Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)But for 2.5 little quibbles, I'd have given this bag 5 stars.
Quibble # 1 is the velcro closure on the main flap. It's makes the bag far too noisy to open. I like to shoot with Leica Ms for their quiet shutters and overall "stealth". The velcro negates those advantages. A simple fix...I just removed about 90% of the velcro, leaving only enough to keep the flap closed.
Quibble #2 is with the front pockets. There are 4 of them and 3 of them are too small for anything but a pen. The largest will barely hold a Sekonic 308b exposure meter. I really wish that Domke had designed the bag with just two front pockets, but then they couldn't advertise it as having 7 compartments. I guess that the stitching between the pockets can be removed if you have the patience and a steady hand.
Quibble #2.5 is the Domke label on the front flap. I don't want to advertise to the world that I'm carrying $4,000 worth of gear in a bag that, otherwise, is almost invisible. The label is a PITA to remove. I had to use a razor knife to verrrrry carefully cut it away. This is quibble 2.5, only because, if you select the "Official White House Photographer" (or something like that) version, you may actually enjoy advertising the contents of your bag.
Now for the good stuff....
The bag is made of high quality, durable canvas. After a little use, it softens and kind of molds itself to your side. In fact, the more you use it, the better it gets. You could probably remove the padded dividers and toss the shell in with the laundry if you wanted to.
The strap is fantastic. It's a Domke "Gripper" strap. Just like the ones I use on all of my cameras. Although I tend to carry my bags/cameras "cross-chest" for security, the Gripper makes it possible to keep them on my shoulder without much danger of sliding off. The swivels keep the strap from getting twisted and save a lot of cuss words.
The interior has three compartments. I use the center one for a small body with lens attached. Usually a Leica M, but it will also hold a SMALLish SLR with short lens.
One of the other compartments is useful for a second lens or two while the third can be loaded with film.
A nice feature is that the front of the padded dividers is not attached to the front of the bag. This space is useful for extra batteries, a filter or two or other small items.
This is a SMALL bag. It probably won't be your only bag if you have anything more than a very small kit.
It's nearly perfect for the Leica M system and costs a lot less than anything comparable...think Billingham/Fogg, etc.
Just remember to remove the velcro!!
Click Here to see more reviews about: Domke F-5XB Shoulder/Belt Bag (Black)
Special Edition Domke F-5XB with White House LogoA truly versatile hip-hugger, the F-5XB can be used as a conventional camera bag with the included Gripper Shoulder Strap or as a belt bag by employing the belt tunnel (accepts belts as wide as 2.5", or use the optional Domke Belt). Features
Ideal for one SLR or rangefinder camera, one or two lenses, filters, film and accessories
Thread your belt through the tunnel for an instant waist pack
Seven compartments and pockets
Padded main compartment lined with hook and loop material has two removable padded divider walls
Main compartment dimensions of 10.5 x 4.5 x 6.5-inches
Click here for more information about Domke F-5XB Shoulder/Belt Bag (Black)
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