Case for EX3 and Matte Box? at DVinfo.net

Mitchell Lewis · January 16th, 2011, 11:17 AM

I search this forum quite a bit looking for a case for our rig, but didn't find any good options. We have an EX3 with a Chrosziel matte box. We'd like to find a case that will fit the camera with the mattebox/rails attached. Anyone have suggestions? Plan B is to have Case Cruzer build a custom case for our rig.

http://www.visualswitzerland.ch/_ima...2-EX3KIT_2.jpg

Ian Planchon · January 17th, 2011, 10:21 AM

pelican 1620 case fits mine perfectly. I have the box, but not the rails. the rails should fit fine though.

Mitchell Lewis · January 17th, 2011, 10:25 AM

Thanks Ian,

So you had to "customize" the foam into the shape of the camera? Is the viewfinder arm supported well enough? Any chance you could post a photo? Much appreciated. :)

Ian Planchon · January 17th, 2011, 10:33 AM

i got the pick and pluck foam insert. if I did it again, I probably wouldn't get that insert, it tends to fall apart. it definitely supports the viewfinder no issues there. you do have to cut out a "relief" hole in the foam piece that covers the camera, but other than that it fits like a glove. I will see if I can get a pic posted.

I have used this case for a ton of rugged applications, from strapping it to the back of a snowmobile on the iditarod, to kicking it around on the deck of a tug boat. it is totally waterproof and destruction proof. best part is it has a lifetime warranty.

Mitchell Lewis · January 17th, 2011, 12:10 PM

Wow! That sounds perfect! I don't quite understand your comment about the pick n pluck foam. I think the only other option from Pelican is their dividers. I wish they had different types of pick n pluck foam. The "coated" harder type foam would be ideal.

I would love to see photos if you have the time. Thanks again Ian. :)

Ian Planchon · January 17th, 2011, 03:42 PM

they used to have some regular foam that you could cut yourself. the pick and pluck, while its nice in the beginning, it tears apart a bit if you jam the camera in there too much. kind of hard to explain.

here are some pics...if I remember how to post them....

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...s/IMG_4233.jpg

you can see some loose pieces of foam inside, thats what I am talking about, they got pulled out of place over time.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...s/IMG_4234.jpg

with the camera

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...s/IMG_4235.jpg

and with the top piece in place.

Mitchell Lewis · January 17th, 2011, 03:50 PM

SOLD!! This is perfect. Thanks Ian. Exactly what I was looking for. :) I think I can live with the pick n pluck foam. We use it for some of our smaller cases. I like how you did the "levels" in the foam to better hold the viewfinder. Smart. How come you haven't made holes for additional storage for batteries, etc...?

(It's amazing how photos can really help tell the whole story)

Ian Planchon · January 17th, 2011, 07:01 PM

I keep my batteries and filters in another case, so I wasn't worried about adding extra holes for those. wanted this to be strictly for the camera. I love it. obviously though, when I fly somewhere, I have to take the camera on the plane with me, so I just use this as an extra bag and just pack it full of stuff and check it.

Mitchell Lewis · January 17th, 2011, 07:05 PM

Ahhhh..... That makes sense. I've got mine on order with B&H. Thanks again for your help. :)

Ian Planchon · January 17th, 2011, 08:29 PM

great! enjoy.

January 16th, 2011, 11:17 AM	#1
Mitchell Lewis Trustee Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Kennewick, WA Posts: 1,124	Case for EX3 and Matte Box? I search this forum quite a bit looking for a case for our rig, but didn't find any good options. We have an EX3 with a Chrosziel matte box. We'd like to find a case that will fit the camera with the mattebox/rails attached. Anyone have suggestions? Plan B is to have Case Cruzer build a custom case for our rig. http://www.visualswitzerland.ch/_ima...2-EX3KIT_2.jpg __________________ Sony EX3, Canon 5D MkII, Chrosziel Matte Box, Sachtler tripod, Steadicam Flyer, Mac Pro, Apple/Adobe software - 20 years as a local videographer/editor

January 17th, 2011, 10:25 AM	#3
Mitchell Lewis Trustee Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Kennewick, WA Posts: 1,124	Thanks Ian, So you had to "customize" the foam into the shape of the camera? Is the viewfinder arm supported well enough? Any chance you could post a photo? Much appreciated. :) __________________ Sony EX3, Canon 5D MkII, Chrosziel Matte Box, Sachtler tripod, Steadicam Flyer, Mac Pro, Apple/Adobe software - 20 years as a local videographer/editor

January 17th, 2011, 12:10 PM	#5
Mitchell Lewis Trustee Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Kennewick, WA Posts: 1,124	Wow! That sounds perfect! I don't quite understand your comment about the pick n pluck foam. I think the only other option from Pelican is their dividers. I wish they had different types of pick n pluck foam. The "coated" harder type foam would be ideal. I would love to see photos if you have the time. Thanks again Ian. :) __________________ Sony EX3, Canon 5D MkII, Chrosziel Matte Box, Sachtler tripod, Steadicam Flyer, Mac Pro, Apple/Adobe software - 20 years as a local videographer/editor

January 17th, 2011, 03:50 PM	#7
Mitchell Lewis Trustee Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Kennewick, WA Posts: 1,124	SOLD!! This is perfect. Thanks Ian. Exactly what I was looking for. :) I think I can live with the pick n pluck foam. We use it for some of our smaller cases. I like how you did the "levels" in the foam to better hold the viewfinder. Smart. How come you haven't made holes for additional storage for batteries, etc...? (It's amazing how photos can really help tell the whole story) __________________ Sony EX3, Canon 5D MkII, Chrosziel Matte Box, Sachtler tripod, Steadicam Flyer, Mac Pro, Apple/Adobe software - 20 years as a local videographer/editor

January 17th, 2011, 07:05 PM	#9
Mitchell Lewis Trustee Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Kennewick, WA Posts: 1,124	Ahhhh..... That makes sense. I've got mine on order with B&H. Thanks again for your help. :) __________________ Sony EX3, Canon 5D MkII, Chrosziel Matte Box, Sachtler tripod, Steadicam Flyer, Mac Pro, Apple/Adobe software - 20 years as a local videographer/editor

January 17th, 2011, 10:21 AM	#2
Ian Planchon Major Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: an Alaskan living in Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 513	pelican 1620 case fits mine perfectly. I have the box, but not the rails. the rails should fit fine though.

January 17th, 2011, 10:33 AM	#4
Ian Planchon Major Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: an Alaskan living in Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 513	i got the pick and pluck foam insert. if I did it again, I probably wouldn't get that insert, it tends to fall apart. it definitely supports the viewfinder no issues there. you do have to cut out a "relief" hole in the foam piece that covers the camera, but other than that it fits like a glove. I will see if I can get a pic posted. I have used this case for a ton of rugged applications, from strapping it to the back of a snowmobile on the iditarod, to kicking it around on the deck of a tug boat. it is totally waterproof and destruction proof. best part is it has a lifetime warranty.

January 17th, 2011, 03:42 PM	#6
Ian Planchon Major Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: an Alaskan living in Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 513	they used to have some regular foam that you could cut yourself. the pick and pluck, while its nice in the beginning, it tears apart a bit if you jam the camera in there too much. kind of hard to explain. here are some pics...if I remember how to post them.... http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...s/IMG_4233.jpg you can see some loose pieces of foam inside, thats what I am talking about, they got pulled out of place over time. http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...s/IMG_4234.jpg with the camera http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...s/IMG_4235.jpg and with the top piece in place.

January 17th, 2011, 07:01 PM	#8
Ian Planchon Major Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: an Alaskan living in Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 513	I keep my batteries and filters in another case, so I wasn't worried about adding extra holes for those. wanted this to be strictly for the camera. I love it. obviously though, when I fly somewhere, I have to take the camera on the plane with me, so I just use this as an extra bag and just pack it full of stuff and check it.

January 17th, 2011, 08:29 PM	#10
Ian Planchon Major Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: an Alaskan living in Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 513	great! enjoy.