I concur, so Jan would be great if there was a Kata option also.
I want a camera gear bag - that holds: body / lenses / baseplate / rods / mattebox / cards / batteries / follow focus and has trolley option
A Case for the AF100
- Thread starter Jan_Crittenden
- Start date
I concur, so Jan would be great if there was a Kata option also.
I want a camera gear bag - that holds: body / lenses / baseplate / rods / mattebox / cards / batteries / follow focus and has trolley option
mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
Jan; how is the camera secured into the bag? Does it just sit between dividers/cushions, or is there a strap or something to hold it in place regardless of the lens that happens to be mounted when it goes on the bag.
The two AF100s we used for A Verse Before Dying lived on rails, almost always with some glass attached (but sometimes not), and often a mattebox. The found the standard CTC-2 Portabrace to be too small at the front for a mattebox; but just the right height - and with a well placed divider would have a perfect amount of space behind the camera for larger accessories.
When we could, we put the cameras in the Portabraces to transport; though a few times I made the trip to or from the set with one of the cameras on my lap (with Barry driving). Especially if the camera was built with any other accessories like a remote focus motor; or audio receivers bolted into the holes under the handle.
- Mikko
The two AF100s we used for A Verse Before Dying lived on rails, almost always with some glass attached (but sometimes not), and often a mattebox. The found the standard CTC-2 Portabrace to be too small at the front for a mattebox; but just the right height - and with a well placed divider would have a perfect amount of space behind the camera for larger accessories.
When we could, we put the cameras in the Portabraces to transport; though a few times I made the trip to or from the set with one of the cameras on my lap (with Barry driving). Especially if the camera was built with any other accessories like a remote focus motor; or audio receivers bolted into the holes under the handle.
- Mikko
Alpha Beta Omega
Veteran
I have a DV4000 I plan to put my AF in. I can't fit all of my lenses but probably three and that's enough for most projects, or I'll use my slightly bigger Magnum 650.
Jan_Crittenden
Veteran
I concur, so Jan would be great if there was a Kata option also.
I want a camera gear bag - that holds: body / lenses / baseplate / rods / mattebox / cards / batteries / follow focus and has trolley option
There will likely be a Kata bag option, that is generally what they do, but the bag I am working on is Made in the USA. And the bags/cases wear like iron. Our engineer Barry has been in the in the industry for 20+ years and he has cases made by Portabrace that are that old. He is the one that gave me the nudge toward them, and after going up to Bennington, VT and watching these folks construct the cases with the most careful detail, I couldn't bring myself to buy anything else.
This case, and you will have pictures later on this afternoon, is very snuggly on the inside and from what I have seen one of the best made cases out there. I went into this thinking about how to configure the inside of the case. It is rearrangeble if you want, but the thing that kept nagging me is that all of you will be looking at different lenses and how do I accomodate that in a soft case and a hard case. Then the guys a Portabrace showed me this idea. I was sold. And it is totally non-descriptive on the outside except for a small Portabrace logo.
And you can if you want, pull the soft case out of the case and zip on a back pack option, which will also hold your laptop is you want. Hope you guys like it.
Pictures later,
Jan
short or long rails?
short or long rails?
I want to keep the camera on a longer set of rails, like a zacuto shoulder mount. Can the case (which sounds cool) be configured to have the camera compartment be long, rather than square? I figure take the hand grips and weight extensions off, but keep the zacuto baseplate and 12 (or 18?)" rails on it. Room for a matte box and 3 Panasonic lenses, batteries , maybe a KiPro mini, attachable laptop compartment and you've got a winner.
K
short or long rails?
I want to keep the camera on a longer set of rails, like a zacuto shoulder mount. Can the case (which sounds cool) be configured to have the camera compartment be long, rather than square? I figure take the hand grips and weight extensions off, but keep the zacuto baseplate and 12 (or 18?)" rails on it. Room for a matte box and 3 Panasonic lenses, batteries , maybe a KiPro mini, attachable laptop compartment and you've got a winner.
K
monkeyking
Well-known member
My Bag of Choice
My Bag of Choice
I often used a smaller version of this bag sold by 16x9 that carried my HVX/mattebox,rods,plate/Aks that was roomier than it looked.
This larger version should work quiete well for the AF100 w/most lenses&mattebox,FF attached. Extra Lenses can be stored in the back padded compartment which can be configured however you like.
This is a good choice for run/gun, carry on luggage. Not too heavy but carries the essentials. Don't ever check this Bag on a plane though.
chris / DC DP
My Bag of Choice
I often used a smaller version of this bag sold by 16x9 that carried my HVX/mattebox,rods,plate/Aks that was roomier than it looked.
This larger version should work quiete well for the AF100 w/most lenses&mattebox,FF attached. Extra Lenses can be stored in the back padded compartment which can be configured however you like.
This is a good choice for run/gun, carry on luggage. Not too heavy but carries the essentials. Don't ever check this Bag on a plane though.
chris / DC DP
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Ticheli
Well-known member
I've got all sort of cases, from soft to hard, from purpose-built, to Rube Goldberg re-purposed, and each approach has pluses and minuses. Cases without wheels had better be small and light!
Some thoughts on cases:
Unless the case lives on the production truck, it's generally a bad idea to use one very large case; too heavy.
The plywood cases, like the Anvils, are just too heavy unless you've got a good complement of grips. I still use them for gear that lives on the truck.
The plastic cases, like the venerable Thermodyne, have stood the test of time; they are relatively light and sturdy. Still my choice for shipping gear. By the way, I HATE to ship gear! Just watching it banging around on the luggage carousel makes me sick. None of the airlines are graduates of the Ritz Carlton customer service school.
New plastic cases, such as Pelican, are tough, protective, but quite heavy. I do use them without a problem. Great lens cases.
I like Halliburton aluminum cases; not as strong as the plastics, but light and elegant. I did splurge and buy their 21" carry-on roller to fit out for the AF100. Also flew it with a Red; the whole smack, body, plate, rods, EVF, LCD, and a few bits; very tight fit and unhappy TSA people, but worked perfectly. I don't recommend it because it's just too damned expensive, but I bought it as a present to myself.
Just for fun, you might look into the Zuca rolling things; I use them to carry batteries on location. I stuff a nylon bag inside for more protection. They make a very nice seat, which is a real plus. The lights on the wheels can be turned off, but sort of cool in the airport.
In conclusion, the best case is probably two or three cases; load the one that fits the job at hand.
I am eager to see what Jan has designed; bet it's a dandy.
Good shooting and best regards,
Leo
Some thoughts on cases:
Unless the case lives on the production truck, it's generally a bad idea to use one very large case; too heavy.
The plywood cases, like the Anvils, are just too heavy unless you've got a good complement of grips. I still use them for gear that lives on the truck.
The plastic cases, like the venerable Thermodyne, have stood the test of time; they are relatively light and sturdy. Still my choice for shipping gear. By the way, I HATE to ship gear! Just watching it banging around on the luggage carousel makes me sick. None of the airlines are graduates of the Ritz Carlton customer service school.
New plastic cases, such as Pelican, are tough, protective, but quite heavy. I do use them without a problem. Great lens cases.
I like Halliburton aluminum cases; not as strong as the plastics, but light and elegant. I did splurge and buy their 21" carry-on roller to fit out for the AF100. Also flew it with a Red; the whole smack, body, plate, rods, EVF, LCD, and a few bits; very tight fit and unhappy TSA people, but worked perfectly. I don't recommend it because it's just too damned expensive, but I bought it as a present to myself.
Just for fun, you might look into the Zuca rolling things; I use them to carry batteries on location. I stuff a nylon bag inside for more protection. They make a very nice seat, which is a real plus. The lights on the wheels can be turned off, but sort of cool in the airport.
In conclusion, the best case is probably two or three cases; load the one that fits the job at hand.
I am eager to see what Jan has designed; bet it's a dandy.
Good shooting and best regards,
Leo
bgundu
Veteran
I agree that there is no perfect case. I am a professional photographer as well, and have collected many many bags over the years. I find myself changing bags all the time depending on the type of shoot. I'm glad that these cameras are getting smaller so I bring them on the plane as carry on.
Jan_Crittenden
Veteran
Dovecom, Inside rails could be up to 16" might have to release them and move forward depending on where your camera is mounted in relationship to the rails.
Mike, And am working feverishly to get the cases done in time. Actually Portabrace is.
Mike, And am working feverishly to get the cases done in time. Actually Portabrace is.
10s
Veteran
Porta Brace is a well made rugged soft case that I can actually carry around without it ripping into my body and hurting me as I walk/hike... They have the best cushioned strap possible, so I love the idea of a well designed Porta Brace.
For me this configuration has to allow a constant cine/shooting set up: matt box, rails, ff, LCD monitor to remain on it so set ups are quick. Having to tear apart the camera just wears out the mounting points and eventually makes the unit unusable. By allowing the accessories to remain on it during transit/storage, this will help preserve mounting point integrity and keep it in a ready-to-shoot state.
For me this configuration has to allow a constant cine/shooting set up: matt box, rails, ff, LCD monitor to remain on it so set ups are quick. Having to tear apart the camera just wears out the mounting points and eventually makes the unit unusable. By allowing the accessories to remain on it during transit/storage, this will help preserve mounting point integrity and keep it in a ready-to-shoot state.
bkmvincent
Active member
Rick Burnett
Section Moderator
I believe we have 2 Porta Brace cases for our HVX200's and I've never heard any complaints. Looking forward to seeing what you all have come up with
BollingerPro
Well-known member
Oh man... that looks sweet!!! Thank you Jan for helping to get this configured!
bkmvincent
Active member
I like it
Dafilman21
Carbonite Member
I was going to get a pelican 1620 but I now have to consider this one, it looks pretty good I love black and blue.
Jan_Crittenden
Veteran
So in the little pouch is my follow-focus as it is a little deep to keep it on the camera rails. Easy off and easy back on. I didn't want to go to the next step up in case size in order to keep it on. I am waiting for the O'Connor FF as is is really easy on and off. Don't even have to take the mattebox off to put it on. There is also a bean bag to act as a cover blanket, and there are two of those block for support, one on the lid to keep the body from shifting and the other under the lens. Comes with two zipped pouches and the bean bag. Over all I like it. Traveling to Chicago with it tomorrow if anyone that is going to be there wants to see it.
Oh and the laptop backpack is an option, as I think there are only some guys that will want to do this and to make everyone buy one, even if they don't want it, seems out of sorts, if you know what I mean.
Best,
Jan
Oh and the laptop backpack is an option, as I think there are only some guys that will want to do this and to make everyone buy one, even if they don't want it, seems out of sorts, if you know what I mean.
Best,
Jan