transporting a Sinar Standard/Norma 4x5 in the field

[Greg]

So Fred Picker and Minor White both used (initially in Fred's case) 4x5 Sinar Normas. Also Wynn Bullock?, not sure. Both photographers obviously photographed images far from where they parked their cars. Does anyone know in what or how they transported their 4x5 Sinar Normas? I backpack my 4x5 Sinar Norma, but my system isn't all that efficient or compact. Also a bit of curiosity on this end.

[Daniel Unkefer]

I carried my 4x5 Norma in a Zone VI Monorail Bag. Often hiked to locations that way.

Still have everything.

[CreationBear]

If you've not seen it, Neil Poulsen's hack might be a nice starting point:
https://www.largeformatphotography.i...ma-8x10-Camera
By making that mod to the rail, I'm able to get my Norma 5x7 into a "Husky" brand 17-liter storage bin that makes for a compact package in my (admittedly) expedition sized pack. Because I leave the tripod sleeve/bushing on the rail, setting up is as simple screwing in a length of extension rail, extending the bellows so the rail clamp will be cleared, then locking everything down.

That said, if I had a 4x5 Norma, I think Drew W.'s approach is the way to go: IIRC, he rolls with the camera with rail attached upside down in a trash bin, with the bellows perpendicular to the suspension. Of course, you need a pretty big pack bag to pull that off--my Hill People Gear 6500 cu in is just a bit too narrow, though I have an old Bozeman-era Dana Arcflex that would probably handle the camera with an 8x10 format frame.

[Mark Sampson]

I carry my Sinar Norma in a 27-year-old Tamrac case with foldaway shoulder straps and belt. Not the best for real backpacking but it has worked all those years, although I rarely go more than a mile or two from the car with it. (My subject matter is not often that remote, YMMV.)
The Norma fills that bag right up- I bought it for a folding Zone VI 4x5 that I still use- but the Sinar and all its gear does fit, and I've hiked some distance with it. Made some good photos, too.
(I need to fix the loose front standard focusing on the Norma so I'll use it more.)

[B.S.Kumar]

I don't have the Norma now to check, but maybe like this?
https://www.largeformatphotography.i...rail&p=1495112

Kumar

[Mark Sampson]

The issue with carrying the F-series Sinars is that big rail clamp. The Norma clamp is more compact and that makes it possible to get it in that Tamarac case.

[Bernice Loui]

5x7 Sinar Norma & ground glass protector with:

~two 6" rails & end caps.
~ten 5x7 or 13x18cm film holders.
~standard bellows & bag bellows.
~Minolta Spot F meter.
~dark cloth.
~Horseman GG magnifier.
~B&W filter set.
~sinar shutter.
~sinar shutter cable release and 24" long cable release.
~115mm f6.8 Grandagon.
~165mm f6.8 Angulon in barrel.
~10" C. Ektar or 240mm Xenar in barrel.
~16-1/2" Red Dot Artar in barrel.
*Wrapped in microfiber towels.*

All fitted into a Pelican FAA over head compartment wheeled case.




Bernice

[Drew Wiley]

What good are wheels except on a road, sidewalk, or at an airport? None of that is the "field".

[Daniel Unkefer]

4x5 Sinar Norma Soft Bag by Nokton48, on Flickr

I have road tested this small Zone VI Monorail Bag, with my 4x5" Sinar Norma plus as much of whatever else that would fit into it, sometimes commercial architectural assignments, often day long landscape trips around Ohio. At least ten years, maybe fifteen years of very hard use.

Never did any damage to Norma #1. I did add a Domke Post Office Shoulder Strap which helps a lot.

Actually I am getting this out to fill it up, and start using it again, after 25 years hiatus.

[Drew Wiley]

People got along in the entire Western Hemisphere for 15,000 yrs without wheels or camera bags. All you need is three sections of Mastodon tusk for a tripod, three sections of chipped obsidian for the spike feet, and a live Mastodon named Norma to carry your gear.