Found lots of posts on bags for the EX3 but nothing on the EX1.

I bought a Lowepro Rolling Computrekker AW (decided at the last minute not to get the Plus model - stupid). It fits the Ex1 laid on it's side - just. I'm not really that happy because I can't fit much else in besides batts and charger and I wanted to put my wireless mics and a few other bits as well.

The other thing is I can't use the laptop bit because the EX1 pushes up into the top bit.

Should I go for the Plus model? Or is something different called for? The plus model is alittle bigger but I'm still thinking it might be a tight squezze for the Macbook.

I really want a backpack case that has wheels as well for travel which is why I bought the lowepro - great straps and good roller, and hard wearing. I'm now thinking of the Pro-roller series as they have good wheels and space etc but aren't quite as a good a backpack.

Thoughts?

Here's a thread on EX1 bags: http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-xdcam-ex-cinealta/117480-good-bag-ex1.html

Thanks I read that one and the EX3 one through twice :)

One guy mentioned the computrekker plus but looking at the dimensions of the camera and the interor dimensions of the bag it sounds like a tight squezze so I was wondering if anyone had used it for a while - with laptop.

It's getting the right balance between wheelable and backpack-able that is proving to be tricky.

I'm a big fan of my Kata HB 207 for carrying my EX1. If well packed, it will fit the camera, 1 set of radios, charger, extra battery, headphones, pistol grip, XLR, shotgun mic, century fish eye adaptor, circular polariser, litepanels top light, 5 SxS cards, Lacie rugged, and my macbook pro in (never knew it was such a long list!)

I do have to take the rear viewfinder off to get it to fit in nicely without wasting too much space - but I rarely find that I use this anyway.

It also (at least in the UK) is fine for carry on on planes. Highly recommended!

You mentioned above that you take the viewfinder off when packing in the Kata bag.

I just ordered an EX1R, and was wondering if that meant that I can use it without the eyepiece/viewfinder.... Does it work/run OK without it, using the LCD only?

Can't wait for it to arrive..... I'm using a canon vixia now, and moving up....

I ordered the PDRB-3 Dr. Petrol bag...... anyone use that one?

Kata 195 or 197, can't remember number
great case

Also take a look at Think Tank. I have the Airport Acceleration backpack and it holds my EX-1, Wireless mics, 2 batteries, charger, on camera light with room to spare. And it has an outer compartment for a laptop. The backpack straps are quite good. I see they make one now with rollers too.

The only thing that won't fit (but you didn't ask about this) is the camera mounted on rails for a mattebox or 35mm adapter. The bag is about 2 inches too shallow to accommodate the height of this type of rig.

I love mine and might get one with wheels....
Bob

I use the CamRade bag for my EX1 got it from Tape works Texas

Hi Daniel - Yeah, the EX1 works fine without the rear viewfinder, in fact I barely use mine. Only really put it on for bright sunny days. Id assume the EX1R is the same, but couldn't give you a definite answer.

Damian I have the LowPro DryZone 200 which works great if you need a water proof back pack. Fits the camera upright with lots of gear.

But my favorite bag for the EX1 is the Think Tank Bag. This one:
Airport Security? V 2.0 Roller - Think Tank (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-security-v2-roller-camera-bag.aspx)
There is nothing I have used that even comes close to this bag. Check bag that has been all over the world with me. Excellent piece of gear.

Hey Paul. Could you post a photo of your Think Tank with the EX1 and whatever you carry with you?

Hi Dave,

Not a problem I will do that now. Sorry for the delay yesterday was a rare day with no computers.

Here are a few low res pics.

There are a few additional items I carry that are not in the bag. Two more Swit batteries. and my flight head set.

In the bag are:
EX1 with new bottom plate and side mount for Nano
Nano in bubble wrap,
6 filters in cases
two sony 60 batteries and one 30
8 S&S cards
Two cases with CF cards
Tools and flashlight
Rain cover
manuals
Wide Angle lens
Fisheye lens
Nano cables
LCD hood cover
cleaning items
business paper work
mis extra gear

This is a great run and gun setup. For studio or shoots where I need to bring other cameras I use Storm Cases. I prefer the Storm case (2975 & 2950) over the Pelican case since it is lighter and easier to use latches.

Thanks so much for the photos, Paul. Do you have any clearance between the lid of the case and the top of the camera? I've long ago removed the plastic mic holder and replaced it with the DM coldshoe mount but was wondering how much pressure (if any) the closed lid places on all those little switches on the top of the camera.

Yes thanks for the photos, very helpful. I'd read about the think tank range and they do look good if a little pricey. They compare with the lowepro pro-roller range but are about $100 more expensive than the computrekker. Thanks said I'm stunned at how much you can fit in the thing and it's still carry on sized! Amazing. Even the computrekker plus wouldn't get that much in and it will still bepushing on the top of the EX1.

One thing I love about lowepro though is the build quality. The zips and clasps are awesome and tough. How are they on the think tank range?

First off guys, sorry about the picture quality. I am still using a cheap one shot that I bought used for $30. Time to go full frame for my stills.

Dave I also remove the Sony Mic holder since it is so venerable. For a mic holder I use the hot shoe with a shot gun shock mount.

There is no pressure on the top of the camera.

Damian I also like the LowePro build quality. My DryZone 200 which I have two of are excellent. But I think the zipper on the Think Tank is better and much tougher. I have pushed and pulled to close the Think Tank for years and it just keeps moving freely.

Three other features about the Think Tank I like is the lock is airport approved. There are backpack style straps in a zipped compartment, so yes it is also a backpack which I have used often. And there is a waterproof cover that works well and sets up in seconds. Not to mention I hook a tripod on the outside straps often.

Worth the money. Why spend all this money on nice gear and not move it around in a easy to use well thought out package. My Think Tank has three very hard years use and is just broken in.

You mentioned above that you take the viewfinder off when packing in the Kata bag.

I just ordered an EX1R, and was wondering if that meant that I can use it without the eyepiece/viewfinder.... Does it work/run OK without it, using the LCD only?

Can't wait for it to arrive..... I'm using a canon vixia now, and moving up....

I ordered the PDRB-3 Dr. Petrol bag...... anyone use that one?
The viewfinder on the EX1r is in a whole new league compared to the VF on the EX1. You will definately want to use it.

Picked myself up a Think Tank Airport Acceleration V2.0 a couple of weeks ago. Wanted the Airport Security but you can't get Think tank stuff in Australia very easily and so I leapt on the Acceleration when I saw one. The shop had 300 bags, kata, lowepro, tamrac, everything under the sun but only three think tank bags :(

But the Acceleration rocks. Fits the EX1 (best on it's side), lots of acc's and is easily carry on even on local domestic flights. Rock solid construction. Zips look like they'll last for years.

BTW the pro-roller series loked really nice but even the small one was over $600 - insane.

Good deal Damian,

Glad you like the bag, my Think Tank bag has been on the road with me flying twice in the last month and a dream to use as always.

I actually have two bags for my EX1...both Kata.

I think the larger one is a 193? Something in that neighborhood. Typical double top-zipper, it will fit the camera with a matte box, and the back compartment is adequate for charger, headsets, data cards, etc...I also carry a shooting bean bag with me as a steadying aid for camera-on-the ground low angle or setting the camera down anywhere...that fits in as well. I don't even pack that one as efficiently as I should and I really like it.

(It's similar in size to the pics someone posted with the case with the blue interior in this thread.)

For flying...I take off the eyepiece and I can JUST fit the camera into a Kata 191. I can get a couple batteries and data cards, Tiffen IR, etc placed around the camera, and I usually pack the charger in my computer bag or my checked bag. The beauty of this arrangement is that the camera fits into the overhead compartment on a CRJ commuter jet...try THAT with an EX3.

:-)

The back pack arrangements look really useful, but the luggage nazis are narrowing our options for traveling rapidly, so I try to be as light as possible.

I have the Petrol Dr Bag PDRB-3. I love it, although I haven't flown with it yet (Tuesday I will). I think it should fly okay as I can compress it down to about 9" in height. This is what I carry in it:

EX1 camera
Sennheiser G3 (receiver always attached), lav transmitter, SKP2000 plug-on transmitter,
2 lavs
Sennhesier hardwire power supply for lav
Sanken CS-1 on camera
Audio Technica 875R Short Shotgun with Wind Muff
Rycote Lyre shock mount
Pistol Grip for handheld shotgun
Sony Zoom Through Wide Angle Adapter
2 BP60 batteries
15' XLR Cable
Comer 1800 light with NPF970 battery
NPF770 battery
V-Mount Battery for my LED 500 light (only when I fly otherwise it goes in a different case)
Various adapters and a mic pad so I can plug into pretty much anything.
Dolgin dual battery charger (I take this out when I arrive as it prevents me from getting the camera out)
Modified Shape WLB Sumo Camera Shoulder Mount
4 lb counter weight for Sumo (when I fly I'll put it in a different case, 4lbs of solid metal will get you searched just about 100% of the time)
VariND Filter
Mac Book Pro 13" on top (I'll have to take this out to get it in the overhead, but I usually take it out anyways.

Finally I put it on a Kata Insertrolley to roll it around. For flying I'm going to use a smaller, lighter and more tippy plastic cart.

Photo of the bag packed with some gear. I haven't fully sorted out the dividers yet and will work towards a more optimised setup.

Looks good Damian, I am sure you will keep refining the dividers I change mine all the time to match my ever change gear.

I use the KATA OMB-175. OMB stands for "One MAn Band" and they name it as such because it has lots of room and pockets for all your extras such as audio gear. You can get the optional trolley too so you can wheel your bag about with less effort.

Here's a video I made showing the bag: Kata "One Man Band" Contest Entry: Gorilla Director / Gorilla News Lady on Vimeo

The video was for a contest I entered about the OMB bags. I won a Sony EX1 in the contest!

How Do You Play With Your One Man Band Contest Winner Announced (http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/site/bius/cache/offonce/lang/en_US/pid/21652)

I have a Kata 195 (soft bag) and a pelican case.
If you are traveling by air you might want to go for a hard case as you may have to check your case.

Great video, Chad. No wonder you won.

Fun to watch Chad.

Thanks guys, but rather than entertain, I wanted to stress how much you can fit in this bag. I fit a frickin' 11 year old in it!

Hi All,

Just for those of you that mentioned the Think Tank Airport Security™ V 2.0 I wanted to ask your thoughts on how suitable you feel it would be for the sony z1.

Really appreciate any feedback.

best,

Paul

Paul it works great with the Z1. Lots of options with the dividers and you will be able to carry everything you need for a long trip.

Hi Paul,

Thank you very much thats the final vote of confidence I was looking for and am going to order as of now. Hopefully it will help to put some end to the constant trips to the back specialist!

best,

Paul

Paul Byrne (http://www.paulbyrne.com)

I think you will be very happy Paul. Mine has been a workhorse. Mine you can use as a roller bag or a backpack. I think they have improved the backpack system and the roller bag system is excellent.

After looking at many EX-1 bags, I ended up with a bag built for 3 bowling balls. Costs half of what a designed for EX-1 bag costs, and it has solid wheels.

After looking at many EX-1 bags, I ended up with a bag built for 3 bowling balls. Costs half of what a designed for EX-1 bag costs, and it has solid wheels.

Got a link? Maybe others would like that.

Little did I know the purchase wouldn't be the end of the thinking process :)

Now I have to work out which dividers go where to fit everything in.

I've used the camera/bag combo on a couple of shoots and I'm loving it. But I have some stuff coming up which will require wireless mics and I don't want to carry the hard flight case I usually lug my mic gear around in.

Pulling the main bits out and sub-bagging the little bits and pieces I now have everything in and still actually have some space for more bits and pieces. The bag does seemt o swallow it all up. Weights getting up there but it's not changing the size of the bag obviously so should still be fine for flying.

Agree if properly packed it will swallow up a lot of gear and still be carry on safe. Great bag for the EX1.

I have two EX1's. One in a small camerabag and one in a Stanley 24" series 2000 toolbox. I like both. The toolbox is lightweight and sturdy, one can sit and even stand on it. It has room for the EX1 and some extras. I made a compartment and glued some pieces camping sleeping mat inside, I sprayed the two yellow lids black. The toolbox was 22 euro plus some handywork. I drive to locations by car.

http://adhousenl@72.167.78.60/DVinfo/DSC_0862.JPG
http://adhousenl@72.167.78.60/DVinfo/DSC_0863.JPG
http://adhousenl@72.167.78.60/DVinfo/DSC_0866.JPG

Nice job Klaas that is being creative.

Love my pelican 1510. I would never go with a soft case. Hard cases allow for maximum security, are waterproof, can double as apple box, seat or other. I can fit my EX1, 2 lav setups, on camera light, shotgun, headphones 3 batteries, 3 cards, charger, small roll of gaff, cords, wide angle, white balance cards, xlr cables and misc in there. Why you would ever risk a 10k investment in a soft case is a mystery to me.....


oh.. and it is carry on legal for EVERY airline and airplane size, including those tiny CRJ or RJ's delta connections fly. They say the won't fit, but they do, with no problem!

Annen, do you use the "pick 'n pluck" foam that comes with the case or do you use the blue dividers instead. Would you be willing to post a photo with it loaded and ready for transport?

had the pick n pluck at firs then traded out for the padded dividers, which were a much better choice.

Here ya go.
purple bag is my on camera light and back pouch is wide angle. next photo is lavs and misc cables below light

Thanks for the pix, Annen. I'd be SO worried about that mic holder, though. I took mine off and got the flat plate coldshoe mount instead:
DM-Accessories - EX-FLAT - Shoe Mounts for Sony EX1 & EX3 Camcorders (http://shop.dm-accessories.com/products/ex1-flat)

Just one less piece sticking up to get broken off.
dave

Not worried about mine. Barely touches the upper foam. I am just aware of how hard i set it down as the viewfinder is the lowest point, but with a BHP 60 battery, it is all even

Love my pelican 1510. I would never go with a soft case. ...Why you would ever risk a 10k investment in a soft case is a mystery to me.....

oh.. and it is carry on legal for EVERY airline and airplane size, including those tiny CRJ or RJ's delta connections fly. They say the won't fit, but they do, with no problem!

In the overhead? ...or under the seat?

If it's under the seat, does it stick out? 22" is pretty long...

If it does fit in the overhead on a feeder jet, taking almost 2 feet of an overhead bay must make you popular with other passengers...

I agree with the concept of a hard case for protection, but keep in mind that if the equipment is carried on, it never leaves your control. Very few of us carry laptops in hard cases (the gear isn't as much of an investment as the data inside it). The Pelican 1510 looks like a good option that I'll likely check out as getting the camera in and out for inspection is a pain, but I've never had a protection issue carrying gear on in my Kata bags. First, they're probably more rigid than you're picturing, and second the bit of flexibility that they do have can be the difference in fitting into a compartment or not.

I got the Porta Brace CS-DV3 for Sony EX1 at last year NAB.
It's little tight but perfect for travel by car or airplane.
Camera + AC adapter + extra batteries + about 10 memory cards + Light + wireless mic + manual & cables

The 1510 fits in every airline overhead bin, save maybe a turbo prop plane. I've personally tested. Sometimes it has to go parallel to the isle, but no big deal.

For carrying my gear on the plane I use Kata HB-207, which accommodates everything, including my 5DMkII and some lenses apart from the EX1r.
But this bag is big and uncomfortable for daily use, therefore I bring along another one with me: the Kata CC-193 which is suitable for the camera with batteries, audio recorder, mic, cards and even the new Sony shoulder mount for the EX1.

This bag will go inside my luggage and will be filled with things for the flight: ideal for protecting my hard drives. I always have a waterproof sack with me - recently it saved my equipment in a tropical storm.
I was tempted by the hard cases... but their weight would force me to business class, which I am not ready to pay for, so I gave it up.