... like a... Domke???
The Long Way 'Round And Back, Then Back Again.
The previous bag I auditioned was rugged and totally bomber, but too fiddly and a little too deep. It seemed like a good idea but I realized I want "simple". I don't need a lot of pockets for a simple carry around bag. In the end I realized I'm looking for a bag that is one step beyond trouser pockets and that I want it to be made of canvas.
Enter the Domke F-5XB. It's the perfect size (just the right depth), and is very simple and straight forward (two pockets; one inside and one outside). There are only a few problems with the Domke for me; three to be precise. There is no waxed version of the olive green bag and I do want a little weatherproofing. The outer flap uses velcro. I don't want to get started on the use of velcro with camera bags but suffice to say I don't believe it's appropriate. Finally, there is the fact that it's, well, it's a "camera bag". And not just any camera bag. Little else screams, "CAMERA BAG", quite like a Domke camera bag, no matter the size. Hmmm....
Still, the Domke is just about right. Replacing the velcro with snaps is as easy as a trip to the seamstress down the street. The unwaxed finish, however...
Vagabond Traveler and eBags to the rescue!
I found an inexpensive bag that not only looked the right size but it was priced just right: cheap. Inexpensive enough to wax myself without worrying about ruining the bag and wasting the money, the order was placed. I took delivery of it yesterday. Style-wise it's not a plain looking bag. It looks a little "hipster" but when wearing it I don't think it will cross the line into appearing an affectation or twee. I'm okay with it's looks and don't feel any compulsion to buy a bunch of corduroy and grow a beard (I did have to temper the urge to buy a hat, though). So, with little worry of being pulled over by the fashion police, I headed to Osh for a couple of cheap paint brushes, returned home, broke out the candle making gear, rolled the dice, and started lapping gobs of melted wax onto the Vagabond Traveler bag.
No need to have worried about ruining a bag. I am very happy with how it turned out using paraffin mixed with a small amount of bayberry wax. Some folks suggest beeswax but I have more bayberry on hand than beeswax. I went to Samy's today to fit it with a Crumpler insert and one of the salespeople expressed admiration for how well the bag was constructed
and finished. I couldn't help but mention the DIY waxing and appreciate the suitably impressed reaction. The bag is only a tiny bit tight with the small sized Crumpler Haven inserted, but it works.
When I returned from Samy's in Pasadena a box filled with Domke F-5XB goodness was on my doorstep. BTW, I think the the staff at Samy's in Pasadena is way cooler than the the staff at the LA store; nice people. Upon opening the box, it's clear that the the Domke F-5XB is a great camera bag; no doubt about it. However, the Vagabond Traveler turned out really well; it looks really sharp and the small Cumpler Haven makes it a stylin' stealthy camera bag. I must admit, though, I've always wanted a Domke; there's just something about them. I will probably wax and keep the Domke. I'll keep it for what it is; a well made, plain & simple, conservative camera bag for times when there's no need for stealth. If I find I don't like or need the Domke I'm sure I can sell it for a small premium since there is no waxed olive version available.
Anyway, without further ado, here's the Vagabond Traveler, It's packed with my Pentax Q, Q lenses; 01, 03, 04, 05, 07 and Holga Q lens, a Canonet QL17, and Canonet flash, with room left over for a ColorChecker Passport, lens brush, and two rolls of Tri-X...
Pictures of the bag with a second coat before baking are
here.
Last edited by MD Optofonik; 08-31-2014 at 04:18 PM.