ray bidegain Posted April 1, 2003 Share Posted April 1, 2003 I am wondering if any one has the 8 x 10 backpack by f/64 and how they like it or if they know about any other backpacks on the market. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennifer_waak Posted April 1, 2003 Share Posted April 1, 2003 Ray, there are more answers to this post than you can shake a stick at in the archives. But, having said that, I have the f64 BPX and love it. It is the only 8x10 backpack that I am aware of that can actually be carried onto plane (even with today's restrictions, I did it in Feb). What it comes down to is what you intend to use it for. The f64 is great for me because it allows me to travel with it and walk reasonably short distances with it. It is not a pack I would use for anything more than a couple mile walk. If you are looking for a pack for day hikes, many people have found success with taking regular backpacks and wrapping the camera in something or building in a suspension system. Anyway, as I said, spend some time perusing the archives where this has been beaten to death. -Jen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_rhoades Posted April 1, 2003 Share Posted April 1, 2003 I also have the big f/64. My Deardorff just fits in and I put in extra padding on the sides to protect the focus knobs. In the top I carry two lenses (300mm Nikon & 240/420 Schneider), a spotmeter, cable release and filter pouch. Oh and a cheap plastic loup. On the bag front you can just squeeze in three film holders.The 4x5 bags on the side could carry more lenses or water bottles. While I have and use a 4x5 back there's no room to carry it if you also carry 8x10 holders so normally I remove the 4x5 bags. On top of the camera I roll and stuff a BTZS dark cloth. The camera is very well padded and safe. As stated above it's not a real backpack. I have not gone more than about a mile in with the pack. I did find it very comfortable and being retired I would not be packing all that much further even with a high end back pack. The f/64 is not build as well as a hiking backpack but for safely carrying a large format camera a couple of miles round trip it just fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bro_monk Posted April 1, 2003 Share Posted April 1, 2003 I also use the f/64 for my 8x10 gear. The pack is well designed for carrying the equipment. I can pack the camera, three lenses, five film holders and related gear. My complaint is that it is not comfortable for longer, more difficult hikes. I have had a lot of experience backpacking and external frame packs such as a Kelty or Jansport were far more comfortable with heavy loads. For the cost of a f/64, I think that customizing a good external fame pack is a better idea, if you plan on any extensive hiking. George Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_mcdonald Posted April 1, 2003 Share Posted April 1, 2003 The f/64 is a great organizer for 8x10, assuming it is deep enough for your camera. It is lightweight, too. I don't use the waist belt�for longer hiking, I strap the pack to an aluminum external frame, which makes for a comfortable set up. I like the pack a lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herwig_prammer1 Posted April 2, 2003 Share Posted April 2, 2003 another positive rating for the f/64 8x10 backpack: it organizes my deardorff equipment with 4 lenses, 3 holders, extras and gitzo carbon tripod perfectly. backdraw: such a mass of equipment is heavy, even with the best backpack. moreover the handcraft quality is not the best, so it is not a bad idea to redo the main sewings. for longer hikes i suggest using an external frame, too. regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philip_sweeney Posted April 4, 2003 Share Posted April 4, 2003 I have the 4 x 5 and the 8 x 10 backpacks. I wish the 8 x 10 was a little wider, my wisner just fits - but it is still better than a case for short hikes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thunderbroom Posted April 6, 2003 Share Posted April 6, 2003 I too recently bought the 8x10 f/64. My kodak 2d fits with a bit of determination. but you can only fit i thinik four holders in the outer pocket. I had the over 300 dollar tenba bag and imho it was the poorest designed 8x10 pack ever. much prefer the f/64 wish i had gotten it sooner. now i just need a new canham to put inside it.-daniel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lars ake vinberg Posted April 6, 2003 Share Posted April 6, 2003 F64 needs to look more at conventional backpacks and redesign the harness and waistbelt for use with heavy loads, and definitely add an internal frame - the whole pack folds in the middle after a while. It is quite obvious in the design that f64 is a camera bag manufacturer, rather than a backpack manufacturer. The f64 8x10 pack - fully loaded - is OK for a 200 yard stroll from the car, not more. Take a look at Lowepro Supertrekker / Protrekker to see how a good harness can be designed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
per_volquartz1 Posted April 7, 2003 Share Posted April 7, 2003 I completely agree with Ake! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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