Questions on Domke Bags

[thewaterisdeep]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of getting a Domke bag. But have a few queries I hope you guys can answer:

- is the J2 or F2 meant for fast-retrieval of camera whilst standing? Or are they more of storage bags that are for users to lay the bag down on a flat surface to retrieve their gear?

- how userfriendly is the hook on domke bags? Is it diffcult to unhook using one hand? Do domke bags have any alternative options (e.g. velcro, zip) Will equipment drop out if I don't hook back the flap but just leave it hanging over the main compartment?

Would greatly appreciate any insight on domke bags. Thanks!

[flipfreak]

if u don't use the hook, there is still a velcro holding the flap to the bag. so if u require quick retrieval, u can opt not to secure the hook. thats what i normally do when i go out except when i am on the way home and need to take a nap. my stuff has never fallen out before and i normally don't put my stuff on the floor when i taking stuff from it. i dun think its possible to open the hook with 1 hand. its not a bra strap u know?

[calebk]

Originally Posted by flipfreak if u don't use the hook, there is still a velcro holding the flap to the bag. so if u require quick retrieval, u can opt not to secure the hook. thats what i normally do when i go out except when i am on the way home and need to take a nap. my stuff has never fallen out before and i normally don't put my stuff on the floor when i taking stuff from it. i dun think its possible to open the hook with 1 hand. its not a bra strap u know?

Actually, it is possible, but more of then not, your thumb tends to hurt a bit.

[flipfreak]

Originally Posted by calebk Actually, it is possible, but more of then not, your thumb tends to hurt a bit.

i rather it is not easy to open. at least its more secure n u know if someone tries to meddle with it.

[tanjonhan]

yeah, agree with all that is mentioned.

It is good to note that different batches of the bags sometimes have "different" hooks.

Different in the sense that, i experienced one whereby it is super duper hard to press(ie. the tension super high, must use a relatively more strength to unhook").

Yeah, other than that...my recommendation for you is......to buy from ebay if u can wait about two weeks....it is about 20% cheaper than cathay....

i got my J2 for about 250 i think...inc. shipping...i believe CP is 300+?

here's the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/DOMKE-J-2-J2-BAL...3286.m20.l1116

fyi, have already bought 4 domke bags from them in the past, yup.

[serial_lain]

had an F2 and now an F6.. i dont think stuff is gonna drop out just like that if you leave the flap open.. i leave it open all the time.. unless youre running and jumping around that is different story

[thewaterisdeep]

But if compared to Lowepro's stealth reporter (which has a top zipper for quick access), would it be more likely for the domke bag to "lose balance" and spill its contents?

Anyone has any idea how strong the velcro for domke bags are? Like Crumpler kind?

[calebk]

Originally Posted by thewaterisdeep But if compared to Lowepro's stealth reporter (which has a top zipper for quick access), would it be more likely for the domke bag to "lose balance" and spill its contents? Anyone has any idea how strong the velcro for domke bags are? Like Crumpler kind?

Not as strong as Crumpler, but definitely secure. I have left the hook undone on many occasions before, when quick access is a must. On the Lowepro top zipper, I have something against that because having come from using a Stealth Reporter, its not really a very handy quick access method. You have to worry about scratching your stuff when pulling through the zipper and such. It's really a bit of a pain.

[entropy_h]

Originally Posted by tanjonhan yeah, agree with all that is mentioned. It is good to note that different batches of the bags sometimes have "different" hooks. Different in the sense that, i experienced one whereby it is super duper hard to press(ie. the tension super high, must use a relatively more strength to unhook"). Yeah, other than that...my recommendation for you is......to buy from ebay if u can wait about two weeks....it is about 20% cheaper than cathay.... i got my J2 for about 250 i think...inc. shipping...i believe CP is 300+? here's the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/DOMKE-J-2-J2-BAL...3286.m20.l1116 fyi, have already bought 4 domke bags from them in the past, yup.

Seconded. I bought my F-802 from the same Ebay seller as well. Much, much cheaper than buying it locally, even with the shipping costs.

The hook takes a while to get used to, but after you get used to it, it's rather easy to unclasp with one hand.

What I really, really like about the Domkes are the shoulder straps and the mix of the materials they use. They include some kind of polymer which prevents the strap from slipping off your shoulder. My previous bag, which was a Crumpler, was always falling off my shoulder. This Domke is amazing in that aspect. Plus the quality and durability is amazing. I basically took the bag through rain, mud, caves, hiking when I was in Vietnam, and my camera equipment remained dry and the bag is still in great condition. I didn't even bother washing it after and now I still carry it to my lab everyday as it also doubles up as my laptop bag.

Highly recommended.

[zh3ng]

Originally Posted by flipfreak if u don't use the hook, there is still a velcro holding the flap to the bag. so if u require quick retrieval, u can opt not to secure the hook. thats what i normally do when i go out except when i am on the way home and need to take a nap. my stuff has never fallen out before and i normally don't put my stuff on the floor when i taking stuff from it. i dun think its possible to open the hook with 1 hand. its not a bra strap u know?

That sentence is a winner!

[chalib]

Originally Posted by flipfreak its not a bra strap u know?

You tried before??

Back to TS..... Domke is designed by a famous and many years experieced photojournalist, so don't worry of the function wise and durability

Gears wont fall off.... even I put in my 5D+70-200 with the lens face down, flap unhooked

[thewaterisdeep]

Sounds awesome. Anyone can tell me the important differences between the F2 and J2? All I know is that F2 got either canvas or ballistic nylon but J2 only nylon.

F2 also apparently cheaper than J2? Anyone can confirm this?

Also, does either bag comes with the waist strap thing? Heard it's useful to keep the bag from bouncing when on the move.

[PrimePhotog]

Quote: F2 also apparently cheaper than J2? Anyone can confirm this?

F2 is much smaller than J2.I personally prefer the F-series canvas because it has a nicer look.I also heard that it is more resistant to water but I have not really tested this to confirm...This is why I stick to my Billy 306 despite me being able to buy a huge F7 with the same budget (with change).Domke is good anyway, you will definitely not regret.Unless you kena poison by billingham or Fogg lol

[PrimePhotog]

Quote: Also, does either bag comes with the waist strap thing? Heard it's useful to keep the bag from bouncing when on the move.

No...Have to pay more $$$ lol.

[calebk]

Originally Posted by PrimePhotog F2 is much smaller than J2.I personally prefer the F-series canvas because it has a nicer look.I also heard that it is more resistant to water but I have not really tested this to confirm...This is why I stick to my Billy 306 despite me being able to buy a huge F7 with the same budget (with change).Domke is good anyway, you will definitely not regret.Unless you kena poison by billingham or Fogg lol

On the contrary, I do believe the ballistic nylon J-series holds more water resistance in the long run. The material, ballistic nylon, is characteristically more resistant to water in nature; the canvas on the F-series bags, on the other hand, are coated with a splash resistant coating, but I do believe it wears out after a few wetter trips. However, it's really nothing to break a sweat over - my F3-X is still holding up well to all my abuse.

[PrimePhotog]

Quote: On the contrary, I do believe the ballistic nylon J-series holds more water resistance in the long run. The material, ballistic nylon, is characteristically more resistant to water in nature; the canvas on the F-series bags, on the other hand, are coated with a splash resistant coating, but I do believe it wears out after a few wetter trips. However, it's really nothing to break a sweat over - my F3-X is still holding up well to all my abuse.

IC...Maybe its because I tested and compared relatively new bags(F2 was 1 day old and J3 was 2 months old)

[Danntbt]

F-2 for day trip walk about....J-2 for longer trip when you need more gears, can slip in a MacBook pro with sleeve into side pocket......they both look casual and do not scream "I carry expensive gears......"

..bought mine dirt cheap from a friend who got seduced by the aura of Billingham.....

[tanjonhan]

Originally Posted by thewaterisdeep Sounds awesome. Anyone can tell me the important differences between the F2 and J2? All I know is that F2 got either canvas or ballistic nylon but J2 only nylon. F2 also apparently cheaper than J2? Anyone can confirm this? Also, does either bag comes with the waist strap thing? Heard it's useful to keep the bag from bouncing when on the move.

J2, firstly is larger than the F2....dimensions wise its slightly larger....with more padding as well....for example, the top main flap, is purely fabric for the f2, whereas the J2 is padded.

Side pockets come with padded slots as well compared to the F2, and i think its slightly larger too(haven own f2 before, but i believe its so....)...

other than that, yeah basically the size and padding, configuration is similar.

[ortega]

the J2 is basically the same size as the F2 but taller

[calebk]

Originally Posted by ortega the J2 is basically the same size as the F2 but taller

Perhaps slightly larger in all dimensions. I've never seen both side by side.