Welcome to our community

Be a part of something great, join today!

Log in
  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

How to layout the Lenses in a Pelican Case 1510?

E

Eric.T

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 16, 2007
Messages
108
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Hi everyone,
Im new to the cinema lens world. So I have 3 Lomo Anamorphic lenses. 2 Squarefront (35mm + 80mm) and 1 Roundfront (50mm) that I want to place into a Pelicase.
How would you guys make the layout for the lenses in the case.
Would you place the heaviest lens in the bottom part ? Since it is a carry on / trolly, the case will be in vertical position a lot.
Im not sure if the foam is strong enough or if it even makes a difference. I know it might seem a stupid question to some of the more experienced here in the forum.
But better be safe then sorry ;).
So the question is: What is the best way to layout the foam? also good to know would be how to cut the foam best?

Here is the case I will be using
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/330231-REG/Pelican_1510_000_110_1510_Carry_On_Case.html

Thanks everyone,
Eric
 
apart from where to place the haviest lens it would be nice to know, if I should arrange them vertical or horizontal to the way the case is going to be rolled ?
 
Do you know the title of the thread ? Im searching for it but cant find it.
 
If you love your lenses, and want them to survive, placement is less important than foam. 2 inches of medium density photographic grade foam on every side and your good. That means a minimum of 2 inches of foam between any two lenses, the bOttom of the case, the top of case, etc.
 
Pik N' Cut foam is the worst!!

It will spread Micro parcels al over your gear, and that includes inside of =it too... :(

SO BIG NO on this type of Foam form Pelican or any one else, you need Laser Cut foam!

Spacing needs to be of a 2" for ATA type cases, but you can get away with half that if self transported and never tossed around in trucks, or shipping.

Heavy lenses, well, all Cine lenses IMO would be best laid down.


I wrote this up some time ago, even so lots more traveling experience with Big glass such as the Master Primes taught me some more lessons, principals still stand strong,
but I do now strongly prefer all my Cine Glass to be laid DOWN on its cases, with lots of Laser Cut Foam space in between them... ;)

http://reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?33904-Transporting-Lenses-Do-and-Don-t!!
 
Hey Ketch,
Where do I get this laser cut foam and how do I get it cut ?
Thanks
Eric
 
Nick Gardner said:
If you love your lenses, and want them to survive, placement is less important than foam. 2 inches of medium density photographic grade foam on every side and your good. That means a minimum of 2 inches of foam between any two lenses, the bOttom of the case, the top of case, etc.
Click to expand...

Wait, are you saying my setup is not good enough to check as baggage? My case is watertight and will float when I drop it in the ocean.
 

Attachments

  • photo-66.jpg
    photo-66.jpg
    93.3 KB · Views: 0
That case may be watertight, but as checked luggage it is far more likely to be dropped several feet by baggage handlers. I've witnessed some intense impacts as these guys toss cases off carousels, throw onto loading ramps, drop from a meter or two onto cement and generally abuse the crap out of them. The foam dividers pictured in your case are barely good enough to protect them when you hand carry the lenses. That picture shows the case lying down, but the handle is on the end, meaning that the weight of two lenses can come crashing down on the ones on the bottom in an impact. That can be serious damage.
 
Mitch, I removed the rubber o-ring as it was falling out anyway... Do you think the case will leak when I dunk her in the ocean? lol
 
Eric.T said:
Hey Ketch,
Where do I get this laser cut foam and how do I get it cut ?
Thanks
Eric
Click to expand...

You need to ordered by a specialized conpany, some do it with an alredy design case some just the foam ot fit cases such as the Pelican, which are great for been selaed tight.


david_winters said:
Wait, are you saying my setup is not good enough to check as baggage? My case is watertight and will float when I drop it in the ocean.
Click to expand...

Yeah Pelican and Storm alike are great for all sort of reasons, but Shipping Lenses and or Delicate camera equipment with such Dividers, ARE NOT!!

Your lenses wil get tossed and dropped within this case, bit up up and down during the shipping process, internal barrel and all sort of other alignment of the glass, effected even if by Microns,
and your lens will not be the same, not as sharp, not as smooth, and have more imperfections and artifacts...

So, short answer to oyur question... "are you saying my setup is not good enough to check as baggage? "... NO!!

Correct way to trasnport SMALL Lenses...

cocoon-Zeiss-SLR.png


cocoon-Zeiss-CP.png




Best way to transport Heavier and much more expensive lenses, such as Master Primes and the new LEICA S-C...

cocoon_Zeiss_Master_Prime_II.JPG



This company will be building all our cases for the sets of Leica S-C... ;)
 
If you want to make it really good use two different densites of foam soft and hard in a layer so theres better resitance to hard impact. Id do this with a lens and camera case for more fragile items. We use plastazote foam and a soft foam both closed cell.

Unless you are happy that the case can be dropped out of a first floor window and the contents survive then its not baggage handler proof. I recall standing at Chicago airport once and watching our cases being thrown about 10 feet off the cart on to the aircraft conveyer including the camera case. May be you can simulate baggage handling by throwing cases from your own truck 10 feet or so on to the deck, It doesnt seem so good some how to treat you own hard earned kit this way but if its not protected well then this is exactly what will happen to it.

We use off the shelf Peli/Storm cases and Zargess cases Zargess are lighter to cost less to ship. If you want custom cases the variety with rounded corners tend not to trash your car a little less. If your in the UK Origional metal cases make great cases. My only complaint with most custom cases is the foam is less think than Id like unless you ask for it to be 50mm or more on order.
 
My posts were complete sarcasm, but the responses are valid. The 1550 with padded dividers is what I use when I'm shooting locally, the case sits on the magliner or on the floor next to camera. I have ATA cases for shipping, but to date have only traveled with the RPP as carry on in a lowpro backpack.

I was planning to order two ATA cases from A&J, three RPP per case. 6 RPP in one case is just too big and heavy.
 
Dave, I got it but the fear was that others might not. There's a wide range of experience on this board.

BTW, your lenses looked a little hot in there. Maybe you should drill some holes in the side of the case so they can get some fresh air.
 
For those ocean dunking opportunities, the holes would also provide water cooling.
Great idea Mitch.

Back to serious, doesn't hurt to use a velcroed lens wrap (like those from Calumet) when you are ultra-portable with a partitioned case or knapsack. Gives an added layer of isolation / protection.
 
Thanks for all the tips and suggestions!
So Ketch you would not suggest to use the standard foam that comes with the case ?
I mean they are Lomo Anamorphic lenses so Im not sure if laser cutted foam would be overkill.
Im also on tight budget. But I can understand why you want to protect your Leica lenses though ;).
I probably would do the same if I had invested so much in lenses.

Eric
 
For a cheap "just for me" foam solution you can use the pick & pluck foam and then wrap it in gaffer tape. The tape won't stick to the foam but it will stick to itself, so you need to pull the foam out of the case and then wrap strips in loops. Make the lenses fit really tight because you'll end up slightly compressing the foam with the tape wrap. Don't be stingy -- you'll likely use at least one entire roll of tape for a case. It's definitely the Poor Man's Custom Case solution, but this is what I did years ago for my accessory case from my old Aaton kit and it held up fine for years. By varying the compression of the foam you can make compound angles and really fit your tools precisely.
 
You can also use an electric knife (a kitchen knife) to custom cut foam for a cheaper alternative, as long as there is still the thickness and mass of good foam around the lens that Nick described. I looks a little funky, but if carfully done will work fine. But no one can overstate the brutal treatment cases will receive by average baggage handlers.
 
There used to be a product stocked by Mole Richardson called "Navajo Clear Foam Sealer Spray". No longer available - they went out of business and it was expensive (about $30 a can as I recall) - plus it was a hazardous materials shipment. What was nice was that it kind of melted the exposed skin of the foam - in that process, it sealed any foam dust generation. If anyone knows of a replacement product - chime in.

Expanding on Mitch's ideas of an inexpensive solution:
Purchase some 3M Super 77 spray adhesive. That is a contact adhesive specifically designed to work on polyester foam.
Also purchase some Mikros cloth ( a 14"x14" piece is about 10 bucks at Filmtools) - or any suitable substitute (no-lint material).

After you do your cutouts, spray the adhesive into the cutout and backside of the cloth. Then just line the open holes.

Another hint, the hard foam that was mentioned in another post is referred to as a "Closed Cell Polyethylene Foam". For heavier lenses, it makes sense to start with a case that comes with this material, cut oversized openings, surround the walls of the opening with between 1-2" of normal foam, then line it to prevent chafing of the softer foam.

I would be hesitant using an electric kitchen knife - picked up a medical scalpel that is excellent on the cuts and provides a good deal of control.


Ketch, if you read this, really like that case for the MP's. Tell us more.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top