Show us your sub-20-pound (9-kilogram) LF kit

[Axelwik]

Now that I'm past 60 with knees and feet that ache if I carry too much weight too far, I've been on a large format field kit weight reduction plan.

Below are photos of my current field kit. It can be configured for either 4x5 or 5x7, the only difference being the camera, lenses, and film holders. Total weight of each kit (either 4x5 or 5x7) including the tripod is a bit less than 15 pounds (6.8 kg).

Show us yours!

The backpack is a Lowepro Flipside 300. I have bigger bags, but what happens when we have a big bag? We tend to fill it, which is counter-productive to saving weight. The ounces add up fast!
Tripod is an aluminum Gitzo 2220 with the column removed and a small pan-only head in its place. Tripod and head together weigh 4.5 pounds (2 kg). I could probably save a pound or so going with a carbon fiber tripod, but this one is pretty light as it is, and CF is more likely to blow over in the wind. The 2220 model is easy to level because the legs are infinitely adjustable.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53093795799_fd0e880b68_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oTHzJp)Pack (https://flic.kr/p/2oTHzJp) by Marco Wikstrom (https://www.flickr.com/photos/197947664@N05/), on Flickr

Backpack open with the 4x5 kit inside. The 5x7 kit fits almost the same way, except only half the film holders will fit. For 4x5 I take between 4 and 6, 5x7 2 to 3.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53094105698_6e100be934_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oTKaRu)open pack (https://flic.kr/p/2oTKaRu) by Marco Wikstrom (https://www.flickr.com/photos/197947664@N05/), on Flickr

4x5 kit. Tachihara camera with a 135mm Caltar II N f5.6, and a Fujinon A 240mm f9. The rest is the same as the 5x7 kit except of course the film holders. I use the same set of 52mm filters for the lenses in both 2-lens kits.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53094105703_3cc999e7aa_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oTKaRz)4x5 (https://flic.kr/p/2oTKaRz) by Marco Wikstrom (https://www.flickr.com/photos/197947664@N05/), on Flickr

5x7 kit. Current model Intrepid camera with a Fujinon A 180mm f9, and a Nikkor Q 300mm f9.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53093620356_b22c87a570_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oTGFzw)5x7 (https://flic.kr/p/2oTGFzw) by Marco Wikstrom (https://www.flickr.com/photos/197947664@N05/), on Flickr

Some extra lenses that stay in the car unless they're really needed. For the 4x5 I bring a 65, 90, and 400 telephoto, and for the 5x7 I bring a 125 and sometimes also the 400 telephoto.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53093051762_da7a276692_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oTDLyb)lenses (https://flic.kr/p/2oTDLyb) by Marco Wikstrom (https://www.flickr.com/photos/197947664@N05/), on Flickr

[Alan Klein]

I might have to give you a call. My back is starting to hurt again. :rolleyes:

[Axelwik]

I might have to give you a call. My back is starting to hurt again. :rolleyes:
LOL. It's a pretty simple formula: light camera combined with small light lenses. The rest is trying to minimize weight of the other accoutrements needed. If it's not helping you make the photograph that you're making today, then leave it in the car!

Little things like using wood film holders that are a little lighter than plastic, using a mostly plastic loupe instead of a big heavy metal one (mine is a Rodenstock aspherical 4x), see if you can use a small 2-ounce light meter instead of that 1-pound Pentax spot meter (or replace the Pentax with one of those Reveni Labs spot meters), standardize filter sizes for your lenses with a step up ring so only one set of filters is needed, etc. Another way to make sure it doesn't get out of hand is to use a camera bag/pack that's only big enough for the camera, a couple lenses, a few film holders, a very few odds & ends, and nothing else!

[Vaughn]

My Gowland 4x5 PocketView with 150mm/5.6 on a Gitzo Reporter or Studex w/ darkcloth...about 9 pounds. Exchanging for a lighter CF tripod would take a couple pounds off. With the CF tripod and a small shoulder bag holding 4 to 5 holders, the Pentax Digital Spot Meter, a couple filters and note book it would be about 10 pounds.

I do the same with 5x7. Both systems well under 20 pounds, but on backpack trips I double the number of film holders

[Axelwik]

My Gowland 4x5 PocketView with 150mm/5.6 on a Gitzo Reporter or Studex w/ darkcloth...about 9 pounds. Exchanging for a lighter CF tripod would take a couple pounds off. With the CF tripod and a small shoulder bag holding 4 to 5 holders, the Pentax Digital Spot Meter, a couple filters and note book it would be about 10 pounds.

I do the same with 5x7. Both systems well under 20 pounds, but on backpack trips I double the number of film holders
Excellent! Keep 'em coming.

[nitroplait]

Fun subject.

It seems like the more lenses and options I have in my bag the less satisfied I am with the process and results.
I experience a mild paralysation by too many choices.

I feel the search for a subject to photograph with a one-lens-perspective and one-film-type offers me a clearer vision.
It appears to be valid across formats for me, not only LF.

Facilitating mobility is becoming more important - not only for the sake of my ageing body, but also the ability to move quickly and change plans with less weight to lug me down. I feel a need to be more spontaneous with age.

For a large format day trip of 5-8 hours walking/photographing, the kit looks something like this:


Intrepid 4X5 (1.3kg)
Typically 150mm/5.6 Symmar on a light Intrepid board (0.4kg).
SLIK Master tripod (1.7kg) (wo. head)
4 film holders (0.7kg)
Sekonic L308 (0.1kg)
Misc.: release cable, loupe, yellow filter etc. (0.8kg)

That is about 5.0kg (11.0 lbs)

My softshell jacket doubles as dark cloth, my smartphone as notebook and backup light meter so these are not included.

The bag itself adds an additional 1.4kg though, making the full kit grow to 6.4kg (14.1 lbs).

Add to that 2 liters of water, food and a emergency kit and the entire load reaches 9.5kg (21 lbs).
I don't think it is possible to reduce the load by more than 1 kg, and that would not be without a significant investment replacing the tripod and the bag.

ca. 9kg is probably at my limit and if (or rather when :( ) my health degrades, I will have to switch to medium format.

A Rolleiflex, a ballhead on a clamp and a handful of 120 film will cut the load by 2.5kg easily. And after all, it is a matter of enjoying the process.

In the end, nobody will care about my "arty" photographs. My audience only want to see the 35mm snapshots I have taken of family members and events over the years, I don't think that will change after I pass (and why should I care?).

[Axelwik]

Fun subject.

It seems like the more lenses and options I have in my bag the less satisfied I am with the process and results.
I experience a mild paralysation by too many choices.

I feel the search for a subject to photograph with a one-lens-perspective and one-film-type offers me a clearer vision.
It appears to be valid across formats for me, not only LF.

Facilitating mobility is becoming more important - not only for the sake of my ageing body, but also the ability to move quickly and change plans with less weight to lug me down. I feel a need to be more spontaneous with age.

For a large format day trip of 5-8 hours walking/photographing, the kit looks something like this:


Intrepid 4X5 (1.3kg)
Typically 150mm/5.6 Symmar on a light Intrepid board (0.4kg).
SLIK Master tripod (1.7kg) (wo. head)
4 film holders (0.7kg)
Sekonic L308 (0.1kg)
Misc.: release cable, loupe, yellow filter etc. (0.8kg)

That is about 5.0kg (11.0 lbs)

My softshell jacket doubles as dark cloth, my smartphone as notebook and backup light meter so these are not included.

The bag itself adds an additional 1.4kg though, making the full kit grow to 6.4kg (14.1 lbs).

Add to that 2 liters of water, food and a emergency kit and the entire load reaches 9.5kg (21 lbs).
I don't think it is possible to reduce the load by more than 1 kg, and that would not be without a significant investment replacing the tripod and the bag.

ca. 9kg is probably at my limit and if (or rather when :( ) my health degrades, I will have to switch to medium format.

A Rolleiflex, a ballhead on a clamp and a handful of 120 film will cut the load by 2.5kg easily. And after all, it is a matter of enjoying the process.

In the end, nobody will care about my "arty" photographs. My audience only want to see the 35mm snapshots I have taken of family members and events over the years, I don't think that will change after I pass (and why should I care?).
Well said. I agree with you about the clearer vision by keeping it simple. I think that carrying too much stuff (complication and weight) stifles creativity.

[Ben Horne]

When I go backpacking with my 8x10 kit, the entire weight including the camera gear, camping gear, food, water and video kit is only 34lbs. That's with ultralight camping gear.

I don't know the weight of just the 8x10 kit if I were to take away the tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking gear, fuel, food water, etc, but it's extremely lightweight. So much so that I can scramble unhindered and sometimes I forget I have it on my back.

Here's what I carry for my lightweight 8x10 kit:

Chamonix Alpinist X 8x10
4 Chamonix Film holders
Fujinon A 240, Fujinon C 300, Fujinon C 450
Sekonic Spot Meter
Wander Ultralight Dark Cloth
Gitzo 1 Series mountaineer tripod (center column removed)
Arca-Swiss P0 ballhead
Misc Stuff: cable release, stopwatch, etc.
All of that is carried in an ultralight backpack from Z-Packs. The pack weighs 1.5lbs as compared to most photo bags that can easily weigh 10lbs.

If it's not a backpacking trip, I'll carry a 3 series Gitzo with an Arca-Swiss cube.

Large format gear doesn't need to be heavy and bulky if you make smart decisions. Unfortunately those decisions are often expensive, but so is large format. ;-)

[Axelwik]

When I go backpacking with my 8x10 kit, the entire weight including the camera gear, camping gear, food, water and video kit is only 34lbs. That's with ultralight camping gear.

I don't know the weight of just the 8x10 kit if I were to take away the tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking gear, fuel, food water, etc, but it's extremely lightweight. So much so that I can scramble unhindered and sometimes I forget I have it on my back.

Here's what I carry for my lightweight 8x10 kit:

Chamonix Alpinist X 8x10
4 Chamonix Film holders
Fujinon A 240, Fujinon C 300, Fujinon C 450
Sekonic Spot Meter
Wander Ultralight Dark Cloth
Gitzo 1 Series mountaineer tripod (center column removed)
Arca-Swiss P0 ballhead
Misc Stuff: cable release, stopwatch, etc.
All of that is carried in an ultralight backpack from Z-Packs. The pack weighs 1.5lbs as compared to most photo bags that can easily weigh 10lbs.

If it's not a backpacking trip, I'll carry a 3 series Gitzo with an Arca-Swiss cube.

Large format gear doesn't need to be heavy and bulky if you make smart decisions. Unfortunately those decisions are often expensive, but so is large format. ;-)
34 pounds with all the backpacking gear and 8x10 is quite impressive. Shows what's possible - thanks for sharing.

[Drew Bedo]

I am facing this issue myself. My 4x kit weighs in at 25 pounds. It centers around a Wista 45DX and an older light duty CF tripod from Velbon. There is a discontinued Magnesium ballhed on top. It is marginal in strength for the camera and lenses. With three lenses and six film holders it all adds up to the 25 or so pounds.

The only quick thing I can think of is to drop two lenses. Replacing the Nikkor 90mm f8 with the Schneider 90mm f.6.8 would help. I guess an al plastic WilTtravel might drop some more. Going to a lensless pinhole would do some more.

I just don't want to streamline that much . . .

[Tin Can]

I seldom use any movements

My Printed 4X5 is seldom refocused as I shoot people at 5'

I admire https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/constituents/weegee?all/all/all/all/0

I have to add weight and flash BULB with safety cover

It intimidates no one!

2 or 4 DDS

NO TRIPOD

Fits in a lunch bag

No meter needed if I always use the flash

I need to get out more with my Cycle Cameras and use 4X5 or 5X7 plates

[Axelwik]

I seldom use any movements

My Printed 4X5 is seldom refocused as I shoot people at 5'

I admire https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/constituents/weegee?all/all/all/all/0

I have to add weight and flash BULB with safety cover

It intimidates no one!

2 or 4 DDS

NO TRIPOD

Fits in a lunch bag

No meter needed if I always use the flash

I need to get out more with my Cycle Cameras and use 4X5 or 5X7 plates

I have a similar camera with no movements. It has a 75mm Nikkor SW 75 f4.5. Weighs only a few pounds and I can shoot it handheld, monpod, or on a tripod with 4x5 or 6x12 roll film. I built it myself.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53054205697_ea5ddc7e5a_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oQdEYr)image0 (2) (https://flic.kr/p/2oQdEYr) by Marco Wikstrom (https://www.flickr.com/photos/197947664@N05/), on Flickr

Since these pictures wre taken I replaced the wire viewfinder with an optical one.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53054205702_be0f051220_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oQdEYw)image1 (1) (https://flic.kr/p/2oQdEYw) by Marco Wikstrom (https://www.flickr.com/photos/197947664@N05/), on Flickr

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53115240577_32ea2854a8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oVBuvX)DSC02377 (https://flic.kr/p/2oVBuvX) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

My Sinar Norma Handy with 4x5 Graphmatic weighs six LB. Easy to carry around, with 400 film I can sometimes shoot handheld. Like HP5+ at 1600 EI in Acufine or D23 1:1. Developed for 3200 EI and negs are delicious looking LFWA. Or maybe FOMA 200 shot at EI800 and developed to "Gamma Infinity". I shall experiment. Also bit the bullet and will compare HP5+ to TMX400, have several hundred sheets of TMX 4x5 to burn. Extra 4x5 Graphmatics go in Swiss Army Medical Bag; looks like an US Army Gasmask Bag except it's Swiss.

"Handy" They named it right. BTW the Norma Cone with helical for 65mm F8 is in the original Norma catalog. All else is an embellishment on my part. This is the camera they should have offered at the time. Fits in my collection because it's pure Norma.

[PatrickMarq]

After reading all this i’m doing something completely wrong.
My bag is about 13kg … without tripod

Chamonix 045F2
90mm f9
150mm f5.6
300mm f5.6
All in 3D printed boxes

Lee filters +/- 10 pieces
Center filter for 90mm
Lee hood
Pentax V lightmeter
Dark cloth
Some small stuff

5 - 4x5 filmholders
Or
6x17 Shen Hao

[Axelwik]

After reading all this i’m doing something completely wrong.
My bag is about 13kg … without tripod

Chamonix 045F2
90mm f9
150mm f5.6
300mm f5.6
All in 3D printed boxes

Lee filters +/- 10 pieces
Center filter for 90mm
Lee hood
Pentax V lightmeter
Dark cloth
Some small stuff

5 - 4x5 filmholders
Or
6x17 Shen Hao

The grams quickly add up to kilograms! That 300mm 5.6 probably weighs a lot - a Nikkor M 300mm f9 is much smaller and lighter an only about one stop slower. I don't know how much your 3d printed boxes weigh, but maybe you can save some weight and room in the bag with padded cloth lens wraps. The Pentax spot meter probably weighs half a kilo - it can be replaced with something a lot lighter.

There are many ways to shed weight without shedding performance. If it's not helping take the photo that you're taking TODAY, then leave it.

[Vaughn]

Out for the day, the camera is on the tripod. A nice thick Calumet darkcloth -- total black-out and has doubled as a shawl to keep warm -- it provides padding when draped over the camera, then a waterproof stuffsack placed over it (and camera). This keep the bellows safe and everything dry in case of rain or wet underbrush. Everything else in a light, slightly padded shoulder bag that can be worn under the jacket in case of rain. Nothing needs to be put on the ground. Perfect for my one-lens system (150mm).

Photo of my little mule!
And a photo of me with the same set-up, but a Rolleicord in the bag instead of taking the 4x5 (too much bashing thru the brush keeping up with my boys!). Except for the 4x5 film holders, not much difference in weight between the set-ups!

I carry the 6" extention rail to give me 12.5" of bellows, but rarely need it.
A Gitzo No.2 Ballhead use to be my traveling head. For the 5x7 I am using a Gitzo G1376 ballhead.
PocketView bought new in about 1982 for around $200 from Calumet.

[MAubrey]

No picture, but my 11x14, tripod (no head), and Fujifilm A 360mm comes in at 23.4lb.

Half my weight is the tripod.

[Corran]

Years ago I wrote this about a lightweight kit I put together.
(https://valdostafilm.blogspot.com/2015/01/lightweight-4x5-kit.html)
A tiny setup that was around 10-12 pounds. I generally give up a bit of weight-savings for some lenses with more aperture or IC but it was just an experiment to see what the smallest-weight but full-featured kit I could come up with back then.

[notorius]

I am at 9.9 kg with 13x18 cm wooden camera, 3x wooden double holders containing steel inserts, two lenses (135/6.8 and 240/6.8), lightmeter, filters, backpack and tripod. Half the weight is the tripod. Manfrotto 055Prob+488RC4.

[statin]

I managed a week-long backpacking trip under 20lbs with 1 lens and 13 4x5 film holders. I use F-Stop Small Pro bags, one for my camera and one for my lenses and accessories. A dry bag for the film holders. I use that with a Gregory Paragon 68 which has a side-entry zipper so that I can remove the two camera bags and tripod without disturbing the rest of my pack (sleeping bag, clothes, food). I modified a Calumet CC-400 to slide on carbon fiber rails, reducing the weight of the monorail and base. I've used a similar setup with a medium format kit backpacking the Camino Primitivo and Camino Finisterre in Spain over 18 days.

Here's the link with the full LF breakdown with lens, loupe, film holders, etc. at 18lbs/8.3kg : https://lighterpack.com/r/fxrgwu

[darr]

I recently trimmed my 4x5 travel kit, which is now at 15 lbs:

Ebony RSW 4x5 (https://photoscapes.com/cameras/ebony/) (stowed in Stone Photo Gear camera case (https://www.stonephotogear.com/cases/ebonyrsw45))
Nikkor SW 75/4.5, SW 90/8, W 150/5.6 (held in Stone Photo Gear lens case (https://www.stonephotogear.com/cases/45459-lens-case))
Focusing Bellows w/Ebony Loupe
Linhof 4x5 Multifocus Viewer for scouting (not for the camera)
Linhof Right-Angle Viewer (top only) fits in focusing bellows for use in bright sunlight
PocketSpot light meter
Lens wrench, shutter cable, lens cloth
Tenba Fulton V2 16L backpack (https://tenba.com/tenba-fulton-v2-16l-all-weather-backpack-black-black-camo/)
RRS Series 1 tripod with Acratech Leveling Base & Quick Release Clamp (https://www.acratech.net/leveling-products/leveling-base-with-quick-release-clamp)

--

I forgot to add my Triple Sleeve (https://www.stonephotogear.com/filmstorage/4x5triplesleeve) with three-4x5 film holders.
They are kept in a drawer with darkroom tools, and I do not pull them out until I load them.
I have a large Domke Journalist bag with about twenty-five film holders in my gear closet.
I usually only carry three film holders to a shoot, as I do not take many photos, only compositions that I feel are worth the effort.
If I know I will be traveling to more than one location, I may bring more loaded holders and leave them in my campervan until needed.

I am a petite female and will not use a bag of more than 20L.
The Tenba Fulton is a rear-loading bag which I prefer.
It holds everything I need with room for expansion.
This tripod is considerably lighter when compared to my RRS series 2, with a pano head and leveling base.
I also use a Fotopro E-6H Eagle Series Gimbal Head (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1452509-REG/fotopro_e_6h_gimbal_head_black.html) with this same tripod when shooting panos with my ALPA and Hasselblad digital kit.
It has been an excellent versatile tripod setup.


https://cameraartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/almeda_.jpg

https://cameraartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/almeda_-2.jpg

https://cameraartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/almeda_-3.jpg

https://cameraartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/almeda_-4.jpg

[Drew Bedo]

A tangent but related thought:

While dead weight IS a major issue, there is another nearly as limiting aspect of shooting in the field. . . .bending over or squatting.

For years I have had visions of cobbling together some way to put my camera bag on lightweight collapsing legs to raise it up to around waist height. Sometimes, working in our back yard, I have used a collapsing table from Costco as a work surface. zIt is great o work that way, but impossible to take anywhere.

My inspiration was seeing a landscape painter's combination field case with folding easel and adjustable legs. The whole thing collapses into a compact and manageable handheld case. I had visions of precision cutting/fitting lengths of PVC to support my 25 pound camera bag at table-top height. Bungy cord would go through uncemented sections so they could fold up but be self-assembling.

Extending that concept, I imagined a third party after market add on set of legs for a roll around hard shell Pelican case. There are backpack frames and shoulder straps made for them. Why not a set of legs? Someone (not me) could make a life out of that concept, I think.

[Mal Paso]

I recently trimmed my 4x5 travel kit, which is now at 15 lbs:

Ebony RSW 4x5 (https://photoscapes.com/cameras/ebony/) (stowed in Stone Photo Gear camera case (https://www.stonephotogear.com/cases/ebonyrsw45))
Nikkor SW 75/4.5, SW 90/8, W 150/5.6 (held in Stone Photo Gear lens case (https://www.stonephotogear.com/cases/45459-lens-case))
Focusing Bellows w/Ebony Loupe
Linhof 4x5 Multifocus Viewer for scouting (not for the camera)
Linhof Right-Angle Viewer (top only) fits in focusing bellows for use in bright sunlight
PocketSpot light meter
Lens wrench, shutter cable, lens cloth
Tenba Fulton V2 16L backpack (https://tenba.com/tenba-fulton-v2-16l-all-weather-backpack-black-black-camo/)
RRS Series 1 tripod with Acratech Leveling Base & Quick Release Clamp (https://www.acratech.net/leveling-products/leveling-base-with-quick-release-clamp)

--

I forgot to add my Triple Sleeve (https://www.stonephotogear.com/filmstorage/4x5triplesleeve) with three-4x5 film holders.
They are kept in a drawer with darkroom tools, and I do not pull them out until I load them.
I have a large Domke Journalist bag with about twenty-five film holders in my gear closet.
I usually only carry three film holders to a shoot, as I do not take many photos, only compositions that I feel are worth the effort.
If I know I will be traveling to more than one location, I may bring more loaded holders and leave them in my campervan until needed.

I am a petite female and will not use a bag of more than 20L.
The Tenba Fulton is a rear-loading bag which I prefer.
It holds everything I need with room for expansion.
This tripod is considerably lighter when compared to my RRS series 2, with a pano head and leveling base.
I also use a Fotopro E-6H Eagle Series Gimbal Head (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1452509-REG/fotopro_e_6h_gimbal_head_black.html) with this same tripod when shooting panos with my ALPA and Hasselblad digital kit.
It has been an excellent versatile tripod setup.

Very nice kit! Thanks for sharing!

I really like the camera backpacks but I've always had 4x5 monorail views and never been able to fit the camera inside. Consequently I usually carry 4 lenses, spare and bag bellows, more rail, bellows support, meter, filters and 7-10 film holders.

[Axelwik]

Some excellent methods and ideas here. Thank you!

[Vaughn]

A tangent but related thought:

While dead weight IS a major issue, there is another nearly as limiting aspect of shooting in the field. . . .bending over or squatting...

That is the neat part about carrying the camera on the tripod and the rest in a shoulder bag -- never need to set anything on the ground but the feet of the tripod. Makes it easy to work in water, mud, tight spots, etc.

I have seen set-ups where people hang their pack from the tripod.

How about a four-legged tripod/table? Adjust the 4 legs to get the top level, with a top big enough for your pack and for a mount for a head/camera.

[darr]

Very nice kit! Thanks for sharing!

I really like the camera backpacks but I've always had 4x5 monorail views and never been able to fit the camera inside. Consequently I usually carry 4 lenses, spare and bag bellows, more rail, bellows support, meter, filters and 7-10 film holders.

That's a heavy load! But I can understand if you love your kit.
The camera that I have had the biggest trouble packing because of its shape and, in the end, is heavy (for me) is my Cambo 650 6x12 pano kit.
It packs in a lightweight boxy case alongside another lightweight case with accessories (film magazine, etc.) inside a PortaBrace Sack Pack (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1477145-REG/porta_brace_sp_3digi_large_sack_pack_digi.html). I think it may be as heavy as the monorails I have shot with.

[Tin Can]

Folding Walking Stick with Seat 2 lbs

I like the concept. many are cheaper

I could use on my short walks

and for a sitter when in I use my wheelbarrow ULF

https://www.amazon.com/Step2Gold-Portable-Trekking-Instantly-Lightweight/dp/B09TD2C6MV/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=10EAZNZU4IY39&keywords=cane%2Bchair&qid=1692362437&sprefix=cane%2Bchair%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

[Alan Klein]

A tangent but related thought:

While dead weight IS a major issue, there is another nearly as limiting aspect of shooting in the field. . . .bending over or squatting.

For years I have had visions of cobbling together some way to put my camera bag on lightweight collapsing legs to raise it up to around waist height. Sometimes, working in our back yard, I have used a collapsing table from Costco as a work surface. zIt is great o work that way, but impossible to take anywhere.

My inspiration was seeing a landscape painter's combination field case with folding easel and adjustable legs. The whole thing collapses into a compact and manageable handheld case. I had visions of precision cutting/fitting lengths of PVC to support my 25 pound camera bag at table-top height. Bungy cord would go through uncemented sections so they could fold up but be self-assembling.

Extending that concept, I imagined a third party after market add on set of legs for a roll around hard shell Pelican case. There are backpack frames and shoulder straps made for them. Why not a set of legs? Someone (not me) could make a life out of that concept, I think.

Check out this video at 1:25. Notice how the paint kit attaches to the tripod, any tripod. I don;t know if it;s strong enough. But you could follow the design and cut out a piece of plywood that follows this design and just attach to your existing tripod. Seems like a great way to keep your bag off the grass and ticks as well.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Blick+Studio+Aluminum+Watercolor+Field+Easel&&view=detail&mid=AE0F0C1552B32FA11CC1AE0F0C1552B32FA11CC1&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DBlick%2BStudio%2BAluminum%2BWatercolor%2BField%2BEasel%26FORM%3DHDRSC4

[Drew Bedo]

That is the neat part about carrying the camera on the tripod and the rest in a shoulder bag -- never need to set anything on the ground but the feet of the tripod. Makes it easy to work in water, mud, tight spots, etc.

I have seen set-ups where people hang their pack from the tripod.

How about a four-legged tripod/table? Adjust the 4 legs to get the top level, with a top big enough for your pack and for a mount for a head/camera.

That is an effective strategy for many.

I am trying to not carry anything these days. My 4x5 kit packs into an old LowePro shoulder bag that gets moved around on a set of heavy duty luggage wheels . . .almost a mini-dolly. When I set up, I would like to be working off the equivalent of a waist high tsblr or counter top. Some way to raise the bag off the ground, and keep it off my shoulder is my goal.

Maybe I should just work at home anymore..

[Axelwik]

I recently trimmed my 4x5 travel kit, which is now at 15 lbs:

Ebony RSW 4x5 (https://photoscapes.com/cameras/ebony/) (stowed in Stone Photo Gear camera case (https://www.stonephotogear.com/cases/ebonyrsw45))
Nikkor SW 75/4.5, SW 90/8, W 150/5.6 (held in Stone Photo Gear lens case (https://www.stonephotogear.com/cases/45459-lens-case))
Focusing Bellows w/Ebony Loupe
Linhof 4x5 Multifocus Viewer for scouting (not for the camera)
Linhof Right-Angle Viewer (top only) fits in focusing bellows for use in bright sunlight
PocketSpot light meter
Lens wrench, shutter cable, lens cloth
Tenba Fulton V2 16L backpack (https://tenba.com/tenba-fulton-v2-16l-all-weather-backpack-black-black-camo/)
RRS Series 1 tripod with Acratech Leveling Base & Quick Release Clamp (https://www.acratech.net/leveling-products/leveling-base-with-quick-release-clamp)

--

I forgot to add my Triple Sleeve (https://www.stonephotogear.com/filmstorage/4x5triplesleeve) with three-4x5 film holders.
They are kept in a drawer with darkroom tools, and I do not pull them out until I load them.
I have a large Domke Journalist bag with about twenty-five film holders in my gear closet.
I usually only carry three film holders to a shoot, as I do not take many photos, only compositions that I feel are worth the effort.
If I know I will be traveling to more than one location, I may bring more loaded holders and leave them in my campervan until needed.

I am a petite female and will not use a bag of more than 20L.
The Tenba Fulton is a rear-loading bag which I prefer.
It holds everything I need with room for expansion.
This tripod is considerably lighter when compared to my RRS series 2, with a pano head and leveling base.
I also use a Fotopro E-6H Eagle Series Gimbal Head (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1452509-REG/fotopro_e_6h_gimbal_head_black.html) with this same tripod when shooting panos with my ALPA and Hasselblad digital kit.
It has been an excellent versatile tripod setup.


https://cameraartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/almeda_.jpg

https://cameraartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/almeda_-2.jpg

https://cameraartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/almeda_-3.jpg

https://cameraartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/almeda_-4.jpg

I like it.

[Axelwik]

Years ago I wrote this about a lightweight kit I put together.
(https://valdostafilm.blogspot.com/2015/01/lightweight-4x5-kit.html)
A tiny setup that was around 10-12 pounds. I generally give up a bit of weight-savings for some lenses with more aperture or IC but it was just an experiment to see what the smallest-weight but full-featured kit I could come up with back then.

In most cases "light is right!" Enables one to concentrate on the art of photography, and less on the logistics of an overweight or over-complex setup.

[Tin Can]

This is 8 lb all in with another camp chair

The vacuum is a chair cane either sitter or me

Printed 4X5 camera weighs nothing

Bags do add up

Very light tripod with spikes, new China, it folds into itself

3 plastic DDS, light meter, short cable release

Tripod goes on my back, very soft light bag

I never use a backpack as I hate them for 50 years

Maybe I got Flickr to work with a Mac and PC

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53161501336_57ca91c9a8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZGAef)4x5 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZGAef) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

[Axelwik]

This is 8 lb all in with another camp chair

The vacuum is a chair cane either sitter or me

Printed 4X5 camera weighs nothing

Bags do add up

Very light tripod with spikes, new China, it folds into itself

3 plastic DDS, light meter, short cable release

Tripod goes on my back, very soft light bag

I never use a backpack as I hate them for 50 years

Maybe I got Flickr to work with a Mac and PC

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53161501336_57ca91c9a8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZGAef)4x5 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZGAef) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

Excellent.

[John Layton]

Just yesterday I cobbled together a 5x7 kit which happens to weight exactly twenty pounds...which is when I also remembered this recent thread. So here's my (20 lb) kit:

DIY 5x7 "Minimalist-II" camera (recently modified from original, will post pix soon)

Four Lenses: 110XL, 150 Apo-L, 210 Sironar-S, 305 G-Claron, each equipped with a Pentax 20" cable release

Six Film Holders, each in a Ziplock bag

Five B+W filters (green, orange, red, 3stop and 6stop ND's, plus lens adapters)

Zone VI modified Pentax Spotmeter (latest version)

Feisol "Tall Traveller" CF tripod

Black T-Shirt Dark Cloth

4x Closeup Glasses for focussing

The above is my "stroll-about" kit (up to around two miles RT) - with the camera being carried on the tripod over a shoulder with one lens mounted, and the rest of the gear held in a shoulder-bag...a cheep Quantaray from who knows where/when but which fits everything perfectly and allows quick/easy access. In fact, I can perform all operations without the bag leaving my shoulder, although if the ground is dry I usually put it down.

I can also carry the above in my Photo-Backpacker RPT-3 for longer hikes, but this itself adds another six pounds, with another 2.5lbs for the necessary (for longer distances) liter of water - and possibly more lunch/snax and foul weather gear. Yup, the weight does add up when going on longer hikes!

OTOH...if I replace the lightweight camera and tripod with a Layton L-57 and Gitzo CF, and carry all in the RPT-3, the weight goes up to 34 lbs. Add to this the hiking essentials listed and the weight easily tops 40 lbs. Sometimes worth it but a bit much for these aging bones!

[Axelwik]

Just yesterday I cobbled together a 5x7 kit which happens to weight exactly twenty pounds...which is when I also remembered this recent thread. So here's my (20 lb) kit:

DIY 5x7 "Minimalist-II" camera (recently modified from original, will post pix soon)

Four Lenses: 110XL, 150 Apo-L, 210 Sironar-S, 305 G-Claron, each equipped with a Pentax 20" cable release

Six Film Holders, each in a Ziplock bag

Five B+W filters (green, orange, red, 3stop and 6stop ND's, plus lens adapters)

Zone VI modified Pentax Spotmeter (latest version)

Feisol "Tall Traveller" CF tripod

Black T-Shirt Dark Cloth

4x Closeup Glasses for focussing

The above is my "stroll-about" kit (up to around two miles RT) - with the camera being carried on the tripod over a shoulder with one lens mounted, and the rest of the gear held in a shoulder-bag...a cheep Quantaray from who knows where/when but which fits everything perfectly and allows quick/easy access. In fact, I can perform all operations without the bag leaving my shoulder, although if the ground is dry I usually put it down.

I can also carry the above in my Photo-Backpacker RPT-3 for longer hikes, but this itself adds another six pounds, with another 2.5lbs for the necessary (for longer distances) liter of water - and possibly more lunch/snax and foul weather gear. Yup, the weight does add up when going on longer hikes!

OTOH...if I replace the lightweight camera and tripod with a Layton L-57 and Gitzo CF, and carry all in the RPT-3, the weight goes up to 34 lbs. Add to this the hiking essentials listed and the weight easily tops 40 lbs. Sometimes worth it but a bit much for these aging bones!

As I got older and less able to carry heavy loads I've done some serious re-evaluation of what's really needed. From four relatively heavy lenses to two, sometimes three much lighter lenses, with lighter lenses I can use smaller diameter filters that fit them all, traded my Pentax spot meter for something much lighter, and carry only the number of film holders that I think are needed for what I'm doing - usually only two or three.

[Tin Can]

I find I cannot walk far

however

I may add very lightweight 8X10 Intrepid, LN wood DDS, are lighter

I have a secure cabin, the CCC Lodge has very good food

Fall color will be DIGI

[John Layton]

Axelwik...I hear you on cutting down even further - like with less/smaller lenses as you mention. Indeed there are times when I'll subtract two lenses, all or most filters, and two or three holders from my above-mentioned kit - getting the total weight down to around 13 lbs.

What I really wish is that there could be a series of lenses designed to combine "modern" (and consistent) performance with small size, light weight, and standardized front diameter so one filter size would fit them all.

[Steve Goldstein]

Axelwik - I'm curious, what are you now using for a light meter in place of the Pentax digital?

[rfesk]

Recently, I put together a lightweight outfit to supplement my Sinar F2 and Bush Pressman. It doesn't take up much space in the car and I can carry it easily when walking around. The camera itself weighs 34oz. (2 lbs, 2 oz.) only. Included in the outfit is a Nikon 90/8, Rodenstock Sironar-N 135/5.6 and a Fujinon 240/9 with, filters, lenshoods etc. and 3 film holders. Total weight 9 lbs and 11 lbs if the Sirui tripod is included. (Actually I would use my Gitzo carbon fiber G 1228 tripod if possible.)

243234

This is the first time I have ever tried to post photos so please excuse them if not sharp.243236

[Axelwik]

Axelwik - I'm curious, what are you now using for a light meter in place of the Pentax digital?

Sekonic L208. Not a spot meter, but it does have an incident setting. Once I stack up some more pennies I'll probably get one of those Reveni Labs meters.

[Greg]

OK mine was a ULF kit... Have since sold the equipment but at one time put together a very light 11x14 system:
11x14 Improved Empire State View (had to be one of the lightest 11x14s out there)
Various lenses. If in shutters, they usually weighed more than the camera.
two wooden 11x14 film holders in padded cases
a really light (in weight) dark cloth with Velcro fasteners on it and the back of the camera
Pentax digital spot meter
Everything easily fit inside an unpadded backpack. A lightweight GG protector was a must have. Two pieces of Crescent Not Foam Corrugated Cardboard glued together at a 90 degree angle. Held on with Velcro.
Miller wooden tripod with an adapted B&J simple piano hinged wooden head.

[Axelwik]

Recently, I put together a lightweight outfit to supplement my Sinar F2 and Bush Pressman. It doesn't take up much space in the car and I can carry it easily when walking around. The camera itself weighs 34oz. (2 lbs, 2 oz.) only. Included in the outfit is a Nikon 90/8, Rodenstock Sironar-N 135/5.6 and a Fujinon 240/9 with, filters, lenshoods etc. and 3 film holders. Total weight 9 lbs and 11 lbs if the Sirui tripod is included. (Actually I would use my Gitzo carbon fiber G 1228 tripod if possible.)

243234

This is the first time I have ever tried to post photos so please excuse them if not sharp.243236

Those are the same lenses that I use for 4x5.

[PRJ]

I use a hip pack instead of a backpack. Not sure why everyone else doesn't do the same. It is so easy to carry everything with one but I do keep the camera on a tripod and carry it over my shoulder. If I want to carry more than 4 holders/two Grafmatics (either/or) or a 120 holder I'll use a Victorinox sling bag for the film holders. The hip pack was made by LowePro- Orion AW. The added benefit of the hip pack is I never have to place anything on the ground. It opens up like a laptop. It also fits quite a bit. 90/135/150/210/300 lenses, filters, meter, etc. Everything I need. I put a small dark cloth on top then the holders on that. I never liked carrying a backpack. I think they are cumbersome. Plus they raise your center of gravity.

It is worth mentioning that I have two Orion AWs. An older one that is black and a newer one that is green. They have slightly different dimensions. I use the black one for 4x5. I don't think the green one would work as well. It is a bit deeper and a bit narrower.

[John Layton]

Personally...I find that the hip pack/camera-mounted tripod over the shoulder combo works best for relatively short treks over even terrain. But for longer treks over varied/challenging terrain, I find that either a backpack, or packframe with gear lashed to it, allows my body to move and respond more safely and predictably as my overall center of gravity is more "properly" aligned, as well as keeping both hands free to grab onto trees, rocks, etc. as needed.

True, when I use a backpack I do have to put this down prior to setting up my gear - so I do appreciate those times when I can use a hip pack as I can, when necessary, leave this over my shoulder as I work.

But I also have a good "hybrid" solution - which is to lash (with bungees) my hip pack, camera, and tripod to a pack frame (older LL Bean "Guides Frame" - very nice quality and very light weight) - which allows for favorable "walking dynamics" as alluded to above, then when I arrive at or near a promising location, I can simply lean the packframe against a tree (or otherwise rest it on the ground) at which time I unclip the hip pack and sling it over a shoulder, and mount the camera to tripod and carry this over the other shoulder...allowing me, for example, to venture into a rocky stream bed and work there while keeping everything but my tripod's leg-bottoms (and sometimes my feet) high and dry!

[Alan Townsend]

For short walks under a few miles, I've been using an old shoulder strap camera bag with camera on tripod, but carried with another shoulder strap crossed over on the other shoulder. I had to figure ways to mount a camera strap to my tripods using zip ties and short rope loops. This is more comfortable than tripod on the shoulder and gives better clearance ducking under tree limbs and better balance with the weight closer to the hips. Easy to deploy as well as on the shoulder.

I also strap everything to a pack frame for longer hauls. My camera kit will approach 20 lbs when my DIY 4x5 camera is finished. Currently using 35mm or Speed Graphic.

Alan Townsend