Road Test | Domke F-5XB Camera Bag
A simple camera bag that has some secrets…
Needless to say, as a Carryologist, I have plenty of bags. In fact, I often seek out excuses (“opportunities”) to purchase new bags. Last fall, I was visiting New York City for the first time to attend an event at the United Nations. The event was just one day but I was spending close to a week in the Big Apple doing what I do best – eat. I love going to restaurants and when I do, I always try to take pictures. Without discussing the myriad of issues with food photography, the one I was most concerned about was how I would carry the camera into the restaurant.
I have dedicated camera bags; everything from a Lowepro backpack to a Crumpler Five Million Dollar Home. I am very conscientious of how I present myself. It’s imperative to me that I maintain a level of respect for the restaurant and the other patrons, so I know I would feel just ridiculous walking in with a bag or pouch made of ballistic nylon or sporting bright colors and buckles.
How could I carry a digital SLR, an extra lens, a notepad, pen, and some misc accessories? I’d like a bag that was small as possible, classy in its looks, does not draw attention, and would not look out of place both in the city and in a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Through a week of research I came across Domke bags. The brand might sound unfamiliar to you but its parent company shouldn’t. It’s owned by Tiffen, which all of you should know at least from their filters. The bag I picked was the F-5FXB Shoulder & Belt Bag in the RuggedWear line.
When it arrived, I knew the bag was for me. It measures 10″ wide 4.5″ deep and 7.25″ high. It has a velcro closure. There’s an externally accessible sleeve for accessories you need to reach quickly (i.e. cleaning cloth). The main compartment is closed with dual zippers with large, easy-to-grip, tabs. The inside is fully padded with a soft material. There’s an additional slot inside for more accessories. I commandeered a divider tab from my Crumpler and placed it inside the main compartment to separate my camera body and extra lens. Works like a charm.
Highlights
Size: So what do I love so much about this bag? First of all, it’s the perfect size. I carried a Canon 40D, 50mm f1.4 prime, 28-135 lens, cleaning cloth, lens pen, Lamy pen, Moleskine notebook, extra battery, extra memory card, and business cards. Honestly, this is all I really need for the few hours during a meal. I am really not digging the trend of moving towards large bags, especially ones with the lack of pockets for organization.
Shoulder Strap: The strap is great. It is just long enough to wear over the shoulder and have the bag hang comfortably and securely next to your waist, giving you a natural place to rest your hand. It also can be extended to go across your chest. But, it doesn’t go too much longer than that. Pay attention because this is key: there is not unnecessary slack in the bag. Some bags have so much strap material I feel they are made for 8 foot tall giants.
Another great feature of the Domke F-5XB is the grip material on the strap. As you separate the two buckles to extend the strap, you expose this really interesting gray rubber material that looks woven into the strap. It’s not a padded sliding cover that you see on most messenger bags. Instead, this is built right into the strap but, and this is genius, it only exists exactly in the area that touches your shoulder. It’s not present by your lower body or even on the reverse side. It is only grippy where it needs to be.
Zipper: I know this sounds like a silly thing to be highlighting but these are some seriously nice zippers. Of course they are YKK from Japan but what I love is the size. The tracks are large which means, at least in my experience, smoother and quieter operation. The bag also has large zipper tabs which are great to get a grip on especially in winter, when you’re wearing gloves.
Rugged: I know this is what you’ve all been waiting for. The F-5XB is available in a variety of colors but the specific variation I purchased was part of the RuggedWear line. What makes the bag rugged is the material – it’s made of breathable cotton canvas. It comes with a tin of wax which you can apply, then heat, to create a water-resistant barrier. With proper care, this bag should last a lifetime in all kinds of acclimate weather. Did you pick up a Barbour jacket this winter? This is the bag for you.
Lowlights
Honestly, not much to dislike about this bag except, perhaps, the price. I purchased mine for just under $80 from Amazon and compared to other bags of the size, this is a pretty high price point. I also think that the bottom could have used some tabs or different material since it’s the one that will get dirty quickest, touching various dirty surfaces.
Best suited to
Short photgraphy sessions: It works great for outtings where you know you won’t need access to more than 2 lens, a flash, or tripod. If you are doing a large photoshoot, you probably already have a larger bag for that. This is for a walk through Central Park or taking portraits for a friend’s wedding. Or, food pictures during lunch or dinner.
Classy gatherings where you need to be discrete: If you’re covering a sports event, people almost expect you to have the AP vest and lens holster. But when you’re at a nice function, you want to be as discrete as possible.
Not suited to
Carrying a lot of gear: If you need to carry a lot of gear, especially more than 2 lenses, flash units, tripods, charger, etc, this bag is a bad fit. It also (only) has 3 compartments so those looking for dedicated pockets for keys, sunglasses, water bottle, pens, etc are out of luck.
Any niggles?
Would love to see it come with just one divider tab for the main compartment. Also some more color choices (muted orange, navy, charcoal, etc) would really be nice.
Any envy for a similar bag?
To be honest, I have not had much luck finding classically-designed, straight-forward bags. I love “tactical” as much as the next guy but sometimes you just want a simple bag. I think things are looking up though, as designers are embracing the “throwback” mantra of simple-is-better. Though much larger in size and a different format, I am really digging the Incase Ari Marcopoulos Camera bag. The messenger bag has a very muted look and is very purposefully designed to hold a camera.
Conclusion
You know how we roll at Carryology. We love well-made, simple gear and the Domke F-5XB is no exception. It rocks a rugged, classic look, is weather-resistant, comfortable to wear, holds just enough gear, and doesn’t draw unnecessary attention. The price-point is a little high but you pay for quality and the bag will last you a lifetime.
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I love Domke bags — rugged, thought out, time tested, American made camera bags. I have two, a medium sized Domke F6 with ballistic nylon and the classic, workhorse Domke F2.
Great review. It is really helpful reading the likes & dislikes of a product. I have about 3 camera bags, none of which I am very happy with, it might be time to sell them and try something new.
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I’ve had this bag since December and I too LOVE it. It’s absolutely perfect for travel, and fits really well in other larger bags!
I would be interested to see how this bag compares with the retrospective series from thinktank.
I used to have one of these, but I sold it after about the 20th time I got made fun of for carrying a european man purse. Now, this isn’t unusual, my friends are jerks who think they’re hilarious, and while this bag might work for a smaller dude, on someone who’s 6’2″, they were right: it takes on a very purse-like dimension.
also, I have the f3x in the same fabric, and while it’s a really great camera bag, I’d question how “rugged” it actually is. After 2 or so years of not-everyday use it’s fraying on the edges and a couple of small holes have formed around the edges of the side pockets. the wear is good-looking and adds some character, but I can tell the bag isn’t gonna last a lifetime or anywhere near it. unless I get run over by a truck tomorrow, I suppose.
Thanks for a great review there. Will hopefully be on the lookout for this Domke here in the Philippines.
How do you feel about the velcro though? Sometimes that can be distracting especially when I attend functions at hotels and other such events. Would have wanted something similar to Billingham’s quick clasps.
Hi Alexei,
Thanks for checking in. You are totally right. I actually cringe when I am opening up my camera bag, especially in a fine dining restaurant. I feel terrible but honestly, it’s over in a few seconds and I never close it (to avoid having to reopen it) the rest of the evening. I would have preferred clips too but for this particular bag, the clips would have thrown off the aesthetics I think.
I have the Domke F803. I’m also annoyed by the velcro sound when opening the pockets.
My solution… I bought a velcro strap, cut it the same size as the velcro on my Domke and stick it there. It act as “silencer” similar to the ThinkTank’s Hook and Loop “Sound Silencers”. Now I can open and close the pockets/bag without noise.
The only downside of this is if you turn the bag upside down, stuff inside the pocket might fall. But since F-5XB has zipper, it, stuff will be safe.
I got my Domke F-5XB in Hong Kong last September 2011. Reading your comments, I have to agree that it has its best feature. I love the strap’s grip on the shoulders and the easy adjustments if you use it as a belt bag. My Domke F-5XB carries a Nikon D300s with a Nikkor 35 mm prime or the Sigma 10-20 mm ultra wide lens. Me and this bag has been through some travelling from the Vietnam to Phnom Penh tp Siem Reap and back. And around the Philippines my home country from Down South in Mindanao to as far North to Batanes… and its a good bag to carry around and I gave it another fresh wax.. and now my Domke F-5XB carry’s my Fuji Film Finepix X-100….
Hi egay,
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the review. I am stoked to hear that you are enjoying the bag. Over a year has passed and my 40D and lenses still reside in the Domke bag. I really like the looks and the material is the kind that begs to improve with wear.
If you ever end up posting a review or shots from your X-100 please let me know. I am really jealous!
I’ve owned numerous dome bags over the years and this one is also one of my favorites. Older ones look weather beaten over the years and are replaced with newer ones when appearances count. I’ve never received a can of wax with any of them however.
The noisy velcro closures are problematic in quite settings, but a strip of Gaffer tape will silence that when necessary. The newer Crumpler bags have more elegant velcro “silencers”., but I still prefer this bag for it’s sleek, low profile look.
Forgot to mention that I cut off the identifying domke corner label on all my bags to maintain that low profile look. No reason to announce to the world that you’re carrying a camera bag.
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I have the F5-XB as well, although, I don’t use it often because I like to carry a few extra things around that usually won’t fit in there, (usually I use a Domke F3X) but it’s a nice bag. The velcro really annoys me though, it’s so loud.. i’ve thought about taping off some of it. The gripper strap is awesome, and because of it, I started using their ‘gripper’ camera straps on all my cameras, which is basically the same rubber sewn in thing but smaller.
I found a couple of your ‘niggles’ kind of odd. Mine has two removable dividers in it, (makes the main compartment 3 smaller ones) which makes me wonder if they’ve stopped putting those in. It also does come in other colors, black, olive, and a sand/tan color.
Hie everybody,
Need help in choosing a leather messenger bag.
Budget: US$ 300 or less
Must have:
Genuine leather , external back pocket, two internal pockets with one for holding a laptop.
Need good workmanship for the price and something that will last. Brown preferred.
thanks all in advance!
Rajat,
It would be best if you submitted this to the site directly or posted it under a more relevant post such as a shootout for messenger bags. We all want to help and you would get much more visibility that way.
Hi all,
Excellent reviews of the Domke F-5X series – though I too am confused when the reviewer moans about no dividers – rightfully so, but his must have been a demo item that the previous person had omitted to refit the original brace of baffles…
Anyway, he also mentions putting Domke Grip-straps on other items – and That is what I’d like to know…
Where, exactly, can you buy Domke Grip straps – with their metal snap-hooks at either end – and can you buy them in all their different colours?
Many thanks, and I know what it is to have the carryological complaint…!
Good Review,
I am looking for a small Domke to carry my V1.
I have the F2 which I love but I too found that after a few thousand Kilometers it the cab of a 4 X4, it has wear holes which do not instil hope of a lifetime of service.
I do not like the velcro as it tends to attract every grass seed or piece of debris when in the bush but at least it has a zip close on the main compartment, unlike my F2.
Still not fully sold because of the velcro but nearly happy enough to buy.
Regards
This looks like a useful bag for those times when you don’t need to carry too much gear. How is it holding up now or have you moved on to another bag? I’ve read many people praising Domke bags, but the Domke F-804 I got wasn’t very durable. The side of the strap started to fall apart in about 7 months, mostly carrying a 500D with a 18-200mm. Did I just get a bad bag or have their quality changed to worse from the days when people bought them and used them for years? I may considering another Domke sometime soon as the search for the perfect bag is never ending.
Hi, I am still using the F-5XB that you see pictured. I recently went on a bad buying spree and I still default back to this bag. It looks 100% brand new and I found it fits my needs very well. Just so you get an idea, I don’t really shoot SLR’s anymore. Well I actually did buy a Nikon FE after I sold my Canon 40D. I can either fit three compact cameras in the bag or the FE + compact, or two compacts and some accessories (Gitto Rocket, cleaning cloth, extra film, etc). I mostly carry a X100S and a Contax T2 or Canon QL17 G-III when I go out for a shoot.
I also use the bag as an insert. So say I am taking a tote to the beach or park, I’ll put my camera gear in the Domke and put that whole thing inside the tote. Keeps things padded and together in one package. I highly recommend this bag. For the price and quality, it can’t be beat.
That’s good to know. I wasn’t sure if I should trust in Domke after having a bad experience with the first Domke bag I got. I’ll keep them in mind when my next bag purchase comes up, or if I happen to make another impulse buy.
On a completely different topic. How are you liking the X100S? I’ve been thinking of getting one for a camera to take around daily and when I don’t want to carry my T1i, although they seem to have been sold out where I live, haven’t even been able to see one in store for demo.
Hi David,
can you say anything about the ease of getting the camera in and out of the bag? The zipper opening (even when fully unzipped) looks a bit tight to me, and I could see that it could easily scratch the camera when pulling it out with just one hand. What’s your experience with this? Secondly, I read somewhere that the wax of the RuggedWear edition can shave off after a while and get on your camera and lenses. Did you ever see this happening?
Thanks!!!
Hi Dirk, I can see how this would be an issue but I haven’t had many problems with it. The zipper tab and teeth are huge and covered in some sort of shiny plastic “paint”. There aren’t any sharp protrusions or edges. What I like to do when I hope or close the case is to give it some pressure by pulling up. This creates a small arc where the zipper can open. I also only put cameras in pointing sideways (ie lens pointing out the left or right side of the case, and not the SLR method (where the rear screen is pointing to the sky and the lens is pointing to the ground. I guess the worst case scenario is if I scratched the side of one of my bodies. I am careful with my stuff but I am not super worried. I found that when I worry a bit less, I use my stuff more.
Another way to put it – I would not want a bag that is ANY taller than the Domke (unless we are talking a multiuse bag like a backpack or messenger). Once it gets too big, I have other considerations to make.
Thanks David for your detailed and helpful response! I think I’ll just order one and see for myself, and return it if it would be a problem. This bag just seems perfect to me, and I agree completely the size is just right, wouldn’t want anything bigger either.
Any thoughts on the potential wax issue? I initially had my eyes on the olive canvas bag, but the ruggedwear looks so much better…
Dirk, I am not sure if Domke bags come waxed from the factory. I never opened the tin of wax that was included so that’s to say I’ve never waxed it myself. I’ve been meaning to actually, just haven’t had the time. I have had no problems with anything coming off.