Feedback - Photobackpacker Cascade Film Holder Cases

[Photobackpacker]

I continue to manufacture small quantities of the Cascade film holder cases. As many of you know, this forum played a big roll in developing that product line. I have, however, never done a follow up on the durability, functionality and user input.

For those of you who have experience with these, I would appreciate your input with respect to improvements/changes.

All the best,

Photobackpacker
AKA Bruce

[Alan9940]

I enjoy using both the 4x5 and 8x10 cascade cases and my only nitpick is probably silly and, most likely, simply my ignorance in how to easily and properly get the case closed. I've found that when I have a full set of holders in the case (that is, each pocket filled) doing the close/cascade part is easy, but when I have a couple of empty pockets I find that the case doesn't "cascade" closed as I'd expect. Does this make sense? Any pointers would certainly be welcomed.

[Larry Gebhardt]

I have both 4x5 and 5x7 and I have no issues with them. They are holding up well and I am really glad I have them.

Maybe a larger area of the white label material for a few notes could be useful.

[Fred L]

The cascades work great for 4x5 up to 8x10. One thing I modded was to glue a wide strip of velcro so I could then write film type (written with white marker/pen) on the opposite strip. I could interchange the label depending on what film was loaded. If a strip about 2"x4" could be sewn to the cascade, that would be awesome. Other than that tweak, I've been very happy with them.

[Photobackpacker]

I enjoy using both the 4x5 and 8x10 cascade cases and my only nitpick is probably silly and, most likely, simply my ignorance in how to easily and properly get the case closed. I've found that when I have a full set of holders in the case (that is, each pocket filled) doing the close/cascade part is easy, but when I have a couple of empty pockets I find that the case doesn't "cascade" closed as I'd expect. Does this make sense? Any pointers would certainly be welcomed.

Interesting. I have always loaded each compartment. Have you considered a film holder-sized mat board for the empty pockets. You would save the weight but still have the needed stiffness to close the case as designed.

[Photobackpacker]

The cascades work great for 4x5 up to 8x10. One thing I modded was to glue a wide strip of velcro so I could then write film type (written with white marker/pen) on the opposite strip. I could interchange the label depending on what film was loaded. If a strip about 2"x4" could be sewn to the cascade, that would be awesome. Other than that tweak, I've been very happy with them.

Could you post a picture of your modification. My moddled old brain can't picture what you are describing. :)

[Alan9940]

Interesting. I have always loaded each compartment. Have you considered a film holder-sized mat board for the empty pockets. You would save the weight but still have the needed stiffness to close the case as designed.

Thanks for the suggestion, Bruce. I never thought about using something to provide stiffness. Definitely going to give it a try.

[munz6869]

I've been using the 4x5" ones for years and travelled all around Australia and the world with them - I just love them - they're like a film holder filing cabinet and I have no problems with them. The outer velcro on my older ones is getting a bit tired and I have had them unfurl on a windy day, but that's velcro. Lately I've been using 8x10" as well, and they're just as good. Another photographer commented last weekend that the 8x10" ones look like I'm carrying a folding solar panel around...

Marc!

[Photobackpacker]

I've been using the 4x5" ones for years and travelled all around Australia and the world with them - I just love them - they're like a film holder filing cabinet and I have no problems with them. The outer velcro on my older ones is getting a bit tired and I have had them unfurl on a windy day, but that's velcro. Lately I've been using 8x10" as well, and they're just as good. Another photographer commented last weekend that the 8x10" ones look like I'm carrying a folding solar panel around...

Marc!

Hi Marc:

Is it the velcro hook that is tired or the loop? The hook would be easily replaced. Not so the loop.

Bruce

[munz6869]

Good point - I'll check and report back...

Marc

[younghoon Kil]

I have also been using the 4x5 Cascade Film Holder Case, but the outer cover is a bit thin and wrinkles easily. And the light gray color makes dirt easily visible. I wish there were other colors too.

[Fred L]

Could you post a picture of your modification. My moddled old brain can't picture what you are describing. :)242381

I guess a small window would work as well.

[Photobackpacker]

I have also been using the 4x5 Cascade Film Holder Case, but the outer cover is a bit thin and wrinkles easily. And the light gray color makes dirt easily visible. I wish there were other colors too.

Thanks for that info. Mine look like they have been through the war but the inner pockets are still sound and are protecting the film holders which is my primary concern. Am I correct that it is your outer cover that is displaying the dirt?

[Photobackpacker]

242381

I guess a small window would work as well.

Thanks for the picture. That certainly ID's the film! :) It would be an easy customization to sew a patch of Loop to the front cover. I will give this some thought. I appreciate your input!

[lloyd goode]

I use the 5x7 for 4x5. I can fit 3 4x5 into each of the lower pockets and use the 2 upper pockets for my light meter , measuring tape, cables and filters. Every thing is right there hanging on the tri pod. Love it.

[Photobackpacker]

I use the 5x7 for 4x5. I can fit 3 4x5 into each of the lower pockets and use the 2 upper pockets for my light meter , measuring tape, cables and filters. Every thing is right there hanging on the tri pod. Love it.

Now that is max use!!!!! I love it!!! :)

[Larry Gebhardt]

Bruce, can you share what the white write on material is that you use for the pocket identification area?

[Fred L]

Thanks for the picture. That certainly ID's the film! :) It would be an easy customization to sew a patch of Loop to the front cover. I will give this some thought. I appreciate your input!


yeah, I chose the smaller text method hahaha. Interchanges with the 4x5 and 5x7 Cascades ;)

[Photobackpacker]

Bruce, can you share what the white write on material is that you use for the pocket identification area?

Now you are going to test my memory! I had to go back to my design notes to find it. That is polystyrene.

[neil poulsen]

That's excellent to hear.

I've had all three sizes; they're functional and quite nice. I currently have a single 4x5 cascade holder.

[Drew Bedo]

I have one in 8x10 and another in 4x5.

I like them b oth. I cannot think of anything I would change. . . .not even the color. Maybe s lighter weight could be achieved with rip-stop nylon, but then it would seem insubstantial, and I'd worry about protecting the film holders.

I understand why a comeback may not be possible, but the line of boxes were brilliant. The only near equivalents came from fishing reel pouches from Orvis.

To get a hook and loop insert board for a backpack the only source comes from suppliers of "tactical" ger.

[Larry Gebhardt]

Now you are going to test my memory! I had to go back to my design notes to find it. That is polystyrene.

Thanks for digging that out!

[Tin Can]

I use the 8X10 Cascade

but use other for 5X7 4X5 3X4 2X3 DDS

11X14 too

[Photobackpacker]

I have one in 8x10 and another in 4x5.

I like them b oth. I cannot think of anything I would change. . . .not even the color. Maybe s lighter weight could be achieved with rip-stop nylon, but then it would seem insubstantial, and I'd worry about protecting the film holders.

I understand why a comeback may not be possible, but the line of boxes were brilliant. The only near equivalents came from fishing reel pouches from Orvis.

To get a hook and loop insert board for a backpack the only source comes from suppliers of "tactical" ger.

The dilemma is that making the packs in the US is extremely expensive. Making in Asia requires huge growth to keep the manufacturer interested in your business. I do have a small supply of the lens cases in my basement for individual lenses mounted on 4x4 boards. you can pm me if interested.

[Imaginaut]

I have two of your Cascade holders, one for 4x5 and another for 8x10. I don't use the zipper pull velcro, but otherwise these are easily the best film holder cases I have used. Thank you for an excellent product!

[Graham Patterson]

I've been using a 4x5, and 8x10 cascade, several lens cases, and a camera case for a while. They do exactly what I want and expect. They will probably out-live me and possibly the equipment inside them!

[John Layton]

Bruce...your P-3 pack, lens cases, and 5x7 Cascade film holder cases (of which I have three), have truly been "game changers" for me, and for this I would like to give a heartfelt "thank you!"

...but there is one change I'd like to see made on your Cascade cases (or that you might offer as an option) - which is to sew in those "D" rings to accept a carry strap.

As is...I've equipped one of my Cascade cases with your add-on D-ring/Velcro strip plus carry strap accessory - and while I find this very useful for those times when I want to sling a Cascade case over my shoulder (also works great for suspending a Cascade case draped over tripod legs) - I sometimes wish...that after a case-full of holders has been exposed - that I could simply/quickly re-clip the carry strap onto a "fresh" Cascade case.

Then again...in considering the working/structural dynamics of your existing Velcro strip/D-ring accessory, its likely that the Velcro strip itself provides a bit of added stiffness across the top of a Cascade case - which may actually help to prevent the top of the case from "collapsing upwards" when being supported by a strap. Make sense?

So...perhaps my actual question should be: do you have any more Velcro-strip/D-ring carry strap adapters for your 5x7 Cascade cases? If so...I think I'd like to order two!

[Photobackpacker]

Bruce...your P-3 pack, lens cases, and 5x7 Cascade film holder cases (of which I have three), have truly been "game changers" for me, and for this I would like to give a heartfelt "thank you!"

...but there is one change I'd like to see made on your Cascade cases (or that you might offer as an option) - which is to sew in those "D" rings to accept a carry strap.

As is...I've equipped one of my Cascade cases with your add-on D-ring/Velcro strip plus carry strap accessory - and while I find this very useful for those times when I want to sling a Cascade case over my shoulder (also works great for suspending a Cascade case draped over tripod legs) - I sometimes wish...that after a case-full of holders has been exposed - that I could simply/quickly re-clip the carry strap onto a "fresh" Cascade case.

Then again...in considering the working/structural dynamics of your existing Velcro strip/D-ring accessory, its likely that the Velcro strip itself provides a bit of added stiffness across the top of a Cascade case - which may actually help to prevent the top of the case from "collapsing upwards" when being supported by a strap. Make sense?

So...perhaps my actual question should be: do you have any more Velcro-strip/D-ring carry strap adapters for your 5x7 Cascade cases? If so...I think I'd like to order two!

No problem. I can fabricate one for you. I use 1.5" wide hook and 1.5" loop with a 'D' ring on each end. How about $3.00 each?

[Kirk Gittings]

I use mine on every shoot. I have two of them and load them into my PBP backpack. I cut down a thing of post-it-notes and stick them in the pocket with a short pencil. I make notes on these about the subject and development and stick them on the sheet film holder, sliding the non sticky side under the flap so it doesn't catch on something and fall off.
They are sooo handy hanging off a tripod knob. To keep the film holders clean, I wrap each fresh film holder in like plastic wrap from a big commercial kitchen roll/dispenser from Costco and put two 4x5s in each pocket. I really can't think how this design could be improved on. It's a classic piece of kit.

[Photobackpacker]

[QUOTE=Kirk Gittings;1693132]I use mine on every shoot. I have two of them and load them into my PBP backpack. I cut down a thing of post-it-notes and stick them in the pocket with a short pencil. I make notes on these about the subject and development and stick them on the sheet film holder, sliding the non sticky side under the flap so it doesn't catch on something and fall off.
They are sooo handy hanging off a tripod knob. To keep the film holders clean, I wrap each fresh film holder in like plastic wrap from a big commercial kitchen roll/dispenser from Costco and put two 4x5s in each pocket. I really can't think how this design could be improved on. It's a classic piece of kit.[

Thanks, Kirk. It is the only piece of gear I continue to make. When it is raining or winter I try to crank out a new batch. I have put them on the LF forum "for sale" site as on a well as on well known auction site.

[John Layton]

Bruce, please check your message box!

[Photobackpacker]

Bruce, please check your message box!

Done and done. :o

Bruce

[John Layton]

Bruce...thank you! I'll look forward to receiving those D-ring strips!

Oh...and I do have another suggestion specific to your Cascade cases - that you modify the "inner strap-handles" (the handle that gets exposed when you flip the protective covering around to expose the film holder chambers) - by installing these as two pieces, and then equipping them with Fastex-style quick-release fasteners to allow them to be re-fastened back into a "handle" configuration, which would allow the unfolded Cascade case to be clipped to a tripod (just below the head) after a camera is already mounted.

While I do sometimes hang a Cascade case from my tripod by using an accessory shoulder strap - I more often find that the logistics are better if I hang the Cascade case over the tripod head (to where it joins the tripod) by its "inner handle," prior to mounting my camera. But what would work better is if I could mount the camera first (and perhaps do a few preliminary adjustments to composition, focus, etc.), and then hang the Cascade case over the tripod head - which the presence of an already-mounted camera makes impossible, unless I remove it once more.

If that inner handle could be equipped with the quick-release as I've suggested, this would make it a simple matter to unfold the Cascade case, then clip that handle around the tripod head where it joins the tripod, with the camera already in place. Make sense?

At any rate...I'm thinking that I might go ahead and enlist my wife (whose seamstress skills are flawless!) to do this modification to one of my Cascade cases, at which point I'll report back some results.

[Photobackpacker]

Bruce...thank you! I'll look forward to receiving those D-ring strips!

Oh...and I do have another suggestion specific to your Cascade cases - that you modify the "inner strap-handles" (the handle that gets exposed when you flip the protective covering around to expose the film holder chambers) - by installing these as two pieces, and then equipping them with Fastex-style quick-release fasteners to allow them to be re-fastened back into a "handle" configuration, which would allow the unfolded Cascade case to be clipped to a tripod (just below the head) after a camera is already mounted.

While I do sometimes hang a Cascade case from my tripod by using an accessory shoulder strap - I more often find that the logistics are better if I hang the Cascade case over the tripod head (to where it joins the tripod) by its "inner handle," prior to mounting my camera. But what would work better is if I could mount the camera first (and perhaps do a few preliminary adjustments to composition, focus, etc.), and then hang the Cascade case over the tripod head - which the presence of an already-mounted camera makes impossible, unless I remove it once more.

If that inner handle could be equipped with the quick-release as I've suggested, this would make it a simple matter to unfold the Cascade case, then clip that handle around the tripod head where it joins the tripod, with the camera already in place. Make sense?

At any rate...I'm thinking that I might go ahead and enlist my wife (whose seamstress skills are flawless!) to do this modification to one of my Cascade cases, at which point I'll report back some results.

Hi John:

I understand what you are describing. I would suggest an alternative solution. A simple 1" web strap around 6 to 8 inches in length with bayonet male and female fasteners. This would allow you to attach the FHC to the tripod without interrupting the integrity of the FHC internal web handles. It could reside on the tripod or on the handle of the FHC. Thoughts?

Bruce

[John Layton]

Bruce...I think your suggestion of a separate strap makes good sense - also guessing that if I did go ahead and modify the inner handle with a buckle that it might interfere with the integrity of the upper part of the FHC over time and/or with its folding dynamics.

Furthermore, such a (separate) strap would also give me the option of attaching the FHC to a tripod in either a closed or opened configuration.

Now for the real challenge...sneaking this into the queue of my wife's many sewing projects!

[Photobackpacker]

Bruce...I think your suggestion of a separate strap makes good sense - also guessing that if I did go ahead and modify the inner handle with a buckle that it might interfere with the integrity of the upper part of the FHC over time and/or with its folding dynamics.

Furthermore, such a (separate) strap would also give me the option of attaching the FHC to a tripod in either a closed or opened configuration.

Now for the real challenge...sneaking this into the queue of my wife's many sewing projects!

"Honey - Do's" go both directions. :rolleyes: