Joined in 2023 
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63 About this deal
Before I forget, The Tiffen Company (of filter fame and distributor of Domke products) is donating a percentage of sales from each camouflage bag to Veteran-focused charities. This shot shows one of the F-6's two main clips, which keep the top cover closed. As you can see by the chipped paint, they've already held up to a lot of heavy use. The downside of their sturdy metal construction is that they can scratch gear inside the bag if they're allowed to dangle or fall into the main compartment. The bag was certainly very easy to use, deserving of its name the shooters bag. Pull up the cover flap and all my gear was immediately accessible and, when required, the two metal clips simply secure the lid in place, no zips, no fuss, no delay. 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.
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. In the 40 or so years that have passed since the first Domke bag left the sewing machine, camera bag styles have come and gone but the venerable Domke F-2 has remained the favorite of many professionals and zealous amateurs. I once heard a photographer say that he’d been shooting weddings for so many years that he’d nearly worn out his Domke F-2. As a long time user I was interested to see what the Next Generation bags had to offer. Since the Chronicle is the Domke Next Generation bag closest in size to my old J-2, I figured that was a good place to start. Domke even calls the Chronicle 'The grandchild of the F-2.' SpecificationsDomke came this morning and i'm very happy with it, strong, quality feel, plenty of room and not screaming "i'm full of camera gear, club my carrier and steal me". I love the metal top cover clips for their sturdiness and the ease of access that they provide to the F-6's main compartment, but because they're metal they can (and do) scratch cameras and lenses if you let them flop into the main compartment when the cover is unsecured. Just another good reason to be strict about lens caps and protective filters. First off, let me say that while the included shoulder straps are really great, this bag becomes much better by adding the Domke 725-310 FA-031 U.S. Post Office Shoulder Pad. I still like the original F2 bags the best, and they have lasted a lifetime, or a least 40+ years. I have a bunch of the original pouches too, and even the original canvas filter pouch. It was a drag carrying two at once without shoulder pads, but now wallow in comfort with the National Geographic NG A7300 shoulder pads. I think even those are NLA. 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:
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. A full-height pouch can be found on the rear of the F-6, which is perfect for an A4 notebook, or an iPad. This is my 9.7in iPad Pro, inside a Logitech keyboard case, pulled out diagonally for illustration. 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.
USER REVIEWS
For the size, it's amazing how much you can cram in there, and how comfortable it feels once you put it on. I went hiking and forgot I was wearing it completely.
Over the years the number of manufacturers has mushroomed and the styles of bags has exploded in an attempt to help satisfy those needs. Thanks for the review Barney. I've had my F6 for 5 years. I love it, although there's a time and a place for it. 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: 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.I have two Billinghams. I have the older Hadley Pro. It's amazing. However, it doesn't carry my heavy gear. Nikon D300S/grip and a couple of lenses. I bought the grip after I bought the Hadley Pro. Jim Domke certainly designed a classic 40 years ago and the fact that it’s stood the test of time and still performs superbly means that I would have to rate it as Highly Recommended. I also have a Hadley Digital. It's worth a look. I wanted a bag that would carry that camera with a walk-around lens on it. It does! The camera just fits. The strap doesn't...so I use a wrist strap. I carried that gear around Cape Cod in a Think Tank Retro 10. Walked a lot, and hated that bag! I put their raincover on it. There was an Atlantic storm brewing. Once I wrapped the bag with that cover I couldn't get to my camera. I have collected at least a dozen different camera bags over the years, and as of now, my search is over. I can take this anywhere and look both casual and professional at the same time -- what more could you want? The Domke bag. Affordable, functional and as durable as a 30-pound slab of stainless steel. Right now Domke is offering the popular F-2 (original) model and the F-5XB (my personal favorite) in a Limited Edition camouflage pattern that looks sensational and honors our troops—emotionally and financially.
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. Often copied but never truly duplicated, Domke bags, including the three models in this roundup, offer minimal padding but maximum comfort. They collapse (to a certain extent) when empty, and conform to the curve of your body. They fit like a well-worn pair of Levis. Traditionally made of cotton canvas, some models are offered in nylon cloth also. Shoot completely manual. I tend to shoot at f2.8, /125th of a second and adjust my ISO using the front command wheel. 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
Product Specification
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. Then I went travelling with 2x Sony A6000s and associated lenses, and suddenly appreciated this bag for what it is: flexible, customisable, well thought-out and hard-wearing. It gave me a new appreciation for the simple, rugged design. 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.
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