I have been using the F2 Ballistic Domke happily for a few months and apart from weight (my Godox 860 flash is the main culprit), it has done nothing wrong.

I decided none the less to give the F804 another go, just to see if one bag could do all and to accommodate a larger hand held reflector.

The bag is just too big. It holds a ton of gear, big things especially, but gets uncomfortable to carry and poorly laid out for smaller gear. I will hold on to it for hauling lighting gear or similar.

Then I tried to get by with the Photocross 10, but after a job with only one camera, no spare bits (my bad, not the bags), I did learn to make sure “experiments” are carried out with real needs in mind.

The fact is, the F2 is the perfect bag for me. The shape, size and layout fit the ideal M43 day kit. The Ballistic version adds weather proofing confidence, slightly updated extras and the classic style and design has come back into vogue.

Main compartment;

This sits lens down in one section of the four part lens insert with the camera sitting on top. EM1.2 with grip and strap (worn when out) and usually the 40-150 f4. If I know I am going into a low light situation, I will swap this lens out for the 75mm.

In the open inside section. EM1.2 no grip with 12-40.

In one of the lens compartments*. Olympus 45mm for Bokeh and when the 40-150 gets too slow at f4.

In one of the lens compartments*. Olympus 17mm for Bokeh and low light standard work.

In one of the lens compartments*. Panasonic Leica 9mm as wide/macro. This has become one of my most useful lenses. Wide enough to do most of my wide work, stable enough for normal use. I call it the politician lens, for when the “crush” only allows one arm shooting, often high or low.

In one end pocket. Godox 860, off camera controller, small LED. I wish a decent flash was lighter, because the flash is the heaviest single thing in my bag.

In the other end pocket. The Sennheiser mic and phones have been dropped, even though it weighs nothing as video has been scarce, but the LED panel has been kept and the room reserved. That lack of video has allowed me to switch a G9 for a lighter EM1 as my second body.

Back pocket. A small 60cm 5-in-1 reflector and note pad (I like the bigger ones),

Front pockets. Phone, cleaning cloth, batteries, small spare note pad and multiple pens. The 1970’s era pockets are perfect for modern accessories like iphones etc, ironic considering I never found a proper use for them before.

Inside lid. Small change, spare cards, face mask and other bits.

Still reasonably heavy, but nothing compared to the other guys kits.

*One of the best things I did this year was put padded white furnitutre foot protectors on the lens rear caps to help identify and protect them. No more dropping one on top of another or grabbing two before I get the right one.