Best non-backpack carrying case for monorail 4x5 (Arca-Swi..

External Since: Feb 02, 2004 Posts: 3

I recently bought an Arca-Swiss F metric 4x5. Now I need a case for
the camera, three lenses, binocular viewer, polaroid holder, film,
etc.

I don't need a backpack for the camera because I'm going to shoot
architecture and portraits with it, mostly within reach of a car,
although I'll certainly need to put the case on a cart and roll it up
and down curbs, so it will be jarred a bit. The main thing I want is
quick set-up and storage, preferably with the camera and lens fully
assembled. Second best would be to remove the lens only.

Obviously, I don't want to damage the equipment, but I've learned that
excessive set-up and breakdown time is a critical factor in the race
against oncoming weather, fading light, impatient portrait subjects,
etc. Is it safe to hang the camera upside-down in a bag, suspended
from the optical bench with space all around it? Are there bags
designed for that purpose? The camera compresses and disassembles
beautifully, but I don't want to hassle with that every time I want to
drive five minutes to a new location. Life and light are fleeting.

-- Barry

External Since: Feb 27, 2004 Posts: 59

I have an Omega 4x5 monorail camera that was given to me! Being cheap, I
wanted something to protect it well, but at a low cost case. I got a roll
around tool box (Stanley I think) at Home Depot for $19.95. I then modified
the top tote box by cutting out the center section and adding a wood frame
and foam padding covered with Cordura nylon. I put a 1x3 in the bottom of
the box (not fastened or glued) with a bolt thru it. The tripod mount of
the camera is secured to the bolt, the camera bellows are fully retracted
and centered. The whole thing (with 1x3 attached) is placed in the toolbox
and the tote tray slid down over it. This secures it in all directions.
Lastly the stock Stanley top is snapped on with bails at each end, and its
ready to go. Room for accessories in tray. Has wheels and a retractible
suitcase style handle.

"Barry" <bamunger.RemoveThis@aol.com> wrote in message
news:f810fb1e.0402020925.3fb4e5fe@posting.google.com...
> I recently bought an Arca-Swiss F metric 4x5. Now I need a case for
> the camera, three lenses, binocular viewer, polaroid holder, film,
> etc.
>
> I don't need a backpack for the camera because I'm going to shoot
> architecture and portraits with it, mostly within reach of a car,
> although I'll certainly need to put the case on a cart and roll it up
> and down curbs, so it will be jarred a bit. The main thing I want is
> quick set-up and storage, preferably with the camera and lens fully
> assembled. Second best would be to remove the lens only.
>
> Obviously, I don't want to damage the equipment, but I've learned that
> excessive set-up and breakdown time is a critical factor in the race
> against oncoming weather, fading light, impatient portrait subjects,
> etc. Is it safe to hang the camera upside-down in a bag, suspended
> from the optical bench with space all around it? Are there bags
> designed for that purpose? The camera compresses and disassembles
> beautifully, but I don't want to hassle with that every time I want to
> drive five minutes to a new location. Life and light are fleeting.
>
> -- Barry