[LargeFormat] LF Camera Case

[Paul and Paula Butzi]

>The only criticism would be the fact that
> they open to expose all the contents so working in dusty conditions would
> allow contamination of everything inside the case unless kept in ziplock
> bags - probably a good idea in in the desert......

Or on the beach, something I do quite a lot.  Dusty conditions are a
bummer no matter what.  I used to use a Domke OutPack, which had
three separate openings.  However, dust, sand, and assorted grit would
migrate from one compartment to another, anyway.  The best solution
appears to be to keep the pack up off the ground.  My current plan
is to fit a sling that hangs between the legs of the tripod, to make a
platform on which the camera bag and rest.  This keeps the bag
off the dusty/sandy ground, and also keeps it up out of the reach
of sneaker waves.

>
> Have to say that the prices in the UK of the Omni-Trekker are what we would
> expect - £129 ($210), however the price of the hard case (Pelican and
> LowePro case are identical) is a bit high - £199 ($320).  These prices may
> need to be adjusted upwards as we also have Value Added Tax at 17.5% here
> in the UK - I forgot to ask whether this was included.

Cameraworld.com (aka Cameraworld of Oregon) lists the Omni-Trekker at
US$ 179, and a Pelican 1550 with foam at US$122, quite a bit cheaper than
the UK prices.  You might check with B&H.  Pelican cases are used
quite a lot by SCUBA divers, you might check at marine shops, etc.
or expedition outfitters instead of camera shops.

>
> Anyway, it's all far too much money at the moment unless the prices are
> significantly lower in the USA. Perhaps someone has an idea of the best US
> prices ?  May be an idea to purchase the bags in the USA on the next trip.

I don't know if those are the lowest US prices, it was just the first place I
checked.  I do seem to recall that cheaper prices on the Pelican cases
can be found from internet places that cater to the diving crowd.

-Paul