check: alphatron.nl they have a seperate division called camrade.
Upon my inputr they made a special bag for a z1 with a chrosziel mattebox attachhed. . you can use it as a normal bag in you hand. over the shoulder. and also as a rucksack!

Just got myself a FX1, and am looking into buying a case for it. I'm not planning on bringing it on a plane or anything, I just need something that will store the camera and some small accessories. So I'm not looking into anything expensive.

Does anyone have experience with a Vanguard Hard Case? Thanks!

i am using a Lowepro Magnum AW for my FX1 and it fits just fine. I love Lowepro bags!

Can anyone confirm the Pelican 1520? Shawn put up the specs that make it look like it should, but has anyone actually tried it?

Can anyone confirm the Pelican 1520? Shawn put up the specs that make it look like it should, but has anyone actually tried it?
I will be able to in a few days ?
think my FX1 will be coming in next few days and I used a 1520 for my VX2100

well it will not fit in standing up which I figured
it will fit in laying on its side I have he divider set not the foam and got it to work OK ??
a bit taller case would be ideal for this camera though
I can snap a few shots and post it if anyone wants to get a idea how it fits in and what room is left over

I just got the Pelican 1520 as well. Fits the camera, charger, tapes, extra battery(s), and remote easily. I love the durability of it.

I have to move a lot in Manhattan, on feet and in buses/subways/cabs.

Bag is the solution for me.

I used to have a large gym bag with lots of foam insulation for my Z1, for two reasons: - pro bags induce theft; - they cost a lot.

But recently I came across Kata MC60 and just couldn't resist - it holds everything, including the external mic assembly, filters/lenses/batteries/tapes/lens cleaning solutions/charger, my 35mm adapter, and has space for some more - all at $99 and sized smaller than my gym bag.

B&H seems to have discontinued it and moved the last (demo?) piece to their Used dept. - where I happily picked it up :) Original price, I think, was around $150.

I've mostly been a case guy, but have recently discovered the joy of bagging it for those short trips or carry-ons. I just finished a review of the new Petrol Camporter bag if you're interested in how it works for us.
Read it here (http://www.vasst.com/resource.aspx?id=1ae2326a-cdef-46ad-a2d1-0b0afaaeecf0 )

<<<-- Originally posted by Greg Jacobson : I use a black bag that looks like regular luggage. I don't like people knowing I have an expensive camera. -->>>

You must not fly... cuz' there ain't no way in hell you can fly without the TSA handling your camera even if it's just a carry on. In fact, as a note to yourself/selves, if you fly with the HVR-Z1 in a bag, be sure to put some sort of foam or rubber support inside the second mic mount. Mine is already damaged because the moronic TSA folks at Orange County/John Wayne/Santa Ana (how can an airport have 3 names?) didn't load my cam back into the foam cutout correctly, and the lid on the Pelican forced the arm down and broke the hinge pin.


Did you resolve this or did TSA just give you some explaination in another language which amounted to, tough luck.

The TSA gives you a claim form. I'm still waiting on payment for a camera damaged 3 years ago. They work like an insurance company, deny, deny, deny...well, maybe we shouldn't be quick to deny, but we're still not paying. Give us more information.
Between dropped laptops, stolen goods, and damaged cameras, we're into the TSA for around 10K over the past 4 years.
Side note, I had a piece of jewelry disappear on-camera in Las Vegas at NAB last year (leaving the airport) and since it happened during a shift change, TSA "couldn't do much." Since the bracelet was made by a Dine' and didn't have a "catalog value", they gave me 100.00 and said "Sorry, that's all we're permitted to do." For those that saw it (it never left my arm for 17 years, I have a groove worn in my wrist bone from it) any idiot could tell you it was a unique piece, and was worth well over 1k. It wasn't the money; it was an heirloom. Wearing a TSA badge is a license to steal or break.

The TSA gives you a claim form. I'm still waiting on payment for a camera damaged 3 years ago. They work like an insurance company, deny, deny, deny...well, maybe we shouldn't be quick to deny, but we're still not paying. Give us more information.
Between dropped laptops, stolen goods, and damaged cameras, we're into the TSA for around 10K over the past 4 years.
Side note, I had a piece of jewelry disappear on-camera in Las Vegas at NAB last year (leaving the airport) and since it happened during a shift change, TSA "couldn't do much." Since the bracelet was made by a Dine' and didn't have a "catalog value", they gave me 100.00 and said "Sorry, that's all we're permitted to do." For those that saw it (it never left my arm for 17 years, I have a groove worn in my wrist bone from it) any idiot could tell you it was a unique piece, and was worth well over 1k. It wasn't the money; it was an heirloom. Wearing a TSA badge is a license to steal or break.


Good grief, this would drive me to rent equipment if I have to fly to do a gig. That sucks Doug. As a side note, I as a general rule I 'hate' to fly. I hate the entire process. I don't unless I have no other way. When we go to see my in-laws, total time in the airports (non-flying) comes to around 6 or 7 hours . The drive to thier house is around 10 hours one way. It doesn't make sense, so I no longer fly there. I'll just drive. I hope you get your money dude.

Two quick points (a total of $0.04):
1. I work for a defense contractor and we try to break cases for our equipment all the time for testing before delivery to a customer (i.e. Army). Pelican makes some really nice cases, but we have switched over to using Hardigg's Storm series cases (http://www.stormcase.com/product_info/indexproduct.html). We tend to prefer the latches on them better. They open and shut much easier and the case is just as durable. I have three cases (for my XL2 and VX2100). The iM2975 is the largest, but I can stick everything into one case (did I mention it was big?). The iM2720 (the equiv. of the Pelican 1610) for one-camera shoots and the iM2200 for my photography equipment.

2. I typically ship my equipment so I don't have to deal with TSA (expensive, but I try to build it into my pricing quotes). One trick that I did try and it has worked out pretty well so far: I bought the olive drab color cases. Then I went to the base exchange (for military folks, for non-military, try e-bay) and bought a few official U.S.A.F stickers. Don't get the "Property of.." ones, just the insignia. Now, I made a mold and spray-painted the insignia (in black) on the case along with U.S.A.F, but the sticker may work just as well. Then I use a "TSA lock" on the case. They have been nice to my equipment so far, but I feel like I am rolling the dice every time I hand off the case.

BTW, I've removed the mike holder from my Z1. I have no plans to use a camera mounted mike, and it just bothered me. Looks like an accident waiting to happen with the LCD screen, I don't like the way it sticks out, and it also makes the camera harder to pack. However it would still fit in the Tamarac case fine if you left it on.

How did you take the mic holder off. I removed some screws that looked like it would loosen it, but it did not. Not wanting to risk it, I stoped trying.

Am I the only one who bought a Sony LCH-FXA?

It makes a awesome footrest when I'm not using my camera. :-)

I bought it. Love the protection. A little cumbersome for travleing, but i just cart it from home to church on Sundays. Fits everything including extra cables and a FS 4 Pro HD.

Scott, forget small black the screws on the back. They do nothing to mic holder.

Instead, simply unscrew the big ribbed screw, as if putting a mic in, and flip the mic holder open. Look inside. See 2 shiny chromium screws? You only need a normal Philips driver to unscrew them, and the whole mic holder assembly comes off.

Of course, the usual disclaimers apply - do it at your own risk etc etc, but it worked fine for me.

Thanks for the quick response Alex. I am new to this group and new to HDV. So far you guys have been great. Thanks for being a fountain of knowledge for us "newbies".

Glad to help!

I do agree that Chris's site is fantastic for every person devoted to (HD) video. Thanks Chris and everyone.

I have 2 Z1Us and originally bought Petrol bags but sent them back because they were just too big. Instead I got two Impact bags. They are perfect for carry on and hold the camera, G2 transmitter and receiver, mic and short cable, ME66, headphones, two tapes, and a few misc items---in other words, enough stuff so the airline can lose your checked gear and your can still shoot---and that is the way I always travel. The bag has a shoulder strap and fits nicely in the overhead airplane bins. Great bag! Here's the B and H link:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=368664&is=REG&addedTroughType=accessory_detail&addedTroughValue=382085_REG

JimT

I have the Petrol bag for my FX1 and love it. I'm a big fan of the extra room and carry lots of things with it (mics, tapes, batteries, cables, connectors, headphones & even extra bulbs for my light kit). I don't travel often, but am planning to take it to NY in July... I hope if fits in the overhead! If not, I've taken large items like guitars and had the flight attendants take it to some special secret place on board the plane, but not by the passengers. Hopefully they'll accomdate me in such ways again.

I've taken large items like guitars and had the flight attendants take it to some special secret place on board the plane

I really suggest that you have a "plan B" because I don't think you can count on that. There is typically a little closet sort of space where the crew puts their own luggage, but they can be pretty strict on a full flight. Last month I saw a passenger getting very riled when they told him that he would have to check an item and that no, they couldn't find someplace else to put it. OTOH, on another flight where the overhead bins were full they did offer to stash a passenger's carry-on.

But if you're taking one of the little "regional jets" then forget it, all carry on items that won't fit under the (tiny) seats are gate checked without exception. Take the time to do some research - look on your airline's website and you will find very specific limitations on carry on size. They may vary between different airlines. Also check to see what kind of airplane you'll be flying on. When flights are full they can be really strict and make you leave anything that looks too big before allowing you on the jetway.

I picked up the LCH-FXA as well and while it is a little bulky, I love it. It was MADE for the HDR-FX1 and there is plenty of extra room for peripherals and it is incredibly sturdy.

-Douglas


Is this for the Z1u as well, and is it already cut out for a fit to the foam? I added it to my wishlist, but I'm trying to decide between this and the pelican.

Everything is formed perfect for the camera and accessories. It is "officially" for the FX, but I have a Z1 and size/shape wise they are the same camera. If you are not doing heavy traveling, I highly recommend it.

I'm using a 1620, it holds both Z1's and two LitePanels, plus extra stuff I need, including chargers, etc.

Hey Douglas,

I'm only buying one Z1u, in your opinion, would you still get the 1620 for that one camera, or will the 1610 do?

I'd love to see a pic of your camera/case setup.

Steven

The 1610 would do for one cam, no doubt.
I haven't taken pix of the Pelican setup, I do have pix of my Petrol softbag setup at http://www.vasst.com/resource.aspx?id=1ae2326a-cdef-46ad-a2d1-0b0afaaeecf0 , but that won't likely help much. When we return from this shoot, I'll try to remember to take a few pix and post em'.

The 1610 would do for one cam, no doubt.
I haven't taken pix of the Pelican setup, I do have pix of my Petrol softbag setup at http://www.vasst.com/resource.aspx?id=1ae2326a-cdef-46ad-a2d1-0b0afaaeecf0 , but that won't likely help much. When we return from this shoot, I'll try to remember to take a few pix and post em'.

Thanks Douglas. I'm very excited about having my new baby. Ok, maybe that's carrying love of technology a little far.

Hello all,

I ‘m new to the post. I was getting ready to order a Pelican case at their site http://www.casesbypelican.com. It looks like they just came out with a very nice carrying case for the HDR-FX1. It’s based on their wheeled 1560, still it is too large for an airline carry-on, but it’s quite smaller than the 1610.

http://www.casesbypelican.com/videocamcorders-sony.htm

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to post and mention that I picked up a Tenba S-7 shoulder case recently and it works fantastic for my Z1. It's a soft bag that offers excellent protection with plenty of space. I pulled the inside dividers out and put them back in lining the sides for added protection. You can find it here at B&H:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=340618&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

John

PS - It has much better interior padding and protection than the B&H description says.

Hello everbody!! Just wanted to jump in on this and let you all know about a new bag company coming into the States. I am sure that many of you saw the camRade line at this years NAB? Well we here at TapeWorks Texas inc. liked what we saw with those folks and decided to become one of their main distributors here in the States.

Constructed of the industry standard 1,000 stitch Cordura (same as
Portabrace) these bags feature a more sleek and professional grey color, soft padded interiors and a PVC lining for added protection (kind of sound like a salesman, eh?)

Check out the link here and see a great bag for smaller DV and HDV cameras. These cameras will be hitting the States real soon and at a lower price than advertised for the DVInfo crowd. They also have a really cool backpacks, wetsuits, desert suits and more for all size cameras.

http://tapeworkstexas.com/camrade_cb_single_i_1.html

Thanks,
Jason Price
TapeWorks Texas inc.
Jason@TapeWorksTexas.com
866.827.3489 toll free

That's a pretty nice looking bag, and a decent price too.
I'm not sure I like the PVC lining, but it would be waterproof, and I've been on shoots where that would be a very good thing (like a few months ago, with all my bags in the back of a cargo golf cart, shooting an outdoor truck show, in the rain. Water can soak through a Portabrace bag quicker than you think.

Bill,
The PVC lining is not a thick 'non-giving' piece similar to a PVC pipe, say. It is very thin and flexible while still providing the extra protection. I was told that you can actually stack a suitcase on top of these cambags without any worries of the bag collapsing!
FYI, DVInfo users price on these will be $115.00!!

Thank you for the time,
Jason Price
TapeWorks Texas inc.
866.827.3489
Jason@TapeWorksTexas.com

I'm looking for a bag for carry-on air travel, and was curious if anyone has one of these (Kata Hiker Backpack)?:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=422742&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

I already have a Pelican hard case, but I want a bag to take on the plane with me. Any suggestions, or comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

That looks pretty cool. I've always used Portabrace bags, but Kata has some good ones too. The only thing I'd be careful about with that backpack style is to make sure the camera isn't going to put all its weight onto the viewfinder. Also, it looks like if the bag is laying flat in an overhead compartment and somebody squished something down on top of it, it would mash down into the viewfinder on cameras like the Z1 that have the VF up high. The more traditional design has more space over the top. I don't know if that's an issue or not, but maybe something to look at.

I've used Portabrace in the past for larger cameras, and was always pleased with them.

My thinking on the backpack was the easy portability of it, and the ability to put it under the seat on the plane, but you bring up good points.

Thanks for the quick response.

i think for me its al about the bag. easy to move about with and doesnt look like you have an expensive camera with you.

Sony LCH-FXA

The Bees Knees... Fantastic case, super secure, no hassle at Airports...

What is the maximum bag/case size allowed on board for flying?

I have no intention of ever not taking my Z1 with me, so I have to find something that will protect it and be easy to carry.

Bags are not an option, I think. I have been using one for my PDX10, which is smaller, and it's not too practical or safe.

A pro case is not something that's worth for me buying from Brazil, so I will have to adapt on what's available here. So I have to start on what is the size I can take with me, find the best I can get and foam it myself internally.

This is something I have already done for my rental equipment, so it's a feat I am already used to.

Suggestions?


Carlos

I't Depends - but my opinion is that case protects more u stuff,whatever u decide to put in;)

I't Depends - but my opinion is that case protects more u stuff,whatever u decide to put in;)


Sorry, I missexplained myself. It's not a bag what what I am looking for, something you hang from your shoulder.

I want something you can wheel around like baggage and still carry-on to the plane. I don't know how that is called specifically.

What I will look for here are baggage boxes that are sturdy enough on the outside and that will fit the Z1 plus foam inside.

One thing I already saw that gets in the way is the Z1's mic holder, and it also has to have some protection from the outside, because it's screwed to the handle. I think I will permanently remove it, because that sets the deepness the case will need to have, with the camera lying on its side.

One information I could get.

A carry bag must not measure more than 115cm, adding up length, width and depth.

So the question is looking for flexible cases, with wheels, than won't be too long and greater in depth.

If you can go to a store that sells luggage, you can find their carry-on cases and then determine what works for you.

However, at least in the U.S., different airlines often have different size requirements. Even on the same airline in a different city there may be different sizes. For example, on one airline where I live, my bag would not fit into their hole at the screening device (I took the camera out and squeezed it through), but at the same airline in another city, my bag went through with room to spare.

If you can go to a store that sells luggage, you can find their carry-on cases and then determine what works for you.

However, at least in the U.S., different airlines often have different size requirements. Even on the same airline in a different city there may be different sizes. For example, on one airline where I live, my bag would not fit into their hole at the screening device (I took the camera out and squeezed it through), but at the same airline in another city, my bag went through with room to spare.


OK, I did find a hard plastic luggage case. Size is 52cm x 34cm x 26cm. Has 4-wheels on one end and a telescopic handle on the other, so you can carry it on the large side or the thin side, which is great to roll between plane seats.

Colour is light blue-gray, and it doesn't look like a camera, which is what I wanted. I glued 1" thick foam panels inside that I cut in layers, following the camera shape. To make things better I unscrew the sunshade and put in on a separate hole on the foam. There are holes for the batteries, the supply and the cables.

As a final touch I used a thin black fabric to cover it all.

The camera doesn't move and it's well cushioned. I am quite satisfied. Total cost was about $70.

I will get another smaller bag to carry the matte-box, the 4 x 4 filters and the wide-angle.

The 1610 would do for one cam, no doubt.
I haven't taken pix of the Pelican setup, I do have pix of my Petrol softbag setup at http://www.vasst.com/resource.aspx?id=1ae2326a-cdef-46ad-a2d1-0b0afaaeecf0 , but that won't likely help much. When we return from this shoot, I'll try to remember to take a few pix and post em'.

Hey Spot, sorry to dredge up this thread, but after talking to B&H without an answer, I was still wondering if you could shoot me a pic of your pelican with both z1's in it.

I'm about to buy two v1u's and was actually going to go higher than a pelican 1630 because I'm paranoid about wanting a decent amount of padding between them with both in a single case. Thanks for the time.

We do weddings, and bring tons of 'stuff', because I loathe the idea of needing anything. For this reason I'm actually leaning toward Keith's Walmart special - both for the storage and the ability to stand over it for processional shots.

My case? I nice big Stanley rolling toolbox, $35 at Wallymart, and plenty of room for EVERYTHING! http://www.zag.co.il/products_inner3..._id=8&this=491

If we start flying around, I'd pry get an Impact. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=368664&is=REG&addedTroughType=accessory_detail&addedTroughValue=382085_REG
___________________

Another question though...Is their any way to protect a cam in a car both from heat and humidity? In AZ, I'm often waiting in between shots, and the car is scorching. I could use a big cooler, but then humidity is an issue. Thoughts?

BTW, where can you buy Pick & Pluck foam blocks in a custom size?

Well I just got back from two weeks traveling in Brazil. I packed my Canon XL-2 with 20x and 3x, all accessories, three battaries, mic, 10 tapes, two head cleaners, small digital still camera, two chargers, all wires and other "stuff" into a Tamrac 651 rolling Strongbox. It has a large outside pocket for small stuff such as wires and cleaning equipment. It worked great. I was on 9 flights, big planes and little planes and it went as carry on with absolutely no questions asked. I also took it on buses, vans and trucks. Everything made the trip with no problems. And let me tell you this, having rollers is a real pleasure for this old back. And the best part is that it looks just like any other piece of carry on luggage. Bob

Hey Spot, sorry to dredge up this thread, but after talking to B&H without an answer, I was still wondering if you could shoot me a pic of your pelican with both z1's in it.

I'm about to buy two v1u's and was actually going to go higher than a pelican 1630 because I'm paranoid about wanting a decent amount of padding between them with both in a single case. Thanks for the time.

I've kept a V1U and an FX7 in a bag that Sony sells in Canada called MOBECASE. It's really practical and can hold all my accessories and two cameras. http://www.vistek.ca/details/details.aspx?WebCode=208472
The picture is not completely accurate, and the pricing from Vistek is rather high considering the MSRP from Sony Canada's website is CAD$175.00 http://www.sonybiz.ca/solutions/ProductDisplay.do?catentryId=1001608

But yeah, there's some nice padding and it fits two cameras perfectly.

I had a big D-SLR photography backpack and stuck my FX7 in there

I got no sh** from TSA or security, it was my carry-on

I had an FX7, 2 batteries, 16 tapes, a Panasonic DMC-FZ7, component cables, AV Cable, External charger, Power supply, Kata Cover, Portable DVD Player, Case w/ DVDs, Ipod, Cellphone, Wallet...

I figured they would have atleast looked inside the bag... haha... that's a lot of electronics/metal stuff

* I laid the FX7 on it's side, and the bag went under the seat. :)

anyone ever use the Petrol PCCB-2-N with the Z1? it looks like it might be a nice fit, but just wondering if anyone had tried it. i've had petrol products in the past, and i really like them:

http://petrolbags.com/products/Camera_Bags_I/PCCB-2/PCCB-2.htm

I wanted to throw an additional option into the mix. There's a new injection molded hard case from Italy sold under the HPRC brand. It's 10-20% lighter than Pelican depending on size and has all the standard durability/watertight ratings (NATO STANAG 4280, DS 81-41, IP 67).

The wheeled cases have a unique low profile backing for housing the extended handle that make them less bulky. The handle itself is made of a stiff high-strength aluminum instead of plastic.

The site is www.hprc-usa.com

The Pelican 1610 size equivalent that everyone has been talking about using for the Z1U is the HPRC 2700W (http://hprc-usa.com/2700w.htm)

There's also a larger "trunk" case size HPRC 2800W (http://hprc-usa.com/2800.htm)

Thanks for letting me put my 2 cents in...