Domke J-1 Journalist Shoulder Bag (Black)

Comments about Domke J-1 Journalist Shoulder Bag:

What is to say, it's a Domke, designed and built in the good ol' USA, very similar to the F2 original bag with a little more volume and depth, this is perfect to accommodate my two Nikon bodies w/ lenses mounted, plus 3 or so more lenses and all, the usual accessories, batts, chargers, filters etc.
With all my day to day gear onboard everything is easy to find and well protected. This is a good quality product,.

Comments about Domke J-1 Journalist Shoulder Bag:

I've owned this bag for two years, and is one of many Domke bags I had. Yesterday, after finishing an architecture shoot the plastic buckle holding the main strap snapped. Luckily, I caught the bag as it fell. Otherwise, it would have tumbled down the steps of a San Francisco Victorian, causing nasty things to happy to the two D3s' and lenses inside.

A bag billed as a journalist's bag, one made to carry lots of gear, shouldn't have plastic in a critical spot.

Comments about Domke J-1 Journalist Shoulder Bag:

I was skeptical about buying a bag from online, not being able to see it in person and judge its size. Even when I first opened the package I thought I got one too small, but this thing is deceptively deep and I've pretty much consolidated what I used to carry in 2 separate bags. Plus even fully loaded down, it doesn't feel as heavy as previous bags I've owned. So far the quality seems great and I expect this to last many years.

Comments about Domke J-1 Journalist Shoulder Bag:

I upgraded to the J-1 after owning a backpack-type camera bag for a few years. This bag is great, it has enough space to fit the gear I need when I go on a shoot (two dslrs, 4 lenses, flash and other accessories). I've used it outdoors during a rainstorm and it kept all my gear dry. It does have a tendency to become heavy once all my gear is inside.

Comments about Domke J-1 Journalist Shoulder Bag:

Meets my needs for traveling with photo equip. Durable,and very functional.

Comments about Domke J-1 Journalist Shoulder Bag:

I purchased this bag hoping to use it for my general carry bag, but wound up returning it. As with all Domke products (and I'm a fan of Domke) it is well constructed and lightweight, with adequate padding for general carry use.

I bought this bag hoping that I could use it for general carrying, which includes two DSLR bodies (Nikon D700 with grip and D3) and 4 lenses (Nikon 70-200VR, 12-24/2.8, 85/1.4 and 28-70/2.8). I was hoping that the taller size compared to the F1X would help with the 70-200 and the different inserts compared to the F1X would fit the very wide 12-24.

The problem for me is that there are simply no shoulder bags that really hold these very large sized lenses well, and the J-1 was no expection.

As much as I like the construction and layout of the bag, I had to return it as it did not meet my needs for this sized kit. For a smaller kit (lenses and bodies) it would have been great and I would certainly have kept it in that case.

Comments about Domke J-1 Journalist Shoulder Bag:

I've had to return this bag to B&H; it's just too big for me. I bought it as an alternative to the original Domke, which is too small to hold my Nikon D3 and lenses. I believe the J-1 is a good match for someone seeking a voluminous Domke. It's nicely padded, especially on the floor of the main compartment. It comes with padded inserts for the side pockets and, unlike the original Domke, the inside is completely lined with velcro (the soft side) so that inserts can really be moved around. In terms of size, it is especially deep, much deeper than the smaller Domkes.

I shoot weddings and have to spend long days with my camera bag, so I want it to be just right... This just won't work as a replacement for my aging Tenba, it's too big. My usual rig, a D3, 80-200mm, 50mm, 17-35mm, and sb-900, plus a bunch of batteries and various accessories, is just lost in here. I might try to go down a size in the Domke line, or perhaps try out some offerings from other companies.

No complaints in build quality or design... Hope that helps!

Comments about Domke J-1 Journalist Shoulder Bag:

I bought this bag to replace a 20-year-old Domke F-3 which served me well but was showing its age. Coupled with the FA-031 Post Office Shoulder Pad, the J-1 can hold more equipment and carry it easily.

Comments about Domke J-1 Journalist Shoulder Bag:

This bag couldn't be more perfect for my gear hauling needs. I purchased this second hand from B&H. It had already seen some use, but is still going strong. Extremely good quality and rugged. I agree with another reviewer that this is the most comfortable camera bag of this size I have used. It flexes just enough to stay at your side rather than bump around when walking like the other more rigid bags. The large flaps more than sufficiently seal the gear from the elements. I like the metal clasps which keeps it securely closed.

Inside the bag. 4x5 folded field camera, 2 lenses, focusing loop, Wide angle hood, weatherproof focusing cloth, film holders for film that have been exposed.
Front pockets. Light meter, and other small accessories.
Side pocket 1. 5 4x5" film holders (fit easily)
Side pocket 2. Filter rings for the lens hood, lens cloth, film box, business cards etc.
And there's still room.

Best part about the J-1 is that I never get a second look from airline staff when I bring this carry-on with a laptop bag. (flown many times with it).

When I need a replacement bag, I will likely purchase the exact same one. Though I don't think that will be any time soon.

Comments about Domke J-1 Journalist Shoulder Bag:

I use this product every day. It's a very good bag

Comments about Domke J-1 Journalist Shoulder Bag:

This bag has a lot of room but is a bit on the heavy side. You definitely need a WELL PADDED strap if you are going to carrying this around loaded.

I had very sore shoulders after trekking around NY for 3 days straight. The FA-100 Backpack Strap or FA-031 U.S. Post Office Shoulder Pad is a must for long trips.

It is built like a tank and would not give it a second thought if I drop it on the ground.

Another note, the bag will hold a 70-200 VR mounted on a D3 standing upright.

Comments about Domke J-1 Journalist Shoulder Bag:

this is a nice bag that form-fits to your hip in a way no other bag I have tried does. It is well made and has a lot of room. The bag closes with metal hardware that has a tendency to fly around - NOT good! Have to be very careful. I have replaced the metal hooks with plastic ones and now have a nearly perfect bag!

Comments about Domke J-1 Journalist Shoulder Bag:

Had this bag since 2000 and still servicing me to this day. The Velcro for the main compartment is beginning to lose its grip probably because i hardly ever use the buckles to fasten it.

I carried it as carry on and overhead compartments on plains all the time but try not to over stuff since they might as you to place it into the little bin to gauge if its within airline carry-on regulations. It usually just squeezes into the bin no prob.

what i have in it now:

main compartment
-1 nikon dslr w/ 28-70 f2.8 & hood attached standing vertically w/strap
-2 lumedyne strobe heads w/reflector & cords
- 1 lumedyne 400 w/s powerpack w super battery attached w/strap

end compartments:
- 3 pocketwizrds
- extra camera battery
- aa batteries
- cf cards in foam case

other end compartment
- lee hood in its own padded case
- 2 lee filters in one padded case

front pockets
-sekonic 558 light meter in its case
- ziploc bag of spigots and hotshoe adaptors
- 2 ND 77mm threaded filters
- sharpie marker

zippered compartment in the flap
- sync cords, 3"x3" color filers, blow brush, cleaning cloth, ziploc bags
- Lee 3"x3" sample Booklet of filters

back compartment
- 1 scissor
- tailor's measuring tape
- a few clothes pins

As of now i'm looking for a carry-on size roller case/bag... something i can sit on, abuse and throw down stairs if need be. I will still use this bag in conjunction with my new purchase of a roller case.

Comments about Domke J-1 Journalist Shoulder Bag:

After purchasing backpacks, totes, and messenger-style bags I had just about given up on finding a reasonably sized bag to lug around my gear. The J-1 carries a DSLR w/lens, 3 addition lenses, speedlight, remote and all the normal accessories such as spare batteries, cables, chargers and STILL has room to spare. Super well made. Rugged construction.
I highly recommend the FA-031 Postal Carrier pad as an accessory. This is the most comfortable pad I've ever seen or owned.

Comments about Domke J-1 Journalist Shoulder Bag:

I searched and researched or a large camera bag to fit my needs. I was looking for a bag that I could carry 4-5 lenses, XTi body with grip and any of my lenses attached, 2 fash guns, battery case for my AA's, CF card case, filter case, cleaning supplies, remote shutter switch, Skyport transmitter and 2 receivers, and all of the necessary cleaning supplies. The Domke J1 handles this task with no problems. Here is a list of the lenses that I fit into this bag for size comparison: Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, 24-60 f/2.8, 17-70, Tokina 12-24 f/4, Canon 50mm f/1.8. The outside pockets really come in handy and are very easily accessible. The consruction is sturdy and I expect it to last me a long time. This is my first Domke and certainly will not be my last. I do wish the shoulder strap was a bit longer so the bag could be carried messenger style. Due to the size of the bag and the amout of gear that it can handle, it gets a bit heavy.

Comments about Domke J-1 Journalist Shoulder Bag:

I had previously only ever used Tamrac and LowePro, but Irealized for some of my shoots I didn't want to be slamminginto folks when I turned a corner with a backpack. The J-1is large enough to accommodate the lions share of my gear(70-300mm, 28-200mm, 420/430, 580 speedlites) and still haveroom for two bodies yet still gives me a little moremovement than a hiking pack.

Expertise: Hobbyist

Problems Encountered: Only regret is that it isn't too great if you have to storeit in overhead bin on a plane as it can't really be lockedup well.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Mini Trekker AW Backpack

Comments about Domke J-1 Journalist Shoulder Bag:

This is the perfect bag when you want to carry a lot of gear. I can fit a 300mm F2.8, 70-200 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8, 2 cameras and flash, light meter and extra accessories.

Expertise: Advanced amateur

Problems Encountered: None

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Variety of tamrac shoulder bags sold after I bought this bag!

Items I Recommend: FA-031 Shoulder Pad