Take f3 on a plane- which case?

K

krost-audiovisual

Well-known member
Hi all,
Just wondering with which cases you guys are flying round with an f3... Have a shoot in london soon, and as limits are 25x40x55cm the only option i found was a portabrace hardcase with foam...
Any suggestions?
Btw:which bags do you use for standard operations? Thinking of an kata mcc-2 or ccc-1.. Anyone using a kata 195pl or 197pl???
Cheers
Stefan
 
I went with the Think Tank 'Airport Security' bag because it stealthy (doesn't look like a camera bag), fits most carry on requirements (there is an international version) and it has rollers with a handle. v2 is more stable with wider rollers.

I can fit in the camera, batteries, matte box, KPM, follow focus, rails, a couple lenses, french flag, TVLogic monitor, cables, cinearm and a few other goodies with some creative packing. For everyday throwing in the trunk I use a Pelican 1610 and a separate case for a full set of lenses.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-security-v2-roller-camera-bag.aspx
 
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This is what I use for years now. A Kata Maze bag. It comes with seperate wheels so its small and fits under the seat in front of you.
And it does not look like ‘HELLO THERE !!! CAMERACREW IN THE HOUSE”.
Which is really great when you land at Khartoum international or other interesting places.
It also fits my large camera (PDW 700) with lens and everything to shoot at least a day.

maze2.jpgmaze1.jpg
 
Anyone tried the Think Tank International V2? It's a tad smaller than the Airport Security, but may less hassle getting on tougher airlines.
 
My f3 and a set of 5 CP.2 fit perfectly into a samsonite flight case, as it wouldn't allowed with their own Pelican hard cases. So i checked in the empty hard cases and got the samsonite with me to the cabin, no headache at all. Highly recommended..
 
The think tanks are like regular carry on luggage, but with super high density padding in the walls, lid, etc, the handle metal is boxed in, the inside is designed with a lot of moveable dividers, and it locks with TSA locks. (i.e. if TSA wants to open it they don't have to break the locks.)

@ powervideo, I looked at the International because I have in-laws in Europe. Its about 1-1.5" smaller in each direction. I couldn't fit everything I wanted in it. There are only a few airlines with those really restrictive sizes and for the most part I haven't seen anyone actually make anyone measure it in those racks in a long time. Other than puddle jumpers when I go out to the islands.

But in a puddle jumper I'm right there to watch the bag go on and off the plane. Here's a picture of one of those airports, yes the entire airport, LOL. Then its "Hey Mon, who gots de red one?"

CayeCaulkerAirportS.jpg
 
I have both the Think Tank Airport Security V2 and the Think Tank International V2. When I fly and carry on-board I use the International only. After a few flights of trying to wedge the larger Security bag into the overheads I now only use the International version onboard. Yes, the Security might be a legal size, but bin makers didn't consider this bag when making the planes. It's also not a matter of what might be allowed but more a matter of how much overhead bin space is still available when you board. In the International version I can pack the F3, a 17-50PL lens, Sony Batteries, 67, 77, & 82 mm filters, and not much else. (You could also put a viewfinder in the bag as well). When going trough XRay, I lay the bag flat, open the zip lid, remove a small pouch of batteries into an Xray tray and shove it through. In probably 30-50 flight segments over the last 1yr+ (with DSLR's, Red One, or an F3) buy placing everything flat, removing anything that is stacked, I have yet to have any questions, etc. Just think of the XRay as a down-shooting camera. Get your bag & contents down to one layer to shoot down through and make the XRay tech job easy. I have been thanked many times from behind the counter for my organization making their job easier.Also, the International version is just right to wheel from terminal to terminal whereas the Security version is more like dragging a case. I'm 6'7" (2 meters) tall and the handle is plenty long for me. FYI, in addition I also take a Think Tank Urban Disguise 60 as my personal bag to hold a MBP, Drive, still cameras, iPad, etc. In the terminal I stick the Urban Disguise over the International handle so the International transports both bags like a handtruck.
 
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I really haven't had any problem fitting the airport security into the bin, if I put it in the right direction.

The tendency is to pick it up by the top handle, swing the bottom up and put the wheels in first. However, the bin curves in the back making it less high in the back of the bin. The wheel end is the tallest end when laying flat.

OTOH, if I put the handle end in first I can slide the whole thing in just fine. Its exactly the dimensions for most airlines 22 x 14 x 9. I thought Air France would be the problem, HOWEVER, British Airways only has an 8" tall space.

When in doubt get the international and put your matte box in your checked luggage. You can shoot without your matte box. Just never, ever check your camera.

@Jon, what part of OC are you in? I'm near Irvine. P.S. I think you meant to say 2 meters. LOL
 
Does anyone have pictures of their F3 in one of the Think-Tank cases? I may have a trip coming up and also need a case.

Thanks
 
Yes, 2 meters. Darn fingers.

Yes, wheels out. Then if it's too long or too tall you have to wedge it in sideways (if there is room). I just did a back and forth with the International and the wheels just fit. No way would the Security have fit wheels out. This was flying on a Boeing product.

@Duke - near SNA, edge of Costa Mesa & Newport Beach. PM me and we'll trade info.
 
Steve, here ya go. Airport Security with F3, mattebox, 2 lenses, ki pro mini, two sets of rails, zacuto base plate, follow focus, monitor, three 92 watt batteries, french flag, cables and a bunch of stuff.

ThinkTankUpright.jpgThinkTankOpen.jpg
 
I do have a charger in there beside the KPM. Unfortunately I can't fit my really good Sony headphones in there, but I have a pair of the flat tiny studio monitor headphones that I throw on top. That flap on the edge is just an extra divider with velcro that I use to hold the rails in one place. I wish I could fit a couple more lenses in. I found that if I put one in a pouch on my belt they don't count it as a personal item or a bag. :) I don't like checking lenses either.
 
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