Which Pelican Case for HVX + M2 + Extras

[strange]

With about 25 years of camera work behind me, I have found the Pelican cases to be the best protection money can by for production gear. They are solid, water-tight unites that can take years of hard treatment from yourself, assistants and all those tough guys at the airport! I currently own four of the 1550's - one for audio gear, one for a matte box, one for batteries and one for a three light Dedo kit. The great thing about these cases is that once I pack them well (not just throwing stuff into them, but every thing in it's place) I know that everything inside is safe. I can't tell you how many times after a shoot that I have just tossed a few things in the back of the truck because I'm tired and I'm not driving too far, only to find something broken because I had to stop quickly or turn sharp.

Having said that, I must admit that with my recent purchase of a HVX200P, I elected to purchase a Portabrace bag first. I reasoned that the camera will be with me not not shipped, and that the Portabrace is much easier to work out of that a hard case. I purchased the CS-DV4, which conforms to current airlines carry-on restrictions. If I had my choice, I would have picked black instead of the standard blue, just because it is a little more nondescript. I'm sure every thief in the world knows that any "Portabrace Blue" bag has something good inside!

On the topic of air travel, I have a couple of quick comments.

First, batteries can be issue. Although most Lithium-Ion batteries that we use are small in size, the number of batteries can be an issue. I now carry a declaration of the larger Pag batteries I use when shooting Betacam.

I too try and wait for security to inspect my cases so I can "lock" them. I use those quick one-time use "zip-locks". If someone really wants the goods, they are going to take the whole case. I'm more concerned about the case opening in transit or on the luggage belt - I've seen that! I also understand that if officers want to take a look inside your case and your not there, they just cut the locks. If they cut my zip-lock - no problem. They cost about .10 cents. I keep a bunch in one of the cases that will be checked and only take out the four or whatever the number is of what I need to lock. You will not be able to take them on-board.

A couple of months ago, I did a job for a company out of L.A., and they simply shipped a Sony PD150 by FedEx to Toronto, Canada. It arrived in two days - in a Pelican case! We used their camera and shipped it back down. No problems at all.

For overseas work (and for me entering the US), the best way to move gear in and out of a country is a Carnet. This is quite the document and requires customs officers at all boarders to sign various forms, but bringing gear is never an issue. You get them through your local Chamber of Commerce. I'm not an expert on using the Carnet, but I'd be happy to try and answer any questions anyone has.

Michael Strange

 

[Cees Mutsaers]

The only thing a would be worried about is when transporting a HVX in a pelican is that the OIS is loose when the cam is powered down. So when tossing the pelican around by the luggage people could damage the OIS. Maybe Jan C.L. can give us an idea how vulnerable that OIS system is during transport when the cam is not powered.

 

[USLatin]

YES that is the issue... I belive the only one with checking an HVX. There are no moving parts other than the "less-important" DV tape mechanisms and it would take a serious drop such as from the top of the overflowing luggage cart driving up to the plane to damage anything else if well packed in a pelican/similar case (this is only my guess) but I am quite sure a FRAGILE sticker/declaration would get you away from the top of a cart like most of the time...

I don't have my Barry Book yet, but there might be a mention of this in the "What's that clicking noise?" section in the beginning... I'd like to hear about this too

 

[Cees Mutsaers]

Now you are making fun of me about suggesting not knowing what the"clunck sound " is !!!

YES that is the issue... I belive the only one with checking an HVX. There are no moving parts other than the "less-important" DV tape mechanisms and it would take a serious drop such as from the top of the overflowing luggage cart driving up to the plane to damage anything else if well packed in a pelican/similar case (this is only my guess) but I am quite sure a FRAGILE sticker/declaration would get you away from the top of a cart like most of the time...

I don't have my Barry Book yet, but there might be a mention of this in the "What's that clicking noise?" section in the beginning... I'd like to hear about this too

 

[7CS]

I ordered a Storm Case iM2950 (same size as 1650) with foam for $220 shipped UPS 3day. Got it from a tactical eqipment supplier Botac and it's even orange so I can spot it easier at the airport. Haven't received it yet so I can't give a review, but I've read good things about them and they are also guaranteed for life unconditionally.

 

[Erik Olson]

im2950 is a great case for a full package, but it will definitely force your camera under the plane instead of under your seat.

If you'd called me, I would have recommended a smaller, two case configuration (like two im2500s) - one for the camera on the plane as a carry-on and a second for the accessories for checked baggage.

If you're not flying much, it might be a moot point. Definitely drop back in and let us know how you like your Hardigg Storm Cases - they're the only cases we use.

e

 

[Cees Mutsaers]

is there any andvantage of the pelican 1510 over the storm IM2500 and vice versa?

 

[Erik Olson]

The Pelican brand has been around longer on this type of case, so many in the industry are quick to choose it over the newer Storm cases.

In truth, the Storm is a superior product in many ways. Lighter, more advanced materials go into the Storm case and they feature patented latches which are much easier on the user than the classic Pelis. Granted, Pelican updated their latches shortly after the Storm cases hit the market.

Another improvement in the Storm over the Pelican is the captive pressure-release valve. Again, Pelican has recently done away with the screw-type valves everyone was losing (for years before they decided to correct the design flaw) in favor of one like the captive neoprene Vortex valves on the Storms.

Pelican hinges have less material capturing the rod material than the comparable Storm case does. The handles on the Storm cases are softer than the rigid Pelican versions and much less stiff to raise and lower. Anyone who has bloodied themselves on Pelican latches and handles are instantly won over by the Storm case's ergonomics and thoughtful designs.

In two short years, our Hardigg cases have about 135,000 miles on them by ground and air and have thus far never failed us or the gear inside.

Veracruz, Mexico

e

 

[Cees Mutsaers]

But the hight of the storm IM2500 is just a little smaller than that of the pelican 1510 and even in the Pelican you can (or just can not) put the HVX in with the handle upwards so you can take the HVX out of the case by the handle. Am I right on this ???????? Bigger cases are not allowed to carry as handlugge in a plane.

The Pelican brand has been around longer on this type of case, so many in the industry are quick to choose it over the newer Storm cases.

In truth, the Storm is a superior product in many ways. Lighter, more advanced materials go into the Storm case and they feature patented latches which are much easier on the user than the classic Pelis. Granted, Pelican updated their latches shortly after the Storm cases hit the market.

Another improvement in the Storm over the Pelican is the captive pressure-release valve. Again, Pelican has recently done away with the screw-type valves everyone was losing (for years before they decided to correct the design flaw) in favor of one like the captive neoprene Vortex valves on the Storms.

Pelican hinges have less material capturing the rod material than the comparable Storm case does. The handles on the Storm cases are softer than the rigid Pelican versions and much less stiff to raise and lower. Anyone who has bloodied themselves on Pelican latches and handles are instantly won over by the Storm case's ergonomics and thoughtful designs.

In two short years, our Hardigg cases have about 135,000 miles on them by ground and air and have thus far never failed us or the gear inside.

Veracruz, Mexico

e

 

[Erik Olson]

You're absolutely right on this - the im2500 allows the camera to rest on its side. I am not aware of any case that is TSA / FAA carry-on compliant which allows the HVX200 to sit handle up within the case.

Actually, I'm not certain why this would necessarily be desirable anyway.

e

 

[Cees Mutsaers]

If you put the HVX on the side do you put it in lens op or down. I am still worried about the moving OIS which could get damaged.

You're absolutely right on this - the im2500 allows the camera to rest on its side. I am not aware of any case that is TSA / FAA carry-on compliant which allows the HVX200 to sit handle up within the case.

Actually, I'm not certain why this would necessarily be desirable anyway.

e

 

[pilotroc]

I'm using a Pelican 1620 case. It holds my HVX 200 with CV Mattebox attached, 2 G-raid 500GB harddrives, a 7" monitor, 7-8 Filters, batteries,charger, 2 boxes (8"x 10"x3") for cords, small toolsand parts, and I could put a mic or 2 in, but I use another case for all location sound equip. This unit has wheels and a pull out handle. It all works great and all my gear is well protected. You have to have it as checked baggage on a airplane, though, I havn't had any problems.
Jim B

 

[Erik Olson]

We never check our cameras into a commercial airplane. If you've heard (and felt) that familiar, pronounced series of crashing thumps from under your feet when you're waiting to pull back from the gate, then you can guess why. That'd be the baggage guy shot-putting your gear across the cargo hold in what must be a friendly world-wide baggage-handler competition for force, distance and utter shock value.

Regardless of what type of case you utilize, there is simply too much rough handling in the cargo area of an airplane for sensitive equipment like an HD camera.

We ride our HVX and other OIS cameras lens up.

e

 

[ozduc]

We never check our cameras into a commercial airplane. If you've heard (and felt) that familiar, pronounced series of crashing thumps from under your feet when you're waiting to pull back from the gate, then you can guess why. That'd be the baggage guy shot-putting your gear across the cargo hold in what must be a friendly world-wide baggage-handler competition for force, distance and utter shock value.

Regardless of what type of case you utilize, there is simply too much rough handling in the cargo area of an airplane for sensitive equipment like an HD camera.

We ride our HVX and other OIS cameras lens up.

Here here! I have a pelican 1620 which fits my HVX with rails, matte box and follow focus, plus a bunch of accessories. But there is no way I would check that on.
I take the HVX out and leave everything else in the case to be checked. The HVX goes in a padded backpack with me in the cabin. Even carrying it on the plane bare would be preferable than checking it in, no matter how well the case was padded.

 

[Cees Mutsaers]

This looks like a nice fit :thumbsup: So is this the im2950 or the im2500 ? Do you think you can squeeze in a HVX with attached MKH416, 4 batteries, UV haze filter, charger and a G-raid2 ?

We never check our cameras into a commercial airplane. If you've heard (and felt) that familiar, pronounced series of crashing thumps from under your feet when you're waiting to pull back from the gate, then you can guess why. That'd be the baggage guy shot-putting your gear across the cargo hold in what must be a friendly world-wide baggage-handler competition for force, distance and utter shock value.

Regardless of what type of case you utilize, there is simply too much rough handling in the cargo area of an airplane for sensitive equipment like an HD camera.

We ride our HVX and other OIS cameras lens up.

e

 

[Erik Olson]

The rectangle below the camera is a P2Store, so if the G-Raid is the same or like size, then you might be okay.

I put a good deal of space between the components top to bottom as the case is normally oriented handle up or on its side.

e

 

[Cees Mutsaers]

So I asume it is the IM2500 ???

In the pict I see the HVX, 2 batteries a charger, P@ store but what are those 2 square things in the left bottom corner??

what about the MKH416 mic hooked onto the HVX? This that fit as well. I it possible/advisable to leave less spavce between the various items so you get more space for other stuff?

The rectangle below the camera is a P2Store, so if the G-Raid is the same or like size, then you might be okay.

I put a good deal of space between the components top to bottom as the case is normally oriented handle up or on its side.

e

 

[Erik Olson]

Oops, sorry - that's the im2500 there. The way we have it, the shotgun mount is down, with a very small detent removed from the foam. If you plucked a shotgun size piece of real estate deep in the foam, you might be able to leave it mounted.

In my estimation, it would be better to leave it loose or find a spot on the top layer of foam running at one end or along the length of the case.

The two smaller bricks are the batteries we use on the P2Store.

e

 

[7CS]

One case to rule them all?

One case to rule them all?

I got the storm case in the mail. And so far without actually using it, it's extremely well built and very easy to set up. I got everything I need in one case, which may be scary but I don't fly around entirely too much so it will spend minimal time in the aircraft belly. Got almost everything set up in it now, I'll post a pic. Carrying a smaller carbon tripod which is just enough to work ok with the HVX, also the small pelican case is a helmet cam system that I need to carry around sometimes.

 

[USLatin]

I thow my dead cat cleaning supplies and shotgun foam on top of it. It looks
like there is plenty of space for the M2 and a bunch o' lenses or a matte box
and more batteries/other smaller stuff...

I cut it so it would be touching the foam in all sides, it fits snug as it can without
pulling on the foam too much on the way in.

It might get torn up and I'll have to pluck a bit more, hopefully I won't need to
get a new foam but I will know for sure how snug I can really go.