i saw a while ago that Lowes sold tool boxes that looked exactly like the case they used to make the canon and sony hard cases the silver plactic/aluminum? case. does anyone know where i can get one of these cases? please tell me i looked at every hardware store in teh area and every plastic case felt really cheap and every metal case was too heavy.

Try Home Depot, Menards or Lowes. Any of the big home improvement places. Maybe even Meiers.
It's an aluminum tool box that almost looks like a briefcase. I do not carry my 150's in that but I do carry my VX1000 in one and my on camera lighting in one. There are shoulder straps on them so it makes carrying things a little easier.
Don

Try an automotive or marine supply shop, or see if you can find their website.

I found a great aluminum one at my local Wolf Camera shop, with sectional foam slots on the sides and a grey foam core, which coushins the camera quite nicely for about $40.

I basically yanked out all of the foam slots so that I had just wall to wall foam core all around the camera and it's more than enough space for the camera, the lens, two battery packs, a half dozen tapes, a Bescor light and two Bescor batteries.

I'd keep looking around at Lowes or Home Depot if I were you and see which project and/or tool boxes might be big and/or light enough for your gear. Art supply places also have solid wooden project boxes that might work. Whatever you buy, make sure that it's big enough for the camera and all of the gear you usually take out on a shoot WITH THE LINING (not just without).

The porous foam liners should also be available in big chain hardware stores, or at art supply places like Michaels and/or Ben Franklyns. You'll have to cut them with a box cutter to fit and glue them down overnight as an interior lining.

Alfred, one post, in one forum is sufficient.. Thanks.