Domke is among the most famous names in the pantheon of camera bag makers, and for good reason. The company makes some of the toughest and most practical bags on the market. Traditionally aimed at photojournalists, Domke's bags are usually tough, somewhat on the heavy side, very accessible, and capable of accommodating a surprising amount of gear. I've been using an F-6 for about three years now, and it's accompanied me on trips all over the world. This is my long-term test. Key Features:

I think I'd get more use out of my Domke's if I changed the clips. Be wary of the plastic fittings on the straps. I had a broken one on each of my Domkes. F2. F3/X. I put carabiners on and problem solved. I've already mentioned the included removable hand-strap - I don't find it particularly useful, but as a keen cyclist, I wish the F-6 was compatible with a waist strap. When I'm riding my bike the F-6 flops around like mad. A waist strap would help keep it secure. It would also make me look a little bit like a bicycle messenger from the 1940s, and a little bit less like a man about to have a bicycle accident. The final word The F-6's main compartment is surprisingly roomy, and can comfortably fit a 2-camera, 3-lens outfit, along with extras like an iPad, and a flash or two. I don't have access to a small saw for cutting the metal clips and loop off yet, but when I do, I will update here with the final results and impressions. It seems like it should work very well. The Sea to Summit model and size for the F-2 front straps is:If the padded base and compartment section are removed the bag can be flattened to fit in a suitcase should you wish to transport your gear to your location in a roller case.

Watch any Hollywood films featuring photojournalists and chances are there will be a Domke in there somewhere. I rewatched an old documentary on YouTube recently called 'The Photographers (a film about National Geographic photographers) and all of them were using Domke. I've been using the F-3X for a couple of months now as my every day carry around camera bag and have also recently used it while traveling to the Czech Republic. While the clip-to-close design isn't entirely secure, it has the advantage of allowing very easy access to the main compartment without needing to put the bag down. I sort of fell into the genre of music and over the last seven years, I’ve shot more than 300 artists and taken more than 50,000 pictures as a music photographer. I shoot all types of music, but mostly jazz. I am currently the official photographer for the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO) and my pictures have been featured on album covers, tour posters and magazine publications. At the time of writing this post, I am putting the finishing touches on a book featuring the last 7 years with the SNJO. THAT WAS THEN The construction of the bag was quality and the Rugged version is supplied with it’s own tin of reproofing wax. I wouldn’t say that the bag is waterproof, perhaps weather resistant is more appropriate, and you would need to fully pull the flaps down to prevent problems in a torrential downpour.

However one manufacturer has a design which has been around for 40 years and which has achieved legendary status. Enter the Domke F2, the original shooters bag designed by Jim Domke himself and introduced in 1976. Sure there have been slight developments in the material used but the basic principles remain. The Domke F2 bag is the bag that started it all. Jim Domke had the first one custom made for his own use in 1976, and the F-2 is still one of the most popular Domke Bags today, as it has been designed so that the photographer can get at equipment instantly, without having to take the bag from their shoulder. The Domke F2 Original Bag is ideal for 2 Pro SLRs, 4-6 lenses, pro flash and accessories. The other benefit is that the top of the bag can be used as a lens changing platform without the need to remove the bag from your shoulder.