I think you are totally missing the point of Domke bags. They were designed as compact, light weight bags for working professional news photojournalists. They are brilliant for carrying a fair amount of gear in what remain fairly small bags.. You don't need padding, which just adds bulk to a bag. If you are careless enough to drop or smash your bag into stuff then I guess it might get damaged.. But I first used their bags in 1985 (it's still going strong) and I have never ever damaged a camera due to lack of padding. In fact I once got knocked off my motorcycle and the bag went flying across the road... None of my gear was in the slightest bit damaged. The canvas is tough and lasts pretty well. It can take a bit of rain, but you need weather sealed cameras if you really want to get it wet.. It wears well fraying a bit, but that just adds to the look... the strap is probably the weakest bit as it frays after a few years.. but you can buy new ones. It says on the label you can machine wash them, but I never have.. The metal hook has never damaged a camera in 30 years... and they do get easier to undo with use.. but as you say can be a bit stiff to start with.. I have ordered the F803 for my Fuji Xpro2 system, as my F2 & F3 bags are too big for the smaller cameras, and better suited to my Canon DSLR's & zooms..
The only people who plan on dropping camera gear are the damned reporters sent out with company gear -- you can give them a Pelican case, and they'll come back with a bent lens mount.
You should have known all these (inside lining, color) by looking at product pictures before buying the bag... But, buy the Domke FA-230 3-Compartment Insert or a third party insert and it will solve all your problems. The thinner padding is a Domke characteristics. There are too many thickly padded camera bags that look like moving boxes. You decide which one is suitable for your need. This bag is unique in that it's so slim yet it can hold so much thanks to its thinner padding.
If you're going to plunk down $120 why did you not do some research? I'm watching this as part of my own research. You could have done the same. Also, you can't, on the one hand, praise the bag for having a narrow profile and in the next moment complain about it's lack of padding. If I owned a camera store, I'd throw you out.
Weird that Domke changed the design with that rigid top handle. I have a couple of the satchels, bought back in the '90's, the handles are just a length of webbing strap stitched to the top of the bag; the lids hang stright/flat down the back when open, just like you expected it to. Someone has 'adjusted' the design to 'fix' something that was not broken. I would find that rather annoying. I also have a Tenba insert in one of my satchels and Tenba padded inserts in the end pockets of one of my F2 bags as well. Surprised Domke didn't make these themselves.
On camera the Tenba bag looks way better than the Domke. Why did you think you needed the Domke? Don't mean to be critical. I've certainly made my share of ill advised purchases.
I think the price reflected that until a few years ago these were all USA made with the associated labor costs. Now that Tiffen owns them no more USA made. (Update: still USA made)
@@anthonymiller8979 According to their website they are still Made in the USA. I haven't actually seen a brand new one though so I guess it's possible they've offshored and haven't updated their website.
@@RoastBeefSandwich I just checked further and it looks like the bags at least still are. I was sure I read they were not but I dug out my Domke F-5XB bought new late last year and sure enough "Made In USA" which is great. I still have a 1977 Domke F2 with the canvas dividers (no padding anywhere) as well as 4 other newer ones.
@@anthonymiller8979 Sadly it seems they've removed "Made in USA" from the website for their excellent straps. That is a shame, but I have enough of them made back when they were still Made in the USA. I just ordered one of their new backpacks, which says Made in the USA. I hope they reconsider on their straps if they have indeed offshored. I one of those that does strongly prefer Made in the USA when I have the choice.
I think you are totally missing the point of Domke bags. They were designed as compact, light weight bags for working professional news photojournalists. They are brilliant for carrying a fair amount of gear in what remain fairly small bags..
You don't need padding, which just adds bulk to a bag. If you are careless enough to drop or smash your bag into stuff then I guess it might get damaged.. But I first used their bags in 1985 (it's still going strong) and I have never ever damaged a camera due to lack of padding. In fact I once got knocked off my motorcycle and the bag went flying across the road... None of my gear was in the slightest bit damaged.
The canvas is tough and lasts pretty well. It can take a bit of rain, but you need weather sealed cameras if you really want to get it wet.. It wears well fraying a bit, but that just adds to the look... the strap is probably the weakest bit as it frays after a few years.. but you can buy new ones. It says on the label you can machine wash them, but I never have..
The metal hook has never damaged a camera in 30 years... and they do get easier to undo with use.. but as you say can be a bit stiff to start with..
I have ordered the F803 for my Fuji Xpro2 system, as my F2 & F3 bags are too big for the smaller cameras, and better suited to my Canon DSLR's & zooms..
Iv'e had mine for 22 years its perfect, wears like a old pair of Levi's
I have been thinking about giving this bag another shot. Thanks
“I don’t plan on dropping it.” Honestly, in 40 years as a photojournalist I’ve never met anyone who planned on dropping it. Stuff happens.
The only people who plan on dropping camera gear are the damned reporters sent out with company gear -- you can give them a Pelican case, and they'll come back with a bent lens mount.
Jim Domke who designed these once said he has never damaged a camera while it was in his bag so padding was not part of his original designs
Domke actually make a full insert for this with customizable dividers. Great for Leica's
and a couple of lenses.
Wow! You really didn't know what you were buying ...
cant be that blind..this bag its awesome
I couldn't agree with you more about wanting a bag to better fit a mirrorless system. Most are too deep top to bottom and too thick front to back.
You should have known all these (inside lining, color) by looking at product pictures before buying the bag... But, buy the Domke FA-230 3-Compartment Insert or a third party insert and it will solve all your problems. The thinner padding is a Domke characteristics. There are too many thickly padded camera bags that look like moving boxes. You decide which one is suitable for your need. This bag is unique in that it's so slim yet it can hold so much thanks to its thinner padding.
domke is the real deal
If you're going to plunk down $120 why did you not do some research? I'm watching this as part of my own research. You could have done the same. Also, you can't, on the one hand, praise the bag for having a narrow profile and in the next moment complain about it's lack of padding. If I owned a camera store, I'd throw you out.
What model of Tenba have you? Is it dna 10 like in previous video?
Weird that Domke changed the design with that rigid top handle. I have a couple of the satchels, bought back in the '90's, the handles are just a length of webbing strap stitched to the top of the bag; the lids hang stright/flat down the back when open, just like you expected it to. Someone has 'adjusted' the design to 'fix' something that was not broken. I would find that rather annoying.
I also have a Tenba insert in one of my satchels and Tenba padded inserts in the end pockets of one of my F2 bags as well. Surprised Domke didn't make these themselves.
@@ShutterFanatic Have a look on eBay for the older design
Wow, the comments are full of venom. I thought you did a good review, thanks.
I know right but that is CZcams. I try to do my best on giving honest good feedback. Thanks for watching
On camera the Tenba bag looks way better than the Domke. Why did you think you needed the Domke? Don't mean to be critical. I've certainly made my share of ill advised purchases.
Is the insert in the Tenba removable? If so did you try to fit it in the Domke? I'm always curious as to what inserts work with which bags.
Thanks.
Sorry. I just watched the rest of the video.
Thanks.
I have the two exact bags for my Fuji haha
Looking to give this bag another shot.
Purchase the insert/liner. Problem solved. Sending it back…. Hmmm 🤨 This is a “nothing/whinging review.
I did purchase this again due to many feedback. It’s just not for me I guess.
Not waxed. Black stained canvas
Do you have this bag? Kinda regret sending it back. Probably should have cut the handle off. Thinking about the canvas ona prince street
If you carry your bag open, you will lose all your gear
I hear ya but I will leave it upon for short bursts.
Overpriced imo
I think the price reflected that until a few years ago these were all USA made with the associated labor costs. Now that Tiffen owns them no more USA made. (Update: still USA made)
@@anthonymiller8979 According to their website they are still Made in the USA. I haven't actually seen a brand new one though so I guess it's possible they've offshored and haven't updated their website.
@@RoastBeefSandwich I just checked further and it looks like the bags at least still are. I was sure I read they were not but I dug out my Domke F-5XB bought new late last year and sure enough "Made In USA" which is great. I still have a 1977 Domke F2 with the canvas dividers (no padding anywhere) as well as 4 other newer ones.
@@anthonymiller8979 Sadly it seems they've removed "Made in USA" from the website for their excellent straps. That is a shame, but I have enough of them made back when they were still Made in the USA. I just ordered one of their new backpacks, which says Made in the USA. I hope they reconsider on their straps if they have indeed offshored. I one of those that does strongly prefer Made in the USA when I have the choice.