I just purchased this bag and so far I like it but it is a bit stiff.... actually very stiff. I saw in a post somewhere that this person had washed theirs to break it in. Has anyone else done this? Anything I should know before I attempt this? I assume cold water but do I use any type of detergent or what about fabric softener. Do I place it in the dryer? Will the heat affect the bag? And lastly, what about the metal buckles, do I need to tie them down? Won't they bang around in the washer/dryer?
Any info on this would be great. Thanks!
I had the same thoughts when I got mine years ago. Before I knew it, it was "broke in" like a favorite pair of shoes and the thought went away. Now after several years of use I'm thinking of washing it again, not because of the stiffness but because it's a little dirty.
I guess I could contact Domke and ask, or maybe someone here has some experience with washing the bag. By the way the bag has held up great, I've only replaced the lens inserts once because I abused it once and ripped it.
I always wash a new Domke a few times. Take out the lens insert(s), and just toss it in the washer with regular detergent and warm water (light on the detergent, though). As for the dryer (low-medium heat - because the strap has rubber inserts) I'll toss some extra towels as padding, and that seems to keep things safe and not too noisy. I can't say what Domke recommends, but I've never damaged one of their bags, washing it, or otherwise.
The best solution is just to use it. It'll wear in really quick.
If you do want to wash it, I suggest you put it into a cotton sack so nothing gets caught in the washer / drier. This is standard practice for washing backpacks and other bags with a lot of straps.
3rding the pillow case. I have never washed my Domke as it broke in pretty well after being thrown around a few times, but I think I will soon. When I wash my shoes I always put them in a pillow case.
My Domke F2, F6, F5xb, F802, F805, Domke tripod sling, pouches etc etc have all been washed many times in their lives. No problems ever.
I've used a Domke F-2 since at least 1989, and my bags went to work as a news photographer for years. They got dirty , they got washed they went back out to work.
I was actually involved in the design of the Domke J2 bags and appeared on the back cover of the Domke catalog for a few years.........so I am somewhat familiar with the products
Thanks for all the input. I should've looked in the bag closer. There is a tag on the inside giving directions on washing the bag. So I've placed my bag in a pillow case and it is now being washed.
Thanks again!
