Back Pack suitable for the EX-3...

Back Pack suitable for the EX-3... · July 30th, 2008, 11:33 AM

I just took delivery of the Kata Backpack BP-502 for my EX-3.

It did not disappoint. This is my 3rd kata backpack (among other kata bags I have) and they just get better. The 502 is the largest I have owned - and it swollows the EX-3 in one gulp! In fact, it makes the EX-3 look small. I am told it will get on to planes as a carry-on, but may not fit smaller domestic overhead bins. With it being a backpack, it gets away with the size regulation scrutiny.
I roughly placed the EX-3 in the photo you are looking at. As you can see, plenty of space still left for accessories and customising a snug fit to the cam. The lid is arched so that it fits high above the viewfinder and any attachments, such as mics.
This also takes a 17" Macbook pro - I just tested my 15" Macbook with no problem.
Also lots of free goodies, rain-covers and a very nice padded camera strap. The Kata trolley wheels will slide inside the back.
I looked long and hard for a back pack for the EX-3. This is the only one that I found suitable for my type of work - difficult terrain and remote travel.

Jonathan Massey · July 26th, 2009, 08:11 AM

I didn't brake my sony ex3 mount but I still replaced it with the DM one just so I could have a real shock mount to eliminate operator noise. The supplied sony one picks up too much of the camera operations in quiet conditions.

Tom Van Dyke · August 4th, 2009, 09:31 PM

//////
2. If the bag is not rigid it can be squished (which it will) and if you do not have a 2nd carry-on - known as a personal bag (laptop etc)./////

Reminds me of the time I tried to carry a COMPLETELY SQUISHABLE 1/2 empty nylon bag onboard and the ticket agent at the ticket counter--not even the gate agent, mind you--called the cops on me because I insisted it would (and it did) fit into the constraints of carryon. This was American Airlines in Corpus Christi. The cops told me I was right but the ticket agent could have me arrested for arguing with her! Welkom to Amerika.

OK...back to the present (whew!)

I bought the CineBags CB-25 REVOLUTION BACKPACK with the groovy neon green straps. Took out the velcro dividers and can carry the PMW EX3 in the cavity which unzips only when you have the backpack off (aperture faces your back when it's worn).

Plenty of room elsewhere for 17" MBP, batteries, remotes, cables, etc.

That said, it's a tight squeeze and I'm thinking I'll want to remove the lens shade and cap the lens next time I travel as that would afford some padding on the bottom.

It measures 12 x 21 x 10" which is I think, and I'm not math genius, just under the carry on limit.

Here's how I had it packed. Like I said, the aperture opens only when you've taken off the backpack so it is protected from bumps. My only modification would be to take off the lens shade next time to add foam padding for the bottom of the pack. BTW, the pack comes with a nylon rain cover which has a pouch at bottom where it'd would be easy to add the foam.

Dave Tyrer · August 5th, 2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Van Dyke

//////
2. If the bag is not rigid it can be squished (which it will) and if you do not have a 2nd carry-on - known as a personal bag (laptop etc)./////

Reminds me of the time I tried to carry a COMPLETELY SQUISHABLE 1/2 empty nylon bag onboard and the ticket agent at the ticket counter--not even the gate agent, mind you--called the cops on me because I insisted it would (and it did) fit into the constraints of carryon. This was American Airlines in Corpus Christi. The cops told me I was right but the ticket agent could have me arrested for arguing with her! Welkom to Amerika.

OK...back to the present (whew!)

I bought the CineBags CB-25 REVOLUTION BACKPACK with the groovy neon green straps. Took out the velcro dividers and can carry the PMW EX3 in the cavity which unzips only when you have the backpack off (aperture faces your back when it's worn).

Plenty of room elsewhere for 17" MBP, batteries, remotes, cables, etc.

That said, it's a tight squeeze and I'm thinking I'll want to remove the lens shade and cap the lens next time I travel as that would afford some padding on the bottom.

It measures 12 x 21 x 10" which is I think, and I'm not math genius, just under the carry on limit.

Here's how I had it packed. Like I said, the aperture opens only when you've taken off the backpack so it is protected from bumps. My only modification would be to take off the lens shade next time to add foam padding for the bottom of the pack. BTW, the pack comes with a nylon rain cover which has a pouch at bottom where it'd would be easy to add the foam.

Would it be possible to get a nikon 200-400 in there also?

Tom Van Dyke · August 7th, 2009, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Tyrer

Would it be possible to get a nikon 200-400 in there also?

I just read the specs for that lens and at 4"x14" My guess is that it would be a very tight squeeze. I measured the empty space left once you've got the EX3 in there and there is 4" or more width on the viewfinder side (the camera fits in with tripod plate facing towards the front of the pack) and about 14" or more length wise.

The top pocket of the pack is a handy spot to stash gear but if you don't fill it up, the divider between the top and the internal cavity obviously gives a bit more vertical dimension to the space.

Remember, I'm planning to add some cushion to the bottom so that the end of my camera, the shoulder mount, has some protection when I'm setting the bag down.

Also, you those available dimensions in the cavity adjacent to the viewfinder side of the camera are pretty tight and I'm not sure what sort of padding you might fit in there. I took out the velcro dividers that came with the bag which I suppose you could jerry rig along with some sort of sock for that lens.

I've made only one trip with this backpack so far but it's worked for me. And it does have a lower profile than the Kata B502 which I looked at when I visited B&H. I decided it wasn't worth rolling the dice that I'd be asked to check it on smaller planes or oversold flights.

Something else I like about the Cinebag is the hip belt which takes a lot of load off your shoulders once you get it adjusted right. I suppose that's a feature most bags have but is a blessing regardless.

Ed Kukla · October 13th, 2009, 08:10 AM

Anyone using the Portabrace BK-3 backpack? PortaBrace - Product Detail:BK-3BLC

What I like about this pack is that it is rectangular, so it uses all available space given to the rectangular box the airlines use for sizing carry ons.
The most restrictive airline is Delta with a 45" girth dimension. This pack measures 47"; pretty close.

The interior height shows 8" so I'll need to remove the mic mount. Other than that, the dimensions look very good.

Joe Yaggi · October 29th, 2009, 10:15 PM

Hi Jeremy,

Knowing that this mic holder was a weak link, we unscrewed it, added a thin strip of stainless aluminum for the base, screwed into that then added silicon into the recesses where the screws sit but still protecting the screws themselves so you can take the whole thing off. It didn't cost anything but time and seems pretty bomber.

Joe

2009/IMG_0362.JPG

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy Hugues

Hi everyone,

I enter this discussion because last night I broke the mike holder of my EX3 out the my Kata 195 bag. I had already 10 hours of shooting walking across a city (touristic film for the town) and was tired I admit. It was in the dark and had to shoot part of a piano concert in a parc. When I pulled out the EX3 out of the bag, the mike holder got stuck and stayed in the bag. Of course I should have been more careful but the part is very fragile plastic.
Now I am looking for a replacement such as this: DM-Accessories - EX-FLAT - Shoe Mounts for Sony EX1 & EX3 Camcorders
Anyone with similar break and solid replacement solution?

Dean Harrington · October 29th, 2009, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Braeley

I just took delivery of the Kata Backpack BP-502 for my EX-3.

It did not disappoint. This is my 3rd kata backpack (among other kata bags I have) and they just get better. The 502 is the largest I have owned - and it swollows the EX-3 in one gulp! In fact, it makes the EX-3 look small. I am told it will get on to planes as a carry-on, but may not fit smaller domestic overhead bins. With it being a backpack, it gets away with the size regulation scrutiny.
I roughly placed the EX-3 in the photo you are looking at. As you can see, plenty of space still left for accessories and customising a snug fit to the cam. The lid is arched so that it fits high above the viewfinder and any attachments, such as mics.
This also takes a 17" Macbook pro - I just tested my 15" Macbook with no problem.
Also lots of free goodies, rain-covers and a very nice padded camera strap. The Kata trolley wheels will slide inside the back.
I looked long and hard for a back pack for the EX-3. This is the only one that I found suitable for my type of work - difficult terrain and remote travel.

I have had some good and bad luck on getting my kata 502 on planes as carry-on. It's a crap shoot. The only advice I can give is hold the camera or have a light weight bag to put it in if they say no to the kata.

Joe Yaggi · November 6th, 2009, 10:44 PM

Dear All,

I can confirm that the Kata backpack fits in the overhead on a Boeing 737-400. You need to remove your laptop from the backpocket but with a bit of prodding it fits fine.

Here''s a shot of what the camera looks like in the bag which we've set up with a foam base rather than the dividers but as you can see, the viewfinder is pretty well protected:

Thanh Nguyen · November 7th, 2009, 12:02 AM

why don't they make that viewfinder removeable. it so bulky, removeable like canon XL are perfect.

Ed Kukla · November 7th, 2009, 08:10 AM

I posted this a few weeks ago:

My EX-3

Removing the viewfinder is extremely tricky. Making it swing down to lower the profile is much easier to do. If you are good with tools, you might consider this modification. I did it specifically to enable a better fit in a backpack. Hack at your own risk!!

August 4th, 2009, 09:31 PM	#92
Tom Van Dyke New Boot Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 13	////// 2. If the bag is not rigid it can be squished (which it will) and if you do not have a 2nd carry-on - known as a personal bag (laptop etc).///// Reminds me of the time I tried to carry a COMPLETELY SQUISHABLE 1/2 empty nylon bag onboard and the ticket agent at the ticket counter--not even the gate agent, mind you--called the cops on me because I insisted it would (and it did) fit into the constraints of carryon. This was American Airlines in Corpus Christi. The cops told me I was right but the ticket agent could have me arrested for arguing with her! Welkom to Amerika. OK...back to the present (whew!) I bought the CineBags CB-25 REVOLUTION BACKPACK with the groovy neon green straps. Took out the velcro dividers and can carry the PMW EX3 in the cavity which unzips only when you have the backpack off (aperture faces your back when it's worn). Plenty of room elsewhere for 17" MBP, batteries, remotes, cables, etc. That said, it's a tight squeeze and I'm thinking I'll want to remove the lens shade and cap the lens next time I travel as that would afford some padding on the bottom. It measures 12 x 21 x 10" which is I think, and I'm not math genius, just under the carry on limit. Here's how I had it packed. Like I said, the aperture opens only when you've taken off the backpack so it is protected from bumps. My only modification would be to take off the lens shade next time to add foam padding for the bottom of the pack. BTW, the pack comes with a nylon rain cover which has a pouch at bottom where it'd would be easy to add the foam. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Tom Van Dyke; August 4th, 2009 at 09:55 PM. Reason: add pics

October 13th, 2009, 08:10 AM	#95
Ed Kukla Major Player Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Detroit, Mi Posts: 243	Portabrace BK-3BLC Anyone using the Portabrace BK-3 backpack? PortaBrace - Product Detail:BK-3BLC What I like about this pack is that it is rectangular, so it uses all available space given to the rectangular box the airlines use for sizing carry ons. The most restrictive airline is Delta with a 45" girth dimension. This pack measures 47"; pretty close. The interior height shows 8" so I'll need to remove the mic mount. Other than that, the dimensions look very good. __________________ XDCAM EX-3, MacBookPro 17 & CS4

November 6th, 2009, 10:44 PM	#98
Joe Yaggi Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ubud, Bali Indonesia Posts: 45	737-400 Dear All, I can confirm that the Kata backpack fits in the overhead on a Boeing 737-400. You need to remove your laptop from the backpocket but with a bit of prodding it fits fine. Here''s a shot of what the camera looks like in the bag which we've set up with a foam base rather than the dividers but as you can see, the viewfinder is pretty well protected: Attached Thumbnails __________________ Joe Yaggi Creative Supervisor, Director, DP www.jungle-run.com

November 7th, 2009, 08:10 AM	#100
Ed Kukla Major Player Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Detroit, Mi Posts: 243	A solution for the viewfinder I posted this a few weeks ago: My EX-3 Removing the viewfinder is extremely tricky. Making it swing down to lower the profile is much easier to do. If you are good with tools, you might consider this modification. I did it specifically to enable a better fit in a backpack. Hack at your own risk!! __________________ XDCAM EX-3, MacBookPro 17 & CS4

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July 26th, 2009, 08:11 AM	#91
Jonathan Massey Regular Crew Join Date: May 2009 Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands Posts: 28	I didn't brake my sony ex3 mount but I still replaced it with the DM one just so I could have a real shock mount to eliminate operator noise. The supplied sony one picks up too much of the camera operations in quiet conditions.

November 7th, 2009, 12:02 AM	#99
Thanh Nguyen Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 159	why don't they make that viewfinder removeable. it so bulky, removeable like canon XL are perfect.