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backpack idea


ben_calwell

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Has anyone ever tried to use an LLbean Continental Rucksack as a 4x5 field camera backpack? By the photo in the catalog, it looks as if it might be big enough for my Wista, lenses, meter and film holders. I'm sure it doesn't have any interior padding or compartments to keep stuff from banging around, but it seems to me that if I wrap my camera in the dark cloth and keep the lenses in some sort of protective padding, it would be a fine, inexpensive ($55) alternative to the more expensive Lowe Pros and F-64s. Thank you for comments.
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Ben:

 

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There are any number of alternative packs, bags, and carrying cases

that will cost less than a dedicated camera bag made specifically for

large format. If you use several cameras (4x5, 8x10, MF, Pinhole,

etc.) you will most likely search for a less expensive solution to

carrying equipment. I often rely inexpensive nylon coolers and book

bags to transport my cameras and filmholders. These types of bags can

be modified with padding and often disguise the fact that you are

carrying expensive camera equipment. In addition, many cooler type

cases are water resistant and insulated. Your rucksack idea is

probably a good solution, although you may find something even

cheaper. You might also consider looking for a case that is easier to

unpack than a rucksack/duffle bag. It sounds like you may have to do

some digging around to get your equipment out of the bag. A

square/rectangular case might be easier to organize and would alow you

to open your case and view filmholders, camera, meter, etc. Good luck.

 

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i have used many different packs in the past for 6x9 to 8x10. if you

go to the backpacking shop and get a closed foam sleeping pad you can

cut and fold it to fit your stuff. i then either stich it by hand or

glue it to shape. it may not be as convenient but you can put a

complete outfit together for pennies (well, maybe a little more). one

of my best rigs for my 8x10 is a big duffel type gym bag strappedto an

army surplus pack frame for five bucks. there is too great a need for

the name stuff in photography, the cost of a fancy pack can buy a lot

of film. Frank

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I recently bought a 40 liter Jansport pack when REI had their grand

opening here. I intended to just drop a camera case I already had

inside, but it wouldn't fit, so I'm doing some of the things that

have been suggested. I use an Arctic Zone lunch bag for my 4x5 film

holders. One $3 bag holds 6 film holders nicely. I also use one for

each of my 35mm bodies. I'll add one more for my lens (in a Calumet

wrap) and my meter (in its case) and then do something for the 4x5.

The closed cell foam is a good idea.

 

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I love the Jansport pack. It was $65 on sale and has a wonderful

suspension. I could strap on my tripod and pack my 4x5 around all

day. The only complaint I have about the pack is that it isn't panel

loading, so I have to fish everything out through the drawstring

closure at the top.

 

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www.rei-outlet.com and www.sierratradingpost.com are a couple of my

favorite places to find outdoor things.

 

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Dave

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I've got a cheap Greatlands pack out of my parents garage and put a

Domke insert in it that I had. I can carry a 35mm system with 3

lenses, (24mm, 50mm 80-200 ED D), and a 6x9 Century Graphic with two

lenses and a rollfilm back and two handheld meters in cases plus all

sorts of accessories. It's my favorite small pack for short hikes and

banging around in the truck thru the country side. For longer hikes

the LowePro bags are nice and comfortable. If anything, check the

stitching, especially on the arm straps.

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I bought a Jansport daypack with a panel back and made a liner and

compartments from aluminum flashing (.010")using rivets then used

foam board wrapped in velvet for padding. It is for my Horseman 980/3

lenses/filters/3 backs/meter/loupe. It has side pockets for notebook,

cable release etc.Total weight -25lbs.inc tripod.

George

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I know you're looking for an inexpensive alternative to something

like a LowePro, but for what it's worth, the LowePro photo-specific

backpacks are worth their weight in gold if you carry much heavy gear

into the field that weighs a reasonable amount. I use the Supper

Trekker AW to carry a Mamiya RB67 with three lenses and a polaroid

back, a Nikon F4e, Nikon F3 w/motor drive, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm,

105mm, and 180mm lenses, 2 meters, 2 cable releases, film, filters,

etc. The whole kit weighs in at about 45 lbs plus tripod, and I

don't have a problem carrying it 10 miles at a time. And for

reference sake, I'm 5'7" 140lbs, so I'm not exactly huge. I don't

know how much your 4x5 kit weighs, but I don't think you should

entirely rule out some of the LowePro bags. You could probably get

along just fine with one of the smallerless expensive LowePro

backpacks. Whatever you decide on, good luck.

 

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Regards,

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