Bags for Leica and Other Daily Items (Domke 802, 803)

[sprouty]

<p>I say with full certainty that you sir, have the strongest thumbs on the planet.</p>

[david_carson]

Hahahahhaah! Sp...you cheeky monkey! I can, on occasion and only if the planets align, open the Domke clips one-handed. It is hard.

<P>But I was talking about <b>closing</b> them one-handed. All you have to do is, when wearing the bag, is hook the lip of the clip on the metal circle and pull up & in. It snaps right on.

[joshroot]

<p>This article I wrote on small RF sizex camera bags might prove helpful:</p>

<p>http://www.photo.net/equipment/bags/small-bags</p>

[sprouty]

<p>Well, I've never seen anyone else cut them off so I'm sure it's me. Other than that I did really love the Domke.<br>

Nice article Josh, well done.</p>

[andrew_viny]

<p>Josh's I've read your article a number of times and have found it quite helpful. It really is excellent. Thorough and well thought out. </p>

<p>I think that the conclusion I've come to is this... the best bag for me is the Domke 802 because what I really want it a day bag that will also hold my camera. Having said this I find myself lusting after the beautiful, and much nicer, Hadley Pro. I think I'm going to get one of those. I'll put the camera in the front pocket (and be careful) and use the main compartment for books and such. When I travel or carry more gear I'll use the main compartment for my camera and such. Do you all think I should I get a shoulder pad?</p>

<p>And out of curiosity how do you guys feel about black canvas and tan leather trim? Better or worse than tan on tan or black on black?</p>

<p>To all of you who have taken the time to post and help me in my decision, I can't thank you enough. I couldn't have made this decision without your help.</p>

[sprouty]

<p><em>"I'll put the camera in the front pocket (and be careful)"</em></p>

<p>I dread the thought of being serious, but here goes: the Hadley is great bag and will last you a lifetime, but the idea of carrying a camera in an unpadded pocket in the front of the bag is something I'd never do. It offers the least protection, and is the most likely area for abuse: every single thing you bump into, and every time the bag tips forward your camera will take the hit. I think you really want to re-consider this.</p>

<p>Oh, and since we get to pick colors - I say black on black...</p>

[rgerraty]

<p>Front pocket not a good idea. I am not sure I would want one bag the way you plan it. I would definitely get some version of the Crumpler if you really want to lug books as well because you'll want the broad strap and shoulder pad. Often you are not going to need to have anything but the camera, and then you'll want something smaller, especially as your kit is small. I have recently got the Artisan and Artist 'Evans Walker' which is tiny and fits one body with lens plus two other lenses, although I have sometimes managed two bodies and 3 lenses. A light-meter and blower brush, some caps and hoods and some film go in the front pocket. It's ideal for an M. Hardly noticeable. Great strap.<br>

(http://www.artisanandartist.com/bags/acam1100.htm)</p>

[andrew_viny]

<p>Should I consider getting a Large instead of a Pro? I thought that the Large was not water proof but uppon hearing that it is I am far more interested in it.</p>

[sprouty]

<p>As much as everyone loves a "what bag should I buy" thread, the unfortunate truth Andrew, is that there are certain things that are nearly impossible to buy without trying them: bags are one of those things. <br />Your best bet would be think about all the advice given here and from Josh's review, then collect all your stuff and head over to the local shop to try a few out.</p>

<p>Or, If that's not an option, call B&H or Adorama, verify thier return policy (I think B&H's is 7 days, you pay shipping) and order 4 or 5 bags. Load them up, check them out and send back the ones you don't like. <br />BTW after working out of a Donke F-2 for years, my everyday bag is an Artisan & Artist Sabastio's Reporter Satchel, it's the perfect bag...for me.</p>

[andrew_viny]

<p>Unfortunately it seems the best deal is across the Atlantic. Shipping 4 bags back might be economically prohibative. And the local shops are only stocked in Thinktank and tamrac.</p>

[sprouty]

<p>Sorry, I assumed USA for some reason.</p>

[morgan_malaska]

<p>Though it seems like you've already come to a decision to some extent, I want to recommend the J-803, I've only had it for about a year and a half but it's a true wonder of a bag, it fits most everything I want to tug along for a schoolday or a day off for that matter. A typical schoolday it contains my Leica M4-P fitted with a Summicron 35 (in the padded insert, main compartment), a Ricoh GRD (front pocket), four books (main compartment), two A4-sized notepads or a Macbook (in the rear pouch), iPod (front pocket) and a varying ammount of filmrolls (front pockets). I sometimes tug my D200 with a battery grip and 24mm lens around in it, which rules out having books or a laptop along for the day but still allows me to cram a Polaroid EE-100 special, or my Leica into the main compartment along with it.<br>

The following two images represent my daily setup, four books, Leica M4-P fitted with lens and all the other things mentioned above, except the notepads and the Macbook in the rear pouch.</p>

<p><img src="http://morganmalaska.se/bag1.jpg" alt="" /> <br /> <img src="http://morganmalaska.se/bag2.jpg" alt="" /></p>

[andrew_viny]

<p>Morgan I've got to thank you for muddying the once clear waters. Thank you for the pictures. This looks like a great bag a lot bigger than I previously thought. I'm going to consider this bag. How is it in terms of waterproofing/ resistance? <br>

~Andrew</p>

[morgan_malaska]

<p>I haven't yet had it around in very heavy rainfall, but I've had it on my shoulder during a snowstorm and the typical drizzles and showers that autumn in my part of northern europe offers and I've yet to have a problem with water even getting to the insides of the bag - Even the notepads that are more or less fully exposed to the weather have fared well since my body has protected them from significant exposure to rainfall or snow. So I have to say that it has fared well, and perhaps above expectation when it comes to keeping my gear and my books dry and neat.<br>

This all said, the Billingham bags you have settled on were clear alternatives for me aswell, and I would probably be writing this very same praise for the Hadley Pro or Hadley original had they suited my budget at the time of purchase. But I don't regret my J-803 purchase for one minute, perfect for what I need it to do, even if it looks quite a bit more boring and drab compared to the beautiful Billinghams.<br>

Good luck with your purchase!</p>

[sprouty]

<p>Pictures? This site will show you all kinds of bags loaded with gear along with user reviews.<br>

http://www.cambags.com/</p>

<p>The interface is a little wonky but once you figure out the scroll panel on the left, you can check out all kinds of bags and see how people use them.</p>

<p> </p>

[lee_shively]

<p>There is nothing wrong with any of the Domke bags. I own several models including one of the early satchel bags that I have never used very much. The only thing to consider about the Domke bags is that they are disposable. If you use them daily they will wear holes in the areas that get constant abrasion. When I was a working photographer, I would go through a Domke F2 about every year. They were a lot cheaper back then so it wasn't much of a concern. They are more expensive now but still pretty cheap compared to some bags. I also don't carry a camera bag around for 8+ hours a day so they last longer for my uses.<br>

If you want a better built bag that's truly waterproof, that offers better protection for equipment and is much more durable, I second the Billingham recommendation. But they do cost considerably more. Still, they are wonderful bags and they hold a lot more equipment than you would think from their dimensions.<br>

On the other hand, I have an unbranded cotton canvas bag that I use almost every day. It simply says "Made In India" inside. It's pretty well made and it's good for carrying around a range of stuff. It has no padding but you can simply add a layer of foam if you desire. I think the bag cost about $12.00 and it's perfectly serviceable.</p>

[andrew_viny]

<p>

<p >I settled on the Billingham bags but am not sure which to get. The large (on paper) doesn't seem that much larger than the Pro and the lack of a handle and back pocket is a consideration for me. So I've got just a few questions. </p>

<p > </p>

<p >Does the Large accept AVEA pouches? </p>

<p >Can a magazine fit in the rear zippered pocket?</p>

<p >If I later decide to stick a small macbook or macbook pro in the bag will it fit in a pro?</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Anyway... If you guys could offer some insight for me I'd appriciate it. To reiterate... I basically want a day bag which will also carry camera gear. If you look at the picture at the bottom of this thread you'll see a picture of someone using a domke pretty much how I'd like you use a bag I get. Though I will often carry more gear instead of books.</p>

<p > </p>

<p >There are three basic "kits" I plan on carrying in this bag.</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Will each of these kits fit in a pro?</p>

<p > </p>

<p >1. Leica M2, Gossen Digisix meter, Lens cloths, film, books, magazine, sunglasses, keys, phone, ipod.</p>

<p > </p>

<p >2. Leica M2, Canon 30D 24-70 f/2.8 (mounted with lens facing down or un mounted), Lens cloths, film, filters, batteries, magazine, sunglasses, keys, phone, ipod.</p>

<p > </p>

<p >3. 30D, 24-70 f/2.8, 135 f/2, 430ex, batteries, cards, magazine, sunglasses, keys, phone, ipod.</p>

<p > </p>

<p > </p>

<p >~Andrew</p>

</p>