Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/12/17
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>I looked at an F5 bag a few months ago. It didn't appeal to me. It seemed >to lack interior padding, and the flaps seemed flopsy. I'd like to know >what it is about that bag that some find appealing. If anyone has _used_ >one, what is it like fully loaded when one expects to do some walking. The Domke F5 is a rather unusual bag in the line. It's not the most convenient to get in and out of and is rather smallish. However, that said, I've been using mine since about '93 and it's proven to be quite serviceable and carries a lot. A typical kit carried in the F5: Leica M body with 35 mounted 90, 15 mm lenses (plus 15mm finder) cell phone orange filter Palm V 4 rolls of film small auto flash unit about 6lbs total Another typical kit: Nikon FM/FE body with MD-12 motor and 50/1.8E lens mounted 70-300/4-5.6 lens 20/3.5 lens 4 rolls of film lenshoods for 50 and 20 orange filter Palm V about 7 lbs total The big floppy flap keeps rain out when the zipper is left open. I'd never use it on a belt, but the shoulder strap is quite comfortable and the belt loop can keep it secure against the body. The canvas itself has enough thickness to protect against minor bumps and bruises, the main compartment is foam lined on bottom, front and back. I've never had anything get damaged in it while traveling, and it's been with me on many a trip via planes, trains, auto and motorcycle in the US, UK and Europe. Nowadays, I'm tending to use the F6x more of the time for the full kits and reserve the F5 for simpler needs, like carrying just camera, one lens and film. I'm wanting an F803 too, for when I want to carry a bit more gear and would like something more compact than the F6x. Godfrey