I modified a Domke FX5 camera bag, and it fits my needs. I cut off the cover flap, and the belt loop. What's left is a bag with zippered top and easy access. An M6 and extra lens fits perfectly. Looking at the bag, you would not think that there was a camera inside. The hip hugging feature of the bag, makes it very comfortable to carry. Try it you might like it.

-- Ed Hazera (ehazera@msn.com), February 11, 2002

Answers

You mean the F-5XB? Not sure what would be the point of lopping off the cover flap - it gives extra protection from sand, water, and prying hands. Ditto the belt loop - not like it takes up that much space. What I *did* do to mine was to modify the interior with Lowepro dividers. The "dividers" that come with the Domke are a bit of a joke.

-- Anon Terry (anonht@yahoo.com), February 11, 2002.

i had this bag, but it was stolen a year ago. the size was great, but it had the noisiest velcro possible. gone was the moment once you tried to get the camera out of the bag...

-- stefan randlkofer (geesbert@yahoo.com), February 11, 2002.

stephan, if you had to get the camera out of the bag, then get it to your eye, set the exposure, and frame and focus to shoot, I am afraid the moment was gone even without the velcro! ; ) charles

-- charles mason (c.mason@uaf.edu), February 11, 2002.

oops--sorry, I meant Stefan not Stephan.

-- charles mason (c.mason@uaf.edu), February 11, 2002.

Removing the top flap saves me the trouble of folding it behind the bag when accessing the inside. As for water, sand, and prying fingers, if it rains hard, I'm not usually out taking pics; I don't take pics at the beach; and since I close the zipper after removing anything,I would certainly be aware if someone were unzipping the bag and removing anything. I removed the beltloop because I tried the bag on,and did not like using it. Personal preferance, I guess.

-- Ed Hazera (ehazera@msn.com), February 12, 2002.

I forgot to mention that by removing the flap, there is no velcro noise since there is no flap to unfasten. Another advantage about the bag is that it can hold my SLR with battery pack and lens attached in a small package. My SLR is a Nikon N80.

-- Ed Hazera (ehazera @msn.com), February 12, 2002.

Ed, from your description of what you want in a bag, have a look at the Billingham range. They have a flap with easy open studs (no fiddly zips or noisy velcro). They are beautifully made, confrom to your shape and don't look like camera bags.

Saves hacking a new bag to pieces!

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), February 12, 2002.

Giles, As I mentioned in my previous post, I don't like cover flaps. I've had several bags, most of which never leave the closet. my hacked up bag is my favorite. (no noisy velcro) I agree that Billingham bags are great looking, but to me, more conspicuous than my Hacker. (also, more expensive to Hack).

-- Ed Hazera (ehazera@msn.com), February 12, 2002.

Hey Ed,

You might consider getting a Domke F6 (used and hacked up) then removing the clasp system on the flap and going to Fabricland and buying magnetic button fasteners (you know... the one's that are on those European styled women's purses). The magnets have JUST enough strength to keep the flap down but are easy and NOISELESS to pop open.

-- John (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), February 12, 2002.

I also own a fx5 and had found cover flap a pain, I sewwed a bag with zipper to it, now it holds lots of film, sorry to know you cutted it off.

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), February 12, 2002.

Now settle down Ed,

Buy another Domke or two, add a Billinghams, hack'em, stamp on the bits saying "to hell with the world" and wear M6 around your neck. :))

-- Tim Gee (twg@optushome.com.au), February 12, 2002.