RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘Domke’

Long-term test: Domke F6 ‘Little Bit Smaller’ shoulder bag

13 Jun

Domke F-6 ‘Little Bit Smaller’ bag
$ 109 | Tiffen.com

The F-6 ‘Little Bit Smaller’ bag is a similar but more compact alternative to Domke’s iconic F-2.

Domke is among the most famous names in the pantheon of camera bag makers, and for good reason. The company makes some of the toughest and most practical bags on the market. Traditionally aimed at photojournalists, Domke’s bags are usually tough, somewhat on the heavy side, very accessible, and capable of accommodating a surprising amount of gear. I’ve been using an F-6 for about three years now, and it’s accompanied me on trips all over the world. This is my long-term test.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 740g (1.6lb) with second strap attached, including foam insert
  • Exterior dimensions: width: 11.5″ depth: 7″ height: 7.5″
  • Interior dimensions (main compartment): width: 11.25″, depth: 5.5″, height: 7″
  • One outer zipped pocket, one inner zipped pouch, one open rear pouch
  • Comes with one 4-compartment foam insert (removable)
  • Machine washable (non-Ballistic and non-RuggedWear versions only).

Design

The F-6, also known as the ‘Little Bit Smaller’ bag belongs to what Domke now calls the ‘Heritage’ range, and shares a lot of characteristics with the venerable (and a Little Bit Bigger) F-2. Most obvious are the F-6’s box-shaped main compartment and distinctive clamshell top, which is secured with two sturdy metal clips to the front of the bag. The bag isn’t really ever ‘closed’ as such (even with the clips secured, it’s still possible to slip your hand into the main compartment if you try hard enough) but this design has the advantage of allowing quick one-handed access to either end of the main compartment without fiddling with any zips.

A large front pocket is big enough for a small mirrorless or rangefinder camera, but is most useful for odds and ends like memory card wallets, snacks and spare batteries.

There are two zips on the F-6 for less often-accessed compartments: one on the large front pocket, and another one inside the top cover that secures a document pouch sewn into its underside. This pouch runs the full length of the top cover, and it’s perfect for instruction manuals, maps or a paperback book or two. Unlike the main compartment, prying fingers will struggle to find or get access to this compartment, so when I’m traveling this is usually where I’ll store my passport and wallet. I’m telling you that in confidence – please don’t spread it around.

The F-6’s main compartment is surprisingly roomy, and can comfortably fit a 2-camera, 3-lens outfit, along with extras like an iPad, and a flash or two.
With the foam insert removed, the F-6’s main compartment is basically box-shaped. The base is lightly padded, but I usually add a little extra foam padding just in case of accidents.

The F-6’s main compartment is deceptively capacious, and without the included foam inserts it can easily accommodate a full-size professional DSLR and standard zoom. That’s a lot of weight, though. Where the F-6 really shines is as a bag for smaller camera systems. With the foam insert added, I can fit two slim mirrorless or rangefinder bodies and up to three lenses inside without the F-6 feeling overloaded.

A full-height pouch on the back of the bag is large enough for a notebook, 9.7in iPad Pro, or a couple of paperbacks

Total storage space is augmented by the front pocket, which I generally use for batteries, rolls of film, memory card wallets and other odds and ends but which at a pinch could also house a small mirrorless or rangefinder camera body. A full-height pouch on the back of the bag is large enough for a notebook, 9.7in iPad Pro, or a couple of paperbacks.

While the clip-to-close design isn’t entirely secure, it has the advantage of allowing very easy access to the main compartment without needing to put the bag down.
The clips are easy to undo by feel, meaning you don’t need to take your eyes off the action to reach down and pull out a camera.

I was inspired to write this review after a recent trip back to the UK to visit family, during which the F-6 amply demonstrated its Tardis-like capacity. When I’m in transit, I tend to use the F-6 to store my most valuable and delicate gear, so that I can keep it all in one place on my lap or by my feet and I don’t have to worry about anything getting bumped around in overhead bins or baggage holds. Over the past couple of years I’ve abused my F-6 in almost every way possible, but I think my recent trip to Seattle to London was the high (or low, depending on how you look at it) point:

  • Fujifilm X100F with 28mm lens adapter (main compartment)
  • Leica M2 (body-only, tucked vertically into the foam insert)
  • Leica 35mm F2 (foam insert)
  • Leica 50mm F2 (foam insert)
  • reading glasses (foam insert)
  • Noise-cancelling headphones (sitting on top of main compartment)
  • Bag of nuts (roasted, salted, tucked alongside the headphones on the top of the main compartment)
  • Sunglasses (front pocket)
  • Memory card wallet (front pocket)
  • iPhone power adapter and 1m cable (front pocket)
  • Spare X100F battery (front pocket)
  • 4 rolls of film (front pocket)
  • Dramamine (front pocket)
  • 9.7in iPad Pro (inside Logitech keyboard case – rear pouch)
  • Paperback (Tom Collins’ ‘Another Roadside Attraction’, thanks for asking – rear pouch)
  • Passport (British – inner pouch)
  • Wallet (inner pouch)
  • Keys (inner pouch)

Clearly this is an insane amount of stuff to cram into a camera bag, but hopefully you get the point. The fact that the stitching has held up to several years of this kind of shameful abuse is also testament to the F-6’s strength and standard of construction, and I only wish I could say the same thing about my shoulder…

In use

In day to day use with a more realistic mirrorless or rangefinder kit, the F-6 is much more manageable. Of course, like all shoulder bags, it can still get pretty uncomfortable after a long day being carried around on my shoulder. The thick fabric strap is nicely textured and rubberized (so it never slips) but it’s unpadded and can dig painfully into my neck after a few hours. Alternating the bag’s position helps, and Domke also makes a dense foam shoulder pad for $ 30 which can be attached if you need a bit of extra padding. I have one and it works well, but it’s bulky and since I try not to overload my F-6 (despite what you might think from the list above) I prefer the way the bag handles without it.

Speaking of straps, the F-6 comes with a short, slim removable strap for hand-carrying the bag. It’s a nice idea, and does make the bag easier to pick up and carry if you’re traveling, but I find it gets in the way, so I relegated mine to the sock drawer – next to the shoulder pad.

A full-height pouch can be found on the rear of the F-6, which is perfect for an A4 notebook, or an iPad. This is my 9.7in iPad Pro, inside a Logitech keyboard case, pulled out diagonally for illustration.

In the years since I bought my F-6 I must have walked thousands of miles with it, but it’s held up remarkably well. The rubberized thread sewn into the strap is starting to break up in a couple of spot, the rear pouch has been buffed to a high shine against various (mostly blue, apparently) coats and jackets and there are small holes worn into its corners, but I reckon I’ll fall apart before the bag does. The more expensive F-6B (‘B’ stands for (B)allistic nylon) should theoretically hold up to the rigors of daily use even (B)etter. I should probably throw it into the washing machine at some point and re-wax the canvass but I’m not in any immediate rush.

Bottom line

Is the F-6 perfect? It is not. Although the main compartment has some padding on its base, it’s probably not enough to prevent damage to a heavy camera or lens if you drop the bag from any significant height. I’ve accessorized mine with extra padding from an old unused foam insert, and if I’m carrying a rangefinder, I usually add even more just to avoid any DIY roadside focus recalibration after a knock or fall.

If you’re outside in the wind and weather for several hours, you should expect water to make its way into the main compartment

The F-6 itself can take a fair amount of abuse, but there are limits. For one thing, it’s not particularly waterproof, even when brand new. The heavyweight waxed material does a good job of keeping light rain from getting in, but it soon gets soaked in heavier precipitation and if you’re outside in the wind and weather for several hours, you should expect water to make its way into the main compartment. Of course the older and more worn the canvass gets, the less effective it becomes at repelling moisture. On the plus side, it dries out remarkably quickly and doesn’t tend to retain dampness as long as you can air it out for a few hours.

This shot shows one of the F-6’s two main clips, which keep the top cover closed. As you can see by the chipped paint, they’ve already held up to a lot of heavy use. The downside of their sturdy metal construction is that they can scratch gear inside the bag if they’re allowed to dangle or fall into the main compartment.

I love the metal top cover clips for their sturdiness and the ease of access that they provide to the F-6’s main compartment, but because they’re metal they can (and do) scratch cameras and lenses if you let them flop into the main compartment when the cover is unsecured. Just another good reason to be strict about lens caps and protective filters.

I’ve already mentioned the included removable hand-strap – I don’t find it particularly useful, but as a keen cyclist, I wish the F-6 was compatible with a waist strap. When I’m riding my bike the F-6 flops around like mad. A waist strap would help keep it secure. It would also make me look a little bit like a bicycle messenger from the 1940s, and a little bit less like a man about to have a bicycle accident.

The final word

Despite these complaints, the F-6 is undoubtedly the most useful camera bag that I own for everyday photography. There are better options out there for large DSLR and multi-lens kits, but for day-to-day shooting with a compact system, the F-6 is hard to beat. With the foam insert removed, the F-6 is a useful bag for shopping, travel and daily use, too.

What we like:

  • Surprisingly capacious
  • Sturdy build, extra-tough stitching
  • Easy access to main compartment via clips
  • Large, secure inner pocket
  • Large, zipped front pocket
  • Well-sized rear pouch

What we don’t

  • Unpadded strap is uncomfortable when bag is fully loaded
  • Dangling clips can scratch gear if you’re not careful
  • Main compartment never entirely ‘secure’
  • Light padding on base of bag
  • Not waterproof

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Long-term test: Domke F6 ‘Little Bit Smaller’ shoulder bag

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Domke F-803 and F-5XB review

05 Jul

Domke F-803 & F-5XB Shoulder Bags
$ 80-150/£63-118 | www.tiffen.com | Buy Now

The small camera bag has long had a place in the hearts of serious photographers. Yes, most of us all have giant backpacks, bags and even hard rolling cases that get used for the ‘big’ jobs. But many of us also appreciate the ease of a small, unobtrusive shoulder bag and the simplicity it represents. Could it be the long memory of the classic National Geographic photographers and their Leica rangefinders? Or is it just that we’re tired of breaking our backs with big F2.8 zoom kits all the time?

For almost 40 years now, Domke has been in the business of making no-nonsense hard-wearing bags for photojournalists and working photographers. Unsurprisingly, many of their bags quickly found favor with enthusiast photographers as well. This has been particularly true of some of their smaller bags. The satchel style F-803 and the compact shoulder bag F-X5B are two examples of smaller Domke bags that have been popular with many photographers. In fact, a black canvas F-803 was one of the first camera bags I owned and it has seen many miles of use with rangefinder, and nowadays, Micro Four Thirds gear.

Specifications

F-803

  • Exterior: 34.29 x 8.89 x 24.5 cm / 13.5 x 3.5 x 10.0″
  • Interior: 30.48 x 7.62 x 22.86 cm / 12.0 x 3.0 x 9.0″
  • Weight: .89 kg (1.9 lb)

F-5XB

  • Exterior: 25.4 x 11.4 x 18.4 cm / 10.0 x 4.5 x 7.25″
  • Interior: 24.1 x 10.2 x 15.2 cm / 9.5 x 4.0 x 6.0″
  • Weight: 0.56 kg (1.2 lb)

Both bags come in most of the combos of classic Domke canvas (sand, black, olive) as well as their newer RuggedWear waxed canvas (brown, military green). Some special editions such as those for Fujifilm or Best Buy (the green RuggedWear bags pictured here) may have leather trim/accents.

In use

F-803

The F-803 has a single main compartment with light padding. It is most typically sold with a single padded insert, the FA-280. There are two pockets on the front of the bag with velcro closures sized for small accessories such as batteries or a cell phone.

There is also a document pocket along the back however, this pocket has no closure and as such, you may not want to put anything of value or that could be damaged if it fell out. That said, I typically find it useful for maps, papers and a pen or two.

The main section is covered by a flap closure with a single metal buckle and a stiffening bar with a handle along the top. I find the single buckle simple to operate with one hand and this makes access quick and easy. The handle is very useful, but due to the fact that it attached to the flap itself, it doesn’t work as well if the buckle isn’t clipped.

Photo courtesy Tiffen

The stiffening bar is a little unfortunate as it does not allow the bag to conform to your body as well as it might otherwise, but it is a minor issue and if it really bugs you can be removed with a minor bit of ‘bag surgery’. To be honest, while I’ve thought about it from time to time, I’ve never gotten around to bothering to remove the one in my bag.

The F-803 is very lightly padded on the sides and bottom, with no padding on the front or back. The pockets on the front provide a measure of protection as does anything you have stuffed into the back document pocket. But it cannot be stressed that this bag, like many of Domke’s bags, is not for those who require complete protection for their gear.

As you might expect, storage in a bag this slim is going to be tight. The F-803 is sized well for just about any mirrorless system. A DSLR will work, I’ve even used a 6D in there. But it gets a bit tight for my taste, particularly with zoom lenses, and I would encourage you to try before you buy if this is your intended use. The FA-280 doesn’t help matters. Because of its narrow and full-height design, it can really only reasonably fit a mirrorless body with a slim to medium sized prime lens.

Storage in a bag this slim is going to be tight

My solution was to attach the insert over to the left or the right and then put my body/lens into the open space and an extra lens into the insert. One thing I particularly liked about this layout is that my body lays on its side and I felt like this made it quicker to grab the grip and start shooting.

Another solution that is popular, but I myself have not tried, is to purchase the Domke FA-230 insert.The FA-230 is a three compartment design with dividers that are not full-height. This allows you to insert many body + lens combos in a lens-down orientation. The FA-230 will run you an extra $ 23, however. It is also more padded than the F-803 itself and while this does give you additional protection, it also takes up internal space and makes the bag feel bulkier.

The F-803’s biggest asset is its slimness and light padding. On a crowded subway or slipping through a crowd at a sold-out concert, you won’t feel like you’re at risk of smacking people with your camera bag at every turn. This can also be a drawback as the F-803 will not stand up on its own in most situations; if you try to set it down, it will topple right over. Couple this with the fact that the light padding doesn’t give all that much protection, and you have to understand that you can’t go tossing it around like you might with a bulkier bag.

It also doesn’t look much like a camera bag at all, If anything, it looks like a small messenger or laptop bag. Now, is a laptop less enticing to thieves than a camera bag? Who knows. But for those who don’t want to look like they are carrying a camera bag, the F-803 has you covered.

F-5XB

First off, it must be pointed out that the F-5XB is quite a small bag. While it may be possible to use the F-5XB for a small DSLR, this bag is really a better bet for mirrorless system users. An Olympus Pen and a few lenses fit perfectly. The front back and bottom of the bag are lightly padded with sewn-in foam, the sides are unpadded. The strap is Domke’s standard canvas-with-rubber-threads ‘gripper’ style that you will either love because it stays on your shoulder or hate because it won’t slide around your body.

Photo courtesy Tiffen

Two dividers are included and realistically, I’m not sure you need more in a bag this size. Access is via a velcro flap cover with an additional zipper that can be closed or left open. The zipper is big and easy to use with quality YKK teeth/pulls. Honestly, I rarely use the zipper –only when I’m not going to be using the camera for a bit and want an added measure of protection against anything falling out.

There is also a belt-strap pass-through on the back in case one wants to make the F-5XB into a waist/hip bag instead of a shoulder bag. I can’t imagine using this myself, but others may feel differently. I would have preferred to see that area used for another small pocket or two. On that note, organizational pockets are at a premium on the F-5XB, with just one on the front of the bag that can’t hold much more than a couple pens or a spare battery.

I’ve rarely used bags this small in the past. They seemed too little and purse-like for me to fit into either my gear organization or shooting style. Even when I was using tiny Leica rangefinders back in my film days, I preferred something like the F-803 over a little box like the F-5XB. But now, a few years (and camera systems) down the road, I find myself surprised as just how useful the F-5XB is in some situations. It’s a handy ‘grab and go’ size for taking to a picnic, birthday party, or wedding where you aren’t worried about ergonomics or stealth and just want a way to carry a body and lens or two.

I find myself surprised as just how useful the F-5XB is in some situations

What was even more of a surprise to me was how useful it was for stashing in my luggage for a business trip. I frequently take a camera and a couple small lenses on even the most boring of trips. But I typically have them in my overloaded laptop messenger or backpack carry-on. Bringing the F-5XB along meant that I could lighten my load and just use it for a morning or evening photo adventure. It’s a use I wouldn’t have thought to specifically get a bag for otherwise, and the F-5XB worked perfectly for the task.

The strong velcro on the flap is the most common ‘dislike’ mentioned by photographers about the F-5XB, and I’d have to agree. The amount of velcro is overkill for the size and use of the flap.

This is an instance where it would have been nice to see the velcro ‘silencers’ used on some of Domke’s newer bags. Or, even better, the ‘silent’ velcro that Tenba uses on some of its bags.

Perhaps more strangely, for some reason, the velcro on the flap and bag doesn’t line up when the flap is folded over. I’m not sure if this is a design feature or a bug, but it is odd. I suppose one advantage is that less of the velcro is engaged, making for less of a rrrrrriiippp sound when you open it?

It’s also a bit of a shame that a bag of this size and design doesn’t have a grab handle of some sort. If my use is any guide, there are going to be a lot of times when you aren’t using this bag on your shoulder and are just grabbing it to pick up or set down. I think if I were going to use this bag a lot, I would fashion one of the basic webbing-style handles like those on the Domke J2/F2/etc that clip onto the strap rings.

There is no avoiding the fact that the style of this bag won’t appeal to some

Finally, there is no avoiding the fact that the style of this bag won’t appeal to some, as it looks very much like a ‘camera bag’. A nondescript camera bag, to be sure, but a camera bag nonetheless. In fact, the only other thing you could perhaps convince someone that it was, is a small purse. Either way, it’s not going to suit some photographers for this reason alone. Us camera nerds can be a picky bunch.

What’s the bottom line?

First things first, as I’ve repeated a couple of times, these are small basic bags that feel more at home with mirrorless systems than even compact DSLRs. They do not have expanding water bottle pockets or laptop sleeves or weight distributing straps. Anyone looking for all-day comfort or highly customizable organizational options will be disappointed. They are for unobtrusively carrying a small camera kit and little else, in a tough non-descript package. But what they do, they do quite well, and if my experience is any guide, will keep doing so after years of hard use.

Anyone looking for all-day comfort or highly customizable organizational options will be disappointed

While the two bags aren’t exactly similar, I will say that the F-803 is the clear winner here for me as far as a small bag for a mirrorless system. This is not surprising when you consider the fact that I’ve owned and used an F-803 for the better part of two decades now. While the F-5XB was handier than I thought it would be, I can’t say that it fits my needs as well and I find its design in need of some updating. That said, it is a quite popular bag and I’m likely to hear about how wrong I am in the comments. So, read both sets of opinions and come to your own conclusion based on what your requirements are.

F-803

What we like:

  • Slim
  • Very nondescript
  • Easy access with a single buckle closure
  • Proven simple tough design
  • Made in the USA

What we don’t like:

  • Can’t stand up on its own
  • Not much padding
  • Few organizing pockets

F-5XB

What we like:

  • Compact size
  • Zipper close is easy to use, single flap is easy to open
  • Can use as an insert inside luggage when traveling
  • Made in the USA

What we don’t like:

  • Too much velcro on flap, yet doesn’t line up properly
  • Appearance will not suit some
  • Not for large cameras/lenses
  • Only a single small pocket
  • No top handle

F-803

F-5XB

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Domke F-803 and F-5XB review

Posted in Uncategorized

 

A classic reinvented? Domke Chronicle Review

20 Jan

Domke Chronicle Ruggedwear Review
$ 349/£296 | www.tiffen.com | Buy Now

Domke has a long history of making bags that to serve the needs of working photographers. From day one, Domke bags have been designed for accessibility, durability and style that intentionally avoids attracting attention, and have enjoyed popularity with generations of pro photographers. A few years ago, after gathering input from professionals and longtime customers (myself included), Domke introduced the Next Generation line, bringing modern updates to its classic bag.

For a little background, I’ve used a Domke J-2 (a ballistic nylon version of the F-2) as my standard DSLR working bag for almost 15 years. I don’t use it to carry every little thing. I don’t use it when I want to travel light and fast. I don’t use it when I’m going to be hiking up a mountain. But I use it when I know I’m going to be in and out of my bag all day long. Weddings, kids’ birthdays, family reunions and the like all require quick and easy access to bodies, lenses and accessories. The J-2 has served me well for years and despite its age, still looks and functions well enough that I could take it to a wedding tomorrow. 

As a long time user I was interested to see what the Next Generation bags had to offer. Since the Chronicle is the Domke Next Generation bag closest in size to my old J-2, I figured that was a good place to start. Domke even calls the Chronicle ‘The grandchild of the F-2.’

Specifications

  • Exterior: 15.75″ (L) x 7″ (W) x 10″ (H) (40 cm x 17.8 cm x 25.4 cm)
  • Interior: 12.25″ (L) x 6.5″ (W) x 9.25″ (H) (31.1 cm x 16.5 cm x 23.5 cm)
  • Weight: 4.2 lbs. (1.9 kg)
  • Fabric/color choices: RuggedWear Black, RuggedWear Military, Canvas Khaki/Black and Cordura Black
  • Fits a medium DSLR and 2-3 lenses plus accessories

In Use

In many ways, the Chronicle, and much of Domke’s Next Generation lineup, is very similar in design to its classic bags. That being said, there are a number of upgrades, some minor and some more significant. In use, the Chronicle will feel familiar to anyone who has used a Domke bag in the past. The Gripper Strap on your shoulder, side pockets for accessories, metal snap hooks to close the main compartment’s flap, and a removable grab handle strap are all there and just as useful as ever.

The Next Generation bags bring a new fabric to the Domke lineup, Ruggedwear. Ruggedwear is a waxed-canvas fabric that Domke claims combines toughness, water resistance, and a retro ‘well-worn’ look. In my book, it’s pretty good looking and seems as tough as my other Domke bags. The top access zipper makes grabbing your camera or changing a lens significantly quicker. This is a feature I highly value on my shoulder bags and feel that it is exactly the kind of functionality that other Domke bag users will value.

The expandable side and front pockets reduce overall size of the bag while still giving you options for tucking in that one last piece of equipment. A redesigned top flap and side rain hoods offer more reliable protection from the elements. The velcro ‘silencers’, small flaps that cover the velcro closures and keep them from making noise, are a neat idea, but I have to admit that I have yet to use them. The antique stainless hardware is a nice upgrade. Sadly, the plastic clips that attach the grab strap are a significant downgrade. They feel flimsy enough to break in the very near future. I wish Domke had used their traditional metal clips.

New plastic clip on the left, classic metal clip on the right.

Moving away from Domke’s standard 1/2/4 section inserts, the Next Generation system offers an extensive system of internal divider options. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of different ways you can set up the Chronicle. It comes with three dividers, two full width and one half width (along with one movable ‘pocket’). The dividers have velcro edges and stick to the sides or to each other in just about any position you choose. If those provided do not give you enough options, Domke sells additional dividers along with pockets, pouches, and padding that will help you set up your bag in just about any configuration. The Chronicle only comes with three of these dividers, which I feel is too few considering its price tag. I would have liked to see 1-2 more dividers included.

Like my Domke J-2, the Chronicle has a well padded and removable baseplate. Unlike most older Domke bags, the Chronicle has four padded ‘walls’ around the sides. This has the advantage of giving your gear an additional measure of protection that it wouldn’t have in a softer-sided traditional Domke bag. It also has the effect of giving the bag more boxy structure than the older bags. The Chronicle doesn’t form to your hip or back when carrying it. Sure, you could remove the walls, but unlike the J-2 with its inner lining of velcro or the F-2 with its inserts, the Next Generation divider system has nowhere to attach without the ‘walls.’ 

The gear capacity of the Chronicle is really dependent on how you set up the dividers. My default for shoulder bags is to have a large space on one side for a body+lens and then the lens dividers over to the other side. For me, this is the best compromise between maximizing space and still being able to quickly grab my camera. This was how I set up my old J-2 for every wedding I shot and it is how I set up the Chronicle. With this layout, I was pretty easily able to carry my 6D+ 24-70/2.8, 16-35/2.8, 70-200/2.8 a speedlight and assorted other small accessories.

By setting up the dividers so that things are a little more tightly packed, you should be able to also fit in a spare body or a couple of prime lenses pretty easily. A mirrorless kit is almost swallowed by a bag this size and generally I would suggest something smaller (perhaps the Domke Next Generation Herald). But depending on the body you use and the number of lenses you carry, the Chronicle could easily haul a lot of mirrorless gear and keep it accessible.

New vs Old

Compared to the old J-/F-2 designs, I really appreciate some of the new features. The expandable side pockets, the quick access zipper, and divider system top that list. In addition, the Chronicle’s new top flap and side ‘ears’ do a better job of protecting gear from the elements than the smaller J-2 flap.

Historically, I have thought I preferred the less structured shape of the J-2. It hugs my side better and feels as if I can move through crowds more easily. But in recent years I have come to realize a few things about shoulder bags. Past a specific size, a big shoulder bag is just a big bag no matter what. While a bag like the J-2 might protrude slightly less than the Chronicle, they are still pretty big. Furthermore, a more structured bag is a lot easier to actually use while working. The added stiffness aids in getting gear in and out; you aren’t fighting with the bag to get a lens back into its divider.

“For as much as I’ve always respected the world-weary photojournalist look of the older Domke bags, I think the Chronicle is just a little more classy looking”

Finally, the more rigid design of the Chronicle makes it unlikely to tip over when set down on the ground. Overall, I could work with either of these bags. The J-2 (and the F-2 before it) has had years of hard use proving its worth. However, the Chronicle has enough important improvements that I would choose it if I had to pick just one. To be honest, for as much as I’ve always respected the world-weary photojournalist look of the older Domke bags, I think the Chronicle is just a little more classy looking, particularly in the Ruggedwear fabric. 

What’s the Bottom Line?

The Domke Chronicle Ruggedwear is a solid, well-designed bag that should stand up to the abuse that serious photography can dish out. And let’s be honest, updating a classic can be difficult. Look at the historical joke that ‘New Coke’ has become. Domke, however, has stayed true to its soul with the Next Generation line and most specifically, with the Chronicle. Most all of the updated features are solid improvements with very few misses.

Yes, this is a premium bag at a price that starts to edge close to the truly high-end offerings out there. But this is not simply a fashion accessory either. At the end of the day, just like the old F-2, this is a bag one can work out of. It is a bag that should be as at home coming out of a staff photographer’s trunk as it is at a wedding or portrait session. Most everything you truly need out of a shoulder bag is here, and there’s very little that you don’t.

What we like:

  • An update of a classic functional design
  • Overall construction quality
  • Made in the USA
  • Top zipper access
  • Expandable side pockets
  • Velcro silencers
  • Extensive divider system

What we don’t like:

  • Premium price tag
  • Plastic clips on grab handle
  • Too few dividers included
  • Boxy shape

Final Rating: 

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on A classic reinvented? Domke Chronicle Review

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Im Gespräch mit Sina Domke

08 Sep

© Sina Domke

Ein Beitrag von: Victor Hamke

Hallo Sina! Schön, dass Du Dir die Zeit für dieses Interview nimmst. Fangen wir mal mit dem Grundlegenden an: Wer bist Du und was machst Du neben Deiner wunderbaren Fotografie?
kwerfeldein – Fotografie Magazin | Fotocommunity

 
Comments Off on Im Gespräch mit Sina Domke

Posted in Equipment

 

Review Domke Chronicle Camera Bag

03 Jul
The new Chronicle is part of Domke's Next Generation line of camera bags.

The new Chronicle is part of Domke’s Next Generation line of camera bags.

There’s a new line of camera bags on the market, but they come from an old, familiar name. Originally founded in 1976 by photojournalist Jim Domke with the introduction of the F-2, the Domke brand has been synonymous ever since with low-profile, high-quality bags geared towards photojournalists, travel photographers, and anyone else looking for a bag that does a great job protecting their gear without drawing unwarranted attention to the thousands of dollars worth of kit hanging from their shoulder.

Domke’s “Next Generation” consists of eight new bags, each available in different choices of materials and equipped with Domke’s new GearProtex™ and PocketFlex™ systems of customizable dividers, inserts and storage pockets. I recently had the chance to spend some time putting The Domke Chronicle (J-Chron) through its paces. One of three bags in the Journalist Series (alongside the Ledger and the Herald), the Chronicle– described as the grandchild of that original F-2– is obviously designed with the working photojournalist in mind, but would also be a great bag for any photographer, professional or otherwise, looking for a low profile or a classic retro look.

domke-chronicle-review-digitalphotographyschool-009

First Impressions

Fresh out of the box this bag brought a smile to my face. My dad was a truly amazing photographer. Wanting to make his hobby my own, when I was a kid, we spent countless hours together in the darkroom. This is a bag my father would have loved. Not getting too lost in its retro appeal, though, it’s abundantly clear that a lot of thought and attention to detail went into the design and production of this bag. Available in four different color options, I opted for the Ruggedwear Military/Black. All materials, both inside and out, appear to be of extremely high quality, yet they don’t add any unnecessary bulk or weight. This keeps the bag comfortable on your shoulder, even when fully packed.

domke-chronicle-review-digitalphotographyschool-008

domke-chronicle-review-digitalphotographyschool-006

Dimensions and Specs

  • Exterior:  15.75″ (L) x 7″ (W) x 10″ (H)  (40 cm x 17.8 cm x 25.4 cm)
  • Interior:  12.25″ (L) x 6.5″ (W) x 9.25″ (H)  (31.1 cm x 16.5 cm x 23.5 cm)
  • Weight: 4.2 lbs.  (1.9 kg)
  • YKK brand zippers
  • Top access double zipper
  • Expandable zippered side pockets
  • Expandable front pockets
  • Rear zippered pocket
  • Padded zippered tablet pocket (fits up to 11″ x 8″)
  • Antique steel hardware exterior flap fasteners
  • Detachable shoulder strap
  • Detachable hand strap
  • Velcro silencers
  • Numbered identity plate

domke-chronicle-review-digitalphotographyschool-003

What I Packed

  • Nikon D300s with 35mm prime lens attached
  • Nikon 70-200 mm f/2.8 lens
  • Two SB800 speedlights
  • Flashpoint Blast Power Pack
  • Think Tank PPR with extra CF cards
  • Think Tank DSLR battery holder
  • Light Meter
  • Gaffers tape
  • Notebook/pens/business cards
  • Client contract, model releases, and paperwork
  • iPad

It’s well worth pointing out here that the Chronicle could have easily handled several additional items, but I’ve been trying to travel a little lighter these days.

domke-chronicle-review-digitalphotographyschool-007

Dividers and Inserts

Domke’s new GearProtex system of dividers allows you to fully customize the inside of the bag with dividers that can attach to any interior surface, not just corresponding Velcro attachment points. The PocketFlex system is a collection of pockets and pouches that can also attach to any interior surface of the bag. If I had to pick one area where this bag fell slightly short it would be here, with the dividers. While many companies seem to give you way more dividers than you could ever possibly need, I found the number of included dividers to be a bit lacking for my taste. With only three included dividers and one included pocket patch, if I want this bag to be 100% in line with my needs, I’m going to have to order a few more dividers. Considering the cost of this bag ($ 349 USD), it might have been nice of them to include a few more dividers. On the up side, however, the flexibility of the dividers, combined with almost limitless attachment points, does help create sections of sizes and shapes I’ve never been able to get with standard dividers.

domke-chronicle-review-digitalphotographyschool-002

Domke PocketFlex SS

Fabric Choices

Here is an option you don’t often see when choosing a camera bag. The Chronicle, as well as every bag in the Next Generation line, is available in a choice of materials and colors. As noted, the bag in this review is the RuggedWear Military/Black option. Also available are Cordura Black/Black, Canvas Khaki/Black, and RuggedWear Black/Sand. While it’s obvious from a quick inspection that the exterior materials are of a high quality and built to withstand the regular challenges our bags face on a daily basis, let’s face it, it’s material and eventually it’s going to get dirty or show some wear. In what was a first for me, I was pleasantly surprised to find a tin of Domke Ruggedwear Refinishing Wax in the bag for those inevitable occasions when parts of the bag exterior might need a little attention.

domke-chronicle-review-digitalphotographyschool-010

Wrap-up and Recommendations

I really love this bag, particularly its classic retro look. I’ll most likely end up using it more for personal photography than commercial work, but it’s a bag that is well-suited for both. Even though it is the smallest bag in the Journalist series, I never felt limited in terms of what I could or couldn’t pack. This bag should appeal to a wide variety of photographers, from photojournalists and nature photographers, to hobbyists and travel photographers, as well as every photographer in between. The price may be a bit steep for a bag this size, but I think you absolutely get what you pay for in terms of quality, longevity, and adaptability. I’ve given it a 4.5 out of 5 due to not enough dividers.

The post Review Domke Chronicle Camera Bag by Jeff Guyer appeared first on Digital Photography School.


Digital Photography School

 
Comments Off on Review Domke Chronicle Camera Bag

Posted in Photography