C200: Camera cases: Which Pelican for checkin

indiawilds

indiawilds

Veteran
I thought this is the better place to ask as folks travel with kind of similar equipment levels or more.

These days traveling in flight within India is becoming a big pain. There is a 7kg weight limit imposed by airlines for cabin baggage. I am increasingly being forced to check in my equipment. I am thinking of buying a Pelican Air 1635 with trekpak. Want to avoid the older pelicans. Recently pulled my back and was out of action for a few days. So thinking of shifting to lightweight pelicans. I would love to know how you guys do it. And I would love to hear your experiences with the new Pelican air range of cases. And if there is any better alternative then please let me know.
 
Bummer about having to check your camera/equipment. Luckily, so far, here in the US I've (or we've) been able to carry on the most expensive & delicate camera & audio equipment. But that day may come to an end. Anyway, to your questions:

I don't own any Pelican Air cases, but am considering them. A friend I work with a lot has an Air that's something like a 1670...wheeled & holds LED lights. So it's a serious size up from a 1635, but the top is more flexible than similar-sized non-Air cases. No big deal around town, but a slight bummer. The smaller Air cases don't seem to have that problem.

As for Trekpak, I really dig that system for organizing cases: you don't lose too much space to padding, reconfigurable, works well. I use it in a Pelican 1510 that carries audio kit. However, for a camera & glass (ie- stuff not as crashproof as Lectrosonics, etc) that was going to be checked baggage, I'd want more protection. Perhaps that would be unnecessary, but that's how I feel.

There are a few companies that sell cases with custom dense foam inserts cut for particular cameras, and you can get foam cut-to-fit for you. You could check out Jason cases who have been making such inserts for our industry for a while. Check them out:
http://www.jasoncases.com/store/product-category/canon/

Looks like they sell three or so different configurations for the C200 (with batteries, charger, media, etc). A couple built around 1510 wheeled cases, a couple around the slightly-bigger wheeled 1535. I'd guess if you called them up, the could set you up with a Pelican Air case around their insert...or tell you why it wouldn't work. So you couldn't cram as much stuff into a case with a Jason (or similar) insert, and you have to break down your rig (a good idea for checked bags IMO) but you'd be able to enjoy your inflight-snack knowing your equipment was as safe as possible.

A couple pix:
CM8A4692-Canon-C200-camera-case-compact.jpg

CM8A4666-canon-c200-camera-case.jpg

Note that I haven't personally used the Jason Cases, and they're not cheap. But they're not much more expensive than a Pelican with Trekpak, and seem like a reasonable option...one I'm considering.

Looking forward to reading what others use and recommend.
 
I travel back and forth to New Zealand from USA I will check to see what case model number I have. It has wheels and carry my two Cine Lens which weight is about 10lbs and my camera along with monitor and other items.
 
Canon loaned me a C300 MKII last year for a review of the new CNE lenses, it shipped in the Jason case picture above with all of the red stuff on the foam. Nice case. Really nice case. I break my C200 down and use the backpack system detailed by Slavik B http://www.geardads.com/video-production-equipment-documentary-filmmaking/ but if I had to check my camera, the Jason case would be the number one candidate.
 
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Thanks guys for your responses.

The only challenge with the custom foam cut cases is that when I change the camera, I can't use it any more. I have heard good things about Jason cases though. I want cases which I can reconfigure for different cameras.

I ordered one Pelican Air 1615 now with trekpak. Will decide after using whether to buy more or not.

When I fill my backpack it comes to some 27 kgs. So before getting the boarding pass, I take out most of the stuff and pack in my jacket pockets. I use an old domke photographers vest which has huge pockets in the sides and back. I can fill a ton of stuff inside it like 70-200, 100-400, 1DXII and other lenses etc. Even put a couple in my trouser pockets. After getting the boarding pass, I then move away and pack the items back in the backpack. However, it is not very convenient doing this every day. :) So just want to make my life simpler

I would love to see some images of people flying with their baggage and the insides. Packing is such a painful job. That is the only thing that I hate about traveling.
 
I currently use Pelican 1620 with the foam that you punch out. Yes, I know not ideal, but was a good size case that lets me store the custom shoulder rig I have for it on top of all the other accessories.
 
I have a a Pelican 1510 with pick and pluck foam and so far it's working. but I don't have a lot of room for anything that doesn't come with the camera.

As for the Jason Cases, I really don't like them. We had one on a prep for an Alexa Mini the other day and the edges of the cut outs were so sharp, one of the ACs managed to slice their finger pretty bad.
 
I have a pelican 1620. Tried pick and pluck foam for the inserts but couldn't get on with it. Eventually ended up cutting my own inserts. It looks okay but it's not the most professional of finishes. I think I'm going to speak to these foam converters as they mention custom foam inserts for cases.
 
I can highly recommend the Peli Air 1635. So much lighter than my other Pelis and it's a good size for sticking in the hold. I use mine in various configurations but it usually has a Vanguard divider case in there for the delicate items leaving a little space for the rugged kit.

I still carry-on cameras/batteries, but it's getting more challenging all the time. I sometimes wear a fanny pack and one of those ridiculous shooting vests both stuffed full with batteries. Also, using carry-on cases that look like normal bags helps, and if you get stopped, just open it up, show them the camera and start begging. My stock dialog to ground crew is to say I'm going to shoot a fundraiser to help children in crisis and I can't put the kit in the hold because it's fragile and expensive and if it gets broken or stolen I won't have the time to get a replacement so I won't be able to do the shoot. Then I ask them if they can help so I don't run the risk of disappointing the children. It always works. You can thank me later.

Also, don't bother with laser-cut cases - they waste far too much space.
 
Reminds me of when I left the UK to shoot some stuff about the tsunami in Japan a couple of days after it happened. I was flying with JAL from Heathrow. I had two carryons both way over the 7kg limit with two cameras, batteries, lenses, etc, but when I explained why I as flying they not only said zero problem with the weight but upgraded me to business class. Fortunately, I was telling the truth. Just wish it was under better circumstances.

These days it’s the “workaround” of shooting vests and large jackets stuffed with anything heavy, lenses in pants, etc, anything to get the weight out of the carryon then repacking when out of sight.
 
Liam Hall said:
My stock dialog to ground crew is to say I'm going to shoot a fundraiser to help children in crisis and I can't put the kit in the hold because it's fragile and expensive and if it gets broken or stolen I won't have the time to get a replacement so I won't be able to do the shoot. Then I ask them if they can help so I don't run the risk of disappointing the children. It always works. You can thank me later.
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I was smiling first.
Second I thought at least you have to donate for one of the charity organisations you pretend to work for.
Third thought it will not work if many try to travel on this ticket.


I never understood the high praise of pelicans for cabin luggage.
They are heavy, not very flexible and offer limited space in relation to the size and weight.
For sure if your plane crashes the camera will swim in the ocean. Great outlook.
 
They are mostly used for the dividers (or custom foam) and the overall protection. $2000 lens here, $1000 mic here, $8000 smaller camera here, etc.

They made the Pelican Airs a few years back. The standard rolling carry-on model is about 10 lbs, which is around the same weight as other rolling luggage, but much tougher.

For maximum space, there is still nothing that beats a garbage bag, which I see at least once on every trip.
 
yeah, I've reverted to using a duffle bag.

I've seen plenty of broadcast guys just carry the 2/3 ENG camera, by itself no case, as a carry on. that is effecient. But those are built sturdy enough to handle things like that, even if it isn't advisable.

With all the luggage restrictions, it has become a matter of necessity to get a MEDIA pass. Otherwise a good chunk of profit goes to baggage fees making it nearly impossible to do business that way.
 
Clermond said:
I was smiling first.
Second I thought at least you have to donate for one of the charity organisations you pretend to work for.
Click to expand...

I shoot a lot of humanitarian/socially responsible films and I do pro bono work for several charities, so I've got that covered!
 
stewhem said:
Reminds me of when I left the UK to shoot some stuff about the tsunami in Japan a couple of days after it happened. I was flying with JAL from Heathrow. I had two carryons both way over the 7kg limit with two cameras, batteries, lenses, etc, but when I explained why I as flying they not only said zero problem with the weight but upgraded me to business class. Fortunately, I was telling the truth. Just wish it was under better circumstances.

These days it’s the “workaround” of shooting vests and large jackets stuffed with anything heavy, lenses in pants, etc, anything to get the weight out of the carryon then repacking when out of sight.
Click to expand...

JAL are the absolute best.
 
Agreed. The only other airline that I have used that come close are ANA - is it just coincidence they are both Japanese? Somehow doubt it.
 
And to pile it on, the latest "advice" (try ignoring it) is not to take hand baggage on. That from the UN aviation body and other national authorities. Might be that pelis and plenty of padding - and insurance - are the new normal.
 
stewhem said:
And to pile it on, the latest "advice" (try ignoring it) is not to take hand baggage on. That from the UN aviation body and other national authorities. Might be that pelis and plenty of padding - and insurance - are the new normal.
Click to expand...

Oh, for crying out loud! What are supposed to do with batteries?
 
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