Suggest a better camera backpack for a Shen Hao TFC617A kit?

I've been carrying my TFC617A in a Lowepro backpack with 3 lenses (one on the camera), 2 light meters, PangolinGears reflex viewer and one film back, and it's not the best fit. I also think the Lowepro backpack starts out kind of heavy by itself and is curved at the top, which cuts into storage space.

I could just look for a larger camera backpack for starters, but am also intrigued by the Eberlestock UpRanger.

Any thoughts on a better backpack for this kit?

Check out some of Nick Carver UTube videos. He uses a backpack for his large format work.

Atlas Athlete works for me, but they make the bigger Adventure pack.

True hiking pack heritage (proper shoulder straps and waist belt) plus the area of the pack not carrying camera gear can expand greatly for overnighters.

You could look at the Shimoda Explore v2 35L. While I only have a 4x5, the 30L has been such a wonderful and comfortable backpack on my hikes. I refer to it as my forever backpack. Here's the video that helped solidify my choice in the Shimoda, and here is a photo of my setup.

Shaps said:

Check out some of Nick Carver UTube videos. He uses a backpack for his large format work.

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I'vce watched many of Nick Carver's videos (religiously) and as far as I can tell he has/had a Renaissance Photo Tech P3 Backpack, which is no longer available. And that was from a 2016 video, so not sure if he is still using that or something newer. Thanks!

djdister said:

I'vce watched many of Nick Carver's videos (religiously) and as far as I can tell he has/had a Renaissance Photo Tech P3 Backpack, which is no longer available. And that was from a 2016 video, so not sure if he is still using that or something newer. Thanks!

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I had wondered what it was, thanks. Thinktank photo makes good bags also.

Franswa said:

You could look at the Shimoda Explore v2 35L. While I only have a 4x5, the 30L has been such a wonderful and comfortable backpack on my hikes. I refer to it as my forever backpack. Here's the video that helped solidify my choice in the Shimoda, and here is a photo of my setup.

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Thanks for the link and the photo of your setup. As noted in Todd's video, I also need to pick a size that can fit in the overhead bin of most airlines, which I guess is 35L at the largest.

I prefer the top opening camera back packs with waist straps to transfer the weight to the hips. I like the Tamron and RPT P3 camera backpacks. The Tamron backpacks have changed and the RPT is no longer made.

Sirius Glass said:

I prefer the top opening camera back packs with waist straps to transfer the weight to the hips. I like the Tamron and RPT P3 camera backpacks. The Tamron backpacks have changed and the RPT is no longer made.

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Thanks. The photo below shows why a top or side loader will not work for my setup (that's a non folding Shen Hao 6x17 camera). I just need a bit more room while also keeping the bag within airlines carry-on limits.

That format of bag is nice in that you have everything within view and within reach when you open it up, but yes, they start heavy. Do you think you could live with separate cases within a pack? See if any of the myriad inserts or icu's or whatever each company calls them (Tenba byob series) works for the camera, then find another for lenses and so on, then get a lightweight carryon sized hiking pack and slide those things in.
The downside of this method is the "yard sale" that occurs at your tripod legs.

Panel loading packs (your pack is one) are becoming harder and harder to find unless you buy used/vintage.


I thought this thing was going to be a winner for me. I found it at a local store, whole front flap opens up, and my Canham 8x10 fit inside. It turns out that while my 8x10 kit did fit, it was uncomfortable all loaded up, and you have to engineer your own padding/dividers since it is not a photo pack. The construction felt fine, and the pack wasn't too heavy. I think it may be a discontinued model.

Franswa said:

You could look at the Shimoda Explore v2 35L. While I only have a 4x5, the 30L has been such a wonderful and comfortable backpack on my hikes. I refer to it as my forever backpack. Here's the video that helped solidify my choice in the Shimoda, and here is a photo of my setup.

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A Shimoda Action X50 might be the solution, but of course I have to figure out the right insert(s) or core unit. In your photo, is your 4x5 sitting within a core unit, or rather sitting on top of a core unit?

Another reason I'm looking at the 50L bag is so I can also use it to carry my 5x7 Canham MQC (instead of the Shen Hao). No way can I carry both at the same time...

djdister said:

A Shimoda Action X50 might be the solution, but of course I have to figure out the right insert(s) or core unit. In your photo, is your 4x5 sitting within a core unit, or rather sitting on top of a core unit?

Another reason I'm looking at the 50L bag is so I can also use it to carry my 5x7 Canham MQC (instead of the Shen Hao). No way can I carry both at the same time...

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I would suggest the larger core unit since it’s taller. That’s the only thing I wish the 30L would accommodate, but alas. My camera is just in the open area above the core unit, and can be extracted from either the top zipper or while the back is open.

Franswa said:

I would suggest the larger core unit since it’s taller. That’s the only thing I wish the 30L would accommodate, but alas. My camera is just in the open area above the core unit, and can be extracted from either the top zipper or while the back is open.

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Thanks! First I debated getting the 40L or the 50L Shimoda, but since there is next to no difference in weight (unloaded), I figured I should get the 50L since it still fits within airline carryon limits (and to don't have to fill it all the way up). So, it's between the XL50 RST Core unit or the DSLR V3 Core (Large) unit. If I get the DSLR V3 Core (large) unit and add the Core unit Insert (Small, Parisian Nights), I have the option of making the bag a bit less "stuffed" by omitting the small Core unit insert if I don't need it, otherwise the XL50 RST Core unit will fill the entire bag, all the time. Decisions, decisions...

I’m interested in this camera too. Want to know the options of choosing the non- folding one vs the folding model.

zfshi said:

I’m interested in this camera too. Want to know the options of choosing the non- folding one vs the folding model.

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I chose the non-folding one for 2 main reasons: 1) it's quicker to set it since you don't have to unfold and lock it in place; and 2) I think the non-folding model is more stable than the folding one.

djdister said:

Thanks! First I debated getting the 40L or the 50L Shimoda, but since there is next to no difference in weight (unloaded), I figured I should get the 50L since it still fits within airline carryon limits (and to don't have to fill it all the way up). So, it's between the XL50 RST Core unit or the DSLR V3 Core (Large) unit. If I get the DSLR V3 Core (large) unit and add the Core unit Insert (Small, Parisian Nights), I have the option of making the bag a bit less "stuffed" by omitting the small Core unit insert if I don't need it, otherwise the XL50 RST Core unit will fill the entire bag, all the time. Decisions, decisions...

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Sounds like the 50L and DSLR large unit along with the core insert is the good choice for you. When I originally started to set up my bag I had the camera inside the core unit and made a DIY small insert for the top part using older pieces of other bags, and I did like that. Ultimately, I decided to put the camera up top to accommodate more film holder to eliminate needing to carry an extra pouch for the more holders(even though I have such pouch). While the Shimodas may weigh in more than their competitors, due to the rigid frame, that frame is significant in making these bags as comfy as they are. Along with the adjustable harness height, it's such a great bag.