Contest.... Lightest LF Carry

[Alan9940]

Here's my Toho FC-45X and a photo taken with that camera. I wouldn't use this outfit in strong winds but I wouldn't call it flimsy, either. It's actually pretty sturdy for what it is. Regarding the photo, given the treacherous climb down to this location I doubt I'd have been able to get there with any other outfit.



Oops...forgot the stats:

Camera w/lens: 3 lbs 4 ozs
Tripod: 3 lbs 11.5 ozs

[Vaughn]

Alan, that looks like my camera (PocketView) with several ounces of steroids added. Sweet!

[ic-racer]

If I want light weight, I'll use a smaller format, rather than compromising the 4x5 format with imprecise or lack of focusing and/or flimsy construction.

[Drew Wiley]

Well, I sure don't have the very lightest camera; but at only 3-1/2 lbs for a stiff, superbly built mahogany Ebony folder that will handle up to a 360 non-tele lens, I'd call that an excellent compromise. When used with my original Gitzo Reporter CF tripod (no head needed, column permanently removed), that's only 7 lbs overall (plus whatever lens). So that at least makes me a contender. It's held up well on long treks. But for day hikes I generally prefer the Sinar Norma with Ries tripod (more in the middle weight division).

But back when I exclusively shot Sinar, I was offered the opportunity to set the world high altitude record for a large format camera. Remarkably, my wife just came back from a rummage shopping run a couple days ago with a climbing book with a picture of Dhaulagiri in Nepal in it, showing that exact proposed location. I'll have to show her that page tonite, because I gave up my dream photo expedition to pursue my dream girlfriend. I made the right choice. Wonder if I would have even gotten a off a shot there, however. The icy winds are reputed to be incredible at times. It's right across one of the world's deepest canyons from Annapurna, and slightly higher. Lately, my afternoon "expeditions" have only gotten me as far as the local beach overlook, approximately 1 meter above sea level, not 8000 meters.

[Alan9940]

If I want light weight, I'll use a smaller format, rather than compromising the 4x5 format with imprecise or lack of focusing and/or flimsy construction.

I have several MF cameras and only the Fuji GA645Zi and the folders are lighter than the Toho. The Toho certainly isn't as rigid and precise as my Arca-Swiss, but I can carry the Toho a WHOLE lot farther and I've never been disappointed with the results.

[rfesk]

If I want light weight, I'll use a smaller format, rather than compromising the 4x5 format with imprecise or lack of focusing and/or flimsy construction.

I keep a 2 1/4X 3 1/4 Crown Graphic outfit ready to go - it is light with excellent lenses. Lighter still, I have a Agfa Record III ready also.
However, I personally prefer 4x5 if the compromises aren't too great.

[Mal Paso]

If I want light weight, I'll use a smaller format, rather than compromising the 4x5 format with imprecise or lack of focusing and/or flimsy construction.

Ya! My current favorite is a Cambo SF that can go from a few inches to over 40. What isn't on the camera stows in a backpack but it isn't light.

[Vaidotas]

Firstly, I have no intentions to advocate or promote such "extremities".
But sharing this setup I'd would say at right conditions and some experience it works to me.

Anba Ikeda 4x5 - 1250g
Wollensak Raptar Extreme W.A. (series IIIa) 108/12,5 with lensboard – 208g
Two Toyo 4x5 sheet film holders - 380g
Gitzo GT0541 tripod (5 ft with risen central column!) - 780g

That sums up to 2,63 kg (5,80 lbs).

Extras:
Tripod ball head Leofoto LH-30 with Arca Swiss style QR plate which I use from time to time with this camera setup - 370g
Voss filter holder with 67mm yellow-green and orange filters, cases - 160g
Loupe x6, light meter, cable release - 360g
Some IKEA zip locks
Fleece jacket as dark cloth
Osprey Cyber backpack (tripod fits inside if needed but I have habit to use extended tripod as walking stick) - 900g
1,80kg (~ 4lbs)





This shot was made in Møre and Romsdal, Norway a month ago, here.

Kodak Trix320
HC-110 E

[rfesk]

Firstly, I have no intentions to advocate or promote such "extremities".
But sharing this setup I'd would say at right conditions and some experience it works to me.

Anba Ikeda 4x5 - 1250g
Wollensak Raptar Extreme W.A. (series IIIa) 108/12,5 with lensboard – 208g
Two Toyo 4x5 sheet film holders - 380g
Gitzo GT0541 tripod (5 ft with risen central column!) - 780g

That sums up to 2,63 kg (5,80 lbs).

Extras:
Tripod ball head Leofoto LH-30 with Arca Swiss style QR plate which I use from time to time with this camera setup - 370g
Voss filter holder with 67mm yellow-green and orange filters, cases - 160g
Loupe x6, light meter, cable release - 360g
Some IKEA zip locks
Fleece jacket as dark cloth
Osprey Cyber backpack (tripod fits inside if needed but I have habit to use extended tripod as walking stick) - 900g
1,80kg (~ 4lbs)





This shot was made in Møre and Romsdal, Norway a month ago, here.

Kodak Trix320
HC-110 E

Great set up! Going lightweight has a lot of advantages provided wind isn't a problem. I like my lightweight outfit but haven't had time to develop anything yet.

[Drew Wiley]

Well, center columns and ball heads are hardly the ticket for stability. And a linty jacket for a darkcloth?? All that sounds counterproductive to me.