Domke F-803 Camera Satchel Shoulder Bag (Black)

Comments about Domke F-803 Camera Satchel Shoulder Bag (Black):

I originally bought this bag to use as a camera bag. I'm a student so the idea of a messenger bag was an easy concept for me to digest. I've had it three years and I have been using it every day since I bought it as just a multi purpose bag / backpack / camera bag. It's extremely durable and has only worn slightly in three years. The double walled canvas offers great protection from the elements too. I have dropped this bag into several inches of water, and none of my books or papers were even damp. In fact the inside of the bag never had any moisture. This bag has paid for itself already, and has lots more mileage left in it.

The size is not too small for my needs. Almost too small for a binder, but will fit most books or a small laptop if you're considering other uses.

Comments about Domke F-803 Camera Satchel Shoulder Bag (Black):

last for years 15+ great bag

Comments about Domke F-803 Camera Satchel Shoulder Bag (Black):

This black Domke satchel is the perfect bag to carry around a rangefinder, or small DSLR, with some lenses and accessories in a small package which does not says "cameras here".
Acces is easy and zip-lock free, the main compartment has enough room for my Leica M9 with lens attached and up to four spare lenses, even though the single available divider (actually a square "box") limits flexibility. Spare cards, batteries and other stuff can be stored in the two front pockets or small flap zippered pockets. In the back there is another open pocket which can accommodate an iPad or netbook.
One of its best features is the rubber-lined shoulder strap, which firmly grips on any kind of fabric.
It's an expensive bag which delivers.

Comments about Domke F-803 Camera Satchel Shoulder Bag (Black):

I bought this so I could carry my 35mm rangefinder, a couple filters, and a book, for which it's perfect. A small SLR would fit, or a long lens (without the book) or a couple smallish cameras. It won't fit much else.

Comments about Domke F-803 Camera Satchel Shoulder Bag (Black):

I've been buying camera bags for over 30 years, and although many have been quite good, all have had serious flaws. They were either too large, too small, too complicated, ergonomically awkward or just plain unattractive. I have Billinghams, Lowepros, Tamracs, and a few others, but until this Domke F-803, I have never been truly happy with a camera bag.
Currently I'm using it for my Leica M9 and can comfortably carry the camera with any lens on it, and two others, along with external viewfinders, a blower, etc. These are not short lenses either ... a 90mm, the 16-18-21 Tri Elmar and the 35 Summilux. When I shoot with shorter lenses, I can fit four in this simply designed, beautifully constructed satchel.
It's also amazingly small and unobtrusive. Does not scream "expensive camera case", it just looks like an attractive messenger bag.
YKK zippers, rugged clasps, extremely durable fabric ... this is an outstanding product.

Comments about Domke F-803 Camera Satchel Shoulder Bag (Black):

For me, purchasing a new bag was more painstaking than purchasing a new lens - it's strange. Extremely happy with this purchase, though. I came from exclusively using Tamrac bags but wanted something discreet, well-built, tall and with a flexible interior space.

I want to be able to access my camera fast - IMO, this and a holster-type pack are the fastest. Here's what I fit inside:
- Pentax K-7 with either DA* 16-50 or 50-135 attached. The K-7 body with the 50-135 comes in at a length of ~9 inches. No problem.
- A handful of other lenses - primes, 90mm macro. Basically it's a tall narrow space so you can stack smaller lenses or place longer ones in a row.
- AF540GZ flash unit (about the size of the SB900)
- Filters, cords, maps, books, etc.
* If I pack it first, I can fit a 15" Mac Book Pro in the main compartment followed by the lens-mounted camera a a couple of other items. It's tight, though, and makes the bag bulge. But it can be done.

The (2) front pockets are large and can accommodate several filters (I have a few at 77mm), as well as a prime lens, pocket wizards, flash unit, etc. There are also (2) large sleeves, on the outside and inside but these are better served for slim objects (collapsible reflectors/diffusers, etc.), otherwise capacity in the main compartment will be cannibalized.

Although the bag is well-constructed, it only has a strip of padding on the bottom. If I'm in the middle of a shoot, I just plop my gear in there. Otherwise, during transport, I place everything of value in it's own OP/Tech sleeve, camera included.

I mentioned OP/Tech since I much prefer those products over Domke's own inserts which I think are worthless in terms of space management.

For a long day get a strap pad. There is also the Domke mail carrier strap add-on which I haven't tried.

Highly recommended.

Comments about Domke F-803 Camera Satchel Shoulder Bag (Black):

I use this for my M8. Lots of protection, light. Love it

Comments about Domke F-803 Camera Satchel Shoulder Bag (Black):

Love this bag. Perfect for traveling. Strap long enough to go across my body and was still comfortable. It fits my DSLR, 2 lenses, the flash (a good size one) and passport. Did not have to strap it down each and every time and the items were secure. The front velcro pockets, had my compact digital camera in it, the USB cords, the battery charger, and extra compact flash cards. When removed these,actually had a bottle of sunscreen in one and a water bottle in the other. The two zip pockets on top: used for my id, 2 credit cards and money. Then the back open pocket, expands not too tight, expands a bit. Had papers in it, small notebook, pen and snack bar. And the best is it does not look like a camera bag and can be used daily.

Comments about Domke F-803 Camera Satchel Shoulder Bag (Black):

Typically all of my gear goes into my Lowepro Vertex AW 200 - flashes, lenses, cameras - basically all of my digital and medium format gear. With all of that gear on me all of the time, I seemed to forgot what photography was all about because of my limitless options. While this bag is fairly small, it is literally the perfect bag for me. Without it looking too bulky, this bag allows me to carry my Bronica SQ-A, spare 120 film back, 80mm f/2.8, Canon 5d and Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 in the main compartments. Inside the velcro slots on the front I am able to fit 10-12 rolls of 120 film, a calculator, camera strap and a light meter. On the backside I'm able to fit a small notebook. The material is very durable, however a bit thin - but enough for me to feel that my gear is protected decently. The reason that I love this bag so much is because I feel that I can comfortably take it anywhere with me. It doesn't look like a camera bag, and it's not too bulky or small and when the insert in the middle of the bag is taken out it can also be used as a normal messenger bag. This is truly an awesome camera bag especially for traveling or city walking when you want to limit the amount of gear you will bring.

Comments about Domke F-803 Camera Satchel Shoulder Bag (Black):

Yes, it's discreet. Yes,it's well made. Yes, it will hold a small DSLR rig. Good bag overall. But how do people overlook the complete lack of padding on the front and back of the main compartment?!? Unless you purchase their dividers, the camera is essentially sitting in a canvas bag. Many people have to purchase their own inserts to retrofit the bag. It's almost perfect...except for the ergonomics of actually putting your camera in there safely!

Comments about Domke F-803 Camera Satchel Shoulder Bag (Black):

I have to admit that I am a junkie. I keep buying hoping for the perfect camera bag. I have bought more than 15. The F-803 is unquestionably the one I keep going back to when I hit the road. It is inconspicuous and holds my 5D MKII with lens and three additional lenses and monopod. Its the only bag I feel comfortable with walking through big American cities or shanty towns in the third world. It doesn't cry out "Steal Me! or Mug the guy carrying me! I'm holding [$]worth of camera gear!". Its the only bag I've worn out (I'm on my second). I still have a dozen other bags sitting in the closet, some still in their cellophane. I guess its craigslist for them.

Comments about Domke F-803 Camera Satchel Shoulder Bag (Black):

Don't get me wrong, the F-803 is a really nice bag. I got it for my wife, thinking that the small size would be great for her. Then I bought a J-803 for myself. The J-803 is only slightly larger than the F-803, not as much of a size difference as I was expecting. But that little extra bit of room makes a huge differnce in the kinds of equipment you can store. Plus it has more pockets for accessories, cell phones, etc. And it's made of ballistic nylon instead of canvas, so it's more durable. The price difference was less than $10. When my wife saw my J-803, she decided that she wanted to swap her F-803 for the J model. [...] Both the F-803 and J-803 are great bags -- we just prefer the J model a little more.

Comments about Domke F-803 Camera Satchel Shoulder Bag (Black):

2 Leica M's and 5-6 lenses or an SLR and 3 to four lenses, both with memory cards, batteries, finders, filteers etc.

I've had 4 of these now, as well as various other Domke bags, including the original brown one Jim sold from his house in Philadelphia. All have been excellent shooter's bags with ready access, good construction, non-ostentatious (especially after some use) and just enough padding. The pocket in the back is just the right size for maps and notebooks etc. The flatness of the bag is one it's best features; it doesn't stick out into traffic when going through crowds. Excellent strap, with the woven in rubber that has been a Domke trademark for a long time.

The two flap pockets are hard to use, but can be useful for small items. It would be useful to have one of the front pockets compartmentalized so that memory cards etc don't all float around in one lump with batteries.

Comments about Domke F-803 Camera Satchel Shoulder Bag (Black):

This is the second version of this bag I have owned. I finally broke down and bought another one since my old one has finally started to wear out. It's still useable, so I use my old one for my company gear and the new one for my personal equipment.

I'm a professional photojournalist. I've used the same bag for 10 years and it's literally been all over the globe, including war zones like Iraq. It always performed without a single problem. Domke bags aren't as padded as some, but I've never damaged a piece of gear in one. For travel with my leicas I sometimes wrap them in the domke lenswraps, but this isn't reall necessary.

It can hold a small dslr (like a 5d w/o grip) with a lens plus a flash plus a full-size zoom like the 70-200/2.8. OR a full size dslr (1dII w/no lens) with a flash and a full-size zoom. Or of course in either case if you remove the zoom you can fit two smaller primes in its place.

The large front pockets with velcro can be used for film or digital camera batteries, and the small zipper compartments on the front are great for small stuff like cf cards.

I also use the bag for leica gear, it will handle two M bodies with lenses mounted and a few extra lenses.

The best thing about the bag is it doesn't look like a camera bag. It's very discrete and is slim so you can negotiate crowds without bumping into people or things. It's my favorite bag, and I hope domke still makes 'em in 10+ years when I'm ready for my next one.

Comments about Domke F-803 Camera Satchel Shoulder Bag (Black):

I've included quite a few measurements in this review, sinceI carefully considered these factors before ordering thebag. My goal: A small, discreet, conveniently designed,well-made bag that would carry my camera gear along with afew small personal items. Mission accomplished with thisbag! If you have similar equipment, you'll probably lovethis bag.I ordered the optional one-compartment 3 x 6 x 8 insert,and my Nikon D80 SLR with lens attached rides on its back inthe insert. The zoom lens is rather large -- 4 from camerabody to filter when fully retracted.The optional insert made a big difference in my enjoyment ofthe bag. It's easier to slip the camera in and out, and thecamera receives extra protection without the bag becomingtoo bulky. Also, for some reason, the bag now stands up onits own. Before, it tended to need to be propped up againstsomething. I stash a flash in the 3 x 4 x 8 insert that came with thebag, but it would be fine for a couple of lenses if youdon't mind stacking items. The flash, which is 3-1/2 x 2 x6-1/2 inches, also fits in one of the front pockets butjust barely. I personally wouldn't carry the flash in thefront pocket because I prefer the more spacious feel, easeof access and extra protection of the insert, but it'sdoable. The two inserts fit well within the bag, but perhaps notperfectly. Together, they might be about 1/2 too long.Perhaps it's by design, but they fold just a little. It'snot bothersome. They have kind of molded themselves to theshape of the equipment. Domkes inserts are clever, and Iappreciate the way you can remove them with contents intactand can remove the individual foam paddings from whateversides you want.The bag's pockets have plenty of room to carry small itemssuch as filters, a wallet, a couple of manuals or magazines,etc. There are hooks on each side -- handy for carrying anextra pouch for more gear or even lunch. The bag has aplastic bar that runs the length of the top flap; I supposeit helps keep everything in place. One of the main reasons I chose this particular bag is thatit's very discreet. It doesn't look like a camera bag atall, and the Domke logo is hidden under the main flap.The construction quality and materials appear to be superb.I've owned another canvas Domke bag for about 25 years. Iteven went through several years of professional use, and itstill looks and functions great. It doesn't appear thatDomke has scrimped on quality over the years.

Problems Encountered: As reviews elsewhere mention, the main hook is somewhatdifficult to open and close. Domke says this is to make itmore pilfer-proof, and it probably does. After I used thebag for a few weeks, either I got used to it or it loosenedup a bit. Still, I'd prefer an easier hook and haveconsidered replacing it.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Domke canvas bag

Items I Recommend: 3 x 6 x 8 Domke insert