Wow, really? Thanks for the offer! ;-)

portable tripod for EX3 and 502 pack?
 

Jon or whoever else uses the EX3 with the Kata 502 pack,

If you put a small, lightweight tripod in the 502 pack, which one do you use? I have a large, sturdy tripod for studio use and interviews but am looking for a portable tripod that can be put directly into the 502 bag. A fluid head would be great but is not totally necessary, as most of the shots with the EX3 backpack setup will be static outdoor shots.

Has anyone tried either of these two Petrol bags for the EX3:
PCBP-3N or
PCTB-3
http://www.petrolbags.com/

They're a little smaller than the 502 and look like they have the depth to work.

Looks like the first one is too shallow, but the second could work and is two inches shorter and narrower than the 502.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Backpack.html

I doubt that even a small tripod will fit inside the Kata-502, not if you have accessories as well as the EX-3. With no accessories I guess a small (note:micro) tripod can go in the side compartment.
There is a tripod holder that comes with the bag. This is like a strong pouch that attaches to the side with velcro and adjustable straps - it will work for moderate sized tripods. I use the Miller Solo legs with DS-20 head, but it will not really work attached to the bag - tends to overbalance with the weight.

on flights ...
 

I have been packing my tripod, cables, cloths, etc. in a large hardcase suitcase with the head off. It all fits very well. I keep the camera in the shoulder bag. I too just bought a Kata 502 and hope ... please ... that it won't be a problem on international flights. In the past, I've used a smaller bag for a DVX-100 and a computer bag as take-on with no problems. I never take the JVC-500 out of Japan, so, I've never had to consider a large case to transport the camera. Forget the Sony Beta, which has a nice hard case for transport, ... I never use it anymore anyway!
One of the reasons I'm going to smaller cameras is the transportation question! Bigger cameras costs a lot as over-weight. I'm still paying over-weight but it's still reasonable ... sort of reasonable ... at about $400 to $500.

Dean, I went with the Kata due to past experience. I have had a few of them. Superb quality - one of the best built camera bags out there - and I have most brands laying around.
The balance on your back is great even full load capacity.

I used to pack my old Kata backpack until it almost burst - but not even a stitch or a zip failed in 6 years of hiking through Asian mountain terrain. There are very few options for back packs for the EX-3 and hardcases are shoulder style bags are not an option for me.
The Ex-3 is not an easy camera to pack.

Yes, I worry about the carry-on situation with airlines but I have no choice.

Love the mountains ...
 

You and I have a love of Asian mountains it seems! I will do a short film on one of the mountains near Tokyo as soon as I get my EX3. I'm thinking mountain ridges that look down on the city at sunrise! Not sure how that will play but should prove interesting!

Dean - just realized you are in Tokyo.

I filmed at most of Japan's zen monasteries in 2006 - took me to quite a few mountains in Japan - mostly around Kyoto and at Eiheiji Monastery. Also at Hakone near Tokyo which has some very nice views.
I film a lot of martial arts both in Japan and China. I plan to be in Japan in November - love to hear what you are doing in Japan.

Jon--why did you go with the 502 over the Petrol PCTB-3? A little less room for accessories, but 4" less H+W+D.

Jon--Sorry, just saw your earlier post on why you chose the 502 over the Petrol. Has anyone tried the Petrol? Did you get one, Ted, and try it?

Mike,

I seriously considered that Petrol, as it appeared to accommodate the camera fine. However, I realized that once in the case, there were almost no areas left for accessories (picture ad doesn't show an EX3 with it's HUGE viewfinder). I would prefer not to have a second bag for gear, if at all possible.

I opted for the Kata and I'm still waiting for it. I also purchased the rolling trolly and the divider kit. I've received everything but the pack - should arrive today. I'll report back when I've had a chance to play with it and figure things out.

Thanks, Ted. I'll wait for your rundown before buying mine. I'd thought that the Petrol and my Brenthaven for the computer would work, but in mocking up the inside, it is a little tight. Just nervous about the size of the 502, as I fly puddle jumpers.

Mike,

If you fly puddle jumpers, I don't think this will work for you. A lot of them really don't have much overhead or underseat clearance.

I just received my bag... Big, but not overly big. I've attached some pics of it - comparing it to a larger carry-on that I've never had a problem with. As a matter of fact, I frequently travel with the carry-on that is pictured AND a rolling computer case that is quite large (holds a 17" notebook, mouse, spare battery, charger, small still camera, handycam, their chargers, MANY cables (Ethernet, USB, Firewire, VGA), and one or two three-ring binders (plus dozens of other assorted items). The computer case is about 2/3 the size of the carry-on - so Jon's previous comment about having only one carry-on might really go a long way here. So, I don't expect much trouble with this for most airlines.

That said, in three weeks I'm going to Philly, and there were two direct flights out of Tampa - US Air and United. I referred to the baggage chart:

http://rickseaney.com/airline-carry-on-baggage-chart/

and I selected the US Air flight as it was more likely that I'd have no problem.

HOWEVER...

The Kata STILL fits tight agains the viewfinder!!! NO matter how I orient the camera, short of moving it off-center so the viewfinder sits in the middle, some part of the upper portion of the bag is in direct contact with it - to the point of the bag being slightly reshaped by it.

I don't think any other backpack case would be an improvement, I think this has more clearance than any other case.

Perhaps the 1/2" tall camera plate that I have on the bottom of my camera is making a difference - not sure. It's not like it's constantly under stress, I just wouldn't want the back pushed hard or struck in that location. Here's a picture...

Okay, more experimentation...

I've offset the camera within the bag - the interior is quite configurable but, of course, things always fit best in their default position.

Anyway, I've moved the camera and it seems to have alleviated the pressure against the viewfinder. Since I have the extra divider material, which can be cut, I will probably customize it completely for this camera.

Here's the pics...

Great info. Thanks, Ted. I think a better alternative for me is the two cases. But the Petrol is on back order everywhere for 6-10 weeks (!) ,and I've got a shoot next month. I've been staring at that little Phillips head screw on the viewfinder and am sorely tempted to see if it will actually come off. I'm sure some brave soul has already tried.

Not that I'm a brave soul or even tried (at least, I won't admit to it!), but that screw simply allows the gray/black plastic arm cover to be removed. Once removed you can see all the individual wires for the monitor and the controls as well as four screws that would allow you to disassemble the viewfinder. Of course the super-fine wires are not ones I'd want to give the job of supporting a dangling viewfinder to!

Too bad it isn't a quick-release type of connection like a lens!

Aha! You must be reading from the "Do Not Try This At Home Viewfinder Disassembly Manual".

Nah, just used my X-Ray vision (had to remove my UV contacts for it to work right, though).

Hey, just saw this ...
 

Drop me a line before November ... we'll get together! I'm working corporate mainly but I'm getting back into narrative with the EX3. ... Forgot to mention I teach taichi chuan in Tokyo, so, you may want to connect on that level as well.

A future design option I would like to see on the EX3 is a detachable viewfinder just like the Canon XL series camcorders. Then we could all use our old bags. For me, I'm sticking with my tried and true LowePro Photo Treker which has seen the light of day of my old Canon L1. Yeah it's not the build quality of the Kata, but it's lasted me 11 years and I have traveled to 3 continents with no issues. The EX3 viewfinder does stick out a tiny bit with this bag, like the Kata, and I will have to be careful, but the bag works well for me and airlines don't blink an eye.

I figure that it should be a reasonably simple modification to add a bracket for the viewfinder, and add a cable with a plug on it. Allowing the unit to be removed.

I will look into it if it is an issue for me when my EX-3 arrives.

they'd probably need a 15 pin connector - there's a whole lot of wires going to the viewfinder!

I just received my Kata cc-195 bag and wanted to report back my results for those (like me) who can't be shlepping the 502 on puddle jumpers. I'll put all my computer gear (17" MacBook Pro, plus 2 g-raid minis, etc) in my Brenthaven pack, which I strongly recommend for carrying a computer around.

The Kata is a very good fit for the camera, even with the Vinten base plate on it. Viewfinder and handle and mic are all shielded by the padding, nothing sticks out, and there's even an aluminum brace around the top to add to the cushioning.

My task was to get all my accessories into the bag. The 197 would have made it much easier, but I was worried about the carry-on potential for that bag, too. I wanted to fit: lens cap, lens adaptor, Sony PH-60K drive & cables, Sony SBAC US-10 card reader & cables, camera remote, SxS cards, charger, 3 BP batteries, Sennheiser shotgun mic, mic cable case, windscreen, Lectrosonic wireless kit, Countryman wireless mic kit, hip pouch (for receiver), Sony headphones, grab bag, 2 Tiffen filter cases, lens cleaner & filters, white balance card, camera manual, spare batteries, pens, etc.

Using an extra Kata divider kit, I fit everything but the USB drive, which should go (and fits easily) in the computer bag anyway. The Lectrosonic sticks up fractionally, but the lid still closes easily and, if anything, that only adds to the protection of the camera. Granted, this is a tight fit. It helps if I remove the mic kit before removing the camera, I need to guide the camera gently into place, and there's zero room for additions. If I get the Dolgin charger or need another wireless mic, they'll have to go somewhere else. But that's a small trade-off for being able to carry the camera on. Based on what I'm reading, the biggest problem in finding a good bag for the EX3 is protecting all of its "appendages", and this bag does that in spades. My only beef is that it would be nice to have an extra inch of width in the outside pocket, which is too narrow to hold much more than flat items like the white card, releases, filter cleaners, and manual.

I got the bag at EC Professional in NY. That's where I got the camera and much of my new gear. They've been great to deal with, and their prices on accessories save a lot. (they've got a pix of this bag up on their site with a longer Canon lens--but that would leave little room for accessories.)

I can see you work for Nasa - Quite a feat!
I looked at this bag, as I have been a fan of Kata for many years. My biggest problem here, besides my MacBook not fitting in the bag, was useability.
It's great that the Ex3 fits - and some accessories - but how on earth can you shoot on location? I went with the 502, not just because my laptop fitted and many other accessories, but that the EX3 was easily pulled out and ready to use - without anything else being disturbed. Thats a big plus for me, as I often haul my bag up trails and mountains and worry about all the gear spilling out when it's time to shoot.

Also how do you deal with two backpacks, one for your laptop? Have you tried both as carry-ons? This camera certainly gave us some problems with bags, especially now that a laptop is compulsory for locations. My concern is having ALL my gear in one bag, so I am not like a magpie looking for bits scattered around - especially traveeling through 4 or 5 countries like I have to. Second - I have a tripod bag to carry AND my luggage bag for clothes - so 3 bags already - A backpack, shoulder bag (tripod) and clothing on wheels!

Jon, your shooting situation is different from mine. I am shooting docs on location, but generally dealing with one or two people and their interviews & verite in a day. I am usually within close range of either my car or some place where I can safely leave the case. When I start in the morning, the wireless and shotgun go into place, I grab the cable and spares bag, and I rarely, maybe once during the day, pack everything back in the bag, mainly because I don't want to remove the mic. Sometimes I even leave the camera on the tripod and set it in the hatchback to move to a new location. Putting everything back in the bag doesn't usually happen until wrapping for the day. If the bag's in the car, I usually just set the camera loosely in the bag anyways if I'm changing location. This was the way I handled the DVX100 in my Lowepro Commercial AW, and it worked fine, (and it, too, was packed to the gills).

As for disturbing other items if I need to grab the camera quickly, I need those two pouches on the top anyways, the windscreen drops in as soon as you pull the camera out, so the only item which needs moving is the wireless case, and even that I can leave if I'm in a hurry. I pull it out just because it makes it easier to remove the camera, but it's not necessary. We're talking 2 seconds tops.

Bottom line: I'd say that if you can carry the camera in the 502 with the shotgun attached, then you have an advantage, but if you need to remove the mic before storing, then any speed advantage over the 195 is lost.

As for having two bags, the computer bag's contents are for downloading only, so I'm not rummaging between bags for scattered bits. I bought the hard drive unit so that it would minimize the need for downloading during the shooting day. Between the drive, the 2 16's and the 8, I've got over 5 hours of shooting in a day, which is pretty much what my biggest day shooting on tape ever was. That means I'll take the computer bag with me on location, but probably won't need it until returning to the hotel at night. So I'm traveling with two, but working out of only one during the day. If I do need it, all the downloading equipment is in one place. If I know it's going to be a short shooting day, I don't even need to bring the computer bag.

If I were trekking up and down mountains, it would be a whole different ball game. I would want only one bag. Even so, packed the way I have it, I'm not worried about the contents spilling out. And I'll stress that this situation, as yours, is dictated by the particular circumstances of my location. I took all my gear up to our tiny airport yesterday, and will indeed be able to take both bags on our small prop planes. I don't know what will happen when onboard the larger carriers in Denver, but this configuration should be well within the carry on limits. I'll give a followup report after a shoot in a few weeks.

I am not disagreeing at all - if you are not travelling overseas, the Kata 195 can be more than enough for your gear, considering you have a car nearby or crew to help.

I am a small independent one-man team that shoots in some fairly remote areas overseas. But there are many like me where one bag has to carry everything - inc. laptop. I havent found a tripod yet that folds into my camera-bag, so my Miller Solo sticks add a second bag, then I have clothes and my stash of coffee bags and energy bars in the third bag!
While I do have an assistant once I am there, transport is the biggest hurdle for me, not the international flights, but I may go from a train through Mongolia, to a bus in Lhasa - in the same week. I once put a tripod bag in the luggage compartment of a bus in China - the type that is underneath the bus or coach - only to find the floor had rusted away and my tripod along with all the passengers bags had fallen through 50 miles back!
Luckily, I never - ever, lose sight of the camera bag - golden rule for me.

Great Compact Backpack for the EX3
 

Ok, It took me sometime to find a backpack which would serve my needs as being really mobile, sturdy and not big (kata is too big for me). this is perhaps a surprise candidate as the ultimate compact backpack for the EX3 but it works great!

It's a crumpler backpack called the "zoomiverse". This backpack is extremely modular (many pockets and compartments that can be easily configured) and fits the EX3 just right while leaving space for mics, wireless, batteries, cards, and extra stuff like warmcards. It can hook up an external tripod and has a removable belt that can be used separately while shooting. You can even put in a laptop (I have a 17" and it worked), but then it does really feel like a tight fit and I don't recommend it, but it is possible for short term (getting into a plane) and if you are careful and make as much space for it in the backpack.

This bag is the biggest back pack that crumpler made and sadly it is discontinued, but is still available on the market, from what I understood it was initially made for still photographers with a lot of extra lenses but I guess it was considered too big for them as now they only make the same ones but in smaller sizes.
So this backpack is really comfortable and the build is of high quality.

This backpack isn't for huge productions where you need a lot of extra gear but is perfect for traveling, run and gun and trying not to get too much attention.

I already had issues with this ex3 for being almost too big for my needs and I really didn't want to carry around me a backpack that will focus unwanted attention to me or just be a hassle to carry along, this backpack really answered my wishes. and it is much cheaper then other more known brands.
for more info just google crumpler zoomiverse.

the specs are:
Dimensions
Photo pouch internal 34x48x15.5cm
Laptop pouch internal 27x41x3cm
Overall External bag size 38x56x30cm

I added here some photos just to get an idea of how it can work with the ex3.
hope it helps with all those who are looking for that illusive compact yet efficient ex3 backpack.

Nice bag Jonathen,

For those of us in the US the bag goes by a different name. It is called the The Karachi Outpost.

http://www.ebags.com/crumpler/the_ka...modelID=116038

http://www.outlandusa.com/ProductDet...uctCode=CRUMKO

John

Thanks.
the Karachi is similar but I noticed some differences in the overall design.
It might very well also work with the ex3 but I can't say.
What I liked about the European version of the zoomiverse is the really flexible compartment dividers which don't seem to be added with the Karachi version. they really help with space efficiency (having my mics under the lcd hood as well as an inner closed compartment for the batteries) and extra added protection for the view finder.
Also the waist belt came with my backpack and with the karchai it is an optional accessory.
here are some more shots :)

Great Compact Backpack for the EX3
 

Thanks Jonathan. Did you look into the Petrol PCBP-3N Cocoon backpack at all for the EX3? Also, it looks like you're using a monopod...what kind is it, and how well does that work for you?

Kata R-106 Rucksack
 

I bought this one for my HVR-V1U. I'm planning to upgrade to the EX1 or EX3 soon & I wanted something that would be large enough. It holds my cam, accessories, 17" MBP, & tripod (if I wanted to really kill my back) and it's smaller than the other Kata bag-which IMHO is HUGE! Too huge for me. As with the other Kata bags, you can add on the fanny pack, sling, etc. if you need the additional storage. I'm not in love with the tripod holder for my Sachtler 0475-wish it strapped it down a bit more securely. I prefer not to use the tripod holder just because it make everything a bit too heavy for one bag. I'd rather use the backpack & sling the sticks over my shoulder for better comfort. The R-106 also meets airline carry-on requirements-another thing that was important to me when I was making this purchase. I'd highly recommend this bag to anyone that likes the larger bag, but finds the size to be a bit too cumbersome.

Rodney, I was seriously considering the petrol bag. and maybe would have gone for it. but the place that had it was closed, and I wanted to test the bag before hand. I needed a backpack fast and I already tested the crumpler in the past with the ex3 and knew it would fit nicely.
Also what I like about this bag is that it is even smaller. Doesn't look like a camera bag, or for that matter, expensive equipment. I love the many compartment dividers, they really maximize the space.
Also The crumpler is half the price! I had a crumpler already for my laptop and it never failed and it is really comfortable.

The other benefit is the waist belt which lets you attach more gear. and this is also an answer to your second question.

Though I also have a monopod, what's in the photos in the DVrig Junior DvRig Junior . It's a camera mount, but it is very versatile, built like a rock (almost all metal) but small and light, so I don't think I'll need to have it ever replaced. it has 2 steps with inner springs so it does a decent job in absorbing shock and it can go pretty high up (way above my head) but still be really steady. It connects via a holster which I hang on my detachable waist crumpler belt (much better for support than the one that comes with the DVRIG junior) and it connects around your neck with an extra strap (I also replaced that with a comfortable petrol strap) and added to it a quick release system. It's a bit pricy but it does the job really well for hand held events, can film for hours. it can tilt and pan as well but the essential in this configuration is that it is very compact, easy and fast to use, light and reliable.

ps the black color of the backpack is also a great plus :)

Thanks much, Jonathan. Looks like you've been able to configure a very nice set up.

I don't think there is another Crumpler bag available here in the States that is as close a match to the "Zoomiverse" than the "Karachi". It's dimensions are identical. When I converted centimeters to inches they matched. 38cm x 56cm x 30cm = 15" x 22" x 12". There is no place to buy a Zoomiverse here in the States as far as I could find.
Not sure about the price difference. Some places in Britain seem to be selling the bag awfully cheap. For example:

£62.00 Here: Crumpler Zoomiverse | Backpacks | Camera Bags | World of Bags
Plus VAT I assume.
That's around $101 USD. Is that for real? The cheapest price I could find for the Karachi was around $250 USD here in the States.

Here is a review of the Karachi:

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2005/11/28/...post_backpack/

John

Thanks Jonathon its exactly what I was looking for so just ordered one.

John, I think the reason the zoomiverse is sold so cheap it's because here in Europe Crumpler came out with a newer model to replace it. It's called the Big Cheese. It's similar in size but the way it's built seems to me not so optimal for the EX3.
The reason the EX3 fits nicely in the Zoomiverse is because the curved back of the Ex3 fits nicely with the curved top part of the backpack but it gets deeper in the lower part of the bag. In the Big Cheese it's similar but they gave up on a lot of the extra compartments in order to create a second access for the camera. If I have time perhaps I'll check it out in a Crumpler shop.

Glad I could help with your choice Steve and hope it works well for you as it does fro me.

I´ve used the Kata 207 with my Ex-3 for 6 months or so and altough it´s a tight fit and I have to take the viewfinder off, I carry a lot of spear parts in there, MBP 15, Nikor zoom lens, wireless mics charger batteries etc.

I had the Kata 502 for my XL-H1, but I was only once allowed to take it on the plane and I really had to push hard to get it in.

I travel a lot so this is important to me. I also do a lot of hiking and randonee/skiing with my camera so I need a tight fit. The Kata´s are great in this respect.

I even did it with the 502 quite a lot.
Depending on your needs, both these backpacks are good, but I´m still looking for the perfect one

Has anyone used one of these at all? I says it is suitable for an EX3.

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