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Thread: product recommendation for single lens storage

  1. #1
    Michael E. Gordon
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Southern California
    Posts
    486

    product recommendation for single lens storage

    This is a shameless recommendation for Cartom zippered neoprene storage 'bags'.

    I have never been quite happy with the exisiting solutions for safe lens storage, especially for the person who deals with wind, dust, etc while working in the field. Moreover, many solutions are just bags or wraps without any additional protection. I'm well aware of the Gnass lens case, but I find it too expensive, heavy, and bulky. The SMALL Cartom bags are barely bigger than a mounted 4x5 lens, and offer 'ride' protection through the thick neoprene (and they weigh virtually nothing).

    This is obviously not a solution for every lens, but it works well for my Schneider 120, Nikon 200 and 300, and my Fujinon 450C (all Copal 1 shutters or smaller, and all on Linhof-style boards). The prices for the bags are very reasonable.

    Here's a couple of snapshots (showing my Nikon 200mm) :

    snap 1

    snap 2

    I first found Cartom bags at Samy's Camera on Fairfax in LA, but you can also order direct from Cartom (the website design is a bit clunky):
    www.cartom.virtual-space.com/photop.htm
    Scroll down for the NEO-PRO W-I-D-E MOUTH LENS CARRIERS. The snapshots I made show the SMALL size.

    www.mgordonphotography.com

  2. #2
    Moderator
    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Posts
    8,640

    product recommendation for single lens storage

    Those look nice for really small lenses. I'd be interested in recommendations for a pouch or mini-bag that can hold a big plasmat in Copal 3 - say, a 360 Sironar-N - mounted on a Sinar board (roughly 5.5" square). A 6" cube would be perfect, able to hold anything up to a modern 480. Haven't been able to find a padded mini-case like that, though. Any ideas?

  3. #3

    product recommendation for single lens storage

    Mike: Nothing wrong with shamless recommendations. I use the Calumet wraps. The only thing I use from them, I think. Your website is nice, also. Where are you getting your frames?



    Oren, you might look at those Calumet wraps for the larger lenses. I use two large wraps around the field camera. Both completely cover it and fit nicely in the backpack.
    "I meant what I said, not what you heard"--Jflavell

  4. #4

    product recommendation for single lens storage

    Michael,

    Those look nice. I"ve been using some similar Zing pouches for years for my smaller lenses when backpacking. Like the Cartom cases, the Zing pouches are made from neoprene. However, they use a drawstring to close the top instead of a zipper.

    Oren,

    Do a google on Outdoor Research padded cells. They have a 6"x6"x4.5" model that would probably work for your 360mm APO-Sironar-N (but not a big 480mm plasmat).

    Kerry

  5. #5

    product recommendation for single lens storage

    Here's a link to info on the Zing pouches.

    I use the small size for lenses up to my 450mm Fujinon C on Toho or Linhof lens boards.

    Kerry

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Apr 2000
    Posts
    711

    product recommendation for single lens storage

    I use older Outdoor Research padded cells. For a single lens on a 4x4 board the red one works well (a 5 1/2x5 1/2" board would be tight/impractical). For two modern (i. e. large 4x5~5x7) lenses on 4x4 boards the yellow one is very nice, though certainly impossible with the larger boards. They may still be available at your local outfitters. The new ones look nice too.

  7. #7
    Michael E. Gordon
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Southern California
    Posts
    486

    product recommendation for single lens storage

    John: thanks for your comment. I have a wholesale account with Light Impressions for my frames.

  8. #8
    Moderator
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    Jan 2001
    Posts
    8,640

    product recommendation for single lens storage

    John - Thanks, I'll keep those in mind but I'm hoping for something with a bit more padding.

    Kerry - I hadn't heard of Outdoor Research before, but their "Padded Cell #3" looks like the sort of thing I had in mind - should work well for a 300 and maybe for a 360 too. I see that they have authorized dealers not far from me, so I will go take a look. I hope some other vendor makes something just like it that goes to a full 6" so I can fit my 480 as well. Thanks - it's great to have folks around here who know their backpacking gear!

  9. #9

    product recommendation for single lens storage

    Oren,

    Another option for your 480 would be to buy one of the Gnass Gear 8x10 Multiple Lens Cases. It would hold your 360 and 480 and still have room for one more big lens, or two compact ones.

    Kerry

  10. #10
    Moderator
    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Posts
    8,640

    product recommendation for single lens storage

    Kerry -

    Thanks, the Gnass case looks handy too, although the OR pouch is a bit closer to what I need right now, which is a some sort of minimum-weight cushioned pouch for individual, large lenses that I'll be swapping among kits for different formats.

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