Poll: Rate your Favorite Bag/Case Manufacturer

[Drew Bedo]

Waht is your favorite manufacturer for camera bags/cases for Large Format grar?

hey are listed In alphabetic order.

As I stated in a related thread, I have two LowePro bags that I like, a Magnum 35 shoulder bag and an older model PhotoTrekker AW. Both came along as part of a package deal for used gear. They are durable and have held up well, but I didn't choose them, I chose the gear.

So, what bag/case mfg do you like for large format gear and . . .why?

[Alan Gales]

I use a Klein wheeled cordura tool bag. I have had a back fusion so I can't get along with any sort of backpack at all. I pull my 8x10 along with a wheeled bag. I've also got a cheap vinyl cooler that sits on top of the Klein bag to hold extra film holders. I carry my Ries J100 tripod with my other hand. When my 21 year old daughter comes with, she carries the tripod! ;)

http://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-55452RTB-Tradesman-Organizer/dp/B00BZXA35I

[Mark Sawyer]

Had to vote "other" for my f/64 backpack for my 8x10 outfit. Holds everything but my tripod safe and secure.

[Jac@stafford.net]

Canon backpack! I snapped the C off the plastic logo making it anon.

[Ralph Barker]

I, too, voted "other" since this is a single-choice poll. I use a Tamrac rolling case, a Lowepro backpack, and several (30-year old) Tamrac bags, choice depending on what I'm doing.

The wheels on the rolling case are only useful on even pavement or interior floors, so I also have a collapsible golf cart that I often use in the field. Both the rolling case and the backpack can be lashed to the cart.

[Peter Lewin]

For my 4x5, no question: my Photobackpacker rig (in fact, just used it this morning for a short field trip). For medium format and 35mm Nikon with lenses and strobe I have Tenba bags, a brand that no one has mentioned. But for wandering with my Leica or Sony Alpha, I use a small canvas army surplus gas mask bag, on which I moved the strap to a more "central" position.

[Alan9940]

Voted PhotoBackpacker for my 8x10 outfit. Just very recently picked up a Gura Gear Kiboko 22L+ for my 4x5 outfit, but haven't done any hiking with it, yet, so I'll reserve judgement for a few months. Plenty of space for gear, though.

[JerryP]

Had to vote "other" for my f/64 backpack for my 8x10 outfit. Holds everything but my tripod safe and secure.

I agree. My f/64 holds my entire 4x5 kit with the tripod on one side and 2 side pockets for 10 or 12 film holders on the other side. Feels good on my back too. Using Photobackpacker lens and camera cases for further protection. They fit perfectly.

[StoneNYC]

I wish there were multiple options, I use Pelican hard rolling cases exclusively for transporting all my gear for travel or just "from the car" work including short hikes.

Photobackpacker would be for extended day trips or multi-day trips.

But they are also shutting down, I never snagged their pack because I can't justify the money right now and I own a TON of hiking gear so although a convenience, I don't NEED the pack. But I would buy one, they are great.

But Pelican gear is cheap, hearty, and lasts, I often regret some of the soft bags I've bought previously, hard to re-sell. The hard cases just work.

This is for everything from 8x10, 4x5, 120, 35mm even.

The 14x17 on the other hand doesn't fit :(

[David Karp]

My favorite all-time bag of any type is my Photobackpacker pack (latest version). It is wonderful in so many ways.

For traditional camera bags, my favorites are LowePro.

For waste/fanny packs, I have both Domke and LowePro. Each has features I prefer over some of those of the other.

[Drew Bedo]

I wish there were multiple options, I use Pelican hard rolling cases exclusively for transporting all my gear for travel or just "from the car" work including short hikes.

Photobackpacker would be for extended day trips or multi-day trips.

But they are also shutting down, I never snagged their pack because I can't justify the money right now and I own a TON of hiking gear so although a convenience, I don't NEED the pack. But I would buy one, they are great.

But Pelican gear is cheap, hearty, and lasts, I often regret some of the soft bags I've bought previously, hard to re-sell. The hard cases just work.

This is for everything from 8x10, 4x5, 120, 35mm even.

The 14x17 on the other hand doesn't fit :(

Found a backpack conversion for Pelican hard cases on e-Bay. could be what you need for a short walk away from the car.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RucPac-Hardcase-Backpack-Conversion-for-Peli-Pelican-1510-1560-1610-Storm-/131644963298?hash=item1ea6a6b9e2:g:l0sAAOSwl9BWKmUm

YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Txk0GZARXU8

[Two23]

My favorite bag is my LowePro, which I keep my Leica IIIc & three lenses in. I think it's the Leica Slim 300, in red of course. My other two most used bags are Tamracs. My Nikon D800E and four lenses goes in a smaller Tamrac backpack, and my Nikon F3/T & three AiS lenses goes in a small Tamrac shoulder bag. My Chamonix 045n is kept in a kiddy Thomas the Tank padded lunch bag! It's a perfect fit! That is then carried in a small backpack along with film holders, dark cloth, etc. All of my bags tend to be small as I don't like large bags. I try to stay light and mobile. My favorite is the Leica in the little LowePro bag.


Kent in SD

[StoneNYC]

Found a backpack conversion for Pelican hard cases on e-Bay. could be what you need for a short walk away from the car.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RucPac-Hardcase-Backpack-Conversion-for-Peli-Pelican-1510-1560-1610-Storm-/131644963298?hash=item1ea6a6b9e2:g:l0sAAOSwl9BWKmUm

YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Txk0GZARXU8

Thanks, I've seen that at B&H and wore one, not that comfortable, however more importantly it only works for my 1510 case, which is fine for 4x5 but does not fit the 1560 which is what fits the 8x10.

Though now that I think about it I can't recall if the 8x10 didn't fit in the 1510 because of the width, or because of the height, and now that I've switched tripod plate head manufacturers my camera lays much flatter, will have to check.

Ultimately though, the pelican hard cases are still kind of uncomfortable as a pack, and for the $100 straps I could just buy a $200 actual pack.

Hmm, now I'm convincing myself... Must... Avoid.... GAS....

[tgtaylor]

I need another one of these: https://www.calphoto.co.uk/product/Calumet-WT2175-Watertight-Hard-Case/RM2455

Unfortunately the USA Calumet doesn't sell these.

Thomas

[StoneNYC]

I need another one of these: https://www.calphoto.co.uk/product/Calumet-WT2175-Watertight-Hard-Case/RM2455

Unfortunately the USA Calumet doesn't sell these.

Thomas

I'm sure pelican makes the same size case.

[tgtaylor]

I'm sure pelican makes the same size case.

The Pelican 1510 is slightly longer, slightly less wide, is ~4.5 lbs heavier and cost a little more. I don't need the wheels and collapsible handle - I just need one WT hard case where all the 8x10 lens can reside in. Currently I have 2 smaller
cases but a recent addition is "homeless."

Thomas

[StoneNYC]

The Pelican 1510 is slightly longer, slightly less wide, is ~4.5 lbs heavier and cost a little more. I don't need the wheels and collapsible handle - I just need one WT hard case where all the 8x10 lens can reside in. Currently I have 2 smaller
cases but a recent addition is "homeless."

Thomas

The wheeled one is going to be heavier.

The comparable one to the one you posted is...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/40670-REG

Almost identical internal dimensions and weight as the calumet. Hope that helps.

[tgtaylor]

Thanks for posting that. The website that I was on didn't have that model or I OVERLOOKED IT. Now I need to get all my lenses laid out to see if the 1550 will work.

Thomas

[DKirk]

Happily takes a decent 5x4 kit - the pouches at the front are big enough for a few film holders - 4 just fit though 3 in each allows easier access for things like a cable release.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/5-11-Tactical-Side-Trip-Brief/dp/B00EKJ2R1W

[uphereinmytree]

I use many backpacks/bags/cases, but for durability, my favorite overall is a tenba wedding car case. It never even looks dirty and I've beat it for many years. f64 for 8x10 and a photobackpacker p3 for 4x5/5x7. lowepro always seems too heavy.

[Drew Bedo]

So no one is using anything from Hazard-4? This Photo sling bag looks like a 4x5 kit would fit.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hazard-4-Photo-Recon-Tactical-MOLLE-Camera-Sling-Pack-Bag-Case-Rucksack-Black-/191739578942?hash=item2ca491ca3e:g:ZDUAAOSwsFpWScwx

[Vaughn]

I have used Lowe Pro packs for 4x5 and have been very happy with them in comfort and durability. But my favorite for 8x10 is my MEI Trekker II. Comfortable and can hold the Zone VI 8x10, several lenses and all the other stuff -- and has a detachable daypack that holds 5 to 6 holders (I can carry 7 to 8 holders, but usually keep it to 5 or 6).

[StoneNYC]

I have used Lowe Pro packs for 4x5 and have been very happy with them in comfort and durability. But my favorite for 8x10 is my MEI Trekker II. Comfortable and can hold the Zone VI 8x10, several lenses and all the other stuff -- and has a detachable daypack that holds 5 to 6 holders (I can carry 7 to 8 holders, but usually keep it to 5 or 6).

Whoa! I would love to see a side by side packed comparison of this vs the Photobackpacker pack, they look similar, this one looks more old school but almost bigger. And has a separator?