OK - You got the 4X5. Now what?

[Erik L]

Ford Ranger - I can fit all my stuff from 4x5, 8x10 and 11x14 plus lenses and holders and tripods plus a cooler
erik

 

[ChrisC]

For anything within a 5 hour round trip walk I use my Lowepro backpack, but that limits me to where I can shoot. I'm currently working on a light, soft padded case for my camera, one for a lens and another for everything else. This way I can start packing my 4x5 away in my tramping pack and once I get a lighter, less bulky tripod, I'll be able to handle 1-3 night trips in the bush at the expense of a change of clothes or something else I don't necessarily need. It will also allow me to get sunrise/set photos in some of the locations I love going to, as I'll be able to shoot from a tent pretty comfortably.

Still gotta sort things out completely though. LF + tripod + tent + food + clothes needs to be reasonably well thought out.

 

[Paul.]

Like Eric,

Norma expert 5x4 in case, case in Landrover Discovery. When disco goes no further case goes on a shopping trolly tripod on strap.

I thought I needed a longer lens, I baught the Landrover and found I didnot.
Regards Paul.

 

[36cm2]

Go to www.photobackpacker.com. I have their RPT P1 and the right cases for my gear and it's just awesome. At maximum load, I carry a Tachihara 4x5, 3 lenses, a Rolleiflex 2.8F TLR, a Nikon F100 with a medium zoom lens and a 180mm fixed lens, a Pentax spotmeter, quickloads, tripod and all the other related odds and ends I need. I usually leave the 35mm stuff at home, which leaves a little more space in the pack and keeps the weight down. By the way, this pack is way lighter than anything from Lowepro and the suspension is top notch for extended hiking. Hiked around in Death Valley for a week recently and can't think of a better way to do it. If you're just going to carry the 4x5, you could certainly get away with their smaller backpacks. If you're shooting 5x7, 8x10, or multiple kits like I am (or if you're going to pack for longer hiking), then I would only consider the P1.

I have no connection to the company, just very happy with the quality of their gear and highly recommend it to others. Oh, and if you're thinking about not getting their cases because they're expensive, I'd think again, because they're probably the best part of the system. Great protection and well designed for easy but secure access. Ok, I'll stop the infomercial now. Best of luck.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

A Bogen back pack where the 4x5 and dark cloth fits in the lower compartment. I carry one lens only, and that's in a padded box in a top compartment along with about six or seven film holders, cable release, and filters. My meter fits in one of the outside pockets along with cleaning wipes, a bottle of water, some sun screen, a level, and a stop clock. (although I have never managed to remember all of those items on any single trip, at least one thing is left behind).
I carry my tripod.
My camera is a wooden field camera from Fine Art Photo Supply, and it folds together very nicely.

 

[daleeman]

I use a National Geographic backpack, medium version for my Tachie and two lenses, 10 holders. Unfortunatly I put the Tachie upstairs in the big open compartment, use a silk pillow case, film holders in a plastic bag in the long lens center area below and lens, air can, loupe and all about the sides. The dark cloth gets shoved in the notebook computer slot from the side. Holds two water bottles, straps for tripod. Does not have a belt to off load the bulk off your shoulders but does a nice job. Mondo pockets and tie points. It gets soggy, in the rain, but keep inside very dry.

 

[marduk]

I use the Lowepro CompuRover AW backpack. I carry Chamonix 45N-1, five holders and two lenses in the bottom compartment. Filters, dark cloth, other accessories and Domke bag with my Rolleiflex and 35mm RF go to the top. You can also attach a lightweight tripod to the backpack. I favor this setup for the travel.