Cascade Film Holder Case velcro-attached shoulder straps - Have they worked for you?

[Photobackpacker]

I am contemplating some limited production of the Cascade Film Holder Cases. In years past, I sold detachable shoulder straps as an accessory that attached to the case via the velcro accessory strip on the inside surface. If you have used one of these, I would appreciate your feedback.


Has the velcro attachment method worked to your satisfaction?'
Has it been reliable for you?
Any other suggestions?


I have not begun production so this is not an invitation to order anything. That will be posted in the For Sale section when and if I have some available.

Thanks for you input and support!!

Bruce (AKA Photobackpacker)

[neil poulsen]

Hi Bruce,

I bought a Photobackpacker case for a Deardorff 8x10 that I owned at the time. I used the handle attached via velcro, and it worked fine. There was enough velcro contact to hold the weight of the camera.

As for film holders, I have both 8x10 and 5x7 cascade film holders. I like them, because they protect the film holders, prevent dust from getting to them, and the like. Whereas the handles made sense for the cases, I doubt that I would use the handle on the film holders. I would more likely carry and stow the cascade film holders without the handles.

One pretty much has to carry a Deardorff separately in many instances, and your case made that possible. But, I don't see that being the situation with cascade film holders.

[scheinfluger_77]

I second Neil’s observation that the existing Velcro holds the cascades together, I only wish i had purchased more when i did.

I remember you posting some time back about having trouble finding a supplier to make the cascading holders. I immediately thought of bucksbag.com in Boise, ID. They specialize in bags (obviously) but they might be worth contacting if you are still pursuing this item.

[Jerry Bodine]

I have both 5x7 and 8x10 cases; the 5x7 works well for 4x5 holders as well. I was hesitant at first thought of the replaceable shoulder strap secured by velcro, since my structural engineering background caused me to wonder about the possibility of the velcro separating due to a "peeling" action (like peeling a banana). But after reviewing your description detailing the method of attachment (with the velcro placed underneath the wrap-around cover, my concern was alleviated. I'm very pleased with the strap, since it's removable and can be transferred to whichever case size I use. At my age now I'm pretty much restricted to short distances from my vehicle; backpacking has seen its day, so the strap allows me to just take a few holders, camera/tripod over the shoulder, and a very tiny daypack for all the other accessories - a happy "camper" here.

[Alan9940]

I've used the detachable strap for my 8x10 Cascade Film Holder case, but I can't say that I totally trust it; I tend to keep a hand around the bottom of the case because I'm paranoid that way! ;) Perhaps, some day, I'll get brave...

[Photobackpacker]

I have both 5x7 and 8x10 cases; the 5x7 works well for 4x5 holders as well. I was hesitant at first thought of the replaceable shoulder strap secured by velcro, since my structural engineering background caused me to wonder about the possibility of the velcro separating due to a "peeling" action (like peeling a banana). But after reviewing your description detailing the method of attachment (with the velcro placed underneath the wrap-around cover, my concern was alleviated. I'm very pleased with the strap, since it's removable and can be transferred to whichever case size I use. At my age now I'm pretty much restricted to short distances from my vehicle; backpacking has seen its day, so the strap allows me to just take a few holders, camera/tripod over the shoulder, and a very tiny daypack for all the other accessories - a happy "camper" here.

Thenks, Jerry. The force exerted on the straps are a sheering force rather than a parting force. My only concern was that the system would be weakened with successive attachment and detachment. Thanks so much for you input.

Bruce

[Photobackpacker]

I've used the detachable strap for my 8x10 Cascade Film Holder case, but I can't say that I totally trust it; I tend to keep a hand around the bottom of the case because I'm paranoid that way! ;) Perhaps, some day, I'll get brave...

Gotcha. I understand.

Thanks for the input.

Bruce

[Eric Leppanen]

I have the 4x5 and 5x7 cases, and have been very happy with both. I've experienced only one "film holder dump" with the 5x7 case when one of the shoulder strap velcro attachments became detached, and that occurred only because I was in a hurry and failed to properly attach the strap to the velcro. Fortunately the other attachment held, the holders remained zipped up tight and protected within the case, and no harm was done. Since then I've been more careful and so far haven't had any problems.

[John Layton]

Bruce, I've been more than satisfied with my two 5x7 Cascade cases - onto one of which I've installed the velcro'd strap holder, which I also trust completely when I put this into use with a strap.

I would likely trust this velcro a bit less were I to be removing and reinstalling this frequently - but I don't do this...as I see no need to remove the assembly, regardless of whether or not I'm using a strap. My tendency going forward would be to simply purchase another such assembly to permanently install on my other case.

But...as I see the presence of the D-rings to be of no negative consequence when not in use (when no strap is attached)...I'm led to wonder why you don't just omit the velcro entirely, and simply stitch the D-rings into place permanently? Just a thought!

At any rate...I would look forward to any future plans you might have for producing more of these cases - thank you!

[Photobackpacker]

Thanks, Eric. I appreciate your confidence and input.

Bruce

[Photobackpacker]

Hi John:

You have stumbled onto the issue I am debating. Should I add the expense of adding permanently affixed 'D' rings or rely on an accessory that is fully an accessory. I am planning to expand the inside velcro loop strip to 1 1/2 inches to provide an greater surface for affixing the accessory D rings and shoulder straps. The input from the Large Format forum is largely responsible for many of the features of the current design, I am tossing this out there to get a consensus (if one develops)

Thanks so much for your input. it, like all of the others, is extremely valuable.

Bruce

[gnuyork]

I don't have the cascade film holders, but are you the one that made the camera case and lens cases? If so, I love them. I would like the have some film holder cases too.

[Photobackpacker]

[QUOTE=gnuyork;1472538]I don't have the cascade film holders, but are you the one that made the camera case and lens cases? If so, I love them. I would like the have some film

I am the one. Glad you like them. I will be making some film holder cases. I am still gathering the materials to do so. Watch the For Sale area after the first of the year.

Bruce

[Peter Lewin]

Bruce, I guess I have to be curious. My 4x5 Cascade Holder has sewn-on D-rings. I use them occasionally (when I'm minimizing what I carry, and don't have the Cascade packed in my Redwing with all of your other goodies) and don't know if I would trust a velcro attachment. Did you change your design?

(For anyone who doesn't have Bruce's film holder cases, I fought against it for a while - "just one more thing to buy" - but since buying one years ago, have done a 180 - they really make field work easier and faster.)

[Photobackpacker]

Hi Peter:

Initially, I started sewing the D rings on the Cascade cases when the shoulder strap was ordered with the FHC. The Velcro version allowed me to meet the requests for the hundreds that were already sold. Finally, it allowed me to anticipate that some users wanted the shoulder straps. Having the velcro version pre-made allowed me to ship those orders without delay.

Thanks for your input. I am a fanatic when it comes to process improvement. For me, the Cascade film holder cases allow quick, orderly and routine handling for film holders. Protection is an added benefit.

[Drew Bedo]

Hi Bruce!

Love my Cascade in 4x5. For the way I work, I don't feel the need for a shoulder strap myself.

Really miss that availability of the rest of the PB line of storage boxes, but understand the reasons they are no longer produced.