In what do you carry 4x5 lenses when in the field?

[Bruce B]

Hi,

Looking for something usable to carry 4x5 lenses when out and about. Mine are mounted on Horseman/Sinar lens boards, and I currently carry them either in an old brief case or wrapped in cushiony lens wraps in a Gregory backpack. All suggestions welcomed, and thanks in advance, BAB.

[Curtis Nelson]

I use a small insulated / padded lunch box from WalMart (it actually belonged to one of my daughters). I carry my 150 and 210 inside, with a small piece of foam between them. And you can't beat purple and pink stripes

[Light Guru]

Hard lens caps on both ends then wrapped in a padded lens wraps. If I'm carrying all 3 of my lenses (90mm, 150mm and 210mm) with me into the field I put the wrapped up lenses into a small stuff sack that then goes into my backpack.

[Peter Collins]

Well, I'm a photobackpacker client. The padded, zippered boxes work just fine for me.

[John Kasaian]

You could get a nice empty wooden cigar box with a good latch and glue in dividers to separate your lens boards. Cushion accordingly and keep it closed with an old belt.

[Bruce B]

I use a small insulated / padded lunch box from WalMart (it actually belonged to one of my daughters). I carry my 150 and 210 inside, with a small piece of foam between them. And you can't beat purple and pink stripes

I've thought about something like that -- perhaps a padded cooler for beer .

[Bruce B]

Hard lens caps on both ends then wrapped in a padded lens wraps. If I'm carrying all 3 of my lenses (90mm, 150mm and 210mm) with me into the field I put the wrapped up lenses into a small stuff sack that then goes into my backpack.

Good idea, however I might prefer something where the lenses wouldn't be stacked, and which could be carried separate from my backpack. Good idea, though. Especially the waterproof stuff sacks.
Thanks, BAB

[Bruce B]

Well, I'm a photobackpacker client. The padded, zippered boxes work just fine for me.

Might you suggest such an animal? Thanks, BAB

[Bruce B]

You could get a nice empty wooden cigar box with a good latch and glue in dividers to separate your lens boards. Cushion accordingly and keep it closed with an old belt.

I thought of building such a box. It would certainly be protective, however my Horseman already fits into a plywood box that probably weighs more than the camera . I was hoping for something a bit lighter. Thanks, though.

[Daniel Stone]

I've found that the small lunch-size containers from Igloo/Coleman/etc. seem to work very well for short-term field storage for LF-related items(in particularly lenses, holders, etc...

I carry my "kit" in a Pelican case, but if wandering farther away from the road with that "full kit" than my sanity will allow, I use a small lunchbox cooler, padded with some semi-rigid rubberized foam(from a cheap yoga mat sourced from the thrift store, same place I got the cooler!)

My "kit" all decked out, ready to go at a moments notice. I made the dividers with easily sourced materials.


The small handheld cooler I use when I only want to carry a few small items( couple of 4x5/5x7 holders, a spare lens or two, and some basic accessories(loupe, meter, etc). Camera gets mounted to the tripod, which gets carried over my shoulder, case in the other hand.


-Dan