ideas for carrying LF equipment

Macwax

Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2006
Messages
72
Location
Bethlehem, P
Format
4x5 Format
I searched but didn't find what I was looking for. I wonder what ideas you have come up with to carry your equipment. I have a 4 x 5 field camera and a heavy Zone VI tripod. Has anyone ever rigged up a golf bag carrier or something similar as a camera hauler.

I'd appreciate any comments. My knees are creaky these days and I'd like to be able to go a bit farther afield.

thanks,

John
 

pgomena

Member
Joined
Jun 25, 2003
Messages
1,391
Location
Portland, Or
Photobackpacker is an APUG sponsor. It is the company referenced in the link in williamtheis' post.

Peter Gomena
 

jp80874

Member
Joined
Jul 28, 2004
Messages
3,488
Location
Bath, OH 442
Format
ULarge Format
So much depends on what terrain you want to cover. The case in dwdmguy’s link has small casters that would work well on a smooth surface like a sidewalk or floor. This link on the Large Format Forum talks about the merits of luggage carts http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=58382
Dr. Jerold Harter points out that depending on how you load the cart you are still carrying a good portion of the weight. I question the dangers of bigger than caster wheels but still small solid wheels. In this link http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=56902 various joggers are considered. I like the big wheels and shocks for a smooth ride over obstructions. I started using this with 4x5 and move up in format through 8x10 and 7x17. If you want to do stairs, cliff sides or mountain trails you need to go to a back pack or find a sherpa and mule. Divorces or murders are made of such requests at home.

John Powers
 

Steve Smith

Member
Joined
May 3, 2006
Messages
9,109
Location
Ryde, Isle o
Format
Medium Format
I prefer this:



Although I do think it would be better with a horse.


Steve.
 

sun of sand

Member
Joined
Feb 8, 2007
Messages
601
Format
4x5 Format
thats overkill

as for the actual bag/container I use
I use a normal backpack and carry tripod in its case slung like a backpack over the backpack
Works very well

what you choose depends a bit on if you want to look like a photographer or just want to get er done

That LF specific pack would drive me nuts unzippering butterflying the entire thing
especially in snow or in brush
I couldn't use that
The little lens cases are neat but I do fine with a winter hat for each

I usually carry 2 or 3 lenses, 8 film holders, darkcloth, camera inside own case stuffed inside another winter beanie
spotmeter in front pouch
smaller front pouch i carry filters screw-in glass and 4x4 poly

But you're OLD
Still, don't see how push/pulling around a golf bag cart will ease your burden
Have you walked with one of them 18 holes? on maintained fairways even? I'd rather and always do just carry the clubs
and you want to take into the "field"
unless your "field" is paved I'd just carry em

I couldn't deal with that aggravation

GET OFF THE ROOT GET OFF DAMNIT YOU CAN DO IT THESE FRIGGN STICKS OH MUD? WONDERFUL
like the shopping cart with the one bad wheel
 

Pupfish

Member
Joined
Mar 21, 2008
Messages
307
Location
Monterey Co,
Format
4x5 Format
If further afield means wild places, a cart will only get you so far.

My solution is a real backpack, an internal frame Gregory with a greatly adjustable suspension system and a lot of lashing pts. Mine is a front loader that has 2 big compartments separated by a floor that can be dropped to make one big compartment. Cut foam does the organizing and allows it to be many pounds lighter and more versatile than any of the photo-specific ones.

For the creaky knees, I can heartily suggest getting a pair of newfangled hiking poles and use them on the down-hilling portions. They're God-sends. Mine are Leki's which have hidden 1/4-20 studs for use as monopods. They also double as XC ski poles by adding baskets.
 

rmann

Member
Joined
Mar 14, 2004
Messages
679
Location
New York
Format
4x5 Format
For flat, level, and hard terrain - jogging stroller - nothing will be easier to push. For really big loads - bike trailer or pet strollers - do a goggle search. I use a jogging stroller - holds a lot and keeps everything at waist level so when I stop there is no unpacking or bending over. For hiking - the Photobackpacker outfit is a great system. Also, you could take a look at the Feisol cart which looks like a light duty solution.
 

juan

Member
Joined
May 7, 2003
Messages
2,706
Location
St. Simons I
Format
Multi Format
Second the jogging stroller. I tried golf carts, back packs, etc, but over rather level terrain without large rocks, nothing beats the stroller. There's a place for everything, so there's little unpacking. The camera on tripod can lay across the top for moving short distances. Most fold so they fit in a trunk or station wagon.
juan
 

johnnywalker

Subscriber
Joined
Sep 23, 2002
Messages
2,323
Location
British Colu
Format
Multi Format
The jogging stroller. Mine has 3 largish bicycle type wheels.
 

Mark Fisher

Member
Joined
Dec 13, 2003
Messages
1,691
Location
Chicago
Format
Medium Format
Standard front panel opening pack. Mine is an REI brand that is similar to the Kelty redwind, I have my lenses in a fishing reel case from Cabellas......room for 4 lenses on Linhof boards. There is a pocket from my spotmeter and film slides fit in between everything else. The camera get wrapped with the darkcloth. I carry the tripod separagely, but could lash it on too. I'm basically doing a cheap version of photobackpacker version. His system seems about perfect to me and I may do that way if I startup on LF more this year
 

jdimichele

Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2008
Messages
8
Format
Large Format
I carry my cambo 4x5 monorail setup in a LowePro Super Trekker. The bag is pretty heavy empty (13lbs) but, like any other LowePro photo backpack, built to take a beating. I've considered converting backpacks to carry my gear but the reality is that the SuperTrekker is almost as big as any practical backpack. Considering the time required to convert a standard backpacking backpack into a photo backpack and the only thing you really gain is that the equivalent gear setup in the converted backpack probably saves you about 5lbs. However, you would have to do a pretty excellent job at converting the backpack to equal the flexibility and protection that the SuperTrekker provides.


Cheers,
Jay
www.jasondimichele.com
 

jgjbowen

Member
Joined
Oct 13, 2003
Messages
879
Location
Richmond, VA
Format
Large Format
Macwax said:
I have a 4 x 5 field camera and a heavy Zone VI tripod.

I'd appreciate any comments. My knees are creaky these days and I'd like to be able to go a bit farther afield.

thanks,

John
Click to expand...

My first sugggestion is to lose the HEAVY Zone VI tripod. It is overkill for a 4x5 field camera. I own one and it collects dust as I now use Ries J tripods for both my 8x10 and 7x17 cameras. If you are tall and need the extra height the heavy Zone VI provides take a look at the Ries J100-8 (see the badger site) I'm sure others can recommend some ultra light weight carbon tripods.

For moving my own 7x17 gear, I use a John Powers type Jogging Stroller if I am going to be more than 50 yards from the truck. For 8x10 I primarily use a f64 backpack.
 

srmcnamara

Member
Joined
Mar 30, 2008
Messages
141
Location
Baltimore
Format
4x5 Format
I actually just wrap my wooden Ikeda Anba in a sweatshirt and place it in a camelbak. my tiny 90mm angulon goes in a separate pocket. meter and film holders fit on the side elasticy pockets. Tripod goes over the shoulder.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…