If photographers were to agree on two things, they would have to be the following, although not necessarily in this order: A) You can never have enough camera bags; B) There’s no such thing as the “perfect” camera bag.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit I own too many camera bags, although, if brought before a jury of my peers I could justify each of these purchases, even if I’ve only used some of them maybe a half-dozen times. As for the so-called perfect bag, I’ve yet to find one, but if one bag has come close, it would have to be the black Domke F-3X Shoulder Bag that I purchased about 25 years ago. (Full disclosure—for the record, I also own a smaller Domke F-8 Small Shoulder Bag and a Domke F-802 Reporter’s Satchel Shoulder Bag, which I take to work almost daily. Yes… I really like Domke bags!).
Domke was founded by a photojournalist, i.e., somebody who understands what the form, feel, and functionality of a camera bag should be, based on experience. Domke bags are made of the finest, toughest water-resistant cotton canvas, and are held together with enough stitching to guarantee decades of service (and I can vouch for that). Even the shoulder strap reaches clear around the bottom of the bag for added support and structural integrity.
The first cameras and lenses I carried in my Domke were film-based Nikon F3s and a selection of manual-focus Nikkors. Since that time, my Domke F-3X has hosted Canon DSLRs, a Nikon DSLR, Hasselblads, Leicas, Fujifilm mirrorless, and Sony mirrorless cameras and lenses.
One of the things I appreciate about this bag is its size—it’s not too big and not too small. Having long lost the need to pack every camera and lens I own “just in case,” these days I typically limit myself to a single camera and two, maybe three lenses, tops. Granted, I might miss a shot because I didn’t pack a 15mm or 500mm lens, but there’s something to be said for not needing a chiropractor after an otherwise wonderful day spent taking pictures.
After a quarter century of use, my Domke F-3X isn’t quite as black as it used to be, although it’s aged better than the last half-dozen pairs of black Levi’s I’ve owned. The corners of the bag are frayed and the strap—while it’s as secure as it’s ever been—has seen better days. Regardless, I still use it regularly and, if it lasts another decade, I promise to write a follow-up report. Stay tuned.
The “Things We Love” series articles are written by B&H Photo Video Pro Audio staff to talk about products and items that we love. Opinions expressed in the articles are those of the writers and do not represent product endorsements from B&H Photo Video Pro Audio.
5 Comments
I am a Photojournalist and I just love the F3! Sticks to your body like glue and can just load to capacity and everything is still within easy reach. Not much padding, I know, but with a few bandanas and a chamois leather, your apparatus (thank you Flusser!) is well protected. Now on my 4th F3 after nearly thirty years of being a Photojournalist through War, Love & Peace x
Howdy, Paul C.! Yes, many of the photographer types here at B&H still love and count on our Domke F3-X bags through rain, snow, desert heat, or steamy jungle treks. They are designed beautifully and hold just the right amount of equipment for a day's shooting without weighing one down, and they wear like iron. Thanks for posting!
I've owned the F-3X bag in tan for over 20 years and, although I like the bag and will never get rid of it, it's not perfect. It's best used indoors or outside on a sunny day. The top/lid has gaps and doesn't fit the base very well. So rain/dust can be a problem. My shoulder strap wore out after about 2 years. The strap can't be removed short of cutting it off. I bought a shoulder pad (non-Domke) for the strap but it's clunky and difficult to use. The original strap also constantly slipped off my shoulder and was never quite long enough for me. The side pockets are easy to get into both for the photographer and for pickpockets. I do like the zippered pockets. It's a functional bag but not designed for every photographer. My current best bag is a Lowepro that beats the Domke on all the above issuees.
I've had two of these bags. My first was stolen as it was just getting broken in. The second is still going stong after more than 25 years. It is the one bag I always come back to.
I agree with you 100%. The F-3X is as close to a perfect bag as you get. It was designed for pure functionality. Large pockets, simple non-removable but flexible dividers, no zippers, and easy access to the essentials when you need them make it my go to bag.