Advice on "The Carry" for Day Use of a 4X5

[JWMster]

So I seem to have a decent size backpack for day use (Tenba Solstice 24L bought on sale some time back for MF). I'm afraid the F64 would be mega sized and I'd knock around and overload it. But I'm carrying a meter (actually 2 - with the Sekonic hung around my neck), an F64 film holder bag -which totally blew up last weekend (it holds 6 and 6 seems too tight to not have accidents), camera et al. And I think I just need to remove all the inside cases and get some better dividers. And then I'm carrying a tripod freehand together with a notebook, phone, etc. Am I going far? Nah. Not anytime soon. But soon enough it warms up and that changes the equation in terms of how well the carry works. Like to go farther than 10 minutes from the car though.

But this had me looking around. And I'm curious what folks are doing these days. Especially those of us / you who've been at this game a while, but may have switched backpacks recently. Yes, the photobackpacker P3 looks awesome, but it's been a while since it's been available. And is the F64 gargantuan for 4X5? Especially if you don't want or need the temptation to become a burro (or act like one)?

 

[jim10219]

I use a Speed Graphic, Grafmatic film holder, and my iPhone as a light meter when I need to go light. I can fit all of that, plus a dark cloth, loupe, notebook, and a couple of spare lenses and filters in my Amazon Basics camera backpack. It's the size of a regular school backpack. If I want to take more with me, I have a separate Amazon Basics over-the-shoulder camera bag that carries about 5 lenses and lens boards, plus several other tools. The Grafmatic film holder allows me to carry six sheets of film in the space of one and a half film holders. The Speed Graphic is great because not only does it fold up fairly compact, but it's well protected when it is folded up, so you don't have to baby it. And while the light meter apps have their flaws, if you get used to using them, you can figure out how to work around their weak points.

My point is, if you're going to make longer hikes with this gear, I don't think the best answer is in the best backpack. Rather, if you can find ways to lighten your load, then you don't need as big of a backpack. Also, I find it easier to carry multiple packs rather than one big one. It makes organizing easier and allows you to distribute the weight more evenly around your body. Plus, it's easier to locate stuff, and cut back on gear that you don't need when going on longer hikes without having to repack everything.

 

[JWMster]

Jim: That's kind of what I'm looking to hear. I've had the back surgery. Not looking for more! Don't know the Grafmatic film holders... but agree on traveling lighter. And that's why I'm kind of preferring to focus on carrying less, and carrying it smarter. No escaping the tripod thing though. Multiple packs? Guess that's where I am for lack of better. But I'm probably overpadded with lens wraps, camera wraps, etc. and can fit more in with smarter packing. Thanks!

Keep the ideas coming folks... LF rookies (like me) love to read how you do more with less (weight).

 

[JWMster]

So I was just reading a bit on these Grafmatic film holders. Do they work with ANY 4X5... like my Chamonix, or only with a Graflex?

 

[Paul Howell]

I bought a medium size backpack at a sporting goods store and had a shoe and luggage repair shop sew in dividers, one large enough for my Crown, a second to hold 10 film holders, a third for a light meter, then a larger for filters and lens hood, including a set of Cokin. If I get time I'll take a picture and post it. All in all about the same price as high end photo backpack, but built just as I find it to be most convenient. Down side is that is sized for Crown, I suppose a most field cameras would fit, not a view, and it's too tight for my Speed.

 

[James Bleifus]

I use a Peak Design 20 liter backpack for my 45N-2, 6 wooden Cham holders, MeFoto tripod, several lenses (at times), a super-light and compact Wanderer dark cloth, and a magnifier. I've been diagnosed with a pretty severe case of fibro, which includes chronic back pain, and I find the Peak rides nicely on my shoulders without straining my back. I use my iPhone as my meter and carry a notebook in my front pants’ pocket. However, there's plenty of room leftover in the pack for those and more holders (or a laptop or tablet if you're inclined). It also fits well underneath an airplane seat.

Because of the side panel access on the Peak, I set up my tripod first, hang the bag from the center column using one of the loops, and pull the rest of my gear out. I always carry my tripod on the same side so that I know which loop to hang the bag from, and everything in my bag is arranged to come out in a certain order. I put things away in the reverse order and make sure that everything is zipped before lifting the bag from the tripod.

HTH.

Cheers, James

 

[Doremus Scudder]

I've posted this before, and it seems that I'm the only one who likes to day-hike with a lumbar pack.

I carry my Wista DX, four lenses, six filters and other accessories in a lumbar pack; darkcloth is strapped on underneath. Lenses go in custom made double-corrugated cardboard boxes (think box knife and duct tape). My meter, viewing filter, loupe, and other accessories go in either a short fly-fishing vest (good weather) or in coat pockets (cold weather). Six film holders and another lens go in a small over-the-shoulder pouch. I usually carry the tripod, but can strap it on under the lumbar pack when I need both hands for scrambling. The whole kit comes in at just around 20 pounds. I usually hang a water bottle somewhere too unless my beautiful assistant (wife) who's hiking with me carries the water (and lunch).

I've hiked for 15+ miles/day with this kit often. Just last year, 18 miles in Mt. St. Helens Monument, and I'm 66. You should be able to get more than 10 minutes away from the car

There's a photo of my kit in action somewhere on my website.

Best,

Doremus

 

[EdSawyer]

Grafmatics will work with any camera with a Graflok back, and also with others without as long as there is enough clearance under the ground glass.

 

[esearing]

Atlas backpack are awesome, but will set you back some coin. The Athlete is smaller for a camera , 2-3 lenses, and 5-6 holders. It is comfortable to wear and expandable for an overnight campout. The Adventure pack is huge and will hold just about anything you want to bring. (see image of mine) I like these because they open from the back and are easy to work out of without having to unpack a bunch of ICUs.
If you can carry your tripod with the camera on it You might look for a camera pack that splits in the middle like the tenba cooper dslr pack.

 

[darinwc]

I have a Lowepro AW and it works great. It is the size of a daypack but enough room for camera, lenses and film holders.

I have a Polaroid ysarex for a normal lens. I can trim down with a g claron for a long lens. But the smaller wide angle lenses are just not as good.

 

[JWMster]

Here's what I've worked out without buying anything... using this "small" pack I've got:

So included here is the Chamonix wrapped in a leather protector, 3 small lenses on lens boards - just in their pockets and with their cable releases, 6 film holders, and a Toyo Loupe. I've got room for a standard size Wanderer dark and a meter. I'm keeping a lens wrench in a side pocket and have a Lee square filter kit (assembled slowly over the years) for B&W contrast filters in a Mindshift pack that attaches to the lower outside of the pack. In the lower left corner is a Tenba lens wrap that nicely covers the lens/camera area to add some more padding "just in case", and to help keep things from falling out just 'cause the pack's back zipper is open and the flap back. Lens space is a little tight, compared with some of the pictures of packs sent me, but it's a place to start.

Separate Carry: 1) Tripod. Upgraded to a nice lightweight years ago, but finally putting some mileage on it... 'cause with 4X5 you it's not an option like it is with virtually every other camera (35, MF and digital). Recently acquired a used Manfrotto geared head from KEH to replace the RRS ball head I was using.... 'cause that RRS thing.... had terrible lock downs which were too small for even my small fingers and always seemed to be located in the wrong spot at the wrong time. We'll see how it works later today!!! Got the idea after lots of thumb exercises and Kenneth Lee's tech comments ( http://www.kennethleegallery.com/html/tech/index.php )... which BTW, he has a fair amount of useful info. The Mindshift case (for now) is going to be attached to a loop on the outside of the pack, but also think about putting it on my belt or somewhere. Belt's probably not going to work. Not carried is a Macro lens and long-ish telephoto (400mm NIkkor T) which will probably ride (or not) in the car.

Weight: Without the Tripod and Head is inside 20 pounds. And I guess I'm not going to be thirsty or anything... 'cause there's no water bottle or any of those practical things. I am liking the shots I've seen of the Lowepro AW as looking like there's room for padding and spacing the lenses more comfortably (for lens care). But that depends on what's up with the used market I thiink.

"nuff said and 'nuff equipping for the meantime anyway. Thanks for all your insight and recommedations.