Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag

Comments about Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag:

I absolutely love this bag. The size is perfect as is the color. B&H were really helpful. I LOVE this store!! I will be back for more. :)

Comments about Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag:

i use the product for my new camera and love it! it's really durable, secure, and looks a lot better than just a regular black camera bag. you can fit everything you need in it and it's not too big!

Comments about Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag:

I debated several months which small bag to buy for Leica M-system, as well as occasional DSLR. I read all the positive reviews for the F-5XB, then finally purchased the RuggedWear version. I've used it enough to formulate some opinions of my own, so here are the salient points.

The good:

It really is the ideal size for the smallest practical bag to carry around. It holds an M camera and 2-4 lenses, or, like today, a D5100 with a Zeiss 50/2 Makro-Planar, a Nikon 28-300 zoom, keys, wallet, phone, etc. Easily. Access is very good.

I think the comments about "too much velcro" miss the point a bit. The velcro is so big because, if you leave the zipper open and overstuff the main compartment, or decide to put a camera in lens-first for rapid access, you can still get a decent closure with the velcro flap. I would personally not want to lose this useful added functionality by having less velcro, or a snap or clasp.

Also, if you take the Domke logo off (easily done in about 20 minutes), it's about as nondescript as you could want.

The bad:

I can not for the life of me figure out why they did not pad the ends, as that would have made the bag essentially perfect. It's not a deal-breaker, but I will at some point cannibalize another bag and sew some end panels into this one.

Also, while the RuggedWear finish looks very nice and no doubt is protective, the wax is kind of greasy, comes off on your hands, and gets on your equipment. I'm sure it doesn't hurt anything, but if you're at a wedding wearing a nice suit and shaking hands with people, this isn't the bag to bring.

But, to put in perspective how much I actually like this bag, I have subsequently purchased another F-5XB in black canvas for social events, while keeping this one for outdoor use.

Still gets 5 stars from me even with its faults.

Comments about Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag:

I'm currently using this as a small film kit bag. It's the perfect size to hold my Leica M3, Sekonic L-558, and a couple rolls of film. It's very inconspicuous to those who don't know what it is. As the name implies, this bag is rugged. It feels very well made and I don't feel as if it's going to fall apart on me. Even the inside feels like it will keep my Leica safe from scratches, it's soft enough for that but stiff enough so it's not easily broken or bent. I do wish the bottom had a pad similar to what the foam/cloth walls are made of so if it does fall, it's slightly more protected.

Comments about Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag:

I use the bag as a combination DSLR carrying bag and my wallet/checkbook.... The size I chose doesn't allow for the carrying of much more. Given a second chance, I would have likely opted for a size larger....

Comments about Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag:

This holds my camera unobtrusively. I carefully cut away the label.

Comments about Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag:

I've owned several camera travel bags over the years. This is, by far, my favourite. Its small size prevents me from over-packing my bag. Weight makes a big difference when you are walking around all day.

I use this bag to carry:
- Panasonic GF1
- Panasonic 20mm pancake
- Panasonic 45-200mm zoom
- Ricoh GRD II camera
- Two B+W Filters (including the plastic case)
- sunglasses case
- slim wallet
- U-pod folding tripod

I would recommend getting the thick Domke shoulder pad. After a full day of walking, you would really appreciate it.

I like the wax finish. The bag seems very tough. I believe I will be using this for a very long time.

The velcro might put some people off, but it doesn't really bother me. You could go to a hardware store and buy some velcro strips to cover a portion of the bag's velcro - that may somewhat silence the bag when you are opening it.

I love how Domke bags are not overly padded. Other manufacturers overdo it. Most of the gear that enthusiasts use are fairly tough.

Get this bag!

Comments about Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag:

Perfect size for micro 4/3 camera, 2 or 3 lenses and other bits and pieces. I cannot fault it at all. Adequate padding in all the right places. I was concerned that 2nd pocket doesn't have a zip, but it's better without one. Nothings going to fall out unless you're an idiot. it even fits a 7" tablet in the front.

I don't think I'll ever use the belt loop feature to turn it into a bum-bag, but it could be usefull to hold a small tripod/monopod.

Comments about Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag:

This bag is used to carry a Sony A55 w/ 18-200 lens, spare battery, filter and lens cloth. has plenty of room and is non-discript(does not look like a camera bag. Love the Domke Rugged wear line and haved another larger one for my Nikon D7000.

Comments about Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag:

This is the perfect size bag for my 2 Nikon FE SLR cameras. Just enough space for 2 SLR's and film. Plus it doesn't feel like your lugging around a huge bag, because your not. If your looking for a smaller bag for around town this is it!

Comments about Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag:

I keep a 60D, 17/40 f/4L, and 100mm f/2.8L, in the bag. It's great due to the compact size, water resistant canvas and it feels sturdy.
flap uses velcro to stay closed

Comments about Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag:

i have used this bag everyday since i got it and i havent had any problems so far. Although i do wish the top of the bag, on either side of the zipper had padding.

Comments about Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag:

Can carry my 5d mark II 24-70 plus a flash. Just enough without being too bulky...

Comments about Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag:

Excelkent quality of materials, workmanship and "fit and finish".

Comments about Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag:

So nice for carrying the things that really matter.

The bag has a great feel, tough but still soft.

Inside is pretty great padding and how cool is it you can wear it around your waste?!?

Comments about Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag:

The first day I used my Domke F-5XB shoulder bag was in very rainy conditions. Initially I was worried about my gear becoming soaked. After checking to make sure everything was dry, I was amazed of how comfortable the strap was around my neck. Its weatherproof capability make it perfect for anyone who lives in harsh climates. It is very comfortable and stylish. It also is very easy to access camera gear. One downside of the Domke F-5XB is the velcro latch. I would prefer a buckle or a metal hook to secure the top.

Comments about Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag:

Works well for a 3 lens M System.

Comments about Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Medium Shoulder and Belt Bag:

This compact bag perfectly fits for Leica M and one additional lens.
It has very nice design and provides weather resistance.
You can be sure that your gear is in safety because of strong zip under the cover.