Production Case Recommendations

scorsesefan

scorsesefan

Veteran
Looking for a "one man band" wheeled production case to fit 2 led panels (13 inch wide) a few light stands and my fs5 and a couple of lenses. Any suggestions on the low budget end? Thanks
 
Depending on how big you want it, getting someone to build a custom case (assuming you can't DIY) can quite often be cheaper than buying commercial, provided you're okay with plywood. Since you're in NYC checking Craigslist for used DJ coffins/musician's flight cases and adding your own foam liners is another cost effective route.
 
If you're looking for a road case instead of a Pelican, I second DIY road cases. You can make exactly the case you want with every custom feature to suit your needs at low cost. All you need is a pencil, a tape measure and a 7-1/4" saw. Don't have those? Buy them from Harbor Freight for a few bucks and throw them away when your done and your still ahead of the game with the exact case you wanted. Search on DIY roadcase to find supplies.
 
For years, I used to purchase expensive Pelican and Porta Brace cases but I eventually realized they weren't very wise investments for me personally because of my equipment changes.

So I switched to large $20-$40 plastic storage bins from Walmart and Amazon. I liked them better and I was also able to fit almost twice as much in them than with the previous options I had.

Maybe worth a consideration if you're working locally and/or you don't need to look too professional.

I would wrap mine with a black spread/cloth (start inside the bin and let it hang off the sides). The covers would still work with the locking sides over the fabric. I also use small clear storage containers for small pieces. I like being able to see everything.

Or you can get colored totes: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-30-Gallon-114-Liter-Tuff1-Tote-Dark-Indigo/142432460

Sometimes I would have a blue bin that would contain audio, and black would be cameras, and green would be lights, etc.

If you're flying or working for a client who is paying you $10K/etc. for the day, it's a different conversation.
 
I'm no fan of the Pelican style case because of the bulk (local projects only), but if you like that type of case, there are other brands out there that are virtually identical and not nearly as costly.
 
Paul F said:
I'm no fan of the Pelican style case because of the bulk (local projects only), but if you like that type of case, there are other brands out there that are virtually identical and not nearly as costly.
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If you've only used traditional Peli style cases you might think that, but there really is nothing on the market close to the Air series. Strong, but light. You can stick what you like in there, even cheap plastic storage boxes like NorBro suggested (I use those for my sound kit and chargers).
 
Thanks, guys. I'm not too handy so I'm not too inclined towards DIY cases. To be more detailed I live in NYC so I need a case that I can take on the subway and carry up and down subway stairs. I try to plan my shoots off-rush hours but if I do get stuck in a peak train I won't be too intrusive. Ideally, my tripod slung on my shoulder and a single wheeled case...
 
Then use a suitcase.

Can get large ones (or other sizes) at your local Queens flea market or in Chinatown for less than $20.
 
If you're traversing the NYC subways, I would suggest softbags rather than hard cases. They add considerably less weight & bulk, important when lugging up & down steps. I also suggest you get a tripod bag that's a little big for your sticks, then stick your light stands inside it too, wrapped in a cheap furniture blanket. The furniture blanket is useful for laying out on floors or furniture before you plop down equipment -- something clients always appreciate.

Since you indicate your camera kit is rather small, you may want to consider a backpack from Tenba, LowePro, Peak Design, CineBags, etc. With careful planning you may be able to squeeze in the full kit plus the LED lights. Most bags have space for a laptop so you might be able to store the lights there (are they 1x1 panels?). Consider using some Domke wraps to protect small items in the bag such as lenses. This should keep you very portable. Should you ever need to fly you could buy a hardcase to drop each soft bag into, such as using a case for golf clubs for your tripod. Most people prefer to bring the backback as an airplane carry-on and cargo their personal luggage, so if you wish to do this to protect your gear then make sure to buy a backpack that will fit most airline carry-on size restrictions (22"x14"x9").

Lastly, remember that soft bags don't always have to be carried on the body. There are plenty of times an inexpensive folding luggage handcart was a lifesaver for me.Backpack on the bottom, tripod bag on top and a couple of bungi cords to hold them in place.
 
 
I almost chimed in and suggested the PortaBrace rolling production case. I used to use one 15-18 years ago(still own it). You could pack a TON in it, including light stands. We didn't have LED panels back then, but I could pack plenty of tungsten and Chimeras in it. More than enough for a standard interview. I bet the OP could easily fit everything in it with space to spare.

I kind of miss those simpler days... I'm actually trying to get back to close to there by pairing down my standard interview "kit" to two 1x1 Gemini's and a case of Astera LightDrops.
 
JPNola said:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Large-42-Rolling-Wheeled-Duffel-Bags-Luggage-Oversized-Jumbo-Heavy-Duty-8999-/201414608192
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I own this exact rolling case, purchased from eBay from this same seller. It's huge and lightweight, fits 3 tripods and 8 light stands, plus extension cords and other accessories.

A word of caution, though. When it's full, it is super heavy. I live in NYC as well and carrying it up and down subway stairs while fully packed is practically impossible. I only use it when I have a big 3-camera shoot and need to haul a lot of gear and am using Uber to take me to the location. Also, it's not very heavy duty. The metal handle broke on mine on my last gig simply by pulling it from the building lobby to the curb.

All that said, I still recommend it as a convenient way to transport a lot of gear in one bag instead of dealing with many smaller bags.

When I'm doing a small shoot, I take everything on a Pelican Storm iM2500. It fits two C100 cameras, a 24-70mm and a 70-200mm lens, plus 4 batteries and a few other small accessories. Then a cheap backpack with the Zoom F8 sound recorder, lav and boom microphones, headphones and a couple of small LED lights. Finally, a big tripod bag with the tripod and a couple of light stands in there. I can carry all of this by myself on the subway no problem.
 
scorsesefan said:
OK. Thanks for the tips, guys... Has anyone used this one: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/used...FVBoy8uwsy_v-kUCXpIBDsKsMq3m5jXEaAlIwEALw_wcB
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Yep. See my post above. Only real difference, when I bought mine, they were still only doing blue...

Ports Brace bags and cases are meant to last. As I said, I still own the one I bought in the early 2000’s and I have PB gear that is well over 20 years old that is still alive and kicking.

Side note: I believe PB was bought by an investment firm or something(someone...) like that a few years ago. I’ve seen some stuff change over the years from the late 90’s/00’s(like zippers, clasps, straps), but I’ve still never had a bag fail me. And the nice thing, they will actually do custom work, if you need it/want it. I’ve had them make custom camera Shoulder Cases and modify rain covers for me, in the past.
 
Check Tenba and see if they have anything that you think might work, they make quality products too. Any PB stuff I've had was rock solid, even years down the road.
 
scorsesefan said:
Looking for a "one man band" wheeled production case to fit 2 led panels (13 inch wide) a few light stands and my fs5 and a couple of lenses. Any suggestions on the low budget end? Thanks
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A case with wheels still sucks to move once you reach a certain weight/distance needed to travel. I'd get a backpack that can carry as much as you're comfortable with, even if it's just fs5/lenses. Are the LED panels square or rectangular? If they're small enough you could do LEDs/camera in a backpack then a separate case for light stands/tripods which are the same shape. A long, thin case has a pretty small footprint when standing upright too.
 
rob norton said:
A case with wheels still sucks to move once you reach a certain weight/distance needed to travel. I'd get a backpack that can carry as much as you're comfortable with, even if it's just fs5/lenses. Are the LED panels square or rectangular? If they're small enough you could do LEDs/camera in a backpack then a separate case for light stands/tripods which are the same shape. A long, thin case has a pretty small footprint when standing upright too.
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Rob & I are on the same page here. Getting around NYC, especially by subways, this is the only way to go.
 
@Rob, the leds are rectangular. 13" wide by about 8 or 9 inch. Axrtec 1040 and a Clar led that Adorama sells... @Norbro as you prob know most of the major stations (U.Square, Times Sq. Etc.) have elevators but the smaller ones don't. In fact, I think the ADA has sued NYC over this fact...
 
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