Technika in a Domke F-2 or other shoulder bag?

[abruzzi]

After much procrastination, I ordered a Linhof Technika IV from KEH along with a couple lenses, lens boards and some film holders. Now, while I wait for that to be shipped, I’m faced with acquiring all the other stuff necessary to actually use the camera.

I was trying to find the folded dimensions of the camera, but the closest I could find was the dimensions of the master technika which I’ll assume is pretty close. (185x218x110).

I need to find a bag to schlep it around in. I may have something I can use in the short term, but looking at the dimensions of the Domke F-2 I think it might work well. I’m thinking I could mount the quad lens insert offset to one side, the technika on one side and the film holders on the other. The lenses could go in the lens insert, but would probably not fit with the lens boards in place.

This may not come out, but T is the camera, L is a lens, M is my meter, and H are film holders:
—————————
| TTT | L | L | H |
| TTT |—+—| H |
| TTT | L | M| H |
—————————

Has anyone given this setup a try with the Technika or similar sized field cameras? To my, inexperienced mind, the biggest drawback is that the lenses may only fit without the lens board. Do you generally keep you lenses attached to a board, or do you swap them into the board in the field?

Anyone have a better recommendation for a shoulder bag (I know backpacks are popular for this purpose, but I kind of need this to be a shoulder bag)?

(Sadly, where I live I can only go by photos and published specs on the internet, so I think I can make this fit, but it’s all guesswork. Domke also makes the F-1 which is the same layout, but larger. I prefer smaller if possible.)

[CreationBear]

I need to find a bag to schlep it around in.)

As luck would have it, I've been scouring the Web for something to carry my Horseman technical camera...have you considered a camcorder bag? (I'm thinking of those like from Porta Brace with the double-zippered panel that opens from the top.)

You might have to improvise some dividers, but since all the "form factors" associated with LF seem to be rectangular, it might provide the most efficient use of space. (Not as cool as waxed canvas, though...:))

[rfesk]

Good luck! Those things are heavy. You maybe should consider a backpack style.

[Bob Salomon]

This should answer your question.

http://linhof.com/en/koenig-universal-photobag-2/

[Serge S]

Hi!

I use a dome F2 with my MT.
(I use the same bag for all my cameras & swap them out)
It will also accommodate two lenses on boards.
I also use the Domke F6 bag for the same purpose.
Probably much better bags, but I had them already:)


It is fine for the camera
After much procrastination, I ordered a Linhof Technika IV from KEH along with a couple lenses, lens boards and some film holders. Now, while I wait for that to be shipped, I’m faced with acquiring all the other stuff necessary to actually use the camera.

I was trying to find the folded dimensions of the camera, but the closest I could find was the dimensions of the master technika which I’ll assume is pretty close. (185x218x110).

I need to find a bag to schlep it around in. I may have something I can use in the short term, but looking at the dimensions of the Domke F-2 I think it might work well. I’m thinking I could mount the quad lens insert offset to one side, the technika on one side and the film holders on the other. The lenses could go in the lens insert, but would probably not fit with the lens boards in place.

This may not come out, but T is the camera, L is a lens, M is my meter, and H are film holders:
—————————
| TTT | L | L | H |
| TTT |—+—| H |
| TTT | L | M| H |
—————————

Has anyone given this setup a try with the Technika or similar sized field cameras? To my, inexperienced mind, the biggest drawback is that the lenses may only fit without the lens board. Do you generally keep you lenses attached to a board, or do you swap them into the board in the field?

Anyone have a better recommendation for a shoulder bag (I know backpacks are popular for this purpose, but I kind of need this to be a shoulder bag)?

(Sadly, where I live I can only go by photos and published specs on the internet, so I think I can make this fit, but it’s all guesswork. Domke also makes the F-1 which is the same layout, but larger. I prefer smaller if possible.)

[abruzzi]

Thanks for the suggestions. I’m avoiding backpacks because I don’t want something I need to put on the ground to access. My knees don’t really work (both tibias were shattered into dozens of pieces, and are now held together with metal) so while I can walk fine I can’t kneel or squat. So to accessing the contents of a bag on the ground is an ordeal. Easier to hang it off my shoulder and access the contents while standing, even if it means sore shoulders.

I love porta brace bags, but they can be expensive. The trick is ultimately to get a bag that is big enough to hold what I need, but not excessively large. Domke was the first place I looked, because I really like their bags. A while back I bought a Domke F-803 satchel to hold a 35mm camera and a few lenses. Then I discovered I can fit my Bronica ETRSi, three lenses, three backs, sekonic meter, and a half dozen rolls of film. I rarely take it out with that much stuff, and I expect that with the Technika I’ll be the same—camera, a couple lenses, 6-8 film holders, my sekonic meter, and dark cloth (which I expect will be necessary in the New Mexico sun.) So while that König bag looks cool, it’s also probably far too large for my needs.

And thanks Serge for confirming that it will probably fit.

[Greg]

This should answer your question.

http://linhof.com/en/koenig-universal-photobag-2/

Available in USA? Price?

[abruzzi]

Not inexpensive:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/576013-REG/Linhof_022496_Universal_Photo_Bag.html

[Bob Salomon]

Not inexpensive:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/576013-REG/Linhof_022496_Universal_Photo_Bag.html

I sent you there for dimensions, not to buy. But you could if you wanted to!

Your camera and the MT are very similar in size.

[Bob Salomon]

Available in USA? Price?

That is one of those if you need to ask questions!

In the USA most stores would sell it for over 1 thousand dollars!

[abruzzi]

I sent you there for dimensions, not to buy. But you could if you wanted to!

Your camera and the MT are very similar in size.

Ahh, I see now the different layouts have dimensions. That’s helpful.

EDIT: the one thing I’m not sure about—the KEH listing is titled “4X5 LINHOF TECHNIKA IV” but the photos show the rangefinder, which I believe would make it Super Technika, right? I guess I’ll find out when it arrives. I’m not expecting to use the rangefinder, so if it doesn’t have it, I’ll be fine, but the dimensions on that bag—182x190—I’m guessing are the model without the rangefinder.

[Bob Salomon]

Ahh, I see now the different layouts have dimensions. That’s helpful.

That bag is for the Technika and the TechniKardan. Make sure you use the Technika dimensions.

[Drew Bedo]

AbriZzi: Don't over think this. Having read your Op, I realize that you are looking for the best bag, not the cheqapest bag. However finding what works best for you may not happen ritght awqay. My 4x5 kit is built around a Wista DX 45, whichn, I realize4, is more compact than your Technika. However, I do have more than one bag that the whole kit fits into. One is a LowePro trekker backpack, another is a Pelican 1510 hard case and the third is an Old LowePro "Magnum-35" shoulder bag.

The bag you get just now will likely not be the last bag you ever put this camera and associated gear into. Check out e-Bay for pre-owned bags. High-end items often show up there , often ad well below retail. This will allow you to try out more than one system before finding the one that is Righrt for you.

Frankly, I don't think I have ever bought a brand new camera case or bag. Often the case comes with the gear I bought. Some camera shops have bags laying around behind the counter. Another really good option is thrift storea and Goodwill. Often there is something, not a camera bag that will work great but doesn't scream, :I am a rich guy, ROB ME!"

[Drew Bedo]

OK, "Porta Brace" is not something I have heard of before. What is that?

[abruzzi]

OK, "Porta Brace" is not something I have heard of before. What is that?

they are pro gear bags, much more common in the film/tv world. I discovered them when working for a TV station as everything was in a porta brace bag. they are generally very well built, application specific, and no frills (I mean that in a good way--they aren't decorative but meant for work.) If you've ever seen a TV van with equipment in blue bags--those were probably porta brace (their blue bags were their signature for a long time, though it looks like most of their stuff is black now.)

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/65580-REG/Porta_Brace_RB_2_RB_2_Lightweight_Run_Bag.html

[CreationBear]

OK, "Porta Brace"

They make a wide range of camera/audio cases here in the US, and thus can be a bit spendy (though you can often find them steeply discounted at B&H and other vendors, not to mention the auction site.) Otherwise, their design philosophy seems to be 180-degrees from Domke; i.e. over-built and over-padded for some applications, perhaps, though the build quality is high.

FWIW, I've been trying to think through just how much "protection" to give LF gear vs. my DSLR kit...not quite to the point of just throwing it in loose in the bed of a pickup truck:), but I suspect some "tough love" is in the offing.

[Corran]

I have a Tenba 13 DNA and my Technikas (IV and Master) fit just fine inside it, with enough room for a lens on the side (yes on the board, I would definitely not recommend otherwise). It can hold a laptop but usually I stuff Grafmatic film holders in that area. I wouldn't suggest a shoulder bag for a heavy 4x5 camera though. It hurts my shoulder after an hour or two. But if you are working "out" of the shoulder bag mostly with it set down somewhere, it could be fine.

In the past I've also used a very heavy-duty neck strap for the Technika, along with the Tenba filled with film holders and lenses, and mostly held the camera with my hands unless I'm doing something in the case. This helps the weight issue.

But mostly, I like backpacks. I have several, and usually I can fit my Technika or other 4x5 along with 3-5 lenses and plenty of film/filters/etc., not to mention a tripod attached to the side of it. When using my 4x5 cameras, I usually find a rock or a stump to put the bag on, so I don't usually bend way down getting into the bag, but YMMV. Good luck. The Technikas are not light cameras though!

Oh yeah - the Tenba is expensive but I found one on eBay for a quarter the price. I buy all my bags second-hand - their resale value is always pretty low.

[abruzzi]

Thanks. The Tenba looks nice. Their price on B&H is equivalent to a Domke F-2, so could definitely be in the running.

[LabRat]

I used a Porta Brace VTR bag for years that once held a 3/4" video tape recorder, but the down side was that it held my Technika well, but not a lot of room for other stuff (like holders etc), so I ended up carrying another bag, and a Tilt all in a satchel bag, so it got a little crowded on me... Ended up finding a like new Lowepro photo backpack, but what impressed me was there was a padded shoulder strap that allowed the pack to hang low beneath my arm, so it was like a camera bag, and I even noticed that the front pockets unzipped at an angle that made it very easy to dig into the pockets while wearing it... Not to hard to dig the camera out of the bottom while standing, and mini padded bags were fairly secure inside holding holders, lenses, accy's, meter, etc that didn't fall out when opening... I don't like putting my bags down in dusty places, so it was comfortable to wear while shooting, esp without the camera inside, and does not look too suspicious when shooting in the city...

Still using it for the Linhof...

Steve K

[blue4130]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48022728897_4d87995a57_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gaB3dr)IMG_20190608_130915 (https://flic.kr/p/2gaB3dr) by Vance (https://www.flickr.com/photos/vancelester/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48022729682_20b59179a0_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gaB3rY)IMG_20190608_130748 (https://flic.kr/p/2gaB3rY) by Vance (https://www.flickr.com/photos/vancelester/), on Flickr

Hey you go. My F2, loaded with a chamonix 4x5, fuji 135 f5.6, rodenstock 210 5.6, nikkor 300 f9 (all 3 on boards) a sekonic light meter and cable release and 5 holders. I put the holders in the end pockets but you could probably put a few in the main compartment but it was getting a bit tight.

[abruzzi]

Thanks! Those images help a lot. From what I can find, the Technika will be a little larger than the Camonix folded but probably not enough to make much of a difference.

On a related note, FedEx is delivering the camera, lens, and film holders today (with any luck.) I’m very excited to get started. I should also be receiving some film and a developing tank today, so with any luck I might be able to take some test shots today. (I’m still missing some things I can probably improvise like a focusing loupe and dark cloth though.)

[CreationBear]

Along the lines of the Lowepro bag Steve K. mentioned (I'm assuming the "Flipside" series?), Orlieb's "Day-shot" gives you the same functionality (i.e. you can take the pack off your shoulders and use it as a waistpack without it hitting the ground.) It might be worth looking at a few pictures to see if it's a concept that works for you.

[Chuck Pere]

I use the last generation of the Zone VI bag for my cameras. I used to strap them to a backpack frame but now use a Tamrac strap that lets me carry them like a backpack. When I don't want to put them on the ground I hang the bag off my tripod with the strap. Both these items are no longer sold new but the Zone VI bags are pretty easy to find used.

[abruzzi]

The camera came this weekend. For the time being I can fit everything into a Crumpler 7 Million Dollar Home that I already owned. It’s not a perfect fit, but I can get the camera, several lenses, 6 film holders, meter, release cable, and my spare 50mm enlarger lens which I’m currently using as a loupe. Then I stuff a black T-shirt (makeshift dark cloth) on top and close the top. The total weight isn’t bad. I think I carry more weight with my Pentax 67 and three lenses. I haven’t decided on the Domke, or anything else and I need to spend my money on some more direct needs (like a real loupe and dark cloth.)

[Corran]

Pentax 67 is indeed good weight training for a Technika :).

[Jac@stafford.net]

Do you generally keep you lenses attached to a board, or do you swap them into the board in the field?
Always kept on their boards. If you want to close the camera with a lens mounted, then choose carefully. Perhaps others will advise. I keep a 135mm Planar mounted, and the fit is so close I cannot even use a lens cover, but it is not really needed.