Carrying 4x5 film holders

[scootermm]

This question is mostly in regards to 4x5 film holders but Im also curious about 8x10 film holders as well.
How do you all carry your film holders into the field? I basically have two plastic bags, one for exposed one for unexposed holders. I need a more reliable durable means to carry them in the field. Usually its between 4-8 holders at a time depending on how long I might be out. Ive seen the holders at gnassgear.com and was impressed with how they looked and saw them referenced in the Jack Dykinga Large format book. Although Id like to hear what others have used and if anyone has any ingenious ideas (there seem to be loads around here) for good things to use. Ive even contemplated getting a photo vest, something I swore I wouldnt do when I first started photography because of how cliched they were in my minds eye..... but the versatility seems indespensible.

just curious what others utilize.

 

[papagene]

I just have them on one side of my camera bag - I usually have about 10 or 12 - and take from the front and return to the back. Not very ingenious, but it does work, for me at least. I don't want to cary around anything extra - too confusing.
gene

 

[removed account4]

4x5 ... i have a small fake leather camera bag that can hold 12 holders or a speed graphic and 4 holders. i also have a colman cooler that can hold about 15 holders.

5x7 ... they go in the same faux leather camera bag, but sideways and i can only fit 6-8 of them.

8x10 ... i have a big tupperware-esque rectangular box that holds the camera, and 10+ holders, but, it weighs a ton, and i don't go far from the car.

like gene i take from the front and put in the back...

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

For 4x5" I use Grafmatics. If I'm traveling light and shooting rangefinder style with the Technika, I might carry just my camera with one lens and one Grafmatic on the camera, and maybe two in a belt pack designed for 4x5" filmholders. These hold 4 regular holders or 2 Grafmatics, and you can sometimes find them on the used market.

Normally I just carry them in my case. I have a few different cases I use for 4x5", and they have room for 4 to 6 Grafmatics. I've been storing my holders in a Perrin Kompak case--I'm not sure what this was designed for, but it would hold a dozen Grafmatics neatly, if I had a dozen Grafmatics, and I guess if I wanted to travel with as many holders as I have, I would use it for that.

Perrin made outstanding leather camera cases. I've accumulated a small collection. My favorite is the Perrin 200, which was designed for a 4x5" press camera, with room for 6 Grafmatics, a few lenses and the usual accessories, and you can store the camera in the case with a side grip (or I suppose one of those Star Wars flashbulb units) attached for quick access. Perrin bags don't have all the compartments of modern bags, but they are very well made, and the older ones feature classic styling that Fogg and Billingham can only aspire to, and they are relatively inexpensive. They also came in designs that are perfect for older cameras, like the 200 for press cameras or the little 700 for medium-format folders.

For 8x10" I don't usually travel with more than 5 holders, which fit in one compartment of the computer knapsack that I use for my 8x10" Gowland PocketView. If I'm on foot, I tend to carry three holders at a time.

I haven't gone far with the 11x14" camera, but when it gets out of the house, I usually carry the holders in a canvas tote bag.

 

[Francesco]

My backpack has a separate zippered compartment to carry all 6 of my 8x10 holders - each one of course in their zip-lock bag. I prefer to have more film with me than lenses so I make do with just one when on foot so that I can bring all 6 holders out with me.

 

[mark]

6 5x7 holders In the backpack in individual ziplocs. I know it's anal but dust is really pissing me off. pull from the front put in the back. For 4x5 color I use fuji quickloads. I have yet to be able to load a tranny in a holder without scratching the hell out of it. It also gives me twenty shots in the space of four holders. The peace of mind is worth the extra money.

 

[roteague]

How do you all carry your film holders into the field?

That's an easy question. I don't carry film holders into the field. These days I only shoot QuickLoads. They are light and take up very little space; plus, they have plenty of room to write down information about shoot on the holder itself. Of course, they are more expensive.

 

[scootermm]

That's an easy question. I don't carry film holders into the field. These days I only shoot QuickLoads. They are light and take up very little space; plus, they have plenty of room to write down information about shoot on the holder itself. Of course, they are more expensive.

thats mainly why I specified the shooters that do carry film holders. Ive had many people when I ask them about dust issues and film holder transporting suggest readyloads/quickloads. But that isnt an option. I shoot film not available in ready/quick and if it were the expense could not be justified with my meager budget. just is in no way cost efficient and would impose too much stress upon each of my shots. I am much more prone to experiment when I know the sheet only cost me $.50 rather than $2. Plus I learn more with this process and am able to experiment more fully. I even ventured once and bought a 10 sheet box of velvia.... while I enjoyed the film and the resulting negatives it just was entirely too expensive.

so for those that have answered in regards to film holders I appreciate it. I guess my plastic bag method is fairly common (I understand the LOATHING of dust - and the anal tendencies it brings out). Although I am still very interested in the Gnass Gear 10 holder and would love to help support Mr Gnass with my business but not sure if I can internally justify $57 for some cordura and loops. if only sewing were a hobby I could remedy a majority of my large format issues.

 

[esearing]

Cheap Dopkit from Target's travel luggage area. Red one for Color holders, Yellow for B&W filled holders. Other colors to hold box film and other stuff. These fit on either side of my monorail in a large duffle bag.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Another cheap solution are those insulated bags for carrying a six-pack. I've used one of those in the warm weather when traveling by car.

 

[glbeas]

Check out military surplus canteen belts, if I remember right it will hold 4x5 film holders. Put two on one belt if you can.

 

[photomc]

I use a small camera bag, made for 35mm, but it holds the 4x5 film holders just fine. The top of it covers the opening very well and seems to help keep dust out. I carry all I have, 10 of em and when each one is exposed, it goes in with the darkslide pull down to help me know it has been used (along with the silver side vs dark side). Have not done a lot of 4x5 yet, so this is a starting point. The bag does well so far, I carry filters, cable, light meter, and loupe this way - with camer mounted on tripod.

 

[matt miller]

I use an F64 BPX backpack for my 8x10. It will hold 3 holders (all I own) in the front zipper pouch. I don't use plastic bags as I find them too cumbersome. It seems the more I worry about dust, the more of a problem it becomes. When I don't think about it, it's not a problem.

 

[Shmoo]

I use the medium sized Stuff Sac from Eagle Creek which can be found at REI Coop. They hold 3-4 4x5 holders or 2 grafmatics and are pretty dust proof. They're zippered and they have a plastic hook/latch that you can latch on to your tripod as you're working.

 

[Rich Long]

Gnass Gear film holder files work well for me. A little pricey, but very good quality.

 

[PJC]

Calumet has some nice film holder pouches for 4x5 holders. Check them out here: http://www.calumetphoto.com/ctl?PAG...&ac.cat.CatTreeSearch.detail=y&type=SPDSEARCH

I've used them both inside a pack and stapped to the outside; they work great.

Regards, Pete

 

[Graeme Hird]

I use a pair of cheap (~US$7.00) insulated kids lunch boxes from K-mart. They each hold 8 film holders in padded security that also keeps them cool.

 

[scootermm]

I use the medium sized Stuff Sac from Eagle Creek which can be found at REI Coop. They hold 3-4 4x5 holders or 2 grafmatics and are pretty dust proof. They're zippered and they have a plastic hook/latch that you can latch on to your tripod as you're working.

these are perfect. I bought two yesterday using the remainder of my REI dividend. perfect use for it.

Thanks to all for the suggestions.