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Backpack For Arca Swiss 5x7

berarthbun

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Aug 23, 2015
Messages
78
Format
8x10 Format
Greetings. I’m in the process of researching backpacks to hold my Arca Swiss 5x7. I keep the camera compressed on the small rail when transporting. A medium sized pack is good. I generally carry three lenses and four film holders along with a meter and the usual accessories. The pack would be used more for smaller hikes, and exploring small towns. I like the style of the Renaissance Photo Tech, yet I know those are no longer made. I welcome all advice. Thanks in advance.

-Bruce
 
Last edited:
Moved from Ultra-Large Format to Large Format.
I'm not sure where the dividing line is - 8x10? - but 5x7 is definitely not over it
Good luck with your quest.
 
Moved from Ultra-Large Format to Large Format.
I'm not sure where the dividing line is - 8x10? - but 5x7 is definitely not over it
Good luck with your quest.

Thanks. Not sure how I managed to post this in ULF. My bad there. Maybe I secretly miss shooting 11x14.
 

Hey Bruce,

I am using a NYA-EVO Fjord 60 Econyl, which I love - most comfortable bag ever! - with an old Shimoda insert, Large, which should work for you. Currently, after switching to Large Format, I am considering non-photographic, hiking backpacks because they are lighter and generally better for hiking. I got a Ortlieb Atrack because it's fully waterproof, but still 1 kg lighter than my current one, my insert fits perfectly and then some, but haven't tried yet it the field (mine arrived with a small defect, so I am having it replaced).

Hope this helps! Best regards,

Vieri
 

Thanks!
 

You are very welcome Bruce, just an update - my replacement Ortlieb Atrack 45 ALSO arrived with a defect. At this point, I gave up on the thing and I would not recommend it. Waste of time.

Best regards,

Vieri
 
That looks like most of the typical backpacks I've used over the years -- that you can get used for $40. I prefer external frame, but I like the deserts.
 
Hey Bruce,

I am using a NYA-EVO Fjord 60 Econyl, which I love - most comfortable bag ever!

i'm using a 36L version. Quite comfortable, i've got to say that the shoulder pads could be better, but it's very sturdy. I have an intrepid 45 with 3 lenses and some other stuff and it can be quite cramped if i'm bringing a jacket or something else but overall it's a good size. I'd also like some more depth, i don't know if a larger camera like a monorail could fit in there.
 

I just got the new Fjord 50C for review from NYA-EVO, and I gotta say that it immediately replaced my Fjord 60C. It's much lighter than the larger version, at 1.9 kg vs 2.4 kg, and the size works perfectly for me. I can fit:

- Arca-Swiss F-Line custom, fully assembled with a lens and 15 cm monorail (except for the monorail extension, which stays separate in the bag)
- 3 more lenses, mounted on AS boards, all with cable release
- 12 film holders, 6 in a f/64 bag, 6 in ziplocks/neoprene socks
- Filter pouch with magnetic ND / polariser
- Filter cluster with magnetic colour filters (green, yellow, orange, red)
- Lightmeter
- Cloth
- Loupe
- Assorted accessories, such as Opinel knife, multitool, pen, headlamp, smartwatch, SPOT device, etc

and, I have room for clothes in the roll top, water bottles, and so on. The bag is very comfortable, has an aluminum frame, torso height can be customised to an extent and it feels very light on the back. Not sure if it's allowed to say that here and I apologise if it isn't (in which case let me know and I'll edit this message immediately), but as a NYA-EVO Ambassador I do have a discount code for NYA-EVO - PM me if interested.

Best regards,

Vieri
 

Hi Veri. Thanks for the details. I’m curious as to what inserts you are using.

-Bruce
 

I hope they upgraded the shoulder pads, they are the biggest problem with my 36L when hiking on a steep mountain with a complete hasselblad or intrepid kit.
 
Hi Veri. Thanks for the details. I’m curious as to what inserts you are using.

-Bruce
Hey Bruce,

you are very welcome, glad to help. At the moment, I am using two old Shimoda inserts I have configured long ago, they work for me and while I am sure the NYA-EVO inserts would work just as well (and they are slightly lighter) I have been lazy and kept the ones that worked for me.
I hope they upgraded the shoulder pads, they are the biggest problem with my 36L when hiking on a steep mountain with a complete hasselblad or intrepid kit.
Hey Tykos,

I don't know either way, my wife seems to be very happy with her 36 and its shoulder pads, with the gear she carries (about 7 kg bag included).

Hope this helps! Best regards,

Vieri
 
Hey Tykos,

I don't know either way, my wife seems to be very happy with her 36 and its shoulder pads, with the gear she carries (about 7 kg bag included).

Hope this helps! Best regards,

Vieri

i'm happy with the bag, but the shoulder pads are not on par with the bag itself. I carry water, tripod, jacket/fleece and hasselblad+3lenses+filters or intrepid+3lenses+4/5holders+spotmeter, so i think i'm way above 7kg total. Pads are quite thin and firm, the difference with my lowe alpine backpack (or any other ountaineering backpack i've owned) is noticeable.
Nothing wrong with a small kit or on a small hike, but after some hours it's hard to manage.
The pack is otherwise perfect.