So I'm at that point where I think I finally need an F-2... I've got a Crumpler 5MDH for my small/travel kit, I've got a Lowepro computrekker for large kit + laptop, I've got an Osprey hiking backpack with a mountiansmith insert for hiking, but I just don't have a large, all the gear, shoulder bag.
The Domke F-2 seems to be the obvious choice, but I figured I might as well ping the collective intelligence of the forum to see if there's anything else I should be looking at before I buy the F-2.
And if there's nothing else I should be looking at, do I go original canvas or waxwear finish?
Except for a small pouch bag for a Sony NEX, the F2 is the last bag I bought years ago. It cured my "bagaholic" disease. My preference is canvas as it is machine washable, not sure about the wax though.
I echo the ballistic option. I have the J-1 and it's just about perfect as a shoulder bag. A bit bigger than the F-2. I carry 2 gripped Canons with L-plates, plus three lenses (incl. 70-200 f/2.8 L), a speedlite and various accessories.
I bought my first F2 sight-unseen after reading a very positive column about it by Bert Keppler in PopPhoto. I am now on my 3rd. Carried two Nikon FM2n + MD-12 cameras; four lens columns held one or two each, depending on lens length. Two outer pockets with my shoe-mount flash in one and 20+ rolls of film in the other. Excellent bag IMO.
I bought a tan canvas F2 about 6-7 years ago. I really don't see myself ever replacing it as my primary bag. It's nearly a the perfect bag and the canvas is worth the few dollars more.
Loved my Domke F2 - I had one of the ballistic versions and after I bought it I wished I had the canvas, they look/feel so much more classy. Seriously great bag though - if I ever switch back to bags from my belt system thats what I'd get.
I use four Domke-type canvas bags; two Safrotto satchels and original Domke F-2 and F-1X bags. The F-1X is a big F-2 and I'm just back from a vacation with it with three cameras and lenses, film, flash, batteries, light meter etc, etc., what a great bag if you're traveling.
My F-2 is 26 years old and still going strong. All my bags are canvas and I use Nikwax TX.Direct spray to weatherproof them. The F-2 is just a perfect bag to work out of and I strongly recommend it. $145 sounds like a decent price, but if you fancy a bigger bag the Safrotto F-1X versions are sold on eBay for $75-80. They're extremely well made and come with inserts and shoulder pad.
