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Thread: using a CC=400 in the field?

  1. #1
    stradibarrius stradibarrius's Avatar
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    using a CC=400 in the field?

    I have a new to me Calumet CC-400 mono rail. What are some real world methods of hiking with it??
    would I remove the rail and pack it in and the set it up in the field?
    what are some good bags?

  2. #2
    Octogenarian
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    Re: using a CC=400 in the field?

    Purchased a new CC400 from Calumet in the early 1980's. At that time I was living in Bend, Oregon.

    Big mistake. The camera was not a good choice for hiking in the Cascade mountains. It was heavy, bulky, and I was never able to find a suitable carrying bag for it.

    Got a 4x5 Calumet Woodfield (Tachihara) folding flatbed camera for hiking and used the CC400 as a studio camera.

    I realise that does not answer your question, but I thought I'd pass along that bit of experience FYI.

  3. #3

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    Re: using a CC=400 in the field?

    My first view camera in 1982 was a long-rail 400. It's great for working from your car, but hiking with it would be a pain. I found it faster to use than a field camera. Just lift it out of the case (tripod quick release plate on the bottom), put it on the tripod, rack out the bellows, and you're good to go.

  4. #4

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    Re: using a CC=400 in the field?

    Hi, I have same experiment as Gem Singer, got a long rail CC400 at early 70. Still in storage at home. For hiking and over sea, I bought a Calumet Woodfield, maximum four lenses with Fuji Quickload. The other way to carry the CC400 is to cut short the rail to your require. Use the long one at home, bring the short one outdoor.

  5. #5
    Jon Shiu's Avatar
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    Re: using a CC=400 in the field?

    It will fit in a large daypack.

    Jon
    my black and white photos of the Mendocino Coast: jonshiu.zenfolio.com

  6. #6
    SF Bay Area 94303
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    Re: using a CC=400 in the field?

    Screw it on a tripod and sling over shoulder for back packing. Set up is really fast. It is a non-starter for airplanes. I take a crown graphic now in my carry on. KFry

  7. #7
    Dave Herman
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    Re: using a CC=400 in the field?

    Mule.

  8. #8

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    Re: using a CC=400 in the field?

    It's not the most compact but lots of fantastic photos have been made with old Calumets, you can't beat the price and that's the trade-off.

    Most people either keep it on the tripod and hoist it over their shoulder - throw a plastic bag over it to keep it cleaner. Don't bump into trees.

    If you pack it, one way is to use a top loader pack and put it on the top, upside down, so the rail can hang over the sides. Swaddle it with a dark cloth or jacket and just let it ride like that.

  9. #9
    stradibarrius stradibarrius's Avatar
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    Re: using a CC=400 in the field?

    Frank your idea is the closest to what I have had so far. I want to try LF in the field a time or two before I go spend the money for a field camera.

  10. #10
    Jon Shiu's Avatar
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    Re: using a CC=400 in the field?

    It will fit with the rail oriented vertically in a panel loader pack. If metal parts stick out, they will probably hit you in the head when you are putting it on/off.

    Jon
    my black and white photos of the Mendocino Coast: jonshiu.zenfolio.com

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