f.64 backpacks in Europe

[Cristiano Abreu]

Anyone knows of any dealer in Europe selling the f.64 backpacks, from where I can mail order?
I've googled to no avail and I even get my mails returned from the f.64 official site.
Thanks,
Cristiano

[Payral]

You can get it from Taos:
http://www.taosphotographic.com/Cart/items.php?EL=15&CA=3&UID=2009031812142786.194.76.105

[Cristiano Abreu]

Merci Philippe for the link.
I sure hope there's other dealers out there, cos the price for the BPX is just crazy considering the price in the US (B&H's ~ 200 USD) ... almost 400 Euros + shipping!!! for such price I'll think twice and get the Super Trekker AWII (I can get it around 100 Euros cheaper) or see if the BPX appears for a nice price over eBay one of these days. Although, I sense it will be a LONG waiting :(
Cheers,
Cristiano

[Cristiano Abreu]

I thought I'll post a follow-up on the original thread and talk about my own experience, which could prove useful for others in the same circumstances.
After careful consideration, I made an order for the f.64 BPX at B&H's site. The cost of the bag and shipping (by UPS), plus bank conversion fees, amounted to 202.88 Euros. The ever vigilant Portuguese customs + accessory fees, to deal with the paper work, took another share: 142.83 Euros. As such, the final cost totaled 345.71 Euros.
It ain't cheap, but IMO worthy considering the price someone would pay at TAOS, 394.68 Euros (VAT included), plus shipping (no less than 20 Euros, I presume).
Moreover, the shipping was lightning fast from B&H. The package was at my door in the morning of the 3rd day.
Cheers,
Cristiano

[Daniele Minetto]

I absolutely agree. If you need another confirmation compare the cost for a one year subscription to View Camera Magazine between Taos and Mike Walker....

[Andrew O'Neill]

May I ask why you want an f.64 back pack? I've been using one for my 8x10 for years now and I don't recommend it for long treks if that is what you were intending it for. Short hikes, it's great but still hard on the back and shoulders.

[Cristiano Abreu]

May I ask why you want an f.64 back pack? I've been using one for my 8x10 for years now and I don't recommend it for long treks if that is what you were intending it for. Short hikes, it's great but still hard on the back and shoulders.

Hi Andrew,
I needed a backpack to carry into the field a recently acquired Dorff V8. I already have a Lowepro Photo Trekker AW II that I use for my Shen Hao 4x5. It's a great bag, very well padded but a bit on the heavy side. As such, I wanted something else that could carry the V8, but without being too heavily padded like e.g. the Super Trekker and, therefore, that would feel less heavy to start with. I'm not considering long treks, just a couple of kms at most, so there was really no need for a highly technical harness like the ones found on the Trekkers.
Cheers,
Cristiano