Carry-on backpack for 4x5 monorail

[peter shier]

Can anyone recommend a backpack for a 4x5 monorail that can be taken as a carry-on bag on the airlines?

 

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I have a Toyo/Omega 45E and I can remove the standards from the rail so they collapse into a fairly compact package. I also carry the groundglass, 2-3 lenses in boards, Fuji and Kodak quickloads, Polaroids, 545i holder, darkcloth, meter, loupe, release etc.

 

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I have searched the archives and haven't found anything that meets these specs.

 

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Thanks,

Peter

[alpshiker]

I use a Tenba PBA (A stand for "Airlines"). It is made to the carry on luggage sizes and has inner velcro

compartimenting that can be fashioned to desire. Check also this older thread:

 

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http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=004Oes

[ellis_vener_photography]

As well as looking at the Tenba PBA also investigate the BP1420

Back pack from <A HREF = http://www.lightwareinc.com>

Lightware. Not cheap, but like the Tenba it'll do a great job of

protecting your equipment both on the airplane and in the field,

and both the Lightware and the Tenba can hold more than you'll

probably want to carry.

[peter shier]

Thanks Ellis. I looked at the BP1420 as I have a Lightware case for

my Dynalite strobes and it is superb. The only problem is that the

external dimensions of the BP1420 are 16"L x 8"W x 26"H and United

Airlines (the next flight I need to take with my LF gear) says their

limits are 14" x 9" x 22". The 22 is not really an issue as the

template in the X-ray machines doesn't limit the length but the 16

could be a problem. Has anyone put the BP1420 through an X-ray

machine with a size-limiting template?

[doug_theall2]

Peter,

Try looking at the Lowepro line of backpacks. They make a size for

just about everything. You can pick one up on ebay at a fairly

reasonalbe price if you are patient. I have the Photo Treker AW and

it is big enough for everything yet doesn't weight a ton.

Good Luck,

Doug

[dave_anton]

Peter, As mentioned above, do check out the Lowepro line, I also own a

couple of Photo Trekkers AW and they will have enough room for your

set up. They are very comfortable to carry.

[adam_friedberg]

the tenba 264 has better dividers for lf than the 265 pba. i use this

when travelling by plane and take as much as i can fit. i was warned

off the 265 by a photog who didn't get on a plane with one. tenba

advertises it as the maximum legal size (maybe if it's not too full?).

 

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i use the lightware bp1420 for all other purposes. it's great but i

wouldn't risk a gate check. the harness is just ok, not enough for a

long hike. i can go for a mile or two with it fully loaded.

 

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i checked out the lowe protrekker and liked the harness but hated the

dividers. ok for 35, terrible for lf. others love them, though.

[peter shier]

I have a LowePro Nature Trekker that I use for 35mm and I thought of

rearranging it for LF but it really does not look like it could

accomodate the camera, 3 lenses in boards, GG, 545i, box of

quickloads etc. I know the Photo Trekker is slightly larger (2 1/4"

higher and 1/2" wider) but that still doesn't seem like it could

handle all that. I will give it a try seeing as so many of you say it

works well.

[peter shier]

I checked with Lightware today and they confirmed that the BP1420

will not conform to carry-on size regulations. They did say that with

their inserts it would be fine to check it but I personally never

send lenses and cameras as checked baggage.

[rcoda]

I use an old soft Zone VI bag for my Omega 45D. It's not a backpack,

more like a shoulder bag. But it fits in the overhead compartment and

I have never had to check it.