An easy way to carry a Linhof opened - the "maxi-toploader".
I have been using for several years a Lowepro Toploader 70 AW to carry a MF camera (Rollei) without having to remove the film back or the lens. This bag carries any lens from 40 to 250mm mounted on the camera, one 120 rollfilm holder, and of course either the folding viewing hood or the 45 deg. prism. I don't have to mount/remove the lens each time I need to put the camera into the bag.<br>
This carrying system (the bag is on the chest, like a reversed backpack) is very comfortable and easy to use. I needed to find "something" close for carrying in the same way a Linhof Master Technika Classic with a lens and either a rollfilm or a sheet film holder permanently mounted.<br>
One day, I tried to put my camera into a Lowepro Specialist 85 AW with all inside dividers removed. And it fits perfectly ! Only remove the multifocus optical viewer from the top of the camera housing.<br>
Thus, the camera is really "ever ready". Even the handgrip can be left mounted !<br>
Simply pull out the lens standard and bellows at the real focal length, using the infinity stops, and fix the optical viewer. The camera is immediately ready for shooting, without having to open the bed, expand the bellows, mount the lensboard on the front standard etc.<br>
Of course, this bag was not designed for this use, but it works perfectly. The camera is well protected but always ready for use. A bit heavier than a 35mm or a Rollei camera in a Toploader, but it's a Linhof !
II - An easy way to carry a Linhof opened - the "maxi-toploader".
Other views of the Specialist 85 AW :
1 : the Master Technika "as is" ready for putting into the bag<br>
2 : an inside view of the Specialist. Enough room for a LF camera.
3 : some accessories (the multifocal optical viewfinder is placed first into a small case), spotmeter, cable release... in the front pocket.
Re: An easy way to carry a Linhof opened - the "maxi-toploader".
Would I be the last one who uses a Master Technika handheld ? I thought that my idea was a good one. Sniff...
How do you carry your Linhof ? But maybe first : do you carry your Linhof, or does it stay in a cosy corner at home on a tripod ? I found no pleasure to open and close it 40 times a day...
Well, maybe nobody else has problems to carry it. Wonderful. Life is beautiful.
Re: An easy way to carry a Linhof opened - the "maxi-toploader".
I carry my Tech V a few different ways.
If I'm carrying the whole kit, it goes in a large Crumpler bag, and if I'm working actively, I usually have the camera out of the bag, open, hanging from a strap.
If I'm walking around and shooting handheld without the whole kit, I usually have the camera open while I'm shooting, hanging from my shoulder or around my neck with a strap, and maybe a few more lenses and accessories in a small bag or fanny pack, and Grafmatics or Kinematics in a belt pack or coat pocket. And then if I'm not shooting actively, I close the camera to protect it. I don't feel like I need a case to carry it around open.
Re: An easy way to carry a Linhof opened - the "maxi-toploader".
I've used a few different straps. Calumet made one that was very comfortable, but it started to separate after a year, so now I have a Tamrac or some such with a leather pad. I write the date on the strap, so I can remember to replace it within two years. Linhof makes a wide nylon strap, but I don't care for nylon on the back of my neck. I don't like neoprene straps either--too bouncy.
Re: An easy way to carry a Linhof opened - the "maxi-toploader".
very interesting... I have a Super Technika V with matching Apo Lanthar 150mm that I would love to use more outside handheld... any advice with regards to optical viewfinder?
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks