Travel cases for camera, tripod, monitor, and...

...
professional-looking

Hey! It used to be a secret before you guys blabbed it here! :-)
Nothing says "forget it" like an old suitcase from Goodwill.

Only potential problem is broken/fragile latches.
Ratty-looking (but sturdy) external web belts solve that.

I worked with some out of towners a few weeks ago who put everything in
plain ol' Samsonite suitcases and checked them as luggage. They were able
to check everything for a pretty good sized ENG shoot (monitor, mixer,
batteries, charger, tape stock, mics, etc) in in 3 suitcases plus the
lighting case. Of course, they carried on the 600 and the tripod in its
case.

The biggest of these are only about $200 new, and can be had used for a
pittance. You will have to either craft or have some foam inserts made.
This is actually pretty easy - - get the raw material from an upholstery
supply house, and use an electric knife to make really professional-looking
cutouts.

Haven't done this myself yet, but it's got me thinking. One added bonus - -
there's no "steal me" factor that comes with Portabrace blue bags !

Steve

...

May I recommend the Tenba still photography cases for some of your gear. I
use them for my very delicate stuff, like my 5" viewfinder, mattebox,
filters etc., also use them for lights, audio gear, just about anything you
don't want broken. The big advantage to these cases is weight. They use
the same prinicple of carboard boxes, the sides are cushioned with plastic
corrugated sheets which are extremely light, inside a nylon shell with
customizable compartments using the plastic corrugated sheets you can cut to
fit any way you want and attach with velcro strips they provide. They look
like they aren't very heavy and hence don't get the same heave ho from the
ramp rats while slinging them in the underbelly. When they see Anvils or
Nalpaks or anything looking like "heavy", they tend to see how far they can
throw them. At least that's been my experience. I've been using the Tenbas
now for about six years and swear by them. Just do a Google to find them, I
believe in Brooklyn.

Best,
Geoff
...

"Tom McGlinn" <
Pelican and Nalpac cases, and Anvil style cases are pretty much the industry
standards for traveling gear protection. But, any case meeting ATA specs
will work just fine.
A slightly oversized Nalpac will hold your sticks and two light stands.
Depending on the size of your monitor and the amount of your camera
accessories (batteries, chargers, filters, tape and run bag) you definitely
would have enough room in a Pelican 1610 or maybe the 1620.

A pelican 1600 would be fine for the lights, and lighting accessories.

You must keep the total weight under 70 pounds for airline baggage.

As previously mentioned hand carry your camera.

Bill F.

Never pack your camera!! Carry on luggage is the way to go. if you loose
everyotherthing you can still shoot. so take tapes, mike, to jump off
and shoot if necessary

I use the box supplied by rental house. The tripod travels in its case.
Strongbox cases are good.

FM