Making a foam lens pouch

[Gordon Coale]

After mounting a bunch of lenses on lens boards (http://flickr.com/photos/7286372@N06/sets/72157603507146424/) I needed to protect them. I had a couple of lens wraps but they seemed pretty wimpy. So I grabbed some foam and gaffer's tape and had at it: Lens shelters (http://flickr.com/photos/7286372@N06/sets/72157603516693602/)

[Capocheny]

After mounting a bunch of lenses on lens boards (http://flickr.com/photos/7286372@N06/sets/72157603507146424/) I needed to protect them. I had a couple of lens wraps but they seemed pretty wimpy. So I grabbed some foam and gaffer's tape and had at it: Lens shelters (http://flickr.com/photos/7286372@N06/sets/72157603516693602/)

Gordon,

Hypothetically, let's say you spend $800 on a lens. To save a few dollars to protect your investment may not be the most prudent thing to do. Have a look at Photobackpacker's lens cases (they'll hold a Technika mounted lens) and protect it well. IIRC, they'll cost approximately $80, or 10% of the cost of the hypothetical lens above.

Alternatively, invest in one of the Gnass cases. I love mine and wouldn't go to any other case.

However, both manufacturers are first rate and will provide you with a fabulous case that will protect your investment. :)

Cheers

[Gordon Coale]

Capocheny,

The thing is some people have to do photography on a very small budget. I've collected 8 lenses for my large format kit which includes a Burke & James Press and a Burke & James 5x7 Commercial View. (Total cost for both cameras including a Kodak Anastigmat 170/7.7 and an Elgeet 254 was $97.) To look at a non-hypothetical case, through careful shopping and blatant opportunism I paid an average of $45 for these lenses. (The Schneider APO-Symmar 210 is on loan.) The most expensive lens of mine is the Wollensak 90/12.5 which I paid $95. The cheapest were the ones given me such as the Schneider G-Claron 210/9 which was removed from a process camera that was being thrown away. The reality is that at $80 a case I would be paying almost double the price of the lens for a lens pouch. Since I can't afford that I have to come up with creative low-cost solutions, which I think this is. I looked at the Photobackpacker's cases and it appears they use a much thinner foam, which means it actually provides much less protection than my solution. And protecting my friend's Schneider 210 was a concern, but even that is not an $800 lens used. As to the Gnass cases, it's hard to tell how much protection they offer since they seem to be out of business. In the end, the amount of money paid does not relate to protection offered. There is no substitute for thicker foam.

[Colin Graham]

Looks like it would to a great job. LF can easily 'accessory' you straight into the poorhouse, always nice to see creative solutions. If not for home made alternatives I doubt I'd even be shooting large format at all.

[Capocheny]

Capocheny,

The thing is some people have to do photography on a very small budget. I've collected 8 lenses for my large format kit which includes a Burke & James Press and a Burke & James 5x7 Commercial View. (Total cost for both cameras including a Kodak Anastigmat 170/7.7 and an Elgeet 254 was $97.) To look at a non-hypothetical case, through careful shopping and blatant opportunism I paid an average of $45 for these lenses. (The Schneider APO-Symmar 210 is on loan.) The most expensive lens of mine is the Wollensak 90/12.5 which I paid $95. The cheapest were the ones given me such as the Schneider G-Claron 210/9 which was removed from a process camera that was being thrown away. The reality is that at $80 a case I would be paying almost double the price of the lens for a lens pouch. Since I can't afford that I have to come up with creative low-cost solutions, which I think this is. I looked at the Photobackpacker's cases and it appears they use a much thinner foam, which means it actually provides much less protection than my solution. And protecting my friend's Schneider 210 was a concern, but even that is not an $800 lens used. As to the Gnass cases, it's hard to tell how much protection they offer since they seem to be out of business. In the end, the amount of money paid does not relate to protection offered. There is no substitute for thicker foam.

Hi Gordon,

Point well taken. :)

Thank you.

Cheers

[venchka]

Somewhere between Gordon's solution and the big bucks solution...

I found some air & watertight food storage boxes at Target. About $3.50 each. I have two so far: One for a 7 7/8" Collinear II and one for a Tominon 105mm in Copal shutter, both on Graflex lens boards.

http://www.sterilite.com/Category.html?Section=Kitchenware&ProductCategory=163

[Antonio Corcuera]

I found my lens pouches at Ikea: they sell a messenger bag that includes 2 insert pouches for 8 euros. IMO the padding is enough and they are a perfect fit for my Sinar boards. Even better, the messenger bags work great for carrying 11x14" portfolios, or a laptop, etc.

[Colin Graham]

I found my lens pouches at Ikea: they sell a messenger bag that includes 2 insert pouches for 8 euros. IMO the padding is enough and they are a perfect fit for my Sinar boards. Even better, the messenger bags work great for carrying 11x14" portfolios, or a laptop, etc.


These are great! $5.99 in the states, comes with two insets. Fit my 120mm boards perfectly. Almost made going to Ikea bearable, lol. Thanks Antonio.

[Kuzano]

After mounting a bunch of lenses on lens boards (http://flickr.com/photos/7286372@N06/sets/72157603507146424/) I needed to protect them. I had a couple of lens wraps but they seemed pretty wimpy. So I grabbed some foam and gaffer's tape and had at it: Lens shelters (http://flickr.com/photos/7286372@N06/sets/72157603516693602/)

So, bubba and I figured you must be in Holly Wood, using that there Gaffers Tape n' such.

Weeda used Duck Tape, being near the Bayou.

But, you get a gold star for creativity and resourcefulness. Good Job

[Richard Raymond]

You might also look at shotgun shell field bags in the hunting section of your favorite outdoor store, Walmart or online retailer. Generally available at around $5.00 USD and are often sold in pairs for less. Sturdy, generally water/weather proof and provide good protection.