Practical carrying solutions

John Austin · Apr 12, 2012

This question is based on my work during the last few days along the Southern Ocean coast - Much of this work was with a 10x8" wooden camera, two lenses, a Linhof twin-shank tripod, small meter (to have something to argue with) and four or five 10x8" DDS plus filters, hoods, screwdriver and all the other crap - Not using 10x8" for the current work is not an option

So far I have been walking with the camera over one shoulder, the crap in a bag on my other shoulder and using the tripod as a balancing stick - Someone must have solved this problem in a light and easy way - A set of helium balloons would be too prone to wind and I can't afford two assistants for this work

Any suggestions for moving this lot up and down narrow rocky or sandy cliff paths or over wet rocks will be gratefully received

John Austin
Quinninup

Rick A · Apr 12, 2012

I modified a golf bag and cart to haul my 4x5(s) tripods and assorted sundries, walking about whilst pulling that behind makes life easy.

Diapositivo · Apr 12, 2012

I have a possibly stupid answer.
When walking with weights each little saving in weight is a big saving in pain. Your Linhof tripod, although certainly sturdy, is probably conceived for studio purposes. By using a lighter tripod, engineered for carrying around, such as an expensive Gitzo in carbon fibre, you can shave 1 kg or more which might be well worth the price to pay. The tripod seems the only element in your setup where a saving in weight can be realized.

I agree with the above suggestion of a very light trolley if the paths you are following are not too much uneven.

Dr. no · Apr 12, 2012

Obviously the light meter is too much: you need a lighter meter.

No, but seriously, the tripod is only one thing you can reduce... this is one reason the smaller formats took over. I use the 11x14 for subjects I can drive to, 4x5 when in sight of the car, 6x6 for long hikes.

jp80874 · Apr 12, 2012

Here are some threads on the LF forum discussing various equipment with opinions on the benefits and liabilities.

http://www.largeformatphotography.i...71606-Transporting-8X10-gear&highlight=jogger

http://www.largeformatphotography.i...rge-format-carrying-stroller&highlight=jogger

John Powers

johnnywalker · Apr 12, 2012

A jogging stroller equipped with small bicycle wheels.

John Austin · Apr 12, 2012

Thanks for the suggestions so far

My next avenue of investigation will be something based on a bicycle trailer but with fat wheelbarrow wheels so they do not sink into the sand, on desert tracks as sell as on coastal sand

The answer of tripod change is already on the books, but these things are not cheap and I also will gladly accept recommendations on these as a selection mistake will be expensive - This new tripod will also be used for my 5x4" Linhof kit and I shall get rid of my rubbish tripods - The Manfrotto head I will give to the local scrap dealer to preserve anyone else from cursing its vibration

Thanks
John

mick8585 · Apr 12, 2012

Hi John, I cart my 8x10 outfit in an old suitcase and on a removalist's two wheeled trolley. I would suggest changing the wheels to bigger pneumatic wheels (off a wheelbarrow) for the soft sand. Total cost $46($9 suitcase from opshop, two bungee cords $8, trolley $29).It works in a country or urban setting for me.

John Austin · Apr 13, 2012

mick8585 said:
Hi John, I cart my 8x10 outfit in an old suitcase and on a removalist's two wheeled trolley. I would suggest changing the wheels to bigger pneumatic wheels (off a wheelbarrow) for the soft sand. Total cost $46($9 suitcase from opshop, two bungee cords $8, trolley $29).It works in a country or urban setting for me.

Thanks,

That is how I was working at Wayatchem, on the pathy bits it was OK, but I had to make a kind of camp with a Pelican case resting on the trolley laid flat and walking to and fro to change lenses, get more DDS and so on - I am now thinking in terms of a backpack and carbon fibre tripod, I have a big silver jelly print sale going through at the moment so may buy one from that - However, clambering across rocks with a big backpack and tripod has its own drawbacks, and at 67 I only have twenty or thirty years left to work in this way

Any observations on a good tripod to support a 10x8" Tackyhara would be welcome - "Tackyhara" as it is not my favourite camera and needed considerable modification before it could be used - I bought it because it was cheap as an importer's run-out line

Larry H-L · Apr 14, 2012

Grumpy, Just be careful with a light tripod on an 8x10, the set up can become top heavy, especially when pointing the camera down.

I've had the entire rig topple over, so weight the tripod once you pick your spot.

Wyno · Apr 14, 2012

Hi John, I currently have an 8x10 triple extension "Tackyhara" that I use exclusively for outdoor work and I've carried it in a Black Wolfe "Cedar Breaks" 90 litre backpack pack with day pack attached. I have a polystyrene safety cell that holds the camera and lens, light meter, cable releases loupe etc, that goes in the main section and my 10 film holders go in the attached day pack. I carry my Manfrotto 075 tripod with three way head in my hand as I walk. I have carried all this for up to 15 km's through the Otways, up hill and down dale, whether there has been a track to follow or not. I am, however, going to get a new, lighter, tripod and, after discussion with people on the LFF forum, have decided on a Fiesol CT3471 4 section tripod from Really Big Cameras that I will attach my three way head to. At the moment these tripods (carbon fibre) are $319 USD which is quite reasonable, and they are fairly light as well. You can get the back pack from Anaconda, if one exists in WA and just google Really Big Cameras for their website. Good luck with your decision.
Mike

Practical carrying solutions

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