DIY cheap camera case

[Dave Krueger]

One problem that keeps me from going out and doing more shooting is the lack of a good easily portable case. Since I'm too cheap to go out an buy one, I decided to build one. And then another. And soon to be yet a third...

I live near the unclaimed baggage outlet in Scottsboro, AL, so I was able to pick up a few boxy-style carry-on size suit cases for $11 each. I used double-wall cardboard, foam packing material from work, and cloth from the local fabric store. Here is the result.

The one on the left has my Shen-Hao and the one on the right has my RB67. Both have velcro straps to hold the tripod on the front. The third one will be for 35mm equipment.

The straight sides on the case allowed me to build the structure and then install it in the case after it was done.

 

[alan951]

Great idea. I think I'm going to check any local unclaimed baggage out let near me.

 

[Jeff Bannow]

Nice job! Wish that baggage center was up here in Michigan.

 

[stevebrot]

Great idea. It never occurred to me to modify a carry-on style bag to use with my Chamonix 045N-2 like what you have done for your Shen Hao. What I have done is to repurpose an Igloo-brand nylon lunch box as a field case. The Chammy fits nicely and there are a couple of pockets on the outside for various small stuff.


Steve

 

[Dave Krueger]

Hey, Steve. Can you post a picture of it? I looked at a number of tool boxes at Home Depot and Lowes. Some of those could be very useful as a camera case and they were quite cheap.

 

[2F/2F]

Good work. I had a similar idea, and I have raided the local thrift shops for some good suitcases. I got a few Samsonite cases that will do the trick, and even found a black Haliburton case that needs some repairs. Now all I need is the foam.

 

[Dave Krueger]

Here's a picture that shows the cardboard structure with the foam padding before I covered it with fabric. The fabric is attached with fabric glue. In some places I only used a couple layers of terrycloth for the padding.

 

[Dave Krueger]

2F/2F,

When bought the fabric, I noticed the store carried a lot of foam and fiber batting (like used in quilts and upholstery) which could also be used.

 

[Removed Account2]

What A great idea! At first I thought, who needs that, I have a car (at least my wife has), I have a few leftover camerabags that are pressed into service, carrying todays camera to the car, then they sit next to me, out hunting....

Then it all dawned on me, everybody and my MD says I should excercise. The smart thing then is having a purpose. Since I usually cannot bring more than one camera with me while walking, that is a turn-down.

But this is the solution, and a road to better health, which in turn is a road to better pictures!

Save for hiking trips to the log cabin, a suitcase like that can be aesily transported most places people WALK with ease. Only the imaginations limits this!

 

[mgb74]

And of course you can cut multiple foam dividers for different camera systems. Just make sure to use good quality upholstery or electronics foam.

 

[darinwc]

This is a great idea. I have also used soft lunch cooler for my busch pressman and my RB67. The insulation makes good padding.

Have you tried the foam from exercise/sleeping mats to cover the dividers?