tony_doucet Posted April 8, 1999 Share Posted April 8, 1999 I heard an interesting item on the radio yesterday: doctors are warning women that carrying a purse weighing more than 5 pounds can, over extended periods, lead to back and shoulder problems. Now, I haven't weighed the stuff, but I'm sure that my Mamiya 645 and associated glass and gadgets weighs well over 5 pounds. So my question is what do you do to make it easier to haul around all of your gear if, like me, you do not care for the backpack style of camera bag. (I don't want to start a debate over the virtues of the backpack - I tried 'em and I don't like 'em so I am searching for other suggestions.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moses_sparks Posted April 8, 1999 Share Posted April 8, 1999 Tamrac makes a case called a Rolling Strongbox, in 2 different sizes. It's very similar to a Lightware case, but has a telescoping handle and inline skate wheels, and you roll it just like a piece of luggage. It has handles on the top and sides, so you can pick it up to lift it over curbs, or carry it horizontally like a suitcase if need be. It has an ABS plastice frame wrapped in tough Cordura nylon, and it's very rugged. I have 3 of them, and would NEVER go back to a shoulder bag! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert_c_harvey Posted April 8, 1999 Share Posted April 8, 1999 Dear Tony, I too have struggled, literally, to find the best answer for camera equipment carrying. On some occasions, I use A photographer's vest. It's very convenient to access your equipment from the various pockets, and distributes the weight more evenly. I usually go to a location with a bag or two of stuff, and then transfer what I need to the vest for working. The strong box is a good suggestion to go to a job site, like weddimngs, etc. This is a dilema we all face! And you seem to never have the right bag or tripod! The tyranny of film they say,causes some photographers to just grab the point and shoot! Check out all the manufactures cataloges, and go to photo stores, camera swaps, etc. Find what works for you! Sincerely, Robert C. Harvey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
struan_gray Posted April 8, 1999 Share Posted April 8, 1999 The Swedish Professional Photographers' Association (literally, and appropriately, called the 'Picture Deliverers' Association) recently did an extensive survey of occupational health hazards amongst its members. The two most common complaints were neck/back trouble and varying degrees of allergic sensitivity to darkroom chemicals. For the former, heavy shoulder bags with a single strap were universally blamed - with corroborating evidence from various unsurprised surgeons. The solution is to distrubute the weight evenly across your shoulders, and to transfer as much as possible to your hips. A properly designed rucksack does this, as does a belt and braces/vest system like those sold by Kinesis and the ones used by armed forces the world over. The only trouble the non-rucksack systems is that you can end up looking like a total dork or, worse, an apprentice brownshirt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willie_ju Posted April 8, 1999 Share Posted April 8, 1999 A case with a handle and rollers is the most convenient for hauling. Lightware makes two: the LW-1422 and the LW-1623. The LW-1422 measures 22x16x8 and is carry-on size. Price is $400. I can fit a P67 with 4 lenses, an EOS-1n with 4 lenses, and accessories. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_____ Posted April 8, 1999 Share Posted April 8, 1999 Get a Thermodyne with telescoping handle and wheels. Tougher than Lightware or Tamrac or Tenba, cheaper to boot. www.shokstop.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff_harville Posted April 9, 1999 Share Posted April 9, 1999 I recently bought an American Tourister rolling carry on soft side airline bag with the telescoping handle to keep a paul c buff mono light in. I cut the cross elastic straps out. I went to Wal-Mart and bought a colman closed cell camp mat and cut the mat into pieces to line the case. The case cost me about $60.00 at K mart and the camp mat was about $10.00 at wal mart. A fair bargan if you check the photo cases. The case is courda nylon and also has 2 ext. pockets that I keep my cords in. The dude rolls, has a nylon strap on top to lash on extra crap. If you tear it up, you havent lost much!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_mitchell1 Posted April 12, 1999 Share Posted April 12, 1999 I have found the Photoflex MSB 2 to be extremely comfortable with 15-18 lbs in it. It is basically a shoulder bag with large waistbelt, easy to work out of, and I can carry it all day. The waistbelt puts most of the weight on your hips. I have also put a three compartment Domke insert into a Mountainsmith Day Pack and have been able to carry 1 body with an attached lens and 2 additional lenses along with 10-20 rolls of film, filters, small accessories and a water bottle. Works great for urban photography and carries all day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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