Pelican Case question

omaha · Apr 4, 2014

I didn't want to hijack the camera bag thread, so here goes.

I want to get a Pelican (or Pelican style) hard case for my RB setup.

I have:

- RB body
- Four film backs
- 50mm, 90mm and 180mm lenses

I'd like to be able to fit all that into a case, as well as a good supply of film.

I'm looking for a recommendation for a specific model of Pelican case that would work. I've worked out the sizes and such, and think I have an idea, but what worries me is I won't really know if its "right" until I buy it and get the foam all picked out...and then its too late.

Anyone have a setup like this? I'd be super-grateful if you could post a photo of your setup and show how you arrange the case.

TIA!

Trail Images · Apr 4, 2014

I just upgraded my older Pelican case that is a 1550 unit. When I say that I had the original foam insert prior for at least 15+ years now. The reason for my upgrade was do to G.A.S. The upgrade was to the 1555 padded insert. It gives a better approach to dividing things as it were to accommodate more "stuff".

My original foam setup I had the ProSD with metered prism unit and one lens mounted all as one. Then I had 4 additional lenses inserted in the foamed out points as well.

With the new 1555 padded insert unit I have the body & prism assembled with no lens on it and then 9 lenses ranging from the 37mm thru the 180mm in-between the padded dividers. So basically an addition of 4 more lenses in the same Pelican case.

I use the case for storage and transport in a vehicle as the weight is A LOT. I move things to my backpack for field work as needed.

omaha · Apr 4, 2014

Interesting. Thanks for the thoughts.

Here's another question...Would I be able to fit a second RB body in the 1550? This is all being done in anticipation of a portrait business that is gaining some traction. I don't want to get caught on location without spares.

Trail Images · Apr 4, 2014

If it was only the body and no back, viewfinder, lens, etc. possibly. However, I would think there would be a trade off of sorts somewhere. The padded dividers of the 1555 insert are much easier for fiddling with for proper sizing overall. Whereas the foam is once chopped it's chopped and no going back without spending $$ for a new foam insert.

jcoldslabs · Apr 4, 2014

I managed to fit two Mamiya 7 bodies plus three lenses, an SB-24 flash, and a Fuji GSW690II in a Pelican 1520 case. Once I carefully laid out the most efficient arrangement of the gear and plucked the foam carefully this was an amazingly compact carrying arrangement. At the time I bought it the 1520 was the biggest Pelican case that met the maximum carry-on luggage size guidelines for most airlines.

My favorite thing about plucked foam is that each time I packed up I knew for sure if a camera or lens was missing because each had a specific place. With padded Velcro dividers I sometimes mix and match what goes where and I can get confused in the heat of battle.

I can't provide a photo since I recently sold a lot of that gear and converted the case to hold my 8x10. Good luck.

Jonathan

BobinGV · Apr 4, 2014

I've fit a RB body w/waist level finder, 2 lenses, 2 backs, 1 polaroid back, prism finder, filters, and other accessories in a Pelican 1600.

Alan Gales · Apr 5, 2014

I used to own a big Pelican case with pick and pluck foam for my Bronica EC outfit. I have also owned an RZ67 with 50, 110 and 180 lenses.

I recommend getting a Pelican case with the wheels (RB outfits are heavy) and the padded dividers. The pick and pluck is fine until you decide to buy another body or lens and want to reconfigure your case. Also get something a little bigger than you now need in case you buy additional equipment because you probably will.

StoneNYC · Apr 5, 2014

pelican 1510sc is the one I keep my RZ67 in, I own the larger 1560sc as well which I use for my toyo45a.

The 1510sc is more than enough room for... Body, 3 lenses (50,90,180) and 1 extension tube (or a 4th lens) 3 backs, 10 rolls of film, AND still have room for large play space for a combination of items, I can use it to mix and match 2 of these 3 items at any one time... Sekonic 7xxDR light meter with spot, Polaroid NPC back, and pocket wizard bag that contains 4 pocket wizards... Again a combination of 2 of those at one time (so I usually just don't bring the Polaroid back).

You could substitute this space for a second body with a back attached to it easily.

I would take a picture but I'm not home, I can tomorrow if you want.

I ended up getting the cheaper version without the lid compartments and opted for foam in the lid, but still have the lens compartments, the other two studio cases I own do have the lid compartments for holding bags or laptops or chords or model releases etc.

benjiboy · Apr 5, 2014

I suggest whichever size you choose don't get the foam insert option get the padded divider set, I know it's much more expensive but it's far more versatile and you can get much more in the case, and as far as film is concerned get the lid organizer which also isn't cheap but will hold all your film and accessories. https://www.flickr.com/photos/danfegent/7902074528/

Trail Images · Apr 5, 2014

Here is the setup I have now with the padded inserts. There is one missing lens in for CLA right now, that is the 150 Soft Focus unit. As you can see it's easy to figure out if anything is not in place with the smaller to larger lens placed clockwise in the padding.

StoneNYC · Apr 5, 2014

Okay, now that I'm home I can share with you my pelican case set ups...

The 4x5 which is the 1560sc

Have to apologize, I've actually been going through a consolidation, and So many of my holders aren't in here so it looks a little sparse, but it holds everything I need.

Body, 4 lenses, up to 16 standard regal/fidelity holders, compendium, light meter, stack of filters.

In the lid I keep extra pencils and dark cloth and desicant packets.

Next, the model shoot case 1510sc, holds 2 35mm bodies and 1 Mamiya 7 body, 3 canon lenses, and 3 Mamiya lenses, and a few filters and film (normally in the top left hole, the excess film scattered is part of a "cleansing" I'm doing, I'm not allowed to touch the fridge until I kill my old film but normally it looks a lot cleaner)

In the lid I have a 15 inch laptop and model releases, and the side pouch keeps sharpies and electronic triggers etc.

And finally the other 1510sc (with foam lid... This was mostly due to the fact that for this camera system I wouldn't need a laptop, and I really didn't need any excess space for triggers or anything like that, and I felt that the extra foam on the lid would help protect the body and lenses which are just a little bit heavier and a little less robust than the Canon gear, having the choice again, I probably would have gone for the fancier lid, as it's really handy for a lot of other things, but I'm not unhappy with this case it works and protects my gear really well.

As I mentioned before, a body, 4 backs (one is a 70mm back so it's different looking) and 3-4 lenses (assuming the extension tube could be another lens) and still room for the Polaroid back which I will probably replace with other stuff, but that center top hole is big enough for another body with back attached to it.

All of these cases have wheels... Are really tough, etc, and the 1510's can come with you in the plane for overhead storage to prevent theft from baggage guys who often steal stuff from the cargo area of the plane ...

omaha · Apr 5, 2014

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I had some points on Amazon, so I went ahead and ordered one.

We'll see how things fit next week when it arrives, but based on these photos, I think this will work out.

Cheers!

StoneNYC · Apr 5, 2014

omaha said:
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I had some points on Amazon, so I went ahead and ordered one.

We'll see how things fit next week when it arrives, but based on these photos, I think this will work out.

Cheers!

Which did you order?

omaha · Apr 5, 2014

The 1550. I'm going to see if I can sort out a configuration that works. If not, I'll send it back and get the one with the dividers.

StoneNYC · Apr 5, 2014

omaha said:
The 1550. I'm going to see if I can sort out a configuration that works. If not, I'll send it back and get the one with the dividers.

Eww... No wheels??? Best of luck to your muscles....

Alan Gales · Apr 5, 2014

StoneNYC said:
Eww... No wheels??? Best of luck to your muscles....

Yeah, with an RB a motor would help too!

Alan Gales · Apr 5, 2014

Stone, that is something for you to invent, a motorized camera case!

omaha · Apr 5, 2014

Heh. Good thing I have the strength of ten men.

In all seriousness, I'm not likely to ever carry this very far. Its just replacing the cardboard box that I've been using to lug my gear. Mostly it gets lugged from my car to where ever it is we're shooting...like 30 feet away.

Alan Gales · Apr 6, 2014

Yeah, 30' ain't so bad. Just take care of your back. I have had mine fused together. I haul my 8x10 around in a wheeled cordura tool case and I still don't go very far from my Jeep (my Ries J100 tripod isn't the lightest thing either).

StoneNYC · Apr 6, 2014

omaha said:
Heh. Good thing I have the strength of ten men.

In all seriousness, I'm not likely to ever carry this very far. Its just replacing the cardboard box that I've been using to lug my gear. Mostly it gets lugged from my car to where ever it is we're shooting...like 30 feet away.

I understand, but those cases get heavy really fast, I started with a FREE pelican case my buddy gave me similar to the one you ordered, then I spent $200 to get wheels... Even 30 feet becomes a chore when you're doing it a few times a week, the wheels become worth it.

That said, you have to do what works for you.

I would guestimate without using a scale that my case is 40-50lbs easy...

Good luck! And report back to use

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