Review on 📷 Sand Domke 701-83S F-803 Camera Satchel by Tammy Griffin

This is one of my two Domke bags, the other is the smaller F5-XB. It has the usual excellent construction and attention to detail that is typical of Domke. If you like bags with 2" padding and lots of dividers, you are looking for the wrong brand. Domke bags are designed for use, not storage or heavy duty protection. By reducing padding to a minimum, Domke keeps its bags small in relation to their carrying capacity.This approach also reduces the weight, which you will appreciate at the end of the day of shooting.The F-803 comes with a padded inner wall that offers 2 or 3 places in the main compartment depending on the placement.There are also two roomy expansion pockets on the front and a magazine pocket on the back. The front flap has two zippered compartments which I find useless as even the filter is snug against the body. The valve closes very securely. So secure that you actually need two hands to open it, which can be frustrating.A regular gripper strap is included but on this model it is non-detachable and has no hinges.I zi It's been said that my bags have detachable, articulated shoulder straps, but that's really a matter of personal preference. I can easily fit my Nikon D80 or D300 and two or three lenses in the main compartment with the flash and some accessories in the front pockets. Mine is still in good condition after two years of intensive use. In fact, I removed the divider and tossed the linen cover along with the laundry a couple of times. The canvas has softened over time and the bag somehow "snuggles" to my side now, making it very comfortable to carry. Something you might want to consider is that being canvas, this bag isn't even slightly waterproof. If you're shooting in a humid environment, this can be a problem. There are water-repellent sprays that can help, but this is definitely not an "AW" bag. Every bag is a compromise and this one is no exception. However, he does what he has to do and does it well. If you can live with minimal padding and no waterproofing, you could be a good candidate for a Domke.