Review on 📷 Sand Domke 701-83S F-803 Camera Satchel by Dave Weber

I have two Domke F 803's, one sand and one navy. This is my favorite bag, not only for carrying photo gear but for other purposes as well. It easily fits an iPad or a small netbook - my 13" fits perfectly. The F 803 is not a bag for people who need a lot of different sized compartments or want to protect their gear securely. The bottom is soft and that's enough for my needs. I can fit three camera bodies in this bag, two contacting each other on the back walls and one on top.Not ideal but works in a pinch.I usually carry a Canon 60D with a kit lens, some primes and/or a speedlite in addition to the usual stuff in my purse. Other times I carry two or three film bodies with me. The screen is strong yet resilient and improves with use. By "usage" I mean several months; At first I didn't think that I would like the bag because it was stiff and boxier than I imagined, however after making a small cut in the tarpaulin and ter the carry handle and removed the 3/4" thick PVC sheet used as a stiffener, I like this back a lot more. It fits my side well and is comfortable for long walks. The canvas itself is incredibly durable; My bags are worn and a little dirty (machine wash great) but no scuffs or scuffs to date. I wouldn't say it's waterproof, but last summer, after getting caught in multiple downpours in New Orleans, my bag worked really well with a third-party rain cover hastily pulled over it. I wouldn't put the bag on a wet surface but it's fine for the occasional shower. A word on Domke inserts for those who might dismiss them as poorly designed (as I've seen in other reviews): Domke inserts are intentionally left unsewn at the bottom to allow the user to adjust the level of indentation. I've never accidentally dropped a piece of styrofoam from the tray, and styrofoam is very durable. The beauty of this design is that it allows the user to make the liner as flexible or as rigid as required for a particular pouch. For example, I use the insert designed for the F 803 in many bags and bags and often remove a piece of foam so that it fits better. It suits me perfectly. This bag can be great as both a camera bag and an everyday bag, but not at the same time. Although I've traveled with this bag as my only carry-on and could fit cameras (in a Domke insert made for this model) as well as a full-size iPad and other items, I wouldn't use the bag like this every day. With a height of 1.75 m and a weight of 65 kg it is difficult to find comfortable and practical camera bags. The Domke F 803 is one of those bags and my favorite of the many bags I own.