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List Price: $111.99
Sale Price: $79.95
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Let me just say, this bag is wonderful.
The materials are top notch, all around. The bag and strap are made of very thick, rugged canvas. The sliders and latches are all made of metal; the strap adjustment loops and zipper strips are plastic, but they seem to be very large and very tough.
The front and rear panels, the bottom, and the dividers are well padded. The small side panels are not padded, so do be aware of that. The bottom is rigid, to keep its general structure and allow it to stand on its own. The shoulder strap has a grippy material that keeps it firmly in place.
The velcro is substantial and it makes things very secure. I feel safe enough leaving the bag partially unzipped and relying on the velcro alone for quicker access. Yes, it's loud, but I'm OK with that.
I can't honestly find a single complaint, other than that it's perhaps a bit pricey. It does exactly what it says, and it just oozes quality.
I was looking for a bag specifically for traveling light with a small amount of Micro 4/3 gear, and after extensive research I was torn between this and the slightly taller (but lower volume) F-5XA. I ultimately settled on this model, and here's what I can cram in here if I'm really trying (I don't have quite this much in there for the video):
E-P2 body with one of the lenses below mounted
Olympus 17mm f/2.8
Olympus 14-42mm
Panasonic 45-200mm
Panasonic 20mm f/1.7
Olympus 50mm f/2 Macro with Micro 4/3 adapter mounted
Olympus FL-14 flash
Olympus VF1 optical viewfinder
Olympus VF2 electronic viewfinder
Spare battery/memory cards/filters/etc in the front pocket
In one completely absurd configuration, I've successfully fit my E-P2 mounted to the Olympus Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital ED SWD Lens in this bag. It *just* fits, and you can use the velcro dividers to create a little pocket underneath the 50-200mm lens to store an m4/3 lens or two.
It does really make you appreciate how much smaller M4/3 is, and how different its needs are. What's for a SLR a small day bag (it'll hold my DSLR + mounted lens + 1 or 2 small extra lenses) can hold an entire M4/3 system.
*** Video errata ***
I think I called the flash the "FL20" it's actually the Olympus FL-14
When talking about my DSLR in this bag, I mangled what's attached and what's not attached. A typical configuration for me is DSLR + small zoom + prime + flash (or another small zoom or prime), with one lens mounted.
*** Update 04/2011 ***
After heavily using (and abusing) this bag over the past year, the fading others have described is starting to become apparent. I'm pretty sure this is due to sun exposure, and it's most apparent on the top flap. It doesn't impact the bag's performance in any way and the faded look doesn't bother me personally (hey, it's got "character" now), but if you want to avoid this you might want to consider the tan model instead of green.
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But for 2.5 little quibbles, I'd have given this bag 5 stars.
Quibble # 1 is the velcro closure on the main flap. It's makes the bag far too noisy to open. I like to shoot with Leica Ms for their quiet shutters and overall "stealth". The velcro negates those advantages. A simple fix...I just removed about 90% of the velcro, leaving only enough to keep the flap closed.
Quibble #2 is with the front pockets. There are 4 of them and 3 of them are too small for anything but a pen. The largest will barely hold a Sekonic 308b exposure meter. I really wish that Domke had designed the bag with just two front pockets, but then they couldn't advertise it as having 7 compartments. I guess that the stitching between the pockets can be removed if you have the patience and a steady hand.
Quibble #2.5 is the Domke label on the front flap. I don't want to advertise to the world that I'm carrying $4,000 worth of gear in a bag that, otherwise, is almost invisible. The label is a PITA to remove. I had to use a razor knife to verrrrry carefully cut it away. This is quibble 2.5, only because, if you select the "Official White House Photographer" (or something like that) version, you may actually enjoy advertising the contents of your bag.
Now for the good stuff....
The bag is made of high quality, durable canvas. After a little use, it softens and kind of molds itself to your side. In fact, the more you use it, the better it gets. You could probably remove the padded dividers and toss the shell in with the laundry if you wanted to.
The strap is fantastic. It's a Domke "Gripper" strap. Just like the ones I use on all of my cameras. Although I tend to carry my bags/cameras "cross-chest" for security, the Gripper makes it possible to keep them on my shoulder without much danger of sliding off. The swivels keep the strap from getting twisted and save a lot of cuss words.
The interior has three compartments. I use the center one for a small body with lens attached. Usually a Leica M, but it will also hold a SMALLish SLR with short lens.
One of the other compartments is useful for a second lens or two while the third can be loaded with film.
A nice feature is that the front of the padded dividers is not attached to the front of the bag. This space is useful for extra batteries, a filter or two or other small items.
This is a SMALL bag. It probably won't be your only bag if you have anything more than a very small kit.
It's nearly perfect for the Leica M system and costs a lot less than anything comparable...think Billingham/Fogg, etc.
Just remember to remove the velcro!!
Best Deals for Domke F-5XB Shoulder/Belt Bag (Sand)
This really is a great walking around bag. Very sturdy. The gripper strap is fantastic. Because this bag is made of canvas it molds to the side of your body well: this means less movement from the bag. Big enough to hold a digital SLR such as the Canon 5D body plus any decent size lens (up through a 200mm prime). May be too small for big zooms, or big primes (i.e. above 20mm).
Not a good bag if you want to lug around lots, or even some, "stuff." But if all you want is an inconspicuous, comfortable, and reliable way to carry around one camera body plus lens this can't be beat.
Honest reviews on Domke F-5XB Shoulder/Belt Bag (Sand)
Review is based on comparing other bags I have owned.
Other packs I own or have owned that I am able to remember.
CamelBack (military spec issue) Heavy Black Nylon utility (dragged it around Iraq tossed it in humvee/trucks. Share fair of dust and grime. Total 10 year use. Looks as good as new.
Jack Wolfskin (German brand) fast/quick pack used for around town/school/travel use. 9 years dirty but still perfect (used most)
Vaude x-large internal frame pack camping. Only used for trail camping and traveling across europe. Plastic buckle broke.
Mammut small semi frame pack hiking. Good day pack. very light.
Tatonka camera bag (expired). SLR camera bag. only room for camera and lens attached. Sold it.
Tamrac camera bag good cheap bag.
US Army rucksack (expired) never used it...only my black CamelBack (I was in special team)
US Army duffel still using it for stuffing my sleeping bag, clothes etc for car camping.
Timbuk2 messenger/computer use for work.
Krumpler messenger/computer (expired)...excellent bags, but my college days are over.
Pentax SLR camera bag similar to F5XB but not canvas w/o flap. (expired) gave it to my brother with camera way back in the day.
Domke F5XB
Pros:
Basic bag that is made of tough canvas and components.
YKK zippers will probably never fail on this bag.
Gripper Strap is best standard strap ever. I can't think of any other strap bag out there.
Smaller simple design. Will fit into any back pack if needed.
Belt loop option.
Practical
Possible Cons and easy solutions:
Outside pocket (under velcro flap) does not have zipper. As a test, I stuck several credit cards in it closed the flap and shook and tossed the bag around without any cards falling out. Also easily hand sew strip of velcro to pocket.
Loud Velcro (large but very secure). Other reviewer recommended reducing the velcro size to reduce velcro noise, but I'll keep it as is.
Domke name on bag is rather large. Simply use a black permanent fabric marker and color the brand name...wait a bit and do it again for complete soak/coverage.
Name tag: just take it off.
Other bags considered over this one: Lowepro All Weather shoulder bags and Case Logic SLRC medium.
Tried out Tamrac Velocity. Good sling pack, but if I was hiking, I'd want the option to use my other backpack and either place camera bag in pack or over my shoulder across my body.
The satchel/messenger style bag is very "on the go" and one would be able to take the camera out of the bag quickly when not zipped. The velcro is large and secure so chances of camera or lens falling out when not zipped is unlikely. The foam padding is just enough. My Tatonka bag had overkill padding that was essentially the same size as this Domke bag. Good stitching and made in the US to support American labor. The flap is customizable by easily sewing patches or drawing on it. I'll keep mine black. The sides have "attachment" loops for additional Domke lens case or pouches that are available as canvas. To use the belt option, use a thick belt to keep bag from sagging too much. Perfect size to put into any of my bags, when needed, without taking too much space.
STRAP STRAP STRAP awesome strap. All my other shoulder strap bags slip off and causes pressure on shoulders. This strap seems to somehow distribute the weight well. The gripper keeps the strap in place=keeps bag in place on your body.
Main compartment:Canon Xsi attached Tamron 18-250, Tamron Ultra Wide, and Canon poorman's 50mm,
Inside pocket: extra batteries, extra card,
Outside pocket: space for keys (front pocket only to prevent scratch), chewing gum, small folding knife w/clip (front again), cleaning/dustfree papers or cloths in empty Altoids container.
Overall, based on my experience of having bags that perform for specific purposes, this small camera messenger type bag is excellent and well worth the price paid.
Hope this helps you to decide.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Domke F-5XB Shoulder/Belt Bag (Sand)
This bag is well suited for traveling light with not much equipment. The bag is very inconspicuous as far as camera bags go, and the Domke logo on the front can easily be removed or altered to make it even less identifiable as a camera bag (the label is only attached to the bags at the ends).
This is a great everyday bag to tote around a 35mm rangefinder or small SLR, some film, and a second lens or _maybe_ a light meter. I've also used this bag to carry a Mamiya 645 Pro TL with a 55mm f/2.8 or 80mm f/2.8 and metered prism finder attached. The front pocket is pretty slim and can hold a small notepad, pen, business cards, and other items of the like. The velcro in the front is quite noisy when opening, and I will probably modify it to reduce some noise. Overall this bag is exactly what I was expecting.
