Carry Case For AG-HMC81

L

Lee Restarick

New member
I've been looking for a suitable carry case, soft or hard, for the HMC81. I've seen that the Kata CC196 is compatible, but can anybody give any further recommendations. Thanks.
 
I use a Portabrace CTC-3 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/220712-REG/Porta_Brace_CTC_3_CTC_3_Traveler_Camera_Case.html). Panasonic sells a black version of this specifically as an accessory for the HMC-80, although I happened to already own one from a previously retired camera. The case is a little longer inside than the camera, so I've stuffed some extra padding in behind the camera, and also use that space to store my wide angle adapter.

Because of the big viewfinder, the HMC80 is a little wider when stowed than most shoulder-mount cameras, so you need to make sure that whatever case you choose won't put too much pressure on the outside of the viewfinder housing when closed or tossed around. It helps to loosen the viewfinder and slide it all the way to the right (against the camera body) when putting it in the case, but that does mean a few extra seconds to readjust it to your eye position every time you take the camera out again, not always convenient when doing ENG-style work.

B&H shows the Kata CC-196 as discontinued, BTW. I tried the HMC in an older Kata CC-1 bag when I first got it and found it wasn't wide enough, but other models may fit, of course.

- Greg
 
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I too have the CTC-3 that "came with" the camera. It was a special promo last year. I just fits the camera. Side pouches are not terribly useful in size, for me. Typical Portabrace quality however the should strap is not as wide as others Portabrace shoulder straps (that my other bags have.) But do understand no matter what I still feel Portabace makes the best shoulder straps in the industry (IMHO).
other 2 cents: I personally prefer a bag that fits the camera and a handful of other things in the main area like mics, cables, HDD/CF recorder , etc... over this style of bag.
 
Thanks for your replies. Although important to have the camera fitting as snug as possible, yes, it would be nice to have a bit of extra space for the charger and a few batteries. The Kata Cc196 is meant to be the perfect fit, but doesn't look as though it's got that extra space either. Very difficult to choose without trying the bag out, especially when spending a substantial amount for a bag.
 
I use a Thermodyne case from Adorama designed for the HMC70. The 80 fits perfectly and there's tons of space for batteries, power supply, mem cards, etc. The hard shell case if super tough, I've even carried it through a rain storm with no water leakage. The Adorama SKU # is PCAGYUC70 and on my invoice is described as 'Panasonic Hard Shell W.RSST Case F/HMC70.
As you can tell, I'm very impressed. Hope this is some help.

Cheers
 
Thanks for that tip -- even though I have the Porta-Brace soft case I mentioned and it works well, for serious travel a hard case is a necessity. I may pick up one of those just to have it for the next major trip.

- Greg
 
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