My DIY camera backpack for Calumet CC401 4x5 camera part 1

[Vaughn]

Fun idea! Love the rail sticking out. Judging from the plastic of my wastebaskets, it should last a couple years. What is important is that you did not add much to the over-all weight.

I have gotten spoiled with my internal frame travel-pack for my 8x10. Being a front-loader, everything is accessable and quick to re-pack. That got test once when I got surrounded by a herd of elk during a long exposure in the redwoods. All was cool until the bull showed up and started to make ugly noises at me. I don't even remember packing up, I did it so fast! The old guy calmed down after I moved away from his ladies and up and over a couple fallen redwoods.

But the straps and the waistbelt all hide behind a zipped panel if not needed. Easy to store and move around in the van on photo trips. I have a canoe portage pack for the 11x14 -- it has the needed volume, but not quite as comfy...I am 6'3" and the pack was made for someone much shorter.

When possible, with the 4x5 and the 5x7 I hike with the camera on the tripod and the holders/meter/etc in a shoulder bag. Nothing needs to be put on the ground (except the tripod legs) and camera is always ready to go.

[ethics_gradient]

No, I don’t post online and am a mere amateur.
I am preparing for wetplate.
I don’t have much time to shoot these days, but plan to shoot once my kids grow up in a few years.
I have enough time to buy gear in midnight, by clicking the order button.
haha.

It would be very busy with raising kids!

If you are on Facebook, there is a great group called "Japan and Australia Alt Connections" that you may find interesting.

[mhayashi]

Yes, I am a member already.

[jimskelton]

I like this idea. I was thinking a backpack designed for carrying a child could be adapted to do this. I have a 17 lb 8x10 camera I want to lug around...

[Mark Sampson]

Looks like a fine solution to a real problem. I wouldn't want to take a CC-402 into the field. It's a capable camera; I used one on the job in the 1980s, but never thought of it as portable.