[MF3D.FORUM:867] Re: What do you carry your cameras in?

[Brian Reynolds <reynolds@xxxxxxxxx>]

Paul Talbot wrote:
> Brian Reynolds wrote:
> > If you're thinking of airline travel an internal frame may be better.
> > Once the airline is done turning your frame in to a pretzel it is
> > easier to straighten an internal frame.  Before checking in any
> > backpack you should put it in a duffle bag so that the straps and such
> > don't get caught on the conveyers.
> 
> You would check a backpack loaded with camera gear on an airline??
> I always carry my camera bag on the plane with me for fear of the
> equipment inside getting smashed if checked as luggage.
> 

My comment was mostly directed toward external vs. internal frame
packs, not what's in them.  Others have mentioned that it's relatively
easy to straighten an internal frame pack, but that a bent external
frame is a loss.

I haven't taken my 4x5 cameras on an airliner specifically because I
can't figure out how to pack them or ensure that I can take them as
carry-on.  I don't even take my tripod on airline trips.

Unfortunately the airlines are getting very restrictive about
carry-on, and they are neither telling passengers what the
restrictions are, or standardizing between airlines on what is
restricted.

I think I can get or build a case to carry my Speed Graphic, a
Readyload holder and a few boxes of film that would fit the bag sizer
at check-in, but I'd be really annoyed if I got to the gate and they
told me I would have to check the bag anyway.  I also need to figure
out how to get sheet film past security.  Within the USA hand
inspection of factory sealed boxes would probably work in one
direction, but coming back the other way the boxes would be open and
you're not guaranteed a hand inspection outside of FAA controlled
airports.

Liz and I have been thinking of taking a trip to Scotland.  If we do,
and if I decide to do some photography on the trip, I'll probably save
some hassle by flying without a large format camera and renting a
complete set up from Calumet locally.  I'd probably also buy film and
have it processed locally too.

-- 
Brian Reynolds                  | "Dee Dee!  Don't touch that button!"
reynolds@xxxxxxxxx              | "Oooh!"
http://www.panix.com/~reynolds  |    -- Dexter and Dee Dee
NAR# 54438                      |       "Dexter's Laboratory"