Desktop Computer Road Cases for ULF cameras

David A. Goldfarb · May 26, 2010

So after a few years of living in a cardboard box, my 1890s 11x14" American Optical field camera finally has a case in the form of a Tenba road case for a Mac G5 tower computer. As laptops are so powerful these days, I suspect that fewer people are schlepping these bulky desktop computers to trade shows and conventions and photographers who need to edit on location are much more likely to be using laptops, so there are some bargains to be had on these very sturdy and relatively lightweight cases.

Here's what they look like new--

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=tenba+mac+tower+case&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

I got the one without wheels used on eBay for around $200, and it's a perfect fit for the camera, five holders (I only have 4), with room to spare for lenses, darkcloth, etc., and if I ever decide to travel with this camera, it could be checked on a plane.

David A. Goldfarb · May 26, 2010

Here's a quick snapshot.

Curt · May 26, 2010

That's so unfair showing that beautiful 11x14 camera! And All I can see is just the top of it, nice case too.

Dave Wooten · May 26, 2010

Curt said:
That's so unfair showing that beautiful 11x14 camera! And All I can see is just the top of it, nice case too.

Curt, it is sort of like "flashing"

coriana6jp · May 26, 2010

Damn. It's just a little too small for my camera. I keep looking for something like this & haven't been able to find something reasonable.

Gary

David A. Goldfarb · May 26, 2010

I've shown it off before--

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2006-05-10-photography-survival_x.htm

David A. Goldfarb · May 26, 2010

Gary, what are your exact measurements? I think the official specs include some removable cushions that could come out, though they would be good to use if you're actually shipping the camera or checking it on a plane.

coriana6jp · May 26, 2010

David,

I am at work, so going from memory its 65cm x 43cm x 15cm (LWH when folded). Being a 12x20 is quite a big larger than your 11x14, I would imagine.

Thanx.

Gary

David A. Goldfarb · May 26, 2010

The maximum dimensions of the case are 21.25 x 10.75 x 21.5 inches, which would be approximately 54 x 27 x 54 cm, and there is a foam block in the cover that could be removed covering about half the depth that's about 5 cm thick, so it wouldn't fit the 12x20, but might work for Dave's 14x17.

My camera is 18" square including knobs and not too thick, which is pretty compact as 11x14" cameras with reversible backs go.

coriana6jp · May 26, 2010

David,

Thanks for checking, I figured it was probably too small......the search goes on.

Gary

totalamateur · May 26, 2010

google "transit cases"

I occasionally find surplus military transit cases that often would accomodate just about anything you could find film for. The Army uses them for all kinds of stuf, and are often waterproof. You'll find a lot for night vision goggles, which are too small, but I've seen them for field computers, rocket launchers, Satcoms, etc. that would proably be large enough.
Now if I can just get my 20x24 built.

Curt · May 26, 2010

David A. Goldfarb said:
I've shown it off before--

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2006-05-10-photography-survival_x.htm

Sorry, I was younger then and now I have fewer brain cells and that's stretching it.

Curt

Dave Wooten · May 27, 2010

David A. Goldfarb said:
The maximum dimensions of the case are 21.25 x 10.75 x 21.5 inches, which would be approximately 54 x 27 x 54 cm, and there is a foam block in the cover that could be removed covering about half the depth that's about 5 cm thick, so it wouldn't fit the 12x20, but might work for Dave's 14x17.

My camera is 18" square including knobs and not too thick, which is pretty compact as 11x14" cameras with reversible backs go.

When I first read the post earlier, I checked the specs on the B and H website and I determined the 14 x 17 wouldn't fit. I'll measure it again in the morning (it is in its pelican 1640 nest right now...I pack in in that when I put it in the back of the truck..it is not handy but is most protective, it has wheels etc. If I had to ship it I would pay the extra weight for the 1640 etc) It would really be nice to have something I could carry on.

I have the G 5 tower and it measures 18 3/4 x 20 1/8 x 8.

With the knobs approx 23 x 22 x 8 would work, plus padding Interior dimensions . It is really hard to find a case like that. I have built one out of wood with an open top and have used it also out of the 2nd door of the truck...I wrap the camera in a naugahyde wrap and it is easy to open the door and slide it out. So far the camera has been via truck, only in Arizona and Nevada.

paul_c5x4 · May 27, 2010

totalamateur said:
I occasionally find surplus military transit cases that often would accomodate just about anything you could find film for. The Army uses them for all kinds of stuf, and are often waterproof. You'll find a lot for night vision goggles, which are too small, but I've seen them for field computers, rocket launchers, Satcoms, etc. that would proably be large enough.

I have one of those waterproof ex-military cases... Says "30 25mm armor piercing shells" on the side - Does not go down well with TSA & fellow passengers when flying as carry-on

David A. Goldfarb · May 27, 2010

The Tenba G5 tower case is definitely too big to use as a carry-on, but it's designed to be padded well enough to ship in checked luggage.

Dave Wooten · May 27, 2010

If the G 5 case is substantial enough to be shipped checked luggage and can survive the conveyor belts etc. then that would be a plus over my Pelican 1640. Although it is build like a tank, and seemingly crush proof, it does weigh in the 30 lb range and with the 32 lb weight of the camera the added shipping is surely a chunk of change... so far I haven t flown with it but am planning to hit the east coast which would be an airline trip. A road trip is planned for the midwest and then down to the Florida Keys.

Side note: I use an Offshore Angler cordura case, designed for fishing gear for 8 x 10 (Wista)carry-on and it works ok. They are made in various sizes. The one I have is 18 x 22 x 8, however padding is minimal.

totalamateur · May 27, 2010

paul_c5x4 said:
I have one of those waterproof ex-military cases... Says "30 25mm armor piercing shells" on the side - Does not go down well with TSA & fellow passengers when flying as carry-on

Funny - made a little beer land on the screen.

At one point I had a "secret" sticker stuck on a laptop to be funny. Had to explain that one as well (and remove the sticker)

Where did you get yours? At the risk of flooding my suplier:
http://www.murphyjunk.bizland.com/
He ships.

paul_c5x4 · May 28, 2010

totalamateur said:
Where did you get yours? At the risk of flooding my suplier:
http://www.murphyjunk.bizland.com/
He ships.

Picked the ammo case* up from an army surplus store on a trip to the States back in '96. Had fun & games flying back with it then, heaven knows what it would be like now...

* Dead Link Removed

Desktop Computer Road Cases for ULF cameras

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