Fly reel cases for 4x5?

[Andrew Ito]

Anyone here use fly reel cases for 4x5? I've seen some people mention that they use them to hold lenses and cameras, but would love to see pics of them in use. Any specific brands or models recommended? Here's an Orvis that someone recommended on another board.

http://www.orvis.com/store/product_choice.asp?pf_id=96GT&feature_id=&dir_id=11379&group_id=11388&cat_id=8963&subcat_id=8964

Looks like it would make a great case, but I'm wondering if the dividers are moveable or if they are pretty set on these types of cases.

[Mike Lewis]

I use a reel case by Fishpond, which I think is very similar to the Orvis case. It has a central divider with two rows of movable partitions, all secured with Velcro (sorry, I don't have a photo right now). I carry three lenses mounted in Technika lensboards, but it would hold six, depending upon the dimensions of the lenses. There are two fishnet pockets in the lid that can hold filters, etc.

I carry the reel case in a Kelty backpack along with a couple of film holders, a spotmeter, a darkcloth, and sometimes my Technika when it isn't slung over my shoulder on a tripod. Gitzo 1228 tripod fits into the backpack, too. Works for me.

However- a reel case like mine won't work very well if your lenses are mounted in lensboards larger than what the Technika uses.

[David Burbach]

I believe it is the same cased as I have. The dividers are velcro and moveable. Kerry Thalmann did an article entitled "Notes from the field, Protection-Keeping expensive equipment safe in the Field" in the January/February, 2006 View Camera Magazine. Look on page 60-63 of that magazine for the article, more specifically page 62 for a picture, etc of the case.
Dave Burbach

[Ted Harris]

There were several longish threads on this case aout a year ago and one included a picture of the case filled with lenses. You will also find metionof it in an article by kerry Thalmann in "View Camera" a number of months ago. Finally, in upcoming "July-August" issue of "View Camera" I have an article called "Bags, Bags, Bags' whoch specifically reviews the use of a number of different fishing bags for LF photography. The Orvis Safe Passage DS Reel and Gear Bag is included and there are pictures of it both open and filled and closed. The dividers are movable and removable. You can easily hold 10 lenses in the bag. I now own two of these bags and use them for a variety of things. One is currently holding 10 lenses mounted on Technika boards and some other odd bits. I hav also configured one to carry a smaller 4x5 field and a few lenses and meter. They are very adaptable. Others make similar bags but t the moment I can't think of one less expensive than the Orvis. Finally they frequently go on sale for 20% or more off.

[Dan Dozer]

I use a case from Cabela's that I got about two years ago. The dividers are not removable but are exactly the right size for the 6 x 6 lensboards with lenses for my Koday 2D. The don't sell that case anymore, but they do have one slightly larger. It's called their "advanced anglers pro series reel travel case. It looks just like mine but with an additional section on the front. The quality is pretty good with the one I have.

[Claude Sapp]

I have no complaints with the Orvis case, in fact, I may buy another for my fly fishing reels!

Claude

[Andrew Ito]

Lookin good Claude! I wonder if I could find a divider that would span the other direction. I'd like to have my Ebony in there as well. I don't think I have enough lenses to fill one of those on my own! Any other reel cases from other manufacturers? There's one from Sciera that looks VERY nice.

[Ted Harris]

Cabelas actually makes three different cases in the series. You can see them all here http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=search&id=0036834120770a&navCount=2&podId=0036834&parentId=cat600038&navAction=push&catalogCode=IG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat600038&hasJS=true

Dan,thanks for mentioning Cabelas. I have neither seen nor tested this particular case but I have found that their cases I've used are exceptional value for money. Not the same quality as Orvis or Fishpond for sure but nowhere near as much money either. Their 'economy' 10 reel case above, for edample, is only $20.

[Dan Dozer]

Ted,

I don't know how you found all three on their website because I only found the largest one when I did a search. I have the 10 reel case and it works great. For only $20, it is a real value.

[Mark Stahlke]

http://www.stahlke.us/images/Untitled-1.jpg
This is my Orvis bag. It currently contains:

Tachihara 45GF
My three favotite lenses
G-Claron 210/9
Fuji CMW 125/5.6
Caltar II-N 75/4.5
Adorama spot meter
Grey card
Two ND grads
Toyo loupe wrapped in a cleaning cloth
A custom made view finder (cardboard and string)
Two screw-in filters
Two step-up rings
Two cable releases
Lens wrench
Lens pen
Notebook, pencil, Sharpie
Quickload holder in a Ziploc bag
Clipped to the handle with a cheap carabiner are two Cokin filter holders and a rubber lens hood.

It's a pretty nice bag but I wish the bottom was a little stiffer. I'm looking for a thin piece of plastic to lay in the bottom. Since I'm a certified bagaholic, I have a box full of assorted dividers and I can easily reconfigure the bag for different loads.

Cheers,
Mark

[David R Munson]

I've been eyeing these (http://www.orgear.com/home/style/Home_OR/storage/storage_carriers/PAD) at my local outdoor store, and they seem pertinent to this particular discussion. Well made, and reasonably priced. Worth a look, I think.

[Jay Wolfe]

I have two of the Orvis cases. One works great for lenses, film holders, etc. as long as I have the darkcloth in the case. Without the dark cloth, I find that the lenes want to fall out of the compartments when the bag is carried on the shoulder. I'd suggest keeping something in the bag (like a darkcloth or a piece of foam) to keep the lenses in their place.