Hello all,

I just returned from my Merida trip (Yucatan) and got some fabulous photos on Pan F film. Wow, really the first time I put my new 24 to the test and it performed admirably. Now I've got this other problem.

I asked a question about camera bags a while ago on this thread and got some good advice about going with a Domke F6 for my kit. It consists of a 75 lux, 24 Elmarit, 35 Cron, Leica M flash, 1 or 2 M6 0.72 bodies and about 12 rolls of film and occasionally a Sekonic 508 Zoom meter. The bag is good for my purposes being easy to access in a hurry BUT with all this stuff in there its damn heavy!!!! The Domke strap is OK with a light load but just murder on the shoulders with all this stuff. I notice that some of you have experience with the OP/Tech SOS straps. Which one would help me out in this case? I understand they make 3 for bags: the original SOS, the smaller SOS, and a bag strap (non SOS???). For a smaller kit like mine do I need the larger strap or is the smaller strap the way to go?

I will endeavor to scan some of my Mexico photos and share them with the Leica thread sometime in the near future,

Thank you for your sagacious advice,

John.

-- John Chan (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), May 19, 2001

Answers

You want two items: the SOS-*Mini*, and the Domke Wide Belt. Run the belt through the bag tunnel in back, and secure it low around your waist so the weight is on your hips. Wear the SOS-Mini transversely (diagonally, bandolero-style) across your chest, adjust them so the weight is about 60/40 with 60 on your hips. This will give you the greatest security as well as the most comfort. When you walk some distance, swing the bag around in back so it sits like a fannypack; for use, swing it to the side or better, the front. Front is also good for when you're sitting down.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), May 19, 2001.

Interesting idea, Jay. Never thought of doing it like that before. To heck with the Fashion Police, if it works!

-- Steve Hoffman (shoffman2@socal.rr.com), May 19, 2001.

Jay,

Y'know that for a fact? Are you using this set-up because it sounds quite intriguing.

-- John Chan (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), May 19, 2001.

The F6, at least my example, has no tunnel though which to run a belt. But Domke offers a "Post Øffice-Style Shoulder Pad" which attaches to the existing strap with velcro tabs and really does the job

-- david m. kelly (dmkedit@aol.com), May 19, 2001.

I am sorry, my instructions pertained to the Domke F5 "belt and shoulder bag", not the F6. I use the F5, but own an F6 which I use as a catch-all bag. I don't care for camera bags without zip closures. The F6 does not have a belt tunnel in back. The shoulder strap on the F6 is also permanently attached, will need to be cut off and the SOS-Mini threaded through the nylon guides after removing the metal clips from the strap (or, simply clip the strap to the nylon "D" rings next to the OEM strap guides). You can also clip another strap to those rings and adjust it to fit around your waist. It will not have the same weight-bearing capacity as the belt on the F5XB, but it will add to security and keep the bag from swinging wildly when you move quickly.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), May 20, 2001.