Hi Jeff!! Awesome to see you :) Cool stuff and thanks for the tour!! You are one of the nicest guys around - so smile more lol ha ha - you look like Sarah is forcing you to do this video :) People all over the world love you and I do too and we really are happy to see you, at least I know I am. Thanks for the sharing of what's in your bags!! Have a wonderful day, and big thumbs up 👍👍👍
Guilty as charged! Finally found a good fit with Think Tank Retrospective 5, which is really nicely made and very comfortable. Not a massive bag, but fits the M9 with lens mounted, usually the Nokton 35 and a second lens the Canon 50mm LTM. A Maxpedition pouch holding a multitool set, Manfrotto pocket tripod and the Mini Rig cube light with diffusers (The cube light is great for urbexing dark places when you don't want to lug around a flash unit as it's so tiny and cheap!) Also, a Revini Labs spot meter also in the bag as I'm not a fan of the centre weighted metering. Front pocket just holds cards and batteries. There's room left over for another body if needed.
Great video, Jeff, and an really interesting topic, IMO. My first photographic 'love' was with landscape. That was in the mid / late 1970s. As a callow youth, I couldn't afford a bespoke camera backpack to transport my gear - so I had to customise a rucksack I'd previously used for Scouts / Venture Scouts. 'Make do' was, by necessity, the order of the day. For serious travel, I now use a Shimoda 40L backpack. It's fantastic. For day walks when I might need a tripod, I have a Tenba Fulton 16L AW. I'm never without a camera when I'm out and about. I tried out a friend's Domke (I think it was a bit smaller than the F2) but I couldn't get on with it. No issue with durability or construction but I like compartments and padding. The Domke felt a bit less rigid than what I was after; and the metal fasteners were a bit fiddly for my mitts. 20+ years ago, a friend was selling a used Billingham Hadley (the original one) in black 'canvas' so I bought it. I now have a variety of Billinghams in various sizes to accommodate multiple bodies, lenses, laptop, etc as most of what I shoot is travel and documentary / street and I used to commute 50 miles each way to London daily and I always have a camera to-hand. I recently had a go with a Peak Design messenger-style bag but, as much as it was well-made, I really didn't like it. Love PD's camera strap and 'cuff' systems but the bags aren't for me. One topic I haven't seen anyone tackle is 'shoes'. I once heard someone saying that, apart from the camera, the most important piece of kit is comfortable shoes. Again, very terrain and weight / body shape dependent but I'll bet that most pgotographers have a pair of 'go-to' shoes when out and about....
An alternative to the “Jacket in a Pouch” is “Amazon Basics Breathable Ultralight Outdoor Backpack” ….which is a “Backpack in a Pouch” only £12.97! - so for Autumn & Winter (and early and late on Summer days) start off wearing your normal outdoor jacket….and when it gets too warm, unfold the backpack and stow it (and loads of other things as it’s 25 Litre) on your back…leaving your hands free to continue shooting…..it’s also a great product when travelling by air as a free Carry On when returning with your holiday purchases :- )
I bought my tan F2 from Jim Domke in 1977. Still works as well as the day I bought it. Also, I have the original non-padded insert as well as a padded one. I prefer the non-padded one. When it gets dirty enough, I throw it in the washing machine. Indestructible. Thanks for the video.
Great bags. I’ve just started to use the F3x as it’s a bit smaller for when I don’t need so much stuff. They aren’t that popular over here, as folks would rather spend twice as much on a Billingham.
I've heard Jim introduce himself as Jim DAHM-KEY. I usually carry a small bag like an ONA Prince Street or a very old Case Logic point and shoot camera bag. I have an old Crumpler 6 Million Dollar bag as my larger one. For large capacity carries during travel, I have an Amazon Basics Camara backpack that is HUGE. My Nikkor 200-500 fits inside with a camera body and a few other lenses. yes, that big! I love seeing what others carry. great video!
Thanks, Lou. That’s the comment I was hoping to see. Straight from the horses mouth so to speak. Crumpler’s are really great bags. Difficult to get in the UK though. My daughter had one as a school bag and it survived five years of playgrounds, classes, clubs etc. I think we still have it somewhere.
Another great video .. thanks .. I have had a ridiculous amount of bags, including about four Domke’s ..I used to use them doing street and photo journalism back in the early 90’s .. damn that’s a long time ago now eeek.. as always keep the videos coming .. brilliant .. cheers
Always enjoy videos of this sort, thanks to you both. My simple rule for bags is Domke & Billingham for street shoulder carry, Think Tank backpacks for overnighters/travel. The great thing about these quality wearing brands is you can pick them up used in like new condition for half price or less. I recently picked up 2 used Domke copies by a long since gone company called Mekke, a dark Levi's coloured denim F3X & an F803, for a mere 38 pounds total. I swear the quality exceeds modern Domke's & that denim F3X is now my all time favourite indestructible incognito street bag, great size for my Fuji sized street set up. Agree with you on the weight factor which is why I have so many bags, I like to carry a bag that space wise exactly matches the specific gear load to avoid any excess bag weight.
Thank you for sludging through the "what's in our bags" post. It does help both seasoned and newbies. Also thanks for showcasing both your kits...I was the one who asked to see both of you. The ear plugs addition was something I was gonna pull the trigger on as I shoot karaoke and bars as well...no bar napkins in the ear for 2023 for me. I use a cheap as chips Rothco ammo bag off A*azon ...does the trick for me. Leica Q/Q2/M8/M10-p/film MP here. 21,24,28,35mm shooter here depending on the mood/day. Suggestion for future indoor/non field post: both your shooting intentions/how you get into the "zone"/non-photography stimulus which fuels you photography. All the best to you two. Love the recent growth and recogniton you've both had. (I also was fortunate to be acknowledged by Leica/LFI last year). Cheers!
Thanks for the suggestions!! I’m always amazed at what photographers want to hear. It makes us take a look at what we are doing which is quite an unusual experience.
Another great video. Nice to see you both with two options. I have a Tenba DNA 9 Slim Messenger which works. However, I don't really like the high tech fabric of the Tenba and as a fan of Barbour waxed jackets which has been me more than twenty years am going to look at the Domke that will age nicer and I expect offer a nice patina eventually. Keep up these and all Y'alls videos - Learned a lot and I should mention your zoom meeting Lightroom instruction a God send. Just rewriting all my notes from our last session and after a little more practice will schedule another session with you. Thank You!
Domke makes the most comfortable shoulder bags I've used. The F2 was my main for years but with smaller gear, my main is now an f3x. Also have an f802 as a non camera bag (though I do have inserts for it).
Interesting to see the difference with what you carry Jeff and what Sarah takes with her. I use a Crumpler cross-over bag with plenty of room and doesn't stick out at the side as much as your Domke.
The Domke F2 is a fantastic bag. Mine still sees use today even though it's one of the 'original' canvas ones (before Tiffen bought the company) which I purchased in a camera store in Seattle many many years ago (long before online shopping became a thing). 🙂
I'm amazed at how many of the original bags are still in use. I'm not sure, other than maybe BIllingham, of any bags that have stood the test of time like the F2.
Hello Jeff I have been a huge fan of your work going back many years. I have very recently purchased the original Leica Q which came out (as did mine) in 2005).There is something very special about this Camera. I do not need to carry as much as you & Sarah so have got the Wotancraft Pilot Travel Camera Bag 3.5 L. The quick adjust shoulder strap is very good.
We are off to Geneva next weekend. Only for one day and one night. I used to have shoulder bags but all day wearing them starts to tell on my shoulder. I’ve used backpacks for last few years. They all have pros and cons. Always had think tank as build wear is brill and the thought of layout is up there. EasyJet have decreased their carry on size allowance so yep… another backpack is needed. I’ve ordered the Tenba Fulton v2 10l as 14 out of stock. I only carry a a7iii with the 55 zeis so don’t need loads of room. The bag should be big enough camera with spare pants and T-shirt 😂
We looked at trying to get the f-3 backpack for Sarah. I don’t think they were very popular over here, so they are rarer than hens teeth for us and they wanted silly money for them if we did find one.
You had me pressing like at more bags than daughter has shoes 😊. Like you I have a fair few backpacks , shoulder and a roller mainly just used for storage. If out for just a few hours small shoulder back think tank retrospective 5 which my Olympus Pen F lives in. If using a different body probably another think tank shoulder bag I have had from my SLR days. Backpack wise one I have just got is the Tenba Fulton V2 which I can put camera few lenses and other small bits has a roll top which can use to carry a jacket and other bits. Got this full day(s) and travel.
Hi Jeff great video really love your style of photography. Can I ask you are you same gentleman that produced fantastic wedding photos albums back in the day..? Keep up the great content. Anthony
I’ve been using a Domke bag since they first came out! In 40 some years of work I’ve only had to replace it once. I now use my F2 bag for my strobes (they fit marvelously in the lens pockets!) I have scaled down to the small Domke F5XA bag which still holds a ton of gear. The only thing I don’t like is the massive piece of Velcro that holds down the flap. Overkill! The other great thing about the Domke is that the flap can be folded over and that allows quick access to your gear for lens changes or, like in the old days grabbing another roll of film on the fly!
Mine fell apart earlier this year. I think it’s because it’s the ruggedwear version. The material is quite thin in places. I’m using something completely different now which I’ll be discussing in an upcoming video.
Great video and thanks for the tour. I’ve become a big fan of the Wotencraft. PIlot series, the 10L and 3.5L They are very light 1.1kg in the 10L. You can also customize them with add on modules. What spot meter do you use? Thank you.
Couldn't help notice the Salgado monographs on the shelf. Very rarely have I been moved by photographs like I am by Salgado's work. His life and accomplishments outside of photography are as extraordinary as his work. I highly recommend the documentary The Salt of the Earth if you haven't had the chance to watch. Thank you for the videos.
Hi Steve, if you haven’t seen our video on the ‘best lens for Street Photography’ there is a Salgado anecdote in that one. I’ve got The Salt of The Earth and it’s fantastic. ‘Meeting Sebastiao Salgado’ is another great documentary on him. More personal than Salt and based largely around his studio and hole in Paris.
Do you have a recommendation to the bag you showed at the beginning, but thats also padded ? Would be great to have one like it for street and nature !
I love my domke f6 bag I just I wished it had the two side bags the f2 has. My camera bags for the past two years that I switch from time to time depending what I’m shooting is the Filson medium field bag and small field bag with a camera inserts. My favorite bags.
I’ve just moved over to the F3x. My F2 was getting threadbare with a few holes appearing. The F3x still has the large pockets but is smaller than the F2.
I have a Domke that looks just a bit smaller than yours and I used it all summer when we spent two months in Northern California. However, after lugging it around all summer I felt a small backpack would be more comfortable but I've yet to purchase one. I want to be able to have an accessible water bottle that I can get at without taking the bag off. I think walking around the streets a shoulder bag makes sense but if walking a longer distance the backpack is more comfortable. I have a small Ona bag that is perfect for carrying a 2nd Leica M and one extra lens. I know everyone says "there is no perfect bag" but I keep looking for it!
There is no perfect bag!! In my experience, the water bottle is the biggest issue with most bags especially backpacks. I used to use a ThinkTank Retrospective 5 with a bottle bag attached to it.
Thanks for your thoughts on camera bags. I’ve tried many types over the years and never found one that I prefer until I discovered Tenba messenger bags. They of high quality, come in different sizes, are well designed for easy access and they have numerous pockets. By the way, love your videos. I’m thinking of buying a M9 and your videos are making it more tempting.
Thanks for watching. I don’t know if you have seen my video on the M9? It might be worth watching if you are interested in getting one. As for Tenba bags, I have one which is now 24-25 years old. It was the bag I used all the time for medium format cameras. Great bag. The inserts weren’t great though. I went through several sets of those.
I said to my lady, ' You see! You see!' 'It's not just me'. She remarked that bags seem to be a photographer's Achilles Heel. She did however decline to condone the purchase of a Domke F2 'just in case'. Really enjoyable video thanks with some good tips.
I have more camera bags than I need, which comes with hanging around in photography for 30 years I guess! Until recently I used a shoulder bag, but now I mostly use a small backpack. I only tend to shoot with a 35mm lens and an M10M when out, so once I am up and running I don't often need to dip into the bag much. I am left eye dominant so I totally get what Sarah says, but I only have the external EVF which is way too slow for any street stuff (great for night photography though!).
What I don't understand is that we never get rid of them. We hold onto them for some unknown reason. I did throw one into a skip when we moved house as the zip was broken on it. Then a bloke came by the house and took it out the skip. I saw him do it and shouted "Oi, that's mine". I still have it...
When the bags are new, they have a slight 'tacky' feel to them but this disappears very quickly. When you add the wax to them, you have to bake the wax in with a hairdryer, and if you don't give it enough heat, the bag can feel sticky for a while. I apply the wax once a year during the Autumn, as it's more likely to get wet in the winter than the summer.
I'm a bit of a Billingham fan with five of their bags to date, including the 550, which is only really suitable for storage and protection in one place because it's huge. It has two detachable "end pockets" and is the single most beautiful and well crafted piece of camera luggage I have ever seen. Think Tank typically is a very good compromise option considering weight and strength of internal padding. I think some bag brands are more geared to types of cameras than others, but there's also a need for trial and error to take into account body shape and size as you rightly explain. Obviously one bag is never enough and I've lost count of the number I own at present.
I have a couple of Billingham’s. An L2 and a 555 with the detachable pockets. I agree with you. Gorgeous, gorgeous bags. My only issue with them is the weight. All that quality costs extra grams. In an ideal world, I’d like Billingham quality and Domke weight!!
someone told me a joke recently that I think is apt - what's the best bag? 3 bags. For me, I am really crushing on the new Wotancraft bags, specifically their pilot series. Well made, weatherized, light, functional - just like every bag, right? I am able to take it everywhere. I have had an F2 for about 30 years, it is great but quite a bit heavier than I would like, and I have moved to Leica, so it is now just overkill to have something so large.
The size is what makes the bag for me. It’s not that big, but it allows me to take a lot of extras with me. From sandwiches to jumpers, hats etc if I need to. It seems to be able to expand and contract as I put stuff in it. But I totally get that my needs might be different to others.
I too run with the DomkeF2 for street and wouldn't swap it for the world, If I'm out in the hill doing landscape I'll switch to the Shimoda action x as it offers more protection and is more comfortable when hiking.. btw love your content..
Finally somenone who also likes the same things about the Domke F2 that made me stick to it since I got one in 2001. Water-bottle in one of the end-pockets smartphone in the front-pocket aso. If only you could easily unclip the hooks with one hand. I never had a problem with the marginal padding. Normal care and the inserts supplied togther with the thick canvas, do a sufficient job.
I can open the clips with one hand, but not easily. It's doing them up again which I can't seem to do. I also have a Domke f3x which I've just started to use and it is very nice. A slightly squarer shape but with just the one clip.
It took her long enough!! I met her in 1989. Married in 1994. She started shooting in 2014. Before that, she would question why I needed to bring my camera out with us when we were shopping etc. 😂
@@WalkLikeAlice yes I remember the BIPP meetings we met at it was just you back then, great that now it's a duo though, always envied those couples that have the same passion. mine are photography and motorbikes, the wife has no interest in either LOL...
Used an F2 for newspaper work, eventually realized its way too big. Got an F4 AF, way better. Both are way too big for "street photography". Just got an F-10 for my new Fuji x100VI. Really nice for Fuji or Leica. I'll use it more for traveling and storing and less for walking around unless I need to pack a strobe and transmitter. Domke is great
Prononciation is easy it's like 'Domke'. You're welcome. 😁 Joke aside, a friend brought me into the bags passion. It's like anything else; when you never had any interest you think it's just some 'tool'. Once you get to try a well built one, you set a new standard and want to figure the best you can get for the money. I understand people who get a ton of bags. Anyways cool video. 🙂
Thank you. There's always something better in photography. I saw a video of David Alan Harvey and all his bags. I found it very therapeutic!! There's someone worse than me!!
Sarah, good to see notebook as I expect recording info for captions. It is a pity Leica never has put a microphone on the back for voice recording a caption. K
@@WalkLikeAlice but that needs two hands, Nikon and Canon top pro cameras can record an audio file linked to your shot without taking your eye off the viewfinder.
Alfred Eisenstadt, one of the great street photographers, had one small Leica camera and a few rolls of film. That's all he carried. That's all he needed.
Ken, I’m not sure if you’ve got the right photographer. Eisenstaedt was a photojournalist that primarily worked for Life magazine and he often carried multiple cameras and lenses.
Mi biggest gripe with this type of bags is that they don’t hold their shape well when slung around the body, the kind of deform a bit matching the body contour which makes the opening deform thus making it very hard to get the cameras in and out of the bag quickly with one hand. So have you had similar problems and how do you deal with it? Perhaps unlike you, I tend to keep one of the two cameras inside the bag and switch around when I need different focal lengths.
It’s rare that I need to swap cameras. I prefer to work with just one focal length and maybe swap it if I get caught in a situation where I need a longer lens.
The amount of stuff she took from Jeff is inredible. Everything combined is the value of a not that shabby car. Leica Monochrome this lens that lens 😂😂
…..OR you could just use a Ricoh GRiii then you don’t need a bag….just a shirt pocket!! (ha ha only joking) a very helpful video, thanks….some good tips.
Bought a Domke F2 in 1983... Still got it and it 's in great shape. Things a tank. Just keeps going. Ridiculous build quality. ..
Long live the Domke F2!
That was a great presentation from both of you. Thank you so much 😊
Thanks you for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Jeff!! Awesome to see you :) Cool stuff and thanks for the tour!! You are one of the nicest guys around - so smile more lol ha ha - you look like Sarah is forcing you to do this video :) People all over the world love you and I do too and we really are happy to see you, at least I know I am. Thanks for the sharing of what's in your bags!! Have a wonderful day, and big thumbs up 👍👍👍
Thanks Peter. It’s the other way around. I have to force Sarah to do the videos!!
I have the Domke F803. Love it
Nice Bag! Thanks for information EDC Jeff! ✌
Thank you for watching 🙏🙏
Guilty as charged! Finally found a good fit with Think Tank Retrospective 5, which is really nicely made and very comfortable. Not a massive bag, but fits the M9 with lens mounted, usually the Nokton 35 and a second lens the Canon 50mm LTM. A Maxpedition pouch holding a multitool set, Manfrotto pocket tripod and the Mini Rig cube light with diffusers (The cube light is great for urbexing dark places when you don't want to lug around a flash unit as it's so tiny and cheap!) Also, a Revini Labs spot meter also in the bag as I'm not a fan of the centre weighted metering. Front pocket just holds cards and batteries. There's room left over for another body if needed.
I’ve got the Retro 5. It’s the best ThinkTank bag for Leica. Without a doubt.
The Anker power bank!... There's something I hadn't thought of. Many thanks!
Great video, Jeff, and an really interesting topic, IMO. My first photographic 'love' was with landscape. That was in the mid / late 1970s. As a callow youth, I couldn't afford a bespoke camera backpack to transport my gear - so I had to customise a rucksack I'd previously used for Scouts / Venture Scouts. 'Make do' was, by necessity, the order of the day. For serious travel, I now use a Shimoda 40L backpack. It's fantastic. For day walks when I might need a tripod, I have a Tenba Fulton 16L AW. I'm never without a camera when I'm out and about. I tried out a friend's Domke (I think it was a bit smaller than the F2) but I couldn't get on with it. No issue with durability or construction but I like compartments and padding. The Domke felt a bit less rigid than what I was after; and the metal fasteners were a bit fiddly for my mitts. 20+ years ago, a friend was selling a used Billingham Hadley (the original one) in black 'canvas' so I bought it. I now have a variety of Billinghams in various sizes to accommodate multiple bodies, lenses, laptop, etc as most of what I shoot is travel and documentary / street and I used to commute 50 miles each way to London daily and I always have a camera to-hand. I recently had a go with a Peak Design messenger-style bag but, as much as it was well-made, I really didn't like it. Love PD's camera strap and 'cuff' systems but the bags aren't for me. One topic I haven't seen anyone tackle is 'shoes'. I once heard someone saying that, apart from the camera, the most important piece of kit is comfortable shoes. Again, very terrain and weight / body shape dependent but I'll bet that most pgotographers have a pair of 'go-to' shoes when out and about....
Thanks, Paul. I'll be looking at things like shoes as part of another video.
Thanks for this nice video wish you ole the best Peter from Bangkok
Thank you, Peter 🙏
thank you
An alternative to the “Jacket in a Pouch” is “Amazon Basics Breathable Ultralight Outdoor Backpack” ….which is a “Backpack in a Pouch” only £12.97! - so for Autumn & Winter (and early and late on Summer days) start off wearing your normal outdoor jacket….and when it gets too warm, unfold the backpack and stow it (and loads of other things as it’s 25 Litre) on your back…leaving your hands free to continue shooting…..it’s also a great product when travelling by air as a free Carry On when returning with your holiday purchases :- )
Sounds very interesting.
I bought my tan F2 from Jim Domke in 1977. Still works as well as the day I bought it. Also, I have the original non-padded insert as well as a padded one. I prefer the non-padded one. When it gets dirty enough, I throw it in the washing machine. Indestructible. Thanks for the video.
Great bags. I’ve just started to use the F3x as it’s a bit smaller for when I don’t need so much stuff. They aren’t that popular over here, as folks would rather spend twice as much on a Billingham.
I've heard Jim introduce himself as Jim DAHM-KEY.
I usually carry a small bag like an ONA Prince Street or a very old Case Logic point and shoot camera bag. I have an old Crumpler 6 Million Dollar bag as my larger one. For large capacity carries during travel, I have an Amazon Basics Camara backpack that is HUGE. My Nikkor 200-500 fits inside with a camera body and a few other lenses. yes, that big!
I love seeing what others carry. great video!
Thanks, Lou. That’s the comment I was hoping to see. Straight from the horses mouth so to speak. Crumpler’s are really great bags. Difficult to get in the UK though. My daughter had one as a school bag and it survived five years of playgrounds, classes, clubs etc. I think we still have it somewhere.
I have the Domke F6 and love it. It's perfect for street photography 💪👍
(And my children have those drinks bottles 🤣)
So did mine!!
Another great video .. thanks .. I have had a ridiculous amount of bags, including about four Domke’s ..I used to use them doing street and photo journalism back in the early 90’s .. damn that’s a long time ago now eeek.. as always keep the videos coming .. brilliant .. cheers
Thanks, Mike. Sarah mentioned me going up into our loft and photographing the pile of bags up there. I couldn’t face the shame of it 😱😂
😂😂😂
Oh the shame ..been there fella ..😀
Always enjoy videos of this sort, thanks to you both. My simple rule for bags is Domke & Billingham for street shoulder carry, Think Tank backpacks for overnighters/travel. The great thing about these quality wearing brands is you can pick them up used in like new condition for half price or less. I recently picked up 2 used Domke copies by a long since gone company called Mekke, a dark Levi's coloured denim F3X & an F803, for a mere 38 pounds total. I swear the quality exceeds modern Domke's & that denim F3X is now my all time favourite indestructible incognito street bag, great size for my Fuji sized street set up. Agree with you on the weight factor which is why I have so many bags, I like to carry a bag that space wise exactly matches the specific gear load to avoid any excess bag weight.
I haven’t heard of that brand before. I’ll go and check them out.
Thank you for sludging through the "what's in our bags" post. It does help both seasoned and newbies. Also thanks for showcasing both your kits...I was the one who asked to see both of you. The ear plugs addition was something I was gonna pull the trigger on as I shoot karaoke and bars as well...no bar napkins in the ear for 2023 for me. I use a cheap as chips Rothco ammo bag off A*azon ...does the trick for me. Leica Q/Q2/M8/M10-p/film MP here. 21,24,28,35mm shooter here depending on the mood/day. Suggestion for future indoor/non field post: both your shooting intentions/how you get into the "zone"/non-photography stimulus which fuels you photography. All the best to you two. Love the recent growth and recogniton you've both had. (I also was fortunate to be acknowledged by Leica/LFI last year). Cheers!
Thanks for the suggestions!! I’m always amazed at what photographers want to hear. It makes us take a look at what we are doing which is quite an unusual experience.
Another great video. Nice to see you both with two options. I have a Tenba DNA 9 Slim Messenger which works. However, I don't really like the high tech fabric of the Tenba and as a fan of Barbour waxed jackets which has been me more than twenty years am going to look at the Domke that will age nicer and I expect offer a nice patina eventually. Keep up these and all Y'alls videos - Learned a lot and I should mention your zoom meeting Lightroom instruction a God send. Just rewriting all my notes from our last session and after a little more practice will schedule another session with you. Thank You!
Thanks, Steve. I have an old Tenba and agree with you. The fabric also frayed quite badly in heavy duty areas. Glad the session has helped you!!
Domke makes the most comfortable shoulder bags I've used. The F2 was my main for years but with smaller gear, my main is now an f3x. Also have an f802 as a non camera bag (though I do have inserts for it).
Interesting to see the difference with what you carry Jeff and what Sarah takes with her. I use a Crumpler cross-over bag with plenty of room and doesn't stick out at the side as much as your Domke.
I like Crumpler bags but we just don’t seem to get a lot of choice here.
The Domke F2 is a fantastic bag. Mine still sees use today even though it's one of the 'original' canvas ones (before Tiffen bought the company) which I purchased in a camera store in Seattle many many years ago (long before online shopping became a thing). 🙂
I'm amazed at how many of the original bags are still in use. I'm not sure, other than maybe BIllingham, of any bags that have stood the test of time like the F2.
Donkey forever American bag
Hello Jeff I have been a huge fan of your work going back many years. I have very recently purchased the original Leica Q which came out (as did mine) in 2005).There is something very special about this Camera. I do not need to carry as much as you & Sarah so have got the Wotancraft Pilot Travel Camera Bag 3.5 L. The quick adjust shoulder strap is very good.
Thanks Jane. I’m not familiar with wotancraft products but they look very cool.
We are off to Geneva next weekend. Only for one day and one night. I used to have shoulder bags but all day wearing them starts to tell on my shoulder. I’ve used backpacks for last few years. They all have pros and cons. Always had think tank as build wear is brill and the thought of layout is up there. EasyJet have decreased their carry on size allowance so yep… another backpack is needed. I’ve ordered the Tenba Fulton v2 10l as 14 out of stock. I only carry a a7iii with the 55 zeis so don’t need loads of room. The bag should be big enough camera with spare pants and T-shirt 😂
It’s pronounced ‘Dom-Kee’. I have been using Domke bags since 1982.👍
Dom-key bags are the best. I have an old F-2 and the old discontinued F-3 backpack (an F-2 with a compartment on top and a flap).
We looked at trying to get the f-3 backpack for Sarah. I don’t think they were very popular over here, so they are rarer than hens teeth for us and they wanted silly money for them if we did find one.
You had me pressing like at more bags than daughter has shoes 😊. Like you I have a fair few backpacks , shoulder and a roller mainly just used for storage. If out for just a few hours small shoulder back think tank retrospective 5 which my Olympus Pen F lives in. If using a different body probably another think tank shoulder bag I have had from my SLR days. Backpack wise one I have just got is the Tenba Fulton V2 which I can put camera few lenses and other small bits has a roll top which can use to carry a jacket and other bits. Got this full day(s) and travel.
Dads with daughters will understand 🤪
@@WalkLikeAlice well no kids but just change that for wife 😂
Hi Jeff great video really love your style of photography. Can I ask you are you same gentleman that produced fantastic wedding photos albums back in the day..? Keep up the great content. Anthony
Thanks Anthony. Yes. Guilty as charged :)
I’ve been using a Domke bag since they first came out! In 40 some years of work I’ve only had to replace it once. I now use my F2 bag for my strobes (they fit marvelously in the lens pockets!) I have scaled down to the small Domke F5XA bag which still holds a ton of gear. The only thing I don’t like is the massive piece of Velcro that holds down the flap. Overkill! The other great thing about the Domke is that the flap can be folded over and that allows quick access to your gear for lens changes or, like in the old days grabbing another roll of film on the fly!
Mine fell apart earlier this year. I think it’s because it’s the ruggedwear version. The material is quite thin in places. I’m using something completely different now which I’ll be discussing in an upcoming video.
Great video and thanks for the tour. I’ve become a big fan of the Wotencraft. PIlot series, the 10L and 3.5L They are very light 1.1kg in the 10L. You can also customize them with add on modules. What spot meter do you use? Thank you.
Thanks for watching. The meter is a Sekonic L558
I’ve used Domké F2 bags for years, have also a F3X, which is a slightly smaller bag with the same end pockets. Try it out, it’s perfect!
I have the F3X. It’s made an appearance in a few of our videos 🙂
Same!
Nice review. Are the F2 dividers padded and/or removable?
Yes they are.
Couldn't help notice the Salgado monographs on the shelf. Very rarely have I been moved by photographs like I am by Salgado's work. His life and accomplishments outside of photography are as extraordinary as his work. I highly recommend the documentary The Salt of the Earth if you haven't had the chance to watch. Thank you for the videos.
Hi Steve, if you haven’t seen our video on the ‘best lens for Street Photography’ there is a Salgado anecdote in that one. I’ve got The Salt of The Earth and it’s fantastic. ‘Meeting Sebastiao Salgado’ is another great documentary on him. More personal than Salt and based largely around his studio and hole in Paris.
Do you have a recommendation to the bag you showed at the beginning, but thats also padded ? Would be great to have one like it for street and nature !
Something like a Billingham would probably be worth looking at. I like them a lot but I’m always reluctant to take expensive bags out on the street!!
I love my domke f6 bag I just I wished it had the two side bags the f2 has. My camera bags for the past two years that I switch from time to time depending what I’m shooting is the Filson medium field bag and small field bag with a camera inserts. My favorite bags.
I’ve just moved over to the F3x. My F2 was getting threadbare with a few holes appearing. The F3x still has the large pockets but is smaller than the F2.
I have a Domke that looks just a bit smaller than yours and I used it all summer when we spent two months in Northern California. However, after lugging it around all summer I felt a small backpack would be more comfortable but I've yet to purchase one. I want to be able to have an accessible water bottle that I can get at without taking the bag off. I think walking around the streets a shoulder bag makes sense but if walking a longer distance the backpack is more comfortable. I have a small Ona bag that is perfect for carrying a 2nd Leica M and one extra lens. I know everyone says "there is no perfect bag" but I keep looking for it!
There is no perfect bag!! In my experience, the water bottle is the biggest issue with most bags especially backpacks. I used to use a ThinkTank Retrospective 5 with a bottle bag attached to it.
Nice 👍
Thanks for your thoughts on camera bags. I’ve tried many types over the years and never found one that I prefer until I discovered Tenba messenger bags. They of high quality, come in different sizes, are well designed for easy access and they have numerous pockets. By the way, love your videos. I’m thinking of buying a M9 and your videos are making it more tempting.
Thanks for watching. I don’t know if you have seen my video on the M9? It might be worth watching if you are interested in getting one. As for Tenba bags, I have one which is now 24-25 years old. It was the bag I used all the time for medium format cameras. Great bag. The inserts weren’t great though. I went through several sets of those.
I said to my lady, ' You see! You see!' 'It's not just me'. She remarked that bags seem to be a photographer's Achilles Heel. She did however decline to condone the purchase of a Domke F2 'just in case'. Really enjoyable video thanks with some good tips.
Haha. Glad I could help :D
I have more camera bags than I need, which comes with hanging around in photography for 30 years I guess! Until recently I used a shoulder bag, but now I mostly use a small backpack. I only tend to shoot with a 35mm lens and an M10M when out, so once I am up and running I don't often need to dip into the bag much. I am left eye dominant so I totally get what Sarah says, but I only have the external EVF which is way too slow for any street stuff (great for night photography though!).
What I don't understand is that we never get rid of them. We hold onto them for some unknown reason. I did throw one into a skip when we moved house as the zip was broken on it. Then a bloke came by the house and took it out the skip. I saw him do it and shouted "Oi, that's mine". I still have it...
@@WalkLikeAlice Yeah, I've still got my first camera bag. I can't say that for any of the cameras though...
Have you ever considered waxy or oily fingers with the domke rugged bags? I saw some reviews with people complaining that the bags are overwaxed
When the bags are new, they have a slight 'tacky' feel to them but this disappears very quickly. When you add the wax to them, you have to bake the wax in with a hairdryer, and if you don't give it enough heat, the bag can feel sticky for a while. I apply the wax once a year during the Autumn, as it's more likely to get wet in the winter than the summer.
Hi can you please give me the details of how you made your book please great video
I'm a bit of a Billingham fan with five of their bags to date, including the 550, which is only really suitable for storage and protection in one place because it's huge. It has two detachable "end pockets" and is the single most beautiful and well crafted piece of camera luggage I have ever seen. Think Tank typically is a very good compromise option considering weight and strength of internal padding. I think some bag brands are more geared to types of cameras than others, but there's also a need for trial and error to take into account body shape and size as you rightly explain. Obviously one bag is never enough and I've lost count of the number I own at present.
I have a couple of Billingham’s. An L2 and a 555 with the detachable pockets. I agree with you. Gorgeous, gorgeous bags. My only issue with them is the weight. All that quality costs extra grams. In an ideal world, I’d like Billingham quality and Domke weight!!
@@WalkLikeAlice Absolutely right. I think you've chosen well.
someone told me a joke recently that I think is apt - what's the best bag? 3 bags. For me, I am really crushing on the new Wotancraft bags, specifically their pilot series. Well made, weatherized, light, functional - just like every bag, right? I am able to take it everywhere. I have had an F2 for about 30 years, it is great but quite a bit heavier than I would like, and I have moved to Leica, so it is now just overkill to have something so large.
The size is what makes the bag for me. It’s not that big, but it allows me to take a lot of extras with me. From sandwiches to jumpers, hats etc if I need to. It seems to be able to expand and contract as I put stuff in it. But I totally get that my needs might be different to others.
I too run with the DomkeF2 for street and wouldn't swap it for the world, If I'm out in the hill doing landscape I'll switch to the Shimoda action x as it offers more protection and is more comfortable when hiking.. btw love your content..
Thank you!! The Domke is one of those bags that if you don’t own one, you won’t understand why they are so good.
I have the same brand & pronounce it Dome-Keey!
Finally somenone who also likes the same things about the Domke F2 that made me stick to it since I got one in 2001. Water-bottle in one of the end-pockets smartphone in the front-pocket aso. If only you could easily unclip the hooks with one hand. I never had a problem with the marginal padding. Normal care and the inserts supplied togther with the thick canvas, do a sufficient job.
I can open the clips with one hand, but not easily. It's doing them up again which I can't seem to do. I also have a Domke f3x which I've just started to use and it is very nice. A slightly squarer shape but with just the one clip.
It must be amazing for your wife/partner to share the same passion in photography 😊
It took her long enough!! I met her in 1989. Married in 1994. She started shooting in 2014. Before that, she would question why I needed to bring my camera out with us when we were shopping etc. 😂
@@WalkLikeAlice yes I remember the BIPP meetings we met at it was just you back then, great that now it's a duo though, always envied those couples that have the same passion. mine are photography and motorbikes, the wife has no interest in either LOL...
Used an F2 for newspaper work, eventually realized its way too big. Got an F4 AF, way better.
Both are way too big for "street photography". Just got an F-10 for my new Fuji x100VI. Really nice for Fuji or Leica. I'll use it more for traveling and storing and less for walking around unless I need to pack a strobe and transmitter.
Domke is great
Those great bags packed are very large and heavy. I'm not sure what they're calling "street photography".
Thanks for the video anyway.
Wow! A camera bag with a side pocket deep enough to hold a water bottle securely. Why is that so hard to find? Thank you!
Prononciation is easy it's like 'Domke'. You're welcome. 😁
Joke aside, a friend brought me into the bags passion. It's like anything else; when you never had any interest you think it's just some 'tool'. Once you get to try a well built one, you set a new standard and want to figure the best you can get for the money. I understand people who get a ton of bags.
Anyways cool video. 🙂
Thank you. There's always something better in photography. I saw a video of David Alan Harvey and all his bags. I found it very therapeutic!! There's someone worse than me!!
Sarah, good to see notebook as I expect recording info for captions. It is a pity Leica never has put a microphone on the back for voice recording a caption. K
That’s what iPhones are for!!
@@WalkLikeAlice but that needs two hands, Nikon and Canon top pro cameras can record an audio file linked to your shot without taking your eye off the viewfinder.
I use the pockets for film, when I use the Leica M-A & M2…
Alfred Eisenstadt, one of the great street photographers, had one small Leica camera and a few rolls of film. That's all he carried. That's all he needed.
Ken, I’m not sure if you’ve got the right photographer. Eisenstaedt was a photojournalist that primarily worked for Life magazine and he often carried multiple cameras and lenses.
Cartier Bresson
I think you only used a 50mm lens.@@solb101
Mi biggest gripe with this type of bags is that they don’t hold their shape well when slung around the body, the kind of deform a bit matching the body contour which makes the opening deform thus making it very hard to get the cameras in and out of the bag quickly with one hand. So have you had similar problems and how do you deal with it? Perhaps unlike you, I tend to keep one of the two cameras inside the bag and switch around when I need different focal lengths.
It’s rare that I need to swap cameras. I prefer to work with just one focal length and maybe swap it if I get caught in a situation where I need a longer lens.
Also, get the Domke shoulder pad
Already have one. Found it quite uncomfortable tbh.
I'm trying to wrap my mind around having FOUR Leica cameras in the family. 😳. Whew!....
We actually have eight. Four film and four digital. 😉
@@WalkLikeAlice 😳
I've been addicted to computer laptop bags for years so I'm very worried about my new hobby, and needing camera bags!
😂
Dom Key. Never heard it pronounced any other way. Owned and wore out 3 F2s.
The amount of stuff she took from Jeff is inredible. Everything combined is the value of a not that shabby car. Leica Monochrome this lens that lens 😂😂
Haha. Yeah, well fortunately I don’t need most of it 😀
…..OR you could just use a Ricoh GRiii then you don’t need a bag….just a shirt pocket!! (ha ha only joking) a very helpful video, thanks….some good tips.
This is true. It works for Moriyama!!
I believe it is pronounced Domke, I could be wrong.
Dom-key
DAHM-key.
"Dom Key"
I believe the 'm' is pronounced as an 'n', therefore the correct pronunciation is 'donkey'.
Sarah, with the notepad and pen 😊... Of course!... Sounds so much like my wife. She is a stickler for taking notes. Must be a woman thing. 😁
Pronounce. Dom Key 2:49