Carry-on backpack for 4x5 monorail

[Peter Shier]

Can anyone recommend a backpack for a 4x5 monorail that can be taken as a carry- on bag on the airlines?

I have a Toyo/Omega 45E and I can remove the standards from the rail so they col lapse into a fairly compact package. I also carry the groundglass, 2-3 lenses in boards, Fuji and Kodak quickloads, Polaroids, 545i holder, darkcloth, meter, lo upe, release etc.

I have searched the archives and haven't found anything that meets these specs.

Thanks, Peter

[Paul Schilliger]

I use a Tenba PBA (A stand for "Airlines"). It is made to the carry on luggage s izes and has inner velcro compartimenting that can be fashioned to desire. Check also this older thread:

http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=004Oes

[Ellis Vener]

As well as looking at the Tenba PBA also investigate the BP1420 Back pack from <A HREF = http://www.lightwareinc.com> Lightware. Not cheap, but like the Tenba it'll do a great job of protecting your equipment both on the airplane and in the field, and both the Lightware and the Tenba can hold more than you'll probably want to carry.

[Peter Shier]

Thanks Ellis. I looked at the BP1420 as I have a Lightware case for my Dynalite strobes and it is superb. The only problem is that the external dimensions of the BP1420 are 16"L x 8"W x 26"H and United Airlines (the next flight I need to take with my LF gear) says their limits are 14" x 9" x 22". The 22 is not really an issue as the template in the X-ray machines doesn't limit the length but the 16 could be a problem. Has anyone put the BP1420 through an X-ray machine with a size-limiting template?

[Douglas P. Theall]

Peter, Try looking at the Lowepro line of backpacks. They make a size for just about everything. You can pick one up on ebay at a fairly reasonalbe price if you are patient. I have the Photo Treker AW and it is big enough for everything yet doesn't weight a ton. Good Luck, Doug

[Dave Anton]

Peter, As mentioned above, do check out the Lowepro line, I also own a couple of Photo Trekkers AW and they will have enough room for your set up. They are very comfortable to carry.

[adam friedberg]

the tenba 264 has better dividers for lf than the 265 pba. i use this when travelling by plane and take as much as i can fit. i was warned off the 265 by a photog who didn't get on a plane with one. tenba advertises it as the maximum legal size (maybe if it's not too full?).

i use the lightware bp1420 for all other purposes. it's great but i wouldn't risk a gate check. the harness is just ok, not enough for a long hike. i can go for a mile or two with it fully loaded.

i checked out the lowe protrekker and liked the harness but hated the dividers. ok for 35, terrible for lf. others love them, though.

[Peter Shier]

I have a LowePro Nature Trekker that I use for 35mm and I thought of rearranging it for LF but it really does not look like it could accomodate the camera, 3 lenses in boards, GG, 545i, box of quickloads etc. I know the Photo Trekker is slightly larger (2 1/4" higher and 1/2" wider) but that still doesn't seem like it could handle all that. I will give it a try seeing as so many of you say it works well.

[Peter Shier]

I checked with Lightware today and they confirmed that the BP1420 will not conform to carry-on size regulations. They did say that with their inserts it would be fine to check it but I personally never send lenses and cameras as checked baggage.

[Richard M. Coda]

I use an old soft Zone VI bag for my Omega 45D. It's not a backpack, more like a shoulder bag. But it fits in the overhead compartment and I have never had to check it.