Posted by Kent Staubus on June 17, 2006 at 7:13 PM
I've discovered that my old Tamrac backpack is just a tad too small for the Shen Hao. What backpack will work? I need room for 4 mounted lenses and maybe 4 filmholders, and small misc. Would like a place to strap a tripod on it too. Camera is about 5 inches thick, more or less. What about a Mini-Trekker or Nature Trekker? I don't anticipate needing room for a laptop, and dislike really large backpacks.
I use the Nature Trekker AW. It fits my Tachihara, (which is about the same size at the Shen-Hao) four lenses, loupe, spot meter, dark cloth, and Cokin holder. It has pockets in the lid for filters/rubber lens hoods. There is also a zippered pocket that holds my grey card and other flat stuff. It comes with a detachable pocket that holds my QL's and the QL holder. It also comes with a tripod carrier. The pack also has a nice suspension, which the mini does not have. Note: the Mini was too small for my 4x5 kit. I use mine for my Mamiya 645 kit.
Overall, I have been pretty happy with the pack, and have not had any of the bad zipper issues that have been reported. The pack also has a waterproof cover that tucks into a pocket on the bottom-a nice touch.
You're going to like working with a field 4x5, rather than your monorail. I have a 70's-vintage OmegaView 45E-a nice camera-but it is just too big, heavy, and bulky for true field work in LF. That's why I went with my Tachi...I love it!
-PB
Posted by Drew Fulton on June 17, 2006 at 11:09 PM
I use the same as Preston, I think. It might be a Mini-Trekker as I only have 2 lenses and the filters have to go in the outside pocket which makes things a bit cumberson and harder to access.
My much-abused Tamrac 787 carries all my 4x5 gear. I was forced to give up on Lowepro packs (4 of them now) for persistent zipper failures right at the base of the top flap where the zipper has to flex sharply each time the flap is opened and closed. Tamrac's zippers go on around the corner slightly rather than stopping, which eases strain.
I'm not saying the 787 is a better choice beyond the zipper design, rather I'm providing frame of reference for dimensions. Note the dimensions on the 787 and the Trekker, then use them for comparisons with other brands in order to have the most flexibility in your choices. I'm prone to the larger packs not so much for packing gear, but for packing snacks, drinks and extra clothing for long days and long walks. If your camera pack won't also hold that stuff, what are you going to do with it?
I after owning a few Lowepro bags decided when it was time for a new bag to buy a Tamrac bag, I have a Expedition 7 model number 5577. It isn't a large bag but big enough for my Mamiya RB 6x7, 65mm, 90mm & 250mm, Lightmeter and film, filters etc, I still have more room yet to fill but once I get a 50mm and two extentsion tubes it will be close to full. Has a very comfy harness system and tripod has a pouch to sit in and strpas to hold in place.
Went snow hiking last weekend with it and although I didn't hike a huge distance it was actually a joy to have the pac, so confortable and never once did i think, stuff why did I bring this gear.
Nice pacs highly recommend them.
Just go to Tamrac and click on the expedition link on the right
Discussion
4 repliesKent in SD
I use the Nature Trekker AW. It fits my Tachihara, (which is about the same size at the Shen-Hao) four lenses, loupe, spot meter, dark cloth, and Cokin holder. It has pockets in the lid for filters/rubber lens hoods. There is also a zippered pocket that holds my grey card and other flat stuff. It comes with a detachable pocket that holds my QL's and the QL holder. It also comes with a tripod carrier. The pack also has a nice suspension, which the mini does not have. Note: the Mini was too small for my 4x5 kit. I use mine for my Mamiya 645 kit.
Overall, I have been pretty happy with the pack, and have not had any of the bad zipper issues that have been reported. The pack also has a waterproof cover that tucks into a pocket on the bottom-a nice touch.
You're going to like working with a field 4x5, rather than your monorail. I have a 70's-vintage OmegaView 45E-a nice camera-but it is just too big, heavy, and bulky for true field work in LF. That's why I went with my Tachi...I love it!
-PB
I'm not saying the 787 is a better choice beyond the zipper design, rather I'm providing frame of reference for dimensions. Note the dimensions on the 787 and the Trekker, then use them for comparisons with other brands in order to have the most flexibility in your choices. I'm prone to the larger packs not so much for packing gear, but for packing snacks, drinks and extra clothing for long days and long walks. If your camera pack won't also hold that stuff, what are you going to do with it?
Went snow hiking last weekend with it and although I didn't hike a huge distance it was actually a joy to have the pac, so confortable and never once did i think, stuff why did I bring this gear.
Nice pacs highly recommend them.
Just go to Tamrac and click on the expedition link on the right