Thinking of a Photobackpacker pack...looking for advice

[Tim Povlick]

Hi Michael,

I have two of the photobacker's, one for 4x5 and other for 8x10. I use a Canham 8x10 traditional field camera and Bruce has an off the shelf camera case that fits it like a glove. The camera is well protected and all the gear has been never had any damage. The 4x5 pack I converted to take a MF camera on travels to China / Tibet and in spite of rough handling everything was safe. I was really impressed with how nicely the 4x5 system handled the MF camera gear. The pack is so comfortable while standing in line at the LA airport for 30 minutes I kept the backpack so as not to put it on the dirty floor.

Good protection, stuff is organized and comfortable in use.

Best Regards,

Tim

[Dan Henderson]

Other than the fact that Bruce's system uses a technical backpack as its basis that allows a lot of weight to be carried more comfortably, I think the biggest advantage is its versatility. I bought the pack and cases for my Hasselblad camera and lenses. When I began shooting 4x5 I bought some new cases for the camera and lenses, with the idea that I could switch back and forth between formats easily. The only problem with my idea is that I have not looked back to MF after getting hooked on big negatives, but the option is there whenever I want to use it.

I realize there is a lot of size difference between 4x5 and 8x10 gear, but my Tech III, 3 lenses, meter, hood/filter holders, filters, and 8 film holders fit snugly and safely inside the main compartment of the pack.

[Diane Maher]

I also have one of the Photobackpacker packs. I use it for my Canham 8x10 mainly. I have also used it for my whole plate cameras. I got the external pockets for 35 mm lenses which I used during a workshop last year. I have one of the multi-lens cases and two of the individual lens cases. It worked great for me.