So a few years of work have passed, leaving me with a lot more thoughts on bags, their strengths and weaknesses. This is a further update on my last “what bag I use now post”.
The Domke F802 has settled as the “everyday” bag, holding comfortably what I would call my basic kit required to walk into any relatively unknown job photographically speaking.
The bag is a little more worn, slightly faded and softer, making it more form fitting (early concerns the rigid top plate would make it boxy were unfounded), but it has not lost its integrity.
The newer Domke bags seem to be made of a less hardy/harsh canvas (possibly to reduce wear on the user, possibly to generate repeat sales more often than every 20 years!), but only a lot of time will tell if they still stand up to decades of abuse my ‘80’s era F2 has endured.
The straps have, as predicted, faded to a slightly lighter yellow-green, but on the olive bag, they still look allright. The orange case is not for glasses (still in denial there), but for my safety net battery and card backups.
The original shot.
Compared to the first picture taken three or more years ago, this is similar, but less “particular” setup. The “ready for anything” boy scout has made way for the harder, more pragmatic “no fat” practitioner.
The main camera now has a grip and strap. The grip fits fine as the bag has lost some of it’s more rigid shape and the strap (a Domke) is an admission that one camera on the shoulder is the way to go. Many of my favourite shots have been taken seconds after walking in the school gates, opportunities I previously missed with gear stowed.
The second camera now has a wide angle 8-18 instead of the 12-40, something that surprises me, but the reality is, as the kids get used to me and I to them, getting in close is the norm. The 12-40 is now used on the video-centric G9, where its range and fixed maximum aperture work best. Ideally, I would have the new 8-25 Pro, but it did not come out in time.
The two primes are a consideration for my very low light or shallow depth of field needs. Neither requirement is as common as I would have thought as C1+No Noise has fixed my high ISO needs and super shallow depth portraits, as lovely as they are, are rarely needed. The 75 has really become a specialist lens, the 25 however is a must take.
The flash is there with it’s off camera controller, along with a small Olympus one (surprisingly handy for daylight fill). What is not shown is a 60cm 5-in-1 reflector, an occasionally taken 16” circular flash soft box and some black foamy things for bounce. These hide away in the large front pocket.
The LED is gone as it is rarely used and now that I actually shoot video (still can’t believe that), the LED has a proper job to do. Come to think of it, I may need to carry that again :).
If I absolutely have to, my Mac Air goes in either the main compartment, wedged between the insert and main walls, the rear or internal front pockets. Spoiled for choice really.
The two enormous front pouch pockets are largely vacant, but that does give me clothing options (light rain jacket etc), or the ability to drop in a second flash unit, remove the end pocket, or take a video mic/LED etc as needed.
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The next most used bag is the enormous Neewer backpack. This is was the event bag but is now the “video” bag, holding the G9, several cases of mics etc and the OSMO.
Surprisingly comfortable full, this one gets me where I need to go and can be worn with a spare shoulder bag for stills gear and a large tote can still be carried for stands, lighting gear etc.
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Other bags that still get a go are;
The Filson’s (Medium Field and Field Camera bag), which are simply more attractive than the Canvas Domke or Neewer/Lowe Pro Nylon options. Probably the least practical overall, these are comfortable and acceptably low profile when worn at events (see above). They have no provision for a lap top and the Camera Field bag sags annoyingly when over filled.
The Lowe Pro, Pro Tactic 350 (older model). I do not love this bag, but sometimes it is the right one. Ideal for a 2 body, big lens kit, it often gets to go to the field sports I attend and is rigid enough to travel under foot or safely overhead. I can take a lap top and it probably offers the most protection.
The other Domkes are sadly overlooked.
The F2 has insert/shape issues (but may find a new life as a video field bag), making it less handy than the F802 (40-150 pro on body fits “ready to go” in the F802, but has to be dis-assembled in the F2 or it takes up half the bag and the other inserts don’t work). Lap top? Only if it is mini ipad size.
The F3x also shows it’s SLR roots, being a great EM1x with 3 zoom lens bag, but that is rarely how I go. If it is howling down outside, the waxed F3x gets a look in as I feel it is the most waterproof working bag I have (the waxed Filson Field Camera Bag has a smaller cover flap). Lap top? No way.
Both the F2 and F3x are old school SLR bags. In their day, they were real game changers, but these days mirrorless cameras tend to float around in them and big camera/lens combos tend to eat space if in “assembled” configuration. Satchels like the F802, once considered “journalist with a camera” bags are now more practical for small, slim cameras and laptops.
The Think Tank Turnstyle 10L is very occasionally used as a backup to a shoulder sling camera and 300mm at field sports events (an EM1 with 40-150 and grip just fit. This one is also ear marked for light video work. It can just take a standard ipad inside with no cover or a mini in the dedicated slip pocket.
One that looks to be getting more use is the LP Inverse 100 (brutally modified with the belt straps removed-see previous review). Handy for maybe video etc. We will see.
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Looking for a small bag for that 2 small body/prime lens kit, with an extra lenses or a flash (sometimes I actually know what to expect). This would be especially useful in a crowded class room or bus. I do have several nice bags that hold just that kit, but they are bigger than needed for what they carry. Sometimes in-efficiency is not a plus just for good looks.
I almost pulled the trigger on a Domke “Heritage” green F5xb deal on Amazon. Pulling out of the purchase because my bank’s web site was just finished doing maintenance and would not accept funds transfers (or the fact I existed apparently), I cancelled it, thinking maybe it was for the best. When I sorted it out later the same morning, I revisited the amazing deal and found it mysteriously gone anyway. With bag back to a much higher price than these little guys should ever be, I had a chance to rethink.
I have had several F5’s before and they are great, but the smaller ones can look a little hand-baggy, which is at odds with their army surplus vibe. My favourite was the F5xc, able to hold a 5D, 70-200 f4, 17-40L, 35L and 85 f1.8 and accessories in a very small and flat form, but the F5xb is ideal for the above kit.
Not deterred, I continued browsing and found a better one. The Crumpler “Lite Delight 4000” in understated black with high vis yellow interior. This is slightly more versatile, easier on the eye and $10 cheaper than the Domke with the good deal. I like Crumpler quality and quirkiness, but have kept few of their many bags over the years (they are not alone). The extra internal height may be handy and the front pocket is secured unlike the Domke.
This is now the little job, no intrusion bag I need.
This bag reminds me of a great little bag I had from Kata bags, who were swallowed up by Manfrotto. Super light, smart and useful. I think I gifted a while back :(.
Same old story. No such thing as a perfect bag. What has become evident though is no matter how hard you try and how bad you want it, the wrong bag cannot be made right, but the discarded bag may also come into a new period of usefulness as gear and needs change.
Hope this helps.