Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive)

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

f5xc is a well design bag, deep enough to take a 70-200 F2.8g, with velcro compartment one can wear this as a beltpack. I can pack the 70-200, SD910, and one or two other shorter lens comfortably as a beltpack.

Domke certainly has taken thoughts as to how people may divide the bag, the bottom opening zipper is a great plus when you move the dividers to create a bottom compartment. The bag is deep enough to do that and still hold camera with moderate size zoom above it.

The canvas construction allow the unit to hug your body without creating abrasive feeling, and the size is just right not to attract undue attention.

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

Well made, sits close to my body and doesn't look like a camera bag.

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

its nice and compact, and it doesnt stand out too much. it doesnt advertise to other people i have camera gear inside. since my camera has a battery grip, i can only fit it if the bag has the space ( i put the camera lens down) or if i just remove the lens. i bought this bag mainly to hold my lenses and other accessories when im out shooting, and it does a great job at that. it can easily hold my 580exii, 28 1.8, 15-85, and 100L. its also tall enough to fit a 70-200 f4. i like the bottom zipper section for easy access to whatever i put down there, it really comes in handy. the shape is preserved which is another aspect i like about it, so itll always retain that rectangular shape.
some of the things i dont like is that it doesnt have many extra pockets, just two on the front which i wish could close somehow, and a huge one in the back. id like to be able to store more of my smaller things. and the other day some batteries fell out of the front pocket while i was moving about. the velcro can get annoying at times, just because of how loud it is. it does a great job staying closed, but i wish there was a way to silence it. also arranging those dividers inside can be frustrating cause they keep getting stuck to the side before theyre in place. other than that its a pretty solid bag if you don't have too much to carry. its pretty comfortable, i had it on for a couple hours with the bag full of gear and it didnt really bother me suprisingly.

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

This is exactly what I wanted, a solid, good quality bag that could hold my 5DMkII with an extra lens and a few accessories. I use it for just casual walking about when I want to have a camera with me, but not on a photo-shoot.

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

I can fit my Canon XSI, two lenses w/hoods, and some necessities.

The zippers rattle around a bit but nothing I can't live with.

I do wish it had come with more than two velcro dividers or at least some different sizes.

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

This bag is the perfect size for a new photographer like me. The gear I pack includes a Canon T3i, 50mm 1.4, 18-55 EFS, Speedlite 430ex ii, battery charger, extra batteries, cables and manuals. This setup fits in the bag with plenty of room to spare. When I buy a larger zoom, I would pack the 50 and 18-55, and then attach the zoom. The next paragraph describes that scenario.

The dividers can be configured in a variety of ways. I use the two dividers to make 2 compartments with a floor. They are on the left and right. My layout puts a lense in the right compartment and various sundries in the left (charger, cables, etc.). I then pack the camera face down in the middle with a lens mounted. I place the speedlite and a smaller lense in the bottom of the bag. The bottom is accessible by a zipper

This bag is comfortable and conforms nicely to the body. It just looks like a small satchel and not a bulky camera bag. It does not have much padding. There is some in the bottom and in the dividers, but this bag is not meant to be packed as luggage or dropped from a roof. It's for active shooting.

Some people complain about the volume of the velcro, but I don't find it to be a problem. If it is a concern, just by a piece of velcro and put some backing on the sticky part. Then attach it to half of the velcro on the bag. Done. The bag is now half as silent.

I see myself using this bag for years to come. Even as my gear grows, I will still use this a walk around bag.

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

although this Domke bag is presented as a Large Shoulder bag, large is a bit of an overstatement, but I knew that when I purchased it. The size is perfect for when I don't need or want to schlep all of my equipment around. My only criticism is the lack of a snap, zipper or velcro on the outside pockets.

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

The best thing I liked about this bag is the non-slip shoulder strap, works great. The velcro flap is too long & really annoying & loud! This bag could be much better designed. I wanted to use it for my Leica M9 with a few lens, along with the Fuji X100 in the bottom. I had to use other inserts to modify the bag for my use. I reverted bag to my; Artisan 3000 BLK #10 Canvas/Nylon Camera Bag.

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

I bought this bag for a trip to Europe to hold my 5D II. My setup was as follows:
divided the bag into 3 sections.
5D II with 24-70 USM lens attached in the center
extra battery, charger and USB cables on one side of the camera
portable hard drive, extra CF cards, sunglasses and water bottle on the other side of the camera.

The large slot pocket on the outside of the bag was perfect for maps. There are also 2 smaller pockets that are covered by the velcro flap. I wish these had a zipper because they're the perfect size for holding batteries or memory cards. It would also be nice to have dividers that bent in different locations than the ones provided. They seem to be made to divide the bag horizontally, where I was using them vertically. Other than that it's a great bag. Fits the 5D II easily with plenty of space for other items.

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

This is now my main camera bag.

I have several bags in the closet one of them is a Lowepro Slingshot. Great bag. I love their life time warranty. However having the sling fixed and bearing on one shoulder all day with lots of gear can be taxing.

I then purchased a Crumpler knapsack style bag - but found that my camera was always out around my neck or on my R-strap because it was far too inaccessible. For this reason this is my least used bag.

After a lot of research, I came to the conclusion that my next camera bag needs to be a messenger/shoulder type. The advantage is that I can easily access my gear like a sling but unlike most slings I can easily switch shoulders during the day.

I've tried the ThinkTank Retrospective and I must admit that it is a little bit more polished than Domke's offering. However, I felt that the Retro 10 was much too small and the Retro 20 was just too big. They need a Retro 15!

Enter Domke F-5XC. The fit and finish is good but not excellent like the other bags I've owned. Certainly not the same level as the ThinkTank. However, it looks the least like a camera bag and holds the most gear out of all the bags I have tried whilst maintaining a relatively compact form. This really helps make it look like a simple not so special canvas messenger bag.

I would have gone with the F-5XZ but thankfully I found out that the waxwear version DOES NOT HAVE THE ZIPPER ACCESS at the bottom of the bag. This is one of the features I love about this bag. All my lenses with hoods are accessible at the bottom. My camera is positioned vertical to one side and next to it are my speedlights. When I need it I can stuff an extra lens on top of those.

Whats the most it can carry? On vacation I can travel with:
Nikon D7000
Tokina 50-135 f/2.8 with hood reversed - mounted on camera
Nikon 85mm f/1.8D with hood mounted
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 with hood reversed
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 with hood reversed
2 x Nikon SB600 with Stofen type diffusers and gel filters
2x Nikon AS-19
3x Zeiss wet cleaning wipes
Generic lens cleaning cloth
Generic desiccant Gel
Black Rapid R-4
Passport and travel documents in the back pocket
+
iPhone4 with Otterbox Deffender clipped on to the strap
Giottos QU 305B table top tripod clipped on to bag loop

With my chargers, monopod, lightstand in my carry-on, I'm good to go.

Wish list for this bag:
Zipper protection in the main compartment (teeth rubs against my camera)
Clips for flap closure (added protection)
Velcro silencers
An inch bigger all around (LxWxD)
No plastic parts (buckles on strap are plastic - I've heard of these failing - it is the weakest part of the bag)
A shoulder strap that came with the bag
More dividers (not enough)
Bigger close-able accessories pockets
Gear velcro loops for a mono-pod or a small tripod

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

Great bag, well made and very subtle especially in the Olive colour. The only part that is not so subtle is the MASSIVE Velcro flap. (OK it can be partially covered.)

While just taller than the 5XB its still quite a small and slim shoulder bag and with the right type of kit can fit quite a lot of gear.

With just the 2 dividers provided I managed to fit:
Pentax K-7 with DA35ltd in the centre
DA15ltd & DFA100macro joined with OpTech dbl cap
FA43ltd & DA70ltd joined with Optech double cap
DA55-300 across the bottom (acessed with zip)
4 filters in a Tiffen pouch
spare batteries in a leather pouch
small bulb blower
lens cloth in one front pocket
smart phone in the other
map / documents (or manuals) in the back

All items still resonably easily accessible, not tightly packed at all.

The gripper strap is pretty comfortable, as is, even with 3kg of kit above. It remains to be seen how durable the little grippy rubber strips are.

My new favourite camera bag.

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

Great bag from Domke. I was able to fit an ungripped Nikon D700 with 16-35 f/4 lens mounted, a 70-200 VRII on the side with hood reversed, and a 50 1.4 prime. You just have to rearrange the included dividers so that the lenses fit properly. It has two small pockets in the front and I use them for storing filters, cleaning cloth, CF cards, cellphone, and medications. The only thing I didn't like about the bag was the huge velcro pads - they create a LOT of noise.

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

Bought this as an all around street photography bag. Used it this past weekend at the around town in Aspen, Colorado and at the Winter X Games. Fit a pro level SLR, a 70-200f2.8, two more lenses and accessories, which was pushing it but it worked great. Only wish is that the accessory pockets were a little more substantial. Other than that, comfortable, easy access to all my gear, perfect size. Love this bag.

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

This bag is great. It's just right to carry my rangefinder gear. It might be a bit too small for a larger DSLR, but for smaller cameras it's perfect. Best thing about it--it doesn't look like a camera bag, but you can count on your equipment being protected.

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

With all the camera bags out there this was the one that was most appealing. It's beautiful, but its perfect for my sb-900 and d300 camera with 50mm 1.4 lens attached and I'm pretty sure it would have room for another lens or two. No matter how heavy your camera and accessories are this bag with make them feel light... compared to the f-2 domke bag that is, that was my previous bag. I take pictures at events and concerts and I can comfortably wear this bag in a crowd and access my equipment quickly as well.

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

I purchased this bag to use as a day bag for my camera gear when traveling. Since when we fly, I use my Kata photo backpack as my airline carry-on with netbook, Nook, headphones, etc, I don't want to carry all that when touring. So I wanted a bag that I could pack in my suitcase, but use to carry my gear during the day. This bag looks as though it will fill the bill; it will go in my 25"s suitcase and it seems to have plenty of carry ability. So far am well pleased with its design and construction.

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

Just what I wanted. A quality bag for a large DSLR that has a low profile. I didn't want to walk around with an obvious camera case due to theft worries. I have plenty of room for an extra lens, charger, cleaning kit, strap, book, and more.

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

I think the look of this bag is just about right for travel, or day trips. It's long enough to hold my 100 f2.8L macro IS with hood (attached!), a 17-40 f4L in a cradled position on the top left that barely allows for a 5D in the zippered portion underneath. Between dividers there is just enough room for the 17-40 lens hood. This setup is best for traveling to a location, then removing the camera body and a lens. The front pockets are small but I was able to fit a battery
and CF cards in one, and a small Sunpak RD2000 fill flash in the other. You can cut small black velcro and place in the center of the pocket to hold contents. Back flat pocket holds a polarizer & ND filters. That's it, and it still maintains it's shape! On the front I placed a small, ready-manufactured velcro divider in the center of the overly large piece of velcro sewn in on the Domke. This really cuts down on the ripping sound when you open the flap. Hopefully, later Domke versions will address this oversight.

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

I use this bag to hold by Canon T1i, 18-55 kit lens and 50mm 1.8. It's a great bag because it looks like a normal messenger bag. The dividers work well to segment the bag into sections. Only thing I wish it had were deeper front pockets and more small pockets/slots with zippers, for things like spare memory cards, pens, spare batteries, etc.

Comments about Domke F-5XC Large Shoulder Bag (Olive):

I usually use multi-compartment carry bags from Nikon and Canon. I wanted a bag to enable me to carry my camera and an additional lens with just a few limited accessories. This bag works fine for that purpose. It was a little smaller than I was expecting, but I had to remind myself I wanted this bag for hiking to save weigh. I could fit a Nikon D200 camera with a Nikkor 24-120mm lens attached, along with a 17-50mm Tamron in the bag as well. There are two small slot pouches in the front under the cover where I put a lens brush, filter, and spare memory card. These are open at the top and I was worried that I might loose these small items, but so far, everything has worked out well. I got the green bag with black logo so as to not have the Domke name tag stand out to brightly.