traditional camera bag / case that can convert to backpack?

[Terence Falk]

Has anyone seen a camera case/bag that will convert to wearing it like a backpack? I personally don't like backpacks for carrying a field camera. I mainly use a monorail camera, so I am used to a box or something similar to work out of, and the case opening is farther off the ground. Everything is within instant reach- I can't stand all of the pockets with zippers in a backpack.
I have a Crown Graphic that I would like to use for often for the longer treks, along with some holders, lens, focusing cloth. What I am imagining is a traditional camera bag that has the shoulder straps in the back so it can be worn on the back.
Maybe I have to simply sew some on a small case- thanks for any ideas.

[Eric Biggerstaff]

I have one made by Tamrac but it is no longer available. Lightware has a very sturdy case / backpack that may fit the bill, but it is pricey.

[Ian David]

Some of the traditional Billingham bags can be converted to a backack with an extra strap you can buy for them. But not super comfortable if the bag is very heavy because there is no waist strap to take some of the weight off your shoulders.

[cowanw]

Have you looked at Think Tank products. I have used the older Airport Accelerator for a number of years now and really like it.

[papac]

I don´t know if this is what you are looking for but it the best bag I have. I will get another one for my Zone VI.

Use it every day out on assignment, it´s Think TankPhotos Airport Take off A roller bag with backpack harness, it´s not a back pack for long trips but a handy feature when it comes to stairs, terrain or other places where it hard to roll it. I have had it for I think 4 year, every day use (360 days a year) and it´s still a bag far from worn out.

One good thing with Think Tanks bags are their warranty, life time for real. I had some trouble with the handle, they send me a new, the wheels got worn out of normal use, they sent me a pair of new. I wish they would make cars as well I have in all six different bags and a belt system from them and they are all equally good. Just have to take the right bag for the job.

Another good thing with a roller and built in harness is when flying, when I check in my luggage I just take the heavy camera bag on one shoulder and smile. They never ask about the bag, whíth that smile it can´t be that heavy so I never have to check in my cameras.

I hope it was to some help, atleas it was my coin i the contain.

/c

[Gem Singer]

Domke makes the backpack you describe.

It comes in a variety of colors.

Look it up on the B&H website.

[Ari]

Lowepro, and possibly Tenba, make a bag like the one Papac describes; the strapped part fits inside a shell that has a handle and wheels, so you have the best of both worlds.

[Alan Gales]

Lightware and Billingham are expensive even used. Slightly used Tamracs, Tembas, Lowepro etc. sometimes sell really cheap on Ebay. I recommend checking there. I even bought a close to new Domke once for next to nothing.

When you get it, throw it in the washing machine, air dry it and wholla, you have a like new bag.

[Terence Falk]

thanks for all of the great ideas; I will definitely look into them.

[Frank Petronio]

When I would carry a Crown I would just toss it into a common daypack. If the meter or accessory needed padding I'd use a Tupperware container or a neoprene wrap. Large clear Zip Loc plastic bags are handy as well. But why stress or spend more money? Keep it simple!