Question for those who have 8x10 monorails...carrying....

[ericantonio]

For car transport...

When I want to use my Arca-Swiss F-Line as a 4x5, I usually put it in the car assembled. When I want to use it as an 8x10, it goes into the car disassembled and I assemble it when I get to my destination. Assembly only takes a few minutes, and it takes the same amount of time regardless of whether I do it before it goes into the car or after I take it out of the car.

Right, what I want to know is how do you carry the 8x10 in the car? In box? Case? Flat Case? I'm sure you want to protect it bouncing around and drifting around curves.

[r.e.]

Right, what I want to know is how do you carry the 8x10 in the car? In box? Case? Flat Case? I'm sure you want to protect it bouncing around and drifting around curves.

I use a Pelican case, but on occasion I've used a cardboard box I just make sure that the camera is protected enough that it should be OK if I'm in a hypothetical minor car accident.

[tgtaylor]

Years back I bought a Calumet W15102 rolling case w/foam from the local Calumet store in San Francisco for the Toyo 810G. The camera stores assembled riding on the short rail with extension rails and focusing cloth on top of the foam. It is an easy fit in the trunk of a Toyota Echo or the larger trunk of a Corolla. I always bring along a 2-wheel dolly that I also got from Calumet for transporting the camera in its case and tripod from the car. Lenses and holders are carried in a backpack although you can leave one lens attached in the case. It's also a good idea to bring a 3-wheel tripod dolly if you plan to be moving around onsite.

Thomas

[ericantonio]

I use a Pelican case, but on occasion I've used a cardboard box I just make sure that the camera is protected enough that it should be OK if I'm in a hypothetical minor car accident.

I see. Which model # pelican? Do you use foam or the dividers?

[ericantonio]

Years back I bought a Calumet W15102 rolling case w/foam from the local Calumet store in San Francisco for the Toyo 810G. The camera stores assembled riding on the short rail with extension rails and focusing cloth on top of the foam. It is an easy fit in the trunk of a Toyota Echo or the larger trunk of a Corolla. I always bring along a 2-wheel dolly that I also got from Calumet for transporting the camera in its case and tripod from the car. Lenses and holders are carried in a backpack although you can leave one lens attached in the case. It's also a good idea to bring a 3-wheel tripod dolly if you plan to be moving around onsite.

Thomas

I'm using right now, a knobby tire garden cart (Gorilla Carts). I've used a jogging stroller with big wheels. I was thinking a golf caddy, I always see those at Goodwill, to carry my Bogen 3051.

[Daniel Unkefer]

8x10 Norma Case 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

8x10 Norma Case 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

8x10 Norma Case 3 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Hey Eric,
Here is my 8x10 Norma case from Italy. I will re-do the foam pads other than that it is clean and complete

[neil poulsen]

I've had an Arca Swiss Model A, and I keep it in a backpack that's attached to a gold cart. Arcas break down and assemble easily and compactly.

[abruzzi]

This is my bag with the Norma in it. The top doesn't quite close down, but I can slide two film holders in the pocket in the front. The rail the standards are on is a 6in extension rail, underneath the camera is a 12in base rail and a 12in extension. The base rail is a bit too long to leave the camera on it, so I clamps the standards to the short extension, then when I pull it out, I loosen everything, attach the base rail, maybe the 12in extension. (in this photo the tripod mount is not on, but it fits between the two standards.)

[abruzzi]

Are there different length pleated bellows standard for the Norma? I ask because in my picture above, that is as compressed as the bellows will go. I ask because in the instructions posted above it says to leave the bellows attached to the front standard and fold the standard horizontal, but I can't get mine to even 45 degrees with the bellows still attached.

[r.e.]

I see. Which model # pelican? Do you use foam or the dividers?

I have a number of Pelican and Nanuk cases that I use for various purposes, none dedicated to my Arca-Swiss. I've transported the camera on the rear rack of my motorcycle, which calls for a different case than what I'd use for the car. The Nanuk cases are less expensive (often on sale from B&H) and in my view just as good.

I think that the dividers are probably a good idea for some purposes, but I don't have any. When it comes to protection, I'll use whatever seems to work, from styrofoam to towels.

I agree with Neil Poulsen's comment (post #17): "Arcas break down and assemble easily and compactly."

Sorry, I'm not very scientific or methodical about this, but one could easily rig a dedicated Pelican or Nanuk case for a monorail, at least for an Arca-Swiss. Then, I think the main question would be whether one wants to use a case with wheels.