To fly my LF gear or not. What do I do ???

[Daniel Grenier]

Greetings.

My wife and I are flying to San Francisco (from Canada) and I am having serious doubts about the sanity of taking my 8x10 gear along. I have never flown with it and given that I am border-crossing and switching planes half way, I fear a loss, theft or damage is imminent. So much so that I am considering leaving the camera behind as the purpose of the trip is more wine/food related (but I would still like to drag the camera along for some shooting).

So what are the odds given your experience with flying LF gear?

Should I take it? Leave it behind?

[John Brady]

My advice would be to take it, but only if you can carry it on the plane and keep it in your possession. That means you will need to make sure it will fit in the overhead compartment. I would also try to board the plane as early as possible. When the bins get full they will check your carry on luggage with the other checked luggage.

I flew to Italy last year with all my 4x5 gear including 3 lenses, meters, Polaroid back, ready-load holder, filters, etc. and 60 sheets of quick load and ready load film. I carried my tripod separate and stored it overhead. I had no problems at all. I went thru security as easily as everyone else.

I know 8x10 will take up more room but I’ll bet you can do it.

Good Luck

[Colin Graham]

The anxiety of missing some great shots has always outweighed the anxiety of damaged/stolen gear for me. I tend to drag my stuff everywhere, to the consternation of friends, family and airport security alike.

[David A. Goldfarb]

When I travel with 8x10" or 4x5", I carry my cameras, lenses, and film on board and put my empty filmholders and tripod in my checked luggage along with things that seem to catch the attention of inspectors--cable releases, Linhof cams, and small tools.

Call Gasser's (gassers.com) and/or Calumet if you want to buy film or rent equipment in SF. In the event that your checked luggage is delayed, you can rent filmholders and a tripod.

[George Stewart]

Take it! I'd recommend taking the camera and lenses onboard, and having everything else as checked luggage. What I usually do is to wrap all the valuables amoungst clothing, deep inside the bag (perhaps a bag within a bag. I also do the same with the tripod. This makes it more difficult for thieves to get at it quickly.

[tim atherton]

regarding the last post - note that if you are flying Air Canada they have just introduced more restrictive carry on regulations which they claim will be enforced more strictly (mind you I think they also say in addition to the actual allowance you can carry on a camera - not sure they said how big though... :-) )

[Ben Calwell]

Daniel,

You might be able to pack into some sort of carry-on luggage. I've flown with my little Wista 4x5 and have never had any problems. It fits in a bag that I can slide under the seat. The bag holds the camera, two lenses and a couple of film holders. And so far, no trouble with TSA. I would definetly take the 8x10. You would probably regret not having it with you.

[tim atherton]

just for Air Canada:

Information on Carry-On Baggage
New Security Measures Starting January 5, 2006

Air Canada
http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/baggage/carry-on.html

Carry-on baggage allowance for all customers

It's a busy travel season, so please keep in mind our maximum
carry-on baggage allowance. Starting January 5, 2006, airport agents
will be strongly enforcing carry-on luggage size and weight
restrictions. Oversized carry-on bags cause many flight delays, so
don't forget to confirm your allowance before your trip.

Items, which falls within the 2-piece carry-on allowance, include:
Carry-on bags or suitcases (wheels and handles included in the size),
briefcases, Laptop computers, diaper bags, camera cases, cartons or
other similar items.

** Include all airport and duty free purchases in the carry-on allowance.
http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/baggage/images/standard.gif
(standard article 23cm x 40cm x55cm - Personal article 16cm x 33cm x 43cm)

Items permitted but not considered part of the allowance include
camera, coats, purses (25cmx30cmx20cm or less), urns containing human
remains, strollers, child restraint systems, canes, crutches,
walkers, containers carrying life sustaining items and other similar
items.

Electronic equipment

These items can be placed in your carry-on baggage, however to bring
these items on-board make sure to turn the power on for the security
check.
http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/baggage/images/electro.gif

Information on Checked Baggage
http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/baggage/checked.html

[Christopher Perez]

I too would recommend that if you can carry onto the aircraft your camera, lenses, and film - take the setup with you when you travel.

I regularly travel 1/2 around the world with an over the shoulder bag and one small suitcase (my limit for carryons). The over the shoulder bag holds the 4x5, Readyload, lenses, and film. The suitcase holds my tripod and gifts for my colleagues (with a little room for clothing :-).

In your case, your 8x10 might fit the suitcase and your over the shoulder bag could hold the film and lenses.

Have a great trip.

[Jerry Flynn]

For my vacations, I use a Pelican case that I lock with approved combination locks (the kind the inspecotrs can open with a special key). I use a monorail 4X5, so carrying it on board is not feasible. The case is very well padded, and I have had no problems. I also check my tripod in a hard-sided case. I also carry on a smaller bag with my film and film holders.

I always avoid anything other than a direct flight - the less the luggage is transferred, the less likely it is to get lost. I have not done this internationally, so have no experince with those complications.