Cam and Cheese

Unlike the majority of today's popular camera bag manufacturers, Domke goes against the grain and designs bags that are not overly laden with excess amounts of padding. Instead, their bags are designed for quick access in a more reasonably lighter package.

So if you're a klutz or someone who like's to baby their gear you might be better off looking at something from Crumpler.

The F-5XB, one of Domke's smallest shoulder bags, is no different. This classic canvas bag features one main zippered compartment covered by a velcro flap as well as two smaller compartments for accessories; one inside the main compartment and one found on the outside of the bag. The main compartment also features two velcro pads that you can use to make your own custom sections within the compartment. One side of the bag's shoulder strap features a rubberized grip sewn into the pattern of the strap.

Now, this bag isn't meant to be something that can carry all of your gear and accessories in (it's interior dimensions are 10.5" L x 4.5" W x 6.5" D) but it will definitely provide you with something small, versatile and subtle to carry your minimalist setup in. I usually have two main setups when using this bag. The first setup consists of my 5D and 24-105 standard zoom along with my small 50/1.4 prime. The second setup consists of my 35/1.4 and 85/1.8 primes along with my 24-105 standard zoom and 5D. I usually have the camera with one of the lenses mounted slung on one shoulder while the other two lenses are in the bag slung on the other shoulder. Either setup is really lightweight and easy to carry around in almost any setting.

 

Pros

• Small, discrete, and subtle design.
• Velcro pads allow for main compartment customization
• Minimal padding allows for an easier bag to tote around in an everyday setting
• Canvas material allows for the bag to become "worn in" over time
• Effective one sided gripper strap

Cons

• Minimal padding won't protect your bag from a catastrophic fall or accident
• Due to the materials used this bag won't withstand a storm for long
• Some may think that this bag looks like a man-purse
• Price

If you're looking for a small bag that's easy to carry around at all times and prefer something that has an "old school" classier look I would highly recommend the F-5XB. It's just about perfect for simple, minimalist setups.