Mekko/Safrotto F1X bag

[jermaine_scott]

<p>I just bought one of these bags. I'm trying to decide between khaki and black. I know how dark the sand is for Domke. But, I'm having a hard time with the Mekko khaki because every picture I see has flash. Is it about the same as the Domke sand color? Thanks.</p>

[steven_p]

<p>I hate to butt in too late, but you may not be happy.<br /> I fell for that one too. (T-shirt grade canvas.)</p>

<p>If you bought it from "that auction site" the dealer isn't fun to deal with.</p>

<p>I licked my wounds and bought a Domke. There is no comparison.</p>

[jarle_aasland]

<p>I have to disagree with Steven. I'm very happy with my (black) Safrotto. This has been discussed many times on various forums, and many seem to agree with me. Apparently, Domke quality isn't what it used to be.</p>

<p>Just my 2 cents.</p>

<p>Jarle</p>

[steven_p]

<p>The bag I received would not keep it's shape without it's heavy padded inserts. It lays on the floor like a towel. The fold over lid & strap weigh more than bag itself.</p>

<p>The US made domke @$139.99/free ship from Adorama, is a very heavy duty rigid bag, before you add any kind of insert. I actually washed mine just to loosen it up a bit.</p>

[steven_p]

<p>jermaine,</p>

<p>To answer your initial question, the lighter color is a pale yellowish hue, while the online photos show it is more white. It is not brownish like a domke.</p>

<p>Email me personally if you would like more info. I really don't enjoy online bashing.</p>

[jermaine_scott]

<p>My other camera bags are Domkes. I thought I would give the Mekko a chance. I have read good things about them. I will post back here when I get it with my impression of the quality. I hope I'm not disappointed.</p>

[peter_n1664876959]

<p>I don't think you will be. I have two Domke bags and two Safrotto/Mekkos. The Domke bags are of pre-Safrotto/Mekko vintage, and the Domke F-1X also "lays on the floor like a towel" to use Steven's excellent description of the Chinese bag. :-) I bought the two Safrotto satchels because of the poor quality manufacturing/materials of the current Domkes. They don't make them like they used to, and I've been extremely happy with my two bags from China.</p>

[steven_p]

<p>Not trying to beat a dead horse, but there must be some BIG differences in new/old stock being delivered. I read a bit before buying the Mekko, and that's what I got.</p>

<p>I purchased the bag through ebay in early spring, had a royal fuss with the seller, and got the Domke from Adorama shortly thereafter. The auction guy filed non-paying bidder strikes twice when I tried to return it. I hung onto it because I felt that if I did, I'd have absolutely nothing.</p>

<p>Maybe the Domke is really old stock. Between the lower prices, the poor quality reports I am reading, and other sources, leads me to predict that Domke might be going to the wayside.</p>

<p>In a broad sense, maybe I just got lucky.</p>