go into the insert.

 

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This is how I use it - Body with lens in main compartment, two lenses

back to back as above in the insert, another lens or the SF 20 on the

far side of the insert in the main compartment.

 

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The J803 is deceptive. There is actually plenty of space left over

with a kit such as this, certainly room for travel papers, cell

phone, calculator, light meter, 20-30 rolls of film, cleaning stuff,

batteries, and (if you are like me, willing to seriously overstuff

it) a change of clothes.

 

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You don't believe me. But I've carried clothing, papers, camera kit

as described above, personal toiletries and medicine, cell phone and

kit as above, and travel papers all in an overstuffed J-803. Enough,

in fact, for a two night stay in Cambodia. I dumped all but the

camera kit in the hotel room after check in and used the camera kit

in the camera bag.

[robert_ardinger1]

The 3 compartment insert for the 803 holds M + 50/2, M + 32/2 and

90/2.8 and 28/2.8 mounted back to back. My stuff is generally the

smallish versions of the lenses when a choice was avalible (price was

also a consideration) (non asp 35, tele-elmarit 90)

 

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For mounting lenses back to back I USE GLUED LEICA REAR CAPS, NOT THE

GREY OR BLACK COUPLER RING. The rear elements of just about any wide

angle of 28mm or shorter if joined with a 50 or shorter lens in the

leica coupler has the serious potential of bashing the rear elements

together. The 90 will couple with about any lens as the rear element

is very recessed but in the course of photographing I could easily

change the 35 for a 90, couple the 35 to the 28 and be very unhappy,

using epoxied rear lens caps solves this issue).

 

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I stuck an additional piece of foam below the insert, on the bottom

to give a bit more foam padding. I also fasioned a drawstring nylon

bag out of a sleeping bag stuff sack and with added velcro can velcro

the sack in the 803 and the insert into the sack. This allows me to

seal the contents of the bag from dust, water if needed. (I got this

idea from looking at a Billingham catalog, they make and sell a

similar sack for the inside of some of their bags). I can use this

setup for photography but commonly I use this 3 compartment

insert/sack for traveling and will bring along the original single

insert and will, for day trips just use the original insert in the

middle of the bag with the lenses in it and stick the 2M's on each

side without the extra padding or the nylon sack, The bag hangs

better.

 

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I will also leave much of what I may have brought on a trip in the

803 in a safe place and just use a smaller bag (A tamrac Expo 1) for

one M and 2 lenses for when I am mostly a tourist. At home, I really

only use the Expo 1 and an M with 2 lenses for most of my ramblings.

 

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I have not found that any one set up works for me. I like a bit of

padding and security when the goal is transportation to a destination

but like to have less bulk and equipment when photographing. Bringing

a smaller extra bag (filled with socks and stuck in a suitcase) and

an extra insert along on a trip gives me a number of options. I also

usually use a small dayback for a carryon and have many times stuck

the Expo bag in it with a coat and snacks if the opportunity for a

hike/walk comes along and I don't want a shoulder bag.

 

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Hope this helps a bit.

 

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Robert

[peterg]

Ditto what the others have said about the j803. It looks small, but

is surpisingly roomy and you can get your M in and out of it easily

without a loud velcro "rrriiippp!" There are bags that are

bombproof, but you tend not to carry them because of their bulk and

in the end you'll end up just taking stuff out and leaving the bag in

the trunk of your car. The j803 let's you carry what you need

comfortably, inconspicuously and while protecting your gear. Would I

want to drop it loaded from 4 feet? No, but if the alternative is a

hard-shell suitcase with a shoulder strap (I know I'm exaggerating

here, but some heavily padded bags can be like that), go for light

weight convenience.

[rob - atlanta, ga usa]

Unlike the others, I do not recommend the Domke 803. My major

complaint is that the inside is not Velcro compatible. The standard

interior leaves you with few choices in how you can arrange your

gear. A much better bag IMHO is the Billingham Hadley Pro. It looks

a lot like the 803 with one big inside compartment and two outside

pockets, etc. The big advantage is that the entire interior is

Velcro compatible which means that you can customize the interior to

suite your needs. I got the black version with nickel hardware. It

is one beautiful bag. One thing I don�t like is that the strap is

sewn on. If you buy through www.robertwhite.com the cost is very

reasonable.

[rob - atlanta, ga usa]

I forgot to mention that the Hadley Pro, at least to me, looks much

more like a satchel type briefcase than a camera bag. Also, the

Domke F-5XB is a great bag for those times when you want a smaller

bag.

[Jim_Tardio]

Check out the Lowepro "Linx or Lynx" line. They are by far both the

ugliest, yet most functional bags I've used for small cameras. I use

the larger one...I forgot the model number...but I can wear it all

day without a problem. They're very form fitting and easy to work

out of.

[vic_.]

Kristian,

 

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I bought the Domke F-802 and F-803 satchels, and the LowePro Orion

Mini Runner. I did some research on dimensions and portability, so

here's my $0.02 on bags:

 

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(1) Don't get a bag that has zipper enclosures at the top. At some

point you'll end up scratching the Leica glass somewhere. One

scratch and it's over. I think some of the Billinghams and other

bags have zippers. The Domke has no zippers or velcro.

 

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(2) Some velcro enclosures are astonishingly noisy. So much for

stealth.

 

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(3) Dimensions. The Domke F-803 has interior dimensions of 13x4x9

(inches) or 468 cubic inches. It costs $77.97 in the US and comes

with the one compartment insert. The Domke F-802's interior is

15.5x4x12, or 744 cubic inches, and costs $59.97, and comes with NO

inserts. (Bigger is cheaper, figure that. I think all the Leica

people have driven up the price on the F-803's.) By comparison, the

interior of the LowePro F&S Reporter 100 that you have is 9.3x6x6, or

333 cubic inches. (All prices from www.bhphoto.com)

 

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(4) The Domke 2 and 3 compartment inserts have the distinction of

being utter crap. They are flimsy nylon with cheap foam. Costs them

pennies (made in China or Korea) and they charge $17.95 for the FA-

220 two compartment insert and $18.95 for the FA-320 three

compartment insert, both of which I got, to my regret. Thieves. The

single insert that comes with the F-803 is better than the 2 or 3

inserts.

 

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(5) Domke sells a "Post Office" shoulder pad FA-031 for $12.95. It

is foam padded, and angled so that the bag won't slide off your

shoulder. This is a good buy. I recommend it. Your shoulder won't

hurt after a long day.

 

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(6) If you put the two or three compartment insert in the F-803, the

bag will feel stuffed. It is adequate with the one compartment

insert that comes with the bag. I use the 2 or 3 insert with the

larger F-802 when I am carrying two bodies or the chunky SLR.

 

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(7) I recommend putting a few layers of bubble wrap at the bottom of

the Domke bags, since the incremental weight is negligible and it

provides cushioning that is sorely lacking at the bottom of the

Domkes. These can be replaced when the bubbles are past their prime.

 

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(8) I bought the LowePro Orion Mini for $31.95 (8x4.5x6.3=227) as a

one-body-one-lens quickie waist belt. The camera is face down and

the lid of the bag opens away from you, so it is easy to grab the

camera. If you get this, get it in black as the other colors are too

loud.

 

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(9) Colors. I bought the Domkes in Olive Drab. If you buy Black and

go to dusty places outside the city environment, the dust is earth

colored and will make the black canvas bags look dirty and more

conspicuous, whereas the dust blends in with the Olive. Besides,

Black is too common. The Domke Sand, and Navy Blue are too light and

bright.

 

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(10) In the Domke F-803 I carry M6 with 50mm attached; 35mm and SF-20

in the compartment (in case). Table tripod, Nikon SC-17 cable, and

cable release at other end. Spare batteries and film in pockets of

bag. It looks a bit stuffed, but it's ok and doesn't look like a

camera bag. No logos at all either, which to me is a huge plus.

 

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Enough from me.

[rob - atlanta, ga usa]

The correct address for Robert White is: http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/

Sorry about that.

[tim_franklin]

Robert White is a great retailer, BUT if you are a Mac user watch

out on the web site as there are JAVA script problems

associated. They recommend using Netscape last time I looked.

It froze my browser each time so far!

[jay_.]

The 803 carries a lot more than it looks like it will and as a

working bag it is very nice. As a transporation bag it is lacking.

There is not enough padding to withstand a drop, and the lack of a

zipper makes the main compartment accessible to dirt, dust and prying

fingers. I strongly recommend the Domke F5XB along with the Domke

belt and an Op-Tech SOS "Mini" strap as an all-round transport/carry

bag for an M outfit of up to 2 bodies and 6 lenses. I have more than

my share of like-new Billingham bags sitting in my closet. Once

you've used an Op-Tech SOS strap you will not ever want any other, no

matter what kind of huge shoulder pad it might have. The Billinghams

do not have removable straps and D-rings.

[david_kelly1]

I strongly second getting any Domke in olive drab. After two trips

through the washer my brand new O.D. F6 looked exactly like a beat up

old piece of army surplus; whereas my sand-colored one still looked

like a nice camera bag after two years. I have given it away.......

[kristian dowling]

Thanks guys. I think that the Billinghma is out of the question as I

want a bag that doesn't look like a camera bag. The Domke

sounds perfect though I am not too sure which one.

[kristian dowling]

I think it has come down to two bags. the J-803 and 803. Is the

J-803 much bigger and heavier than the 803? How about the

pockets and insert?

 

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Thanks

[scott evans]

Hope you can stand one more opinion. I have the Domke F-803

and feel that it's perfect for the Leica M cameras. My biggest fear

with it is that some day I'll forget ot clasp the front (no backup

velcro on front flap) and my 90 apo & 50 will role out! Yikes!!! All

in all the F-803 price and capacity make it a winner. Maybe I'll

sew in a small velcro patch. :0) Good luck, Scott

[andy_piper2]

The 803 is an OK bag. I have one but now it's mostly my 'overflow' bag,

holding the lensless Nikon F I keep for old time's sake, cable release,

little-used filters, spare lens caps, tabletop tripod, etc.

 

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I have two headaches with the 803 - it is very deep, so I was

constantly having to scrabble around in the bottom for things that were

underneath other things. And the very large (and admittedly very

protective) front flap kept getting in my way.

 

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On the plus side - I love the fact that almost ALL Domkes have a big

flat pocket for reporter's notebooks across the back - also useful for

quick access to plane tickets, a paperback book, or my pipe - when

traveling with one carry-on bag.

 

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Within the Domke line I most like the 'little bit smaller' bag (F6?)

because it is shallower top-to-bottom while still having lots of space

and 6 internal divisions as well as outside pockets.

 

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But what I actually use right now is a Hadley - I think it's the

'small' version, but haven't ever seen the two sizes together to

compare. It lacks the Domke's back pocket, but there are thin gaps

between the internal padding and external shell where I can slip pens,

a notebook, business cards, etc. - which is a partial substitute. It

easily holds an M with lens, plus 2 unmounted lenses, flash and meter.

I carry the second M and 4th lens out ready to shoot.

 

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IMHO the 803 looks just as much like a camera bag as most anything

else. If you really want a stealth bag I think you'd have to look

towards those wine-skin shaped bicycle courier bags or a rucksack or a

strapped leather briefcase.

 

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Since I almost always have a camera out and mostly visible anyway when

shooting, my bag isn't going to be much of an additional giveaway.

 

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FWIW David Alan Harvey uses a bag sort of like a small gymnasts duffle

(black leather or simulation) mostly full of film.

[kristian dowling]

Andy as usual, you have contributed valuable information that

has greatly helped. Pitty I can't afford the Hadley, which i would

have to import from somewhere. Even the Domke in Australia

costs US$100.

[kristian dowling]

Well i decided on a bag. The domke 803 Satchel in Sand colour.

I chose this and added the larger single insert to fit the M6 body

and 35 Lux Asph. The other (included) single piece will house

the 90 Apo. It cost me US$120 with the extra insert....steep...but

it's what I really want. I also saw another great bag, the F6, but I

went against it because it didn't sit as well without much gear. It

kind of moulded wherever.

 

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Anyway guys thanks heaps for your help. Appreciated as always.

[m3]

I also use an F803 sachel bag and find it just about perfect for an M

outfit. I bought a 3 section insert, made by Domke, which fits this

bag perfectly. I suppliment this with a few other divider pads. I

just returned from a trip carrying, in this bag, (1) M4-2, (1) 35

Summi(ASPH)with hood, (1) 50 cron, (1) 90 Elmerit M, (1) Peak 6x

anastigmat loupe, (1) minolta IIIf light meter with seperate incident

& reflector domes, 6 rolls of film, (2) B+W filters in their plastic

cases, x-tra meter battery, (2) cable releases, dusting brush, and

(14) 12 oz. .999 pure sterling silver ingot bars. Yes, the bag was

heavy, but everything was well protected. This bag will hold more

than you would believe possible. I own many different Domke bags, but

this one best suits my current needs. You won't regret owning this

bag. :-)

[kristian dowling]

Ron, that's a lot of stuff. I'd really like to see how you got it all to fit

in. Was everything quite accesssable?

[joseph_barbano]

Watch your stuff when you lay your 803 on its side even with the

clasp secured. I was at a night time wedding and my 50 Summicron

somehow was able to fit through the space between the lid and body of

the bag with the clasp secured. You have to watch those small

lenses. Fortunately the lens was found and returned to me the next

day. After that I kept the lenses in Zing bags inside of the 803.