Traveling by Plane with 8x10 Gear

[Robert Kalman]

Over the years I've refined transporting my 4x5 on planes so that it is fairly simple:
> 4x5 Ebony and two lenses in a Domke backpack that easily fits under the seat
> Boxes of film in a LowePro roller case that easily fits in the overhead bin
> Tripod rides in a Lighware case that goes as checked baggage. Twenty-five film holders ride inside the Lightware case, as well.

I'm wondering how any of you transport 8x10 gear on planes, since my 4x5 set up isn't going to work with 8x10 I'm afraid.

Many thanks!

[DG 3313]

Just curious...... which 2 4x5 lensed do you fly with when traveling? I have a trip coming up and I'm thinking of taking my field camera........

[Robert Kalman]

Just curious...... which 2 4x5 lensed do you fly with when traveling? I have a trip coming up and I'm thinking of taking my field camera........

A 210mm Schneider and a 12 inch Kodak Commercial Ektar

[DG 3313]

I think I'll take one long and one wide lens (300mm, 75mm) on this trip .... My idea of traveling with 8x10 is close to home....or into the living room.......

[Luis-F-S]

I'm more curious as to how TSA handles carry on 8x10 film in boxes or holders these days. L

[vinny]

Pelican cases.

[John Jarosz]

I've never flown with 8x10 and, sadly, never will. It's too risky for the expense of lost film if you run up against a TSA guy who's going to save the world. All it takes is one pass thru the x-ray where they see something they don't understand and they're gonna open it up. Even if you eventually prevail, you also run the risk of missing your flight.

It's just not worth it for me. Sorry to be a curmudgeon.

John

[karl french]

I used to do it all the time between 2003-2006.
Camera and 4 (Fuji 300/450/600 trio and a small 210) lenses in a Lower Photo Trekker AW. 6 film holders and a box or two of film in a book bag as carry on.
Tripod and changing tent in checked bags.

[pierre506]

I went to Iran two years ago with my 8x10 system.
Boxes films (B&W, color) in anti-Xray bags, empty boxes for future shooted films, changing tent, Gitzo 5542 tripod and Arca ball head in checked case.
Deardorff 8x10, Steinheil 185mm protar and Spencer 11.5in lens with Sinar shutter, Nikon T-800 lens, Pentax digital spot meter, focusing lupe, two shutter releases and some filters in a backpack.
Everything went smoothly and manual checking, but finally a gunman in Tehran airport pointed the films in anti-Xray boxes to ask me to throw them into the Xray machine when I left Iran.
No way to refuse and heartbroken~

[jp]

If the destination is within the US, send it USPS "general delivery" to a post office near your destination.