Aah - so, Ted you have your laptop inside the main compartment! And that is fine - you have the EX-3 well protected in this set-up? Does'nt the viewfinder knock against the laptop?

So, I have a choice to send you my new $2000 MacBook or get the bag anyway and test it myself .... tough decision...

LOL, yeah, real tough. ;-)

If I carry the notebook, I unclip the viewfinder attachment and pack it. If I don't carry the notebook (generally the case), I can leave the viewfinder attachment in place.

Petrol is touting 2 new bags for the EX3, the PDRB-4 for no laptop and the PCBP-3N Cocoon with laptop. Anyone tried them?
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I had the Kata 502 for my XL-H1 (sold both yesterday) and it will NOT fit in the overhead compartment. It´s too high
At least on the planes I´ve been here in Europe.
I managed to squeeze it in if I took out the camera first. Kind of defeat the purpose.
I loved that backpack when I was in the mountains shooting action sport though. Got camera, 2 extra lenses, chargers,wireless mics, batteries, laptop and more.

Not sure what bag I will get for my EX-3 when I get it. I would prefere a backpack

I finally got my EX-3 today.
I tried a few bags at the place I bought it.
I´m mainly looking for a back pack since when I use the EX cameras, we mainly shoot action sports and I have to move around on skis or hike in the mountains.

As posted above , I used to have the Kata 503 (or 502?), but it was too big to get on airplanes.
I have used the Kata 207 with the Z7 camera on a shoot recently and I really liked the size of the backpack.

I was surprised when I tried the EX-3 in it and it actually did fit.
Not much room left for other stuff, but you´ll get the charger, wireless mic and a few bits and bobs.
AND it has a compartment for a laptop, and a laptop is an essential part of the EX cameras.

I will by this backpack for my camera

EX3 Bag
 

I have the PortaBrace CTC 1 and it fits the EX3 fine, though I agree that it doesn't have much extra room for accessories or a laptop. Sony makes a hard case for the EX3 that's supposedly meets ATA standards for shipping and transit.

Sony Product Detail Page - LCEX3TH

EX3 Bag to fit Airline Cabin Baggage in UK/EU
 

There are several Bag threads going on the EX3 but thought I'd post a link in here to a sort of solution for getting one into the cabin for airlines in the UK/EU. We tend to have much stricter and smaller maximum bag dimensions than America etc. No it's not a perfect solution but it's workable!

Airline transportation - Page 2 - The Digital Video Information Network

I got a kata 207 today and although I tried it in a hurry when I bought my ex3, it dosent really fit. I can close it, nut it's quite a bit of pressure on the mic holder.
I don't know what I did at the retail place that made me think it was a good fit.
Luckily I only ordered mine and didn't pay doeit yet.
The one I have at home is owned by a production company I work for

KATA R - 106 for EX3
 

Has anyone tried the R-106 from KATA yet?

Video bags camera bags Kata - Manufacturer of camera bags

I noticed that the photo´s were done with the EX1...

I have worked with the 502 from KATA, but it is far too much backpack for my needs.
I shoot mostly extreme sports, which meens, the backpack must fit my body well, for snowboarding, riding enduro bikes and snow-mobiles or just plain hiking...(equipment gets reduced to a minimum, cam; cards; batts; rain slicker; first aid;cell phone; lighter; minimal food; 1l water)

Riding an enduro bike with the 502 was a nightmare in itself,
YouTube - Erzberg Rodeo 2008
run and gun activities, were severely hampered by having the cam in my hand and the near empty bag on my back.
when shooting in countries like Romania,
Home
it is very unwise to put anything down and move away from it......as it probably won´t be there when you get back (o;

I have bought the KATA CC-197 as an emergency solution (for general transport and safekeeping) untill I find a decent back-pack and when the need arises, I use my North face hiking pack to stow the cam and minimised tools for the mission, but it is not very protected, which makes the going slow.

I tried the EX3 in a friends 207 and while it did, "sort of fit", it was a very tight squeeze and left very little space for anything else.

as you can see, I´m for KATA all the way

If anyone comes up with an acceptable way of removing the viewfinder, which doesn´t involve a degree in rocket science, or a cutting torch, i´d be pleased to hear about it.

perhaps something to look forward to on the EX5???????

One thing I've yet to try but the Petrol PCCB-2-N mentioned and pictured on the link in my post above with the EX3 nicely within is that it also has the option of a harness (an optional extra). This turns it into a (sort of) back pack. It's more of a rectangular 'brick type backpack' with the harness (from the pics on the Petrol website!) but it's an option for the EX3 to at least be aware of.

I bought the Kata 502 when the R-106 was not available, and I would like to look at the 106 instead. It is officially a fit for the Ex-1. but with a 7.9 depth, it may be tight to fit over the EX-3 viewfinder. However, if the 207 can fit over the Ex-3, then the 106 can. The 207 is only 7 inches deep. The Ex-3 is about 7.75 inches deep (or high).
If anyone is near a dealer, then it would be nice to find this out. Kata are terrible at responding to e-mail - but I am a huge fan of their bags and own a few. Petrol and Portabrace for me don't come close to the detail that Kata put into their bags, especially the interior configurations.

I have to trek through northern Thailand in three weeks, so I am anxious to sort this problem out, as I feel the 502 will be too big for this trip - even though I love this bag. I am also looking at the 197 which is much lighter than a backpack - without the harnessing. Of course its not as comfotable to carry.
Will this Ex-3 bag ever have a solution?

Lightware
 

One bag I have not seen mentioned in the thread is the Lightware VF4400 (Lightware VF4400). As you can see from the pics. it will take a fully rigged EX3 with room to spare. The Lightware cases are very robust. I've got a bunch of their cases which I've used for shipping still camera gear on flights and never had a problem. With a bit of protective padding around the EX3 I don't think I'd have any problem checking this in for a flight. The case weighs 13lbs and even with the camera rigged as shown the whole thing is easily carried.

My bags
 

Hi All

Forgive me if you have read this advice before...but here is my experience regarding bag/case options for an EX3 for what its worth.
I bought a Petrol PCBP-3N. The EX3 fits snugly in the bag and there is loads of space for shotgun mike, softie, radio mics Pag lights power packs......etc. Once nice feature if a large pocket which can swallow a 17" Mac Book pro with ease. The bag when fully loaded is fairly heavy but the design of the bag makes for a comfortable ride. It is great for reaching those remote locations. I also have a peli 1640 which is a bit of a monster, but can take a load of other kit so is a good way of moving around the EX3 and other the other bits and bobs that are required. Hope this may be of some use.

Ted, will the EX3 still fit in the Kata 197 bag with my DM shoulder brace attached?

I think I looked at every bag possible - I even bought a few that went on to ebay after one use! I settled for the Kata cc197. My Ex-3 with matte box fits fine. So do my 3 mics and lavs and batteries etc. My MacBook goes inside a padded side pocket. This bag does it all and it will go as hand carry (just - if you smile)!

The Lightware VF4400 is very heavy and very expensive and can only be checked - do you really want to check your Ex-3?? Absolutely not, as far as I am concerned. Damage is the last thing I worry about - lost luggage is worse than ever. It's happened twice to me in the last year. The camera stays with me. I think the VF4400 is a great bag if you do not fly or have to trek up a mountain.

For those looking for a case for an EX3 with a 35mm adaptor, rod setup, here's what I found (I need to take some photos)

1) We originally purchased the Kata MCC-2A but it wasn't wide enough to accommodate the EX3 viewfinder. Actually it worked okay without the rod setup, but once we installed the rods, it raised the camera off the floor of the case enough that it no longer could be zipped closed.

2) SOLUTION! We bought a Zacuto Storm case specifically designed for the EX3 and Letus Ultimate adaptor (other adaptors should also fit, depending on how long a lens you decide to leave on the camera....we always leave our 50mm lens on when we put it back in the case)

The Storm case large and heavy, but it has wheels which makes it much easier to transport. But I like how we can take all our lenses, battery charger, microphones, cables, clip board, memory cards, head phones, extra batteries, etc... and we still have room for more stuff. There are even little slots for business cards and the users manual. If the case was a bit smaller it would be perfect, but it works well for our use.

and then some! The CC-197 is a big bag and will swallow quite a bit of gear! My EX-3 is fitted with the VF Gadget version and fits in no problem!

So I have with some interest waded through all the posts on the 'perfect' bag for the EX3, and unless I have missed it somewhere, has anyone tried a bag for an EX3 fitted with the COCOEX V-mount battery adapter AND a Lectro (or similar) wireless receiver holder attached to the plate on the side of the COCO? While this is a bit cumbersome, I like to keep at least one wireless receiver attached to my camera at all times. This setup requires a lot of space on the handgrip side of the camera, as well as of course the VF side. I tried a Kata 197 and it didn't fit with this receiver/battery setup. I also use a Chrosziel sunshade that I prefer to leave on the camera..... and one thing I'd like a bag to do, is provide for some protection for transporting the camera in a vehicle while on a shoot. But, I'd like to have the camera fully rigged (shotgun mounted using a CAC-12 which raises the mic substantially), matte box, battery, wireless with antennas attached. In this configuration, I wouldn't expect ANY bag to close, but if it could be left open so the camera could easily be removed and replaced repeatedly during a shoot day, this would be a big plus. So far, I haven't seen a thing which would accommodate this.... any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Is the VF brace as long as the DM (I do not have the battery hinge), just the shoulder bit.

I've had not problems fitting my EX3 in the CC-197 bag. I have the DM shoulder mount with the hinge and an anton-bauer battery and there is length to spare. I've even left the sony WA adapter on. The only thing I remove is the shotgun. Thanks to the DM-accessories cold mount adapter for the EX cameras audio pod, it's a twist of the thumb and it slides out. I don't even remove the 90 degree mic connector. I just spin the shotgun 180 degrees and lay it back in the bag.

I also use the K-tek mount - the protruding rubber keeps anything from scratching the camera.

Derek,

This surprises me.

I designed a "similar" mount (talked with Bebob about manufacturing it but they were about to release theirs) and it fit great in the 197 bag. Here it is...

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/918341-post7.html

I guess my design sat lower as I fasten the mount to the two bottom screws and the strap loop which are the most secure mounting points at the rear of the camera. For some reason, they opted to mount to the cold shoe (!?) and supply a second cold shoe. Also, I mounted the mic receiver to the side - you might be trying to mount your receiver to their added cold shoe. perhaps you can mount your receiver the system to the side?

Kata 197
 

I'll also throw in my recommendation for the Kata 197 bag for the EX3. Fits nicely in width, length is plenty long for camera and your accessories (charger, wireless mics, shotgun, batteries, etc). The only problem is the lack of a custom tray/divider that would fit underneath the viewfinder (such an awkward design for fully utilizing a bag/case!), so I'm crafting one myself to get exactly what I need. I felt the 195 was just a bit too small and narrow after looking at it. And I didn't like any Petrol bag that I tried to fit my gear in.

Yeah, the 195 was a close 2nd choice for me. If fit - barely - but didn't leave much room for other gear. I can but the EX3 in the 197 case, climb in next to it, and hear an echo when I talk to myself. Well, not really, but there is quite a bit of extra room. I've added my 13" notebook, headphones, WA adapter, batteries, wireless pacs, Sony wired lavs in boxes, charger, and a six dozen mini-dv tapes. Ha, just kidding - I don't need tapes anymore! Wahooo!!!

The VF Version is slightly shorter than the DM. The CC-197 is a long bag and accommodate both versions easily.

Thanks Ted, Paul, Jeremy and others.

It looks like the Kata cc-197 is the one for me. Hope I can fit my paked lunch in too.

Hey, Ted-
I screwed my Lectro receiver holder to the side plate on the Bebob. With this added width, the Kata 197 was just not wide enough... it's hard for me to see what receiver you are using in your photo, but it looks much smaller than the Lectrosonics 205's I'm using. I do mount one receiver on the Bebob cold shoe when I am using two wires, but don't keep one at this location unless I need both wires as it interferes with the grip. (not to mention added weight) I could get the camera in the bag sort of angled, but the problem was pulling it out easily.... the receiver would hang up on the 'lip' which overhangs both sides of the bag. Length wasn't a problem, even with my Chrosziel sunshade attached, but the sunshade also impeded easy removal of the camera from the bag because of the width. If the bag didn't have those overhanging 'lips', it might have worked well for me. I really wanted a bag which would allow the camera to be fully rigged with wires and shotgun, etc. and at least allow the camera to sit inside with the bag open. (I certainly wouldn't expect any bag to close fully rigged). But having a bag with the ability to do this would provide for a secure place to park the camera while working out of a vehicle, and allow for the dozens of times a day that the camera would be needed and ready to shoot.

I have had some very nice correspondence with John Fairley at Strut, and he says he is working on a new (or modified) bag which may work nicely. I'm very impressed with the customer service and responsiveness of this company. With all the different variations of camera accessories and personal requirements in a bag, I don't envy the people trying to keep up with bag designs.

In the meantime, the search goes on!
thanks for your input-
cheers

PortaBrace DVO-3 on a plane
 

FWIW, I flew with my EX-3 in a PortaBrace DVO-3 this week. It's a tight fit in the overhead, but was made much easier when the flight attendant suggested flipping open the top flap to make it just a tad less tall. Works great, provided the pilot doesn't decide to perform any barrel rolls. This was on a Southwest flight from Orlando to Baltimore.

http://i44.tinypic.com/35k1x86.jpg

Dave Bittner
Pixel Workshop
Columbia, MD

Hi Dave,

Always interesting to know! I was looking at that bag myself in camo! But opt for the CC-197 simply because I had a good deal and everything I wanted to fit in it, did! Mind you, I’ve not tried flying with it yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy shooting,

Paul

Kata R-106?
 

Has anyone used the Kata R-106 for their EX3? Please share any verdict on the experience? Is the BP-502 much better?

Ted, are you using this DM-Accessories - EX-FLAT - Shoe Mounts for Sony EX1 & EX3 Camcorders
with this DM-Accessories - BOT-FLAT Underside Universal Shoe Mount
or this B&H Photo Video | Digital Cameras, Camcorders
to mount your shotgun?

+1 for the kata 502
 

Here are some photos of the layout I used. It fits my full size windshielded mic which is great (fluffy windjammer is under the windshield in the photo) . Also, the tripod holder attachment which I didn't think would be of use for my Libec T102 supports it perfectly well! You can feel the bag twisting under the uneven load but it's not too bad after cranking up the waist belt and straps. Also I position the camera so it sits at the top of the bag so the two side flaps can be closed over the top of it all, with the viewfinder protruding through the gap. Very impressed by the build quality of the bag and all it's features! Bargain on Amazon.co.uk at the moment too. (photo of me from behind was taken sitting down, it almost looks like it comes over my head but it doesn't)

But I found the Back pack 502 will not fit in most overhead bins. I bought this and returned it and went for the Kata 197.
Also the 502 was just too heavy as a backpack once I filled it - so as I started to take some accessories out and I realized this defeats the purpose.
The 197 will fit in overheads. It's a tight squeeze. The tiny commuter flights are out - their bins are too small - like American Eagle for example.
The 197, though a great bag, is difficult to carry as a shoulder bag. I travel in some tough conditions - mountains, remote area of Asia, Tibet, India etc and I carried the 197 for 2 months recently - I am sure my spine is now leaning to my left side! Attaching wheels to the bag will not help when there is only a rough footpath.
I will stay with the 197 until the perfect back pack does get made....

I have to second Jon, I used to have the 502 with my XL-H1 and I always had to take the camera out and send the check in the bag. It´s also a quite heavy bag, but it´s very good to carry and you get everything in there.
I´ve spent a lot of time in the mountains on skis with that bag and it felt very comfortable. A bit heavy though.

I need a back pack, so I went with the Kata 207. It´s a tight fit and I have to take the veiwfinder off and keep the camera a little tilted to one side in the compartment, but it works.
And I can get it in the overhead compartment on most flights. It even has room for my Macbook Pro

Kata R-106?
 

What about the Kata R-106?

I just got this one works great plenty of room.
Porta Brace | CTC-1 Traveler Camera Case (Black) | CTC-1B | B&H

Just for the record, the new case for the EX3 is the GTC-3U. Now made in the USA