Backpacks for 4X5 with 3 small lenses and Chamonix F2

[roscoetuff-Skip Mersereau]

So I seem to have a decent size backpack for day use. I'm afraid the F64 would be mega sized and I'd knock around and overload it. But I'm carrying a meter (actually 2 - with the Sekonic hung around my neck), an F64 film holder bag -which totally blew up last weekend (it holds 6 and 6 seems too tight to not have accidents), camera et al. And I think I just need to remove all the inside cases and get some better dividers. And then I'm carrying a tripod freehand together with a notebook, phone, etc. Am I going far? Nah. Not anytime soon. But soon enough it warms up and that changes the equation in terms of how well the carry works. Like to go farther than 10 minutes from the car though.

But this had me looking around. And I'm curious what folks are doing these days. Especially those of us / you who've been at this game a while, but may have switched backpacks recently. Yes, the photobackpacker P3 looks awesome, but it's been a while since it's been available. And is the F64 gargantuan for 4X5? Especially if you don't want or need the temptation to become a burro (or act like one)?

[CreationBear]

Am I going far?


This is a question that gets asked a lot, but I always thought we should take it from a different angle: given your list of possible travel scenarios, what is your minimum load-out for hiking safely and responsibly? Just add 1000-1500 cu in/15-20 pounds for your camera gear to that number and that will probably sift your choices a bit.:)

[Kiwi7475]

Best one for 4x5 with exactly what you list (but pricey) I find is the F-Stop Ajna (40L) with a large ICU. The ICU holds the camera and 3-4 lenses, and there’s enough room for meter, cloth, filters, jacket and water. It opens in the back with full access so it doesn’t get dirty when you put it down (that’s important! Imagine having to open from the front and then all the dirt is on the side that goes against your back). Not cheap but a great solution, comfortable enough for a day hike. Tripod on the center front or the sides (don’t like that as it breaks the balance but it’s possible).

Best for 8x10 is a different answer. I personally use a hiking bag with a custom size “ICU”, and a tenba insert for lenses, plus a pouch for small stuff. I have to go to a large bag because of the width of the camera, and also I don’t want to have only “top loading”. Not many options exist with an opening of 13-14”, I went with a Gregory Baltoro 95 (95L). Very comfortable even at 60-70 lbs load for multi day hiking. Tons of room for additional hiking gear, food, supplies, gps, water and clothes.

[C. D. Keth]

I hiked a lot with very similar kit and I just did it with a pretty normal size camelback backpack I usually hike with. I saw no reason to carry weight in padding like those backpacks made for cameras have a lot of.

I wrapped the body in my rain jacket, which also served as my darkcloth. That went in the bottom next to three grafmatics in a gallon ziplock. Three lenses, meter, and small accessories went on top of those in a photobackpacker long lens case. Tripod strapped onto one side or carried in hand partially extended like a walking stick.

[Ari]

I used to use a Lowepro Flipside 400, pretty light and compact.
It held a Wista RF, three lenses, a couple of Grafmatics, and then loupe, meter, etc. Tripod was strapped to the pack.
I traveled that way for over 3 months in Europe one summer/fall, it was a good pack for that kind of gear.

[eric black]

I do something pretty similar with a Mindshift First light 30- it seems to have plenty of room and is not overly cumbersome, heavy or uncomfortable. I wouldnt use it for anything backpacking related, but for day trips it seems to work very well for me. I carry an Arca 4x5 typically with 5-6 film holders, 3 lenses, lightmeter, loupe, dark cloth and filter sachet. I hand carry my tripod although it could lash onto the pack if necessary.

[Ben Calwell]

I just bought a very nice, second-hand Lowepro Mini Trekker backpack. It holds my Wista DX, Pentax spot meter, two lenses, loupe and about five or six film holders. There’s also room for all the usual bits and pieces, such as filters, cable releases, dark cloth, etc.

[Alan Klein]

I settled on the F64 for my Chamonix 45H-1. But my camera doesn;t compress like the F2. I tried a pack with roller wheels and an extendable handle to pull the thing. They install the handle down the middle so I could not get my camera to fit as the handle takes up too much space in the middle.

[David Schaller]

I always recommend a good backpack, not a photo branded one. I think Dana Gleason designs the best load-carrying frames. This is a 15 year old Dana Designs that I use for 4x5. His newer packs are Mystery Ranch, and have a great new zipper system.
https://i.imgur.com/USCBVuk.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/AZRmsJJ.jpg

[austin granger]

I like my Tenba Shootout 24L backpack. https://www.tenba.com/en/products/shootout-24l-backpack It almost seems made for large format. I have the Chamonix Hs-1 and three lenses. The holders go into a pocket on the front, and I recently added an F64 pouch on the side to carry more holders for a recent trip. My folded dark cloth (not shown) goes across the camera and lenses. Lunch is put in the top section where my meter is. In all I'd say that while the Tenba is not large enough for multi-day trips, it works great for a long day hike.
201814

[Peter Collins]

I have used two different backpacks and I have only two pieces of advice:
1. Get a "panel loading" (as contrasted with a top loading) backpack;
2. Go as light as you can. You will move around more and see more stuff to excite you.

[CreationBear]

I think Dana Gleason designs the best load-carrying frames.

+1 on Dana Designs/Mystery Ranch--is that an old Bomb pack? Classic if there ever was one.:) (FWIW, I've got an old Boseman-era Astralplane--don't think the old Arc-flex suspension as ever been improved on.)


To get back to the OP, you'll find a lot of back and forth on panel-loaders vs. top-loaders--advantages to both, but if you get a top-loader, make sure the diameter of the packbag isn't too skinny. (Again, DD/Mystery Ranch has some cavernous packs.) On the other hand, panel loaders can be a challenge to pack efficiently--one trick you might consider is getting a molle panel that you can then attach your pouches to (e.g.http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/6/ProductID/44) which can also help with weight distribution if you hang it close to the suspension side of the pack.

[Alan Klein]

I like my Tenba Shootout 24L backpack. https://www.tenba.com/en/products/shootout-24l-backpack It almost seems made for large format. I have the Chamonix Hs-1 and three lenses. The holders go into a pocket on the front, and I recently added an F64 pouch on the side to carry more holders for a recent trip. My folded dark cloth (not shown) goes across the camera and lenses. Lunch is put in the top section where my meter is. In all I'd say that while the Tenba is not large enough for multi-day trips, it works great for a long day hike.
201814


Austin, What did you wrap your lenses with?

[David Schaller]

+1 on Dana Designs/Mystery Ranch--is that an old Bomb pack? Classic if there ever was one.:) (FWIW, I've got an old Boseman-era Astralplane--don't think the old Arc-flex suspension as ever been improved on.).

I’m not sure what this one was called. It’s bigger than a Bomb pack, and has a more modern fabric. I also have a Bomb, a Terraplane, and.... If I were buying now I would get this. The Y zipper is great.
https://www.mysteryranch.com/coulee-40-pack

[CreationBear]

If I were buying now I would get this.

Very cool--definitely an "agile" pack it seems.:) FWIW, I've become a fan of Hill People Gear packs--if your days afield involve a bit off-trail scrambling, I haven't come across a better shoulder harness/hipbelt combo.
http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/3

[roscoetuff-Skip Mersereau]

Pete: Great advice. My Tenba loads both from the top (I never really use that) and the back... inside. This works as I lay it down on the outside and open the part that rides on my back and dirt doesn't get in. What I think I"m going to do is rob some of my other carry gear for the panel stuff for lenses, and may get a Domke Compartment Kit to make it really work. Lighter is better. I'll camp on a boat, but am less inclined elsewhere. Guess I like skeeters better than the rest? Dunno. The trick is to open space up - or try to - by moving to compartments and using fewer Tenba lens wraps? That's my current thought. The Chamonix comes with a handy bag of it own which I've put the whole thing in the bag, and I should probably stop that, too with the compartment. Then I'd have room maybe for the filmholders to go in the pack, and maybe the filters. I'm using Lee filters for the big holder (which seems too big!) but it does allow a grad, a polarizer and a B&W filter without getting unwieldy... or does it? Not sure. Still, outside of the tripod, the whole was about 10 pounds or so when I weighed it (3 lenses onboard). Felt like more.... 'cause that's me.. a non-rugged (or better: formerly rugged) individual.

Thanks for all these ideas and suggestions. I know folks say they're posted all over here, but NOT if you search for it... or if it is, it's under gear no longer available. So maybe this remains handy for more than just me. Hope so.

[austin granger]

Austin, What did you wrap your lenses with?
They're Domke wraps. They make a few different sizes and colors. I like them because they offer some extra protection without taking up much room. I will say though, that after heavy use, they do start to fray around the edges a little. https://www.adorama.com/l/Photography/Photography-Bags-and-Cases/Domke~Protective-Wraps

[esearing]

I really like my new-ish Atlas Adventure backpack. You might could get away with their smaller Athlete Pack (https://atlaspacks.com/) since you do not carry as much as I do. The ICUs are built in but flexible. The back opening design makes working out of the bag easy and I have access to all I need in the ICU without resorting to the additional weight of many small cases or digging around in outer pockets. There was also plenty of discussion in this thread https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?152509-Atlas-BackPacks-for-4x5&highlight=atlas+pack and others if you look back a few pages.

Lens wraps are nice too but if they have velcro on outside they tend to stick to ICU fabrics.

[Drew Bedo]

ou can spend a good bit of time and effort looking for "The Right" photo backpack and spend piles of money on it (aand thats OK). Another approach is to get a serious hiker's back pack and adapt it to your gear. This was the concept behind the now discontinued PhotoBackpacker line of packs and storage boxes. The base pack was a Kelty Redwing I think.

back in the 1990s, we spent our 20th anniversary on a trip through New Mexico and Arizona. My kit at the time was a shoe string collection of gear based on a 4x5 Graflex beater. I still have the camera and it still looks bad. To keep it all together, I used a Jan Sport book bag quality backpack. I got a closed cell foam workout mat and cut it up to fill the body of the bag in layers. Then cut out spaces for the gear. The foam was in layers and hot-glued together. Worked great for several years.

Now you don't have to do this as cheaply as I did (had to back then), but this same approach can get you a fully effective packing system that is based around a premium grade hiking day pack that carries well, fully protects your photo gear and is convenient to use in the field.

Anolther benefit is rthat the kit doesn't scream STEAL ME.

[C. D. Keth]

They're Domke wraps. They make a few different sizes and colors. I like them because they offer some extra protection without taking up much room. I will say though, that after heavy use, they do start to fray around the edges a little. https://www.adorama.com/l/Photography/Photography-Bags-and-Cases/Domke~Protective-Wraps

A member here, Daniel Stone, makes something similar to the domke wraps. I wouldn't be surprised if his product was a little tougher than the mass produced.

He's posted in the section for member made goods for sale.

[younghoon Kil]

201829


I use a Gura Gear Bataflae 18L or Bataflae 26L backpack when I go to a nearby location.
I put Chamonix 4x5 camera, 2~3 lenses, 4~6 sheet film holders(Stone Photo Gear's 4x5 field case), Sekonic exposure meter, BTZS 5x7 dark cloth, Silvestri loupe, and several accessories in this backpack.
And I attach Really Right Stuff's TQC-14 tripod to the backpack side pocket.

[Alan Klein]

They're Domke wraps. They make a few different sizes and colors. I like them because they offer some extra protection without taking up much room. I will say though, that after heavy use, they do start to fray around the edges a little. https://www.adorama.com/l/Photography/Photography-Bags-and-Cases/Domke~Protective-Wraps

What sizes are recommended for 4x5 lens, the smaller ones like a 150mm with 67mm filter size? What about larger 90mm wide angle with 82mm filter sizes?

[austin granger]

What sizes are recommended for 4x5 lens, the smaller ones like a 150mm with 67mm filter size? What about larger 90mm wide angle with 82mm filter sizes?
All my lenses use 67MM filters, and the 11" X 11" wraps are perfect. The picture below shows a Schneider Super-Symmar HM120 (yes, it has the wrong lens cap) to give you an idea. I'm not sure about a lens with an 82mm filter size, but I think the 11" would still be the one. I guess you could experiment with a piece of paper.
201834

[Drew Bedo]

201829


I use a Gura Gear Bataflae 18L or Bataflae 26L backpack when I go to a nearby location.
I put Chamonix 4x5 camera, 2~3 lenses, 4~6 sheet film holders(Stone Photo Gear's 4x5 field case), Sekonic exposure meter, BTZS 5x7 dark cloth, Silvestri loupe, and several accessories in this backpack.
And I attach Really Right Stuff's TQC-14 tripod to the backpack side pocket.

That's the approach I am talking about. Get a pack you like and adapt how you pack your gear into it. n up-scale m odel cvompared to what I had put together.

[roscoetuff-Skip Mersereau]

You can spend a good bit of time and effort looking for "The Right" photo backpack and spend piles of money on it (aand thats OK)."

I'm kind of set on adpating what I have. I've raided an old DOMKE backpack for the inserts and putting them into the Tenba bag. Fact is that MOST folks out there have no idea what a photographer's backpack is vs. any other, and some of those others used by kids to get around Europe scream "MONEY INSIDE". If they get your camera gear, find it's not digital, I'm betting you might even get it back these days.

Like some of the other film holders. Step one is to see if I can minimize my need for separate film holder bags, lens wraps and camera bags.... still protect my stuff... and get more in the existing bag so that there's greater utility and free hands. Got talked into a sweet, but probably too big RRS tripod some years ago... but I'll carry that rather than spend again anytime soon. Trying to maximize free hands to catch my geezing body - when necessary.

Lens wraps: Lay those guys on the ground and they seem to pick up all kinds of dirt and dust.
Filmholder "wraps": Stone Photo Gear stuff looks pretty doggone workable.

You guys have been a great help and encouragement. I'm not dissing the hiker packs at all. I'm just still trying to work and re-arrange my existing gear as much as possible to lighten the load. It's past time I figured this out, huh? Sure it is. Thanks!

[CreationBear]

Trying to maximize free hands to catch my geezing body - when necessary.

Excellent, as I said in my original reply, I don't think you'll max out any pack with your current load-out, so hopefully you're set to hit the trail.:) However, if that also applies literally, ;) definitely consider a set of trekking poles--you can find a set for not much money and surely find a way to strap them to your pack when not in use. Much better than using your hands! (I managed to break both wrists in a weightlifting accident a few years back--not something I'd recommend, though you do rather learn who your friends are...:p)

[roscoetuff-Skip Mersereau]

All my lenses use 67MM filters, and the 11" X 11" wraps are perfect. The picture below shows a Schneider Super-Symmar HM120 (yes, it has the wrong lens cap) to give you an idea. I'm not sure about a lens with an 82mm filter size, but I think the 11" would still be the one. I guess you could experiment with a piece of paper.
201834

I manage to get to the 67mm filter - with adaptor rings. Do you use round filters, or a filter holder with squares? I'm kind of in-between. Round pack small, but you need the square for a grad... which I've yet to use, but am aiming to do so soon.

[Drew Bedo]

oscoetuff-Skip Mersereau:

All good points. I must not have read your OP carefully. Thought you were looking for a brand new dedicated "best" bag.

The important thing is that it works for you. I like the idea of using a set of inserts to adapt the pack. How much real hiking will you be doing with your "Geezer" body? I myself have gotten to the point where my4x5 kit only goes in "Handy Cap Accessible" areas on a set of luggage wheels.

[Roberto Nania]

Hello,

I use a Lowepro AW300 which I own for my 35mm gear.
I converted it for my 4x5 kit. Maybe the original padding doesn't allow you to fully adjust it to 4x5 but you can menage it with self made padding or padding from other bags.
I usually do one day hiking and it performed good.
The only downside is that you have to use the side straps to hold the tripod (I have a 190+410 head) and this will unbalance the backpack on your shoulders. The central tripod strap is totally useless, I find.
202140

[roscoetuff-Skip Mersereau]

Roberto: Looks pretty sweet! Not far off what I've got set up. Will send a pic tomorrow. Smaller pack, so I think I'll be carrying the tripod in my hands... but otherwise... good. Take care of yourself in Ground Zero, sing and stay safe!

[Roberto Nania]

Roberto: Looks pretty sweet! Not far off what I've got set up. Will send a pic tomorrow. Smaller pack, so I think I'll be carrying the tripod in my hands... but otherwise... good. Take care of yourself in Ground Zero, sing and stay safe!

Thank you Roscoe. Yes, I use to carry the tripod by hand if I don't need to have both hands free.
We are locked-down for almost three weeks now and we will for other two at least. I do some indoor portrait to my sons, waiting for when I can go around in the hillside again.
Take care you too in US. Don't underestimate this plague, it spreads very fast and It could be lethal to many even if some will experience just a weak flu.
Stay home, stay safe.

With love, from Italy

[Ari]

Just ordered the Lowepro Tactic 450, which I plan on using with the Fuji GX680.
The GX680 is bulkier than most 4x5 cameras, but having tried the local store's display bag first, it had plenty of room to spare, after packing the camera body, with back and lens attached.

[Alan Klein]

I just started 4x5 photography. I don't hike. I wanted a bag to keep in the trunk that I could carry short distances from the car with all my stuff. So I settled on an F64. I keep the film packs in one of the side cases. The other is empty for now and can be switch to the other side or removed and a shoulder strap added for carrying separately. Pictures of the inside is below.

I currently have three lenses. I keep one on my Chamonix 45H-1. In the big panel, I also have a meter and a small P&S digital that I'm trying to use to "see" the shots in BW and use as a meter. Also a reflex viewer that I don;t know was worth it, a dark cloth, log book. The small panel has filters, a lens, loupes, cleaning cloths etc. There's misc stuff inside the pocket on the front. The backpack has shoulder straps. (not in the pictures).But they hang loose and they don't pack away when not using them. They lay in the dirt if you put the backpack down that way. I tried carrying the pack with the straps a short distance. It seems comfortable enough. But I don't know what it would be like on a long hike. There is a handle on the top for carrying short distance. Also a rain cover in a case that is rolled into the bottom that comes with the bag. I carry my tripod separately for now.

202262

[roscoetuff-Skip Mersereau]

Okay... THOUGHT I posted a photo of my adapted backpack. Must have put it in the wrong place? Let's try this again:

202284

This is a relatively small pack, stil I've made room for 3 lenses: 75mm, 135mm and 240mm, a Toyo 4X loupe, 6 film holders with a Sekonic spot ref/incident meter in the top, a protective Tenba padded lens cloth allowing the velcro to attach to the sides and pad as well as protect the gear from falling out. Yes, you see the camera in Chamonix's leather case, and it all fits. Even have a gray card and 4X5 sized foam board "view frame" on the other side, a lens wrench and a Mindshift filter bag which I'm attaching to the side. My tripod with it's new-to-me Manfrotto geared head is a "carry separately". Total weight without tripod is under 20 LBS, and got a trial today walking 15 minutes cross town to shoot the Waterwitch building. We'll see.... but so far so good. Gonna have to lighten the load with more experience!!!

Alan: That looks like room to spare. Love it. My pack kicks backwards, but there's something to be said about spreading the whole first. Maybe someone will give me one for a birthday or year-end Christmas gift - if I'm lucky.

[Alan Klein]

Skip, MY 4x5 kit shown above I just weighed at 22 lbs. The old Gitzo tripod with head weighs another 9. I use it for my Mamiya RB67 medium format equipment as well. Interestingly, the RB67 camera and lens weighs 9 lbs against the Chamonix 45H-1's and lens 4.5 lbs. The RB67 backpack comes in a around 30 lbs. The lenses are a lot heavier as well as the camera. Carrying this stuff seems to be good for my heart if not my back. :)

[roscoetuff-Skip Mersereau]

Alan: Yes... I think MF and it's attendant glass is way heavier. Had the back surgery and don't want more. I've tried the heavy MF with a Bronica and then a Rollieflex 6008 series... but the comparatively lightweight Rollieflex 3.5F is the one that "clicked" ...and silently as well. Never thought I'd like a TLR, but tried it and got hooked. Amazing the way the accessories fit into a system that really let's you do much more than you thought possible. The other MF is either gone or on it's way out the door if I can get that organized. Trying to decide what 35mm gear to keep, too. Probably keep the Nikon and dump the rest... reluctant as I am. Nikon lenses work both with 35mm and digital and that's a powerful combo even if it lacks some of the mental appeal of other choices. So yeah... eventually we find where we fit and the gear gets rationalized.

So one thing I've learned in returning to photography is never say never... 'cause in my case, never seems to only mean "not yet".

[Alan Klein]

Skip: Good luck with your back. When I travel with my wife, I leave everything home now except my Sony RX100iv, a little P&S with a 1" sensor that I can keep in my breast pocket. It shoots 4k video as well as 20mb stills and makes beautiful slide and video shows that I play on a 75" 4K TV, cellphone, and monitor. You use the tools that make sense at the time.

[dodphotography]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200408/d79c436543cc1453ef616e6f30b349b9.jpg

This is a TOPO Klettersak. I took this to Nashville as a carry on with a Chamonix H1, two lenses, and 10 holders. It was perfectly fine and doesn’t scream “I’m a camera bag”


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