ideas for carrying LF equipment

[Macwax]

I searched but didn't find what I was looking for. I wonder what ideas you have come up with to carry your equipment. I have a 4 x 5 field camera and a heavy Zone VI tripod. Has anyone ever rigged up a golf bag carrier or something similar as a camera hauler.

I'd appreciate any comments. My knees are creaky these days and I'd like to be able to go a bit farther afield.

thanks,

John

[dwdmguy]

Google is our friend.
http://www.google.com/search?q=large+format+camera+carry+case&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

[williamtheis]

I picked one of these up. not cheap but worth every penny.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/accessories/backpack.shtml

Mark Dubovoy is spot-on on his recommendation. Bruce even made special purpose kit for my Better Light digital LF back

[rphenning]

50 cal ammo can sans ammo.

[pgomena]

Photobackpacker is an APUG sponsor. It is the company referenced in the link in williamtheis' post.

Peter Gomena

[jp80874]

So much depends on what terrain you want to cover. The case in dwdmguy’s link has small casters that would work well on a smooth surface like a sidewalk or floor. This link on the Large Format Forum talks about the merits of luggage carts http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=58382
Dr. Jerold Harter points out that depending on how you load the cart you are still carrying a good portion of the weight. I question the dangers of bigger than caster wheels but still small solid wheels. In this link http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=56902 various joggers are considered. I like the big wheels and shocks for a smooth ride over obstructions. I started using this with 4x5 and move up in format through 8x10 and 7x17. If you want to do stairs, cliff sides or mountain trails you need to go to a back pack or find a sherpa and mule. Divorces or murders are made of such requests at home.

John Powers

[ishutteratthethought]

This might work!
Steve

[Steve Smith]

I prefer this:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_J2fKDcobQY4/Sq-It5BGDBI/AAAAAAAAB3M/wl3kwdoZJxE/s320/photography-wagon-001.jpg

Although I do think it would be better with a horse.


Steve.

[sun of sand]

thats overkill

as for the actual bag/container I use
I use a normal backpack and carry tripod in its case slung like a backpack over the backpack
Works very well

what you choose depends a bit on if you want to look like a photographer or just want to get er done

That LF specific pack would drive me nuts unzippering butterflying the entire thing
especially in snow or in brush
I couldn't use that
The little lens cases are neat but I do fine with a winter hat for each

I usually carry 2 or 3 lenses, 8 film holders, darkcloth, camera inside own case stuffed inside another winter beanie
spotmeter in front pouch
smaller front pouch i carry filters screw-in glass and 4x4 poly

But you're OLD
Still, don't see how push/pulling around a golf bag cart will ease your burden
Have you walked with one of them 18 holes? on maintained fairways even? I'd rather and always do just carry the clubs
and you want to take into the "field"
unless your "field" is paved I'd just carry em

I couldn't deal with that aggravation

GET OFF THE ROOT GET OFF DAMNIT YOU CAN DO IT THESE FRIGGN STICKS OH MUD? WONDERFUL
like the shopping cart with the one bad wheel

[Paul Armstrong]

The Loser of the coin toss pulls the Wagon

[Pupfish]

If further afield means wild places, a cart will only get you so far.

My solution is a real backpack, an internal frame Gregory with a greatly adjustable suspension system and a lot of lashing pts. Mine is a front loader that has 2 big compartments separated by a floor that can be dropped to make one big compartment. Cut foam does the organizing and allows it to be many pounds lighter and more versatile than any of the photo-specific ones.

For the creaky knees, I can heartily suggest getting a pair of newfangled hiking poles and use them on the down-hilling portions. They're God-sends. Mine are Leki's which have hidden 1/4-20 studs for use as monopods. They also double as XC ski poles by adding baskets.

[rmann]

For flat, level, and hard terrain - jogging stroller - nothing will be easier to push. For really big loads - bike trailer or pet strollers - do a goggle search. I use a jogging stroller - holds a lot and keeps everything at waist level so when I stop there is no unpacking or bending over. For hiking - the Photobackpacker outfit is a great system. Also, you could take a look at the Feisol cart which looks like a light duty solution.

[juan]

Second the jogging stroller. I tried golf carts, back packs, etc, but over rather level terrain without large rocks, nothing beats the stroller. There's a place for everything, so there's little unpacking. The camera on tripod can lay across the top for moving short distances. Most fold so they fit in a trunk or station wagon.
juan

[jeffzeitlin]

I agree with John - I use this variation on a jogging stroller:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Beach-Lugger-Cart-holds-luggage-coolers-chairs-gear-NEW_W0QQitemZ170442542824QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item27af2acee8#ht_720wt_941

I can carry everything in a hard case and travel fairly easily. I used a backpack, but found it fatiguing with 8x10 - it is good for MF. The cart gives you the ability to carry everything without the weight on the back and your joints.

[johnnywalker]

The jogging stroller. Mine has 3 largish bicycle type wheels.

[Mark Fisher]

Standard front panel opening pack. Mine is an REI brand that is similar to the Kelty redwind, I have my lenses in a fishing reel case from Cabellas......room for 4 lenses on Linhof boards. There is a pocket from my spotmeter and film slides fit in between everything else. The camera get wrapped with the darkcloth. I carry the tripod separagely, but could lash it on too. I'm basically doing a cheap version of photobackpacker version. His system seems about perfect to me and I may do that way if I startup on LF more this year

[jdimichele]

I carry my cambo 4x5 monorail setup in a LowePro Super Trekker. The bag is pretty heavy empty (13lbs) but, like any other LowePro photo backpack, built to take a beating. I've considered converting backpacks to carry my gear but the reality is that the SuperTrekker is almost as big as any practical backpack. Considering the time required to convert a standard backpacking backpack into a photo backpack and the only thing you really gain is that the equivalent gear setup in the converted backpack probably saves you about 5lbs. However, you would have to do a pretty excellent job at converting the backpack to equal the flexibility and protection that the SuperTrekker provides.


Cheers,
Jay
www.jasondimichele.com

[jgjbowen]

I have a 4 x 5 field camera and a heavy Zone VI tripod.

I'd appreciate any comments. My knees are creaky these days and I'd like to be able to go a bit farther afield.

thanks,

John

My first sugggestion is to lose the HEAVY Zone VI tripod. It is overkill for a 4x5 field camera. I own one and it collects dust as I now use Ries J tripods for both my 8x10 and 7x17 cameras. If you are tall and need the extra height the heavy Zone VI provides take a look at the Ries J100-8 (see the badger site) I'm sure others can recommend some ultra light weight carbon tripods.

For moving my own 7x17 gear, I use a John Powers type Jogging Stroller if I am going to be more than 50 yards from the truck. For 8x10 I primarily use a f64 backpack.

[srmcnamara]

I actually just wrap my wooden Ikeda Anba in a sweatshirt and place it in a camelbak. my tiny 90mm angulon goes in a separate pocket. meter and film holders fit on the side elasticy pockets. Tripod goes over the shoulder.