Comments in-line. Pat in SF posted: > Looking to hold a Zx-5n w/ AA grip and 28-70/28-135. > Plus either 50mm or 20-35 or 75-300 (not all at the > same time). Room for flash (optional) and film (not > optional) would be nice, too. I'm looking at 3 Domke > options: > > 1. The Domke F-5XB has been likened somewhat to a > woman's purse, which would be helpful as I could throw > in my wallet, keys, cell phone w/o carrying an actual > purse. But is the bag big enough for the amount of > gear I want to carry? Hard to find a place here in > town where I can actually try this bag out, so am > appealing to the list to see if any one has used this > bag in the past.
I have the F-5XB and use it as a purse. I would find the stuff you listed to be a very tight fit in that bag, but it could probably *just* work and if you are carrying slightly fewer small items than I am, it might work. Generally the camera content in mine is one body (ZX-5n or LX) and one lens (50mm or 28-70) or one fixed-lens camera (rangefinder or digital). It's relatively easy to include a small second lens (in other words, I could carry one body and both the 50mm and 28-70.) I think with one of these bags you'd have to choose between the extra lens, extra film, wallet or flash (pick two). I also find that putting the -5n in that bag WITH the battery grip becomes awkward, but this may have something to do with the way I arrange the more "permanent" residents of that bag. > > 2. Domke F-6 (The Little Bit Smaller Bag): just wanted > to throw this one out there for opinions. It seems > like it held closed by two hook/clasp things. How > secure is it? I also have this one and carry it when my purpose in going out is to shoot and I actually need more than one body and two small lenses. The fastening hardware is quite secure. Yes, the top is held over the main compartment by two hook/clasp things. There's also a front zipper pocket (good place to stash the wallet) and a big back pocket which is exposed to the elements but at least you could tuck a biggish notebook (paper, not computer!) into that. And there's a pocket in the top flap, also useful for small items (e.g. cable release). Won't comment on your other choice or attempt a comparison with the LowePros as I'm completely unfamiliar with them. > So, I throw it out for you folks, especially the PDML > ladies, to comment. How to carry my camera gear > securely and still carry the necessities of life? Well, there you have the thoughts of one PDML woman. Another thing too is, what do you consider the necessities of life? <g> ERNR
