Carrying Cameras

[deanzat]

If you were carrying a well-padded bag full of valuable photographic equipment, would you put it in a saddlebag or the topbox? Why?

Thanks, DZ

[dancogan]

I would put it in the place least likely to directly transmit the vibrations of the bike and road. If the saddlebags were leather, then they might well be best. If all the cases are hard cases, then the topbox might be better insulated from vibration, especially if the bottom is lined with a good shock-absorbing foam.

Due to the potential damage from road and bike vibrations, I'm more inclined to carry a small camera in a coat pocket, since my body is also a sadly adequate shock absorber. For something like an SLR with interchangeable lenses, etc., the camera itself might fare best if carried in a backpack on your back. That would hopefully work for shorter jaunts.

[riderR1150GSAdv]

You will get a lot of different answers on this.
IMHO it all depends on which bag is the strongest of the lot. Some riders have alu side cases with a plastic topcase, and I would put my camera's in the alu side case.
If it is a heavy bag, than down low would make more sense with respect to the CG of the bike.
Just my 0.02 cts :coffee

[Visian]

Helge Pedersen, of GlobeRiders (http://www.globeriders.com) fame put all his high-end digital gear in a sweet Ortlieb waterproof pack that strapped onto the back of his GS.

http://www.globeriders.com/image_library/site_banner_jpgs/mike_namibia_dunes_banner.jpg

I am pretty sure that bag is on the back of the bike in this picture. (is that a sweet pic, or what? Makes me want to quit my job and run away from home...)

It is a backpack, and here is the product info. (http://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=photopacker)

Looked like a good spot for the gear to me. It's where I always carried my stuff, too, before the days of small digital cameras that fit in the tank bag. You get the benefit of the bike's suspension, and it's pretty well protected from the elements, at least while you're in motion.

Ian

[Mudbug]

If you were carrying a well-padded bag full of valuable photographic equipment, would you put it in a saddlebag or the topbox? Why?

Thanks, DZ
I would not put it in a saddle bag or top case because those are known to fall off. :cry

I would but it in a tang bag.

[Mika]

Tankbag was not an option listed; however, that is where I carry my camera gear. That gear ranges between a digital camera and an SLR depending on the reason for the trip. In either case they are in a paded case and then carried in the tankbag.

Reasons:
Ease ofaccess to the equiptment: It does not require I dismount and dig to get to it. If I dismount it is also very easy to get at the equipment.

Security: I can easily take a tankbag with me and keep the valuable equipment with me. I only leave unattended on the bike that which I am willing to have stollen.

In looking at the answers keep in mind to compare apples to apples in how the bikes are set up. I ride a naked R1150R. I use system cases 90% of the travel time and soft sided bags the rest of the travel time. I do not have a topcase.

Finally in my experience, in my mind I have never solved all my bikes carrying or other issues until six months after I sold it. Good Luck.

[BobFV1]

I carry mine in a tank bag, but it is just a small one. If the choice is between side-opening side cases, like the BMW System Cases, and a top-opening top case, I would go with the top case. If you have side cases that are top-opening, then I would stick with the packing principle which is to put as much weight as far down and forward as possible.

Ride safe.

[deanzat]

Thanks for all the feedback. I've got a Nikon D70 digital SLR and a lot of lenses. I don't have to carry everything everywhere, but sometimes I do. ;-)

I know I could spend $500 and get a very high quality pocket digital, but I've already spent a fortune on Motorcycle and Camera gear, and want to use what I've already got. I've got BMW system bags and an older BMW top box.

I was thinking I'd put my Tamrac Velocity 9 or Adorama Slinger in the top box and then just park, sling it over my shoulder and go. But for a lot of rides I could just wear it. I could also cargo-net it to the pillion. Guess I'll have to experiment. Either way, I think I'll be foaming up the top box for extra vibration reduction.

Thanks again! DZ

[BradfordBenn]

I know quite a few photgraphers who carry their camera in their right hand saddlebag/system case no problem. I have a Canon Elph that I put in my tank bag, no problem. My other electronics go in the right hand case. The reason it is the right... no exhaust.

[deanzat]

That's good! I like the idea of carrying it lower. I carried a briefcase and computer in the topcase this afternoon and although it was no problem, it was a psychological problem! I kept thinking, "you'd put a person back there, why are you freaking out?" But I didn't have a good answer. I know I'd feel better with the gear in the right bag. It seems extremely sturdy.

Thanks, DZ

[andy45320]

On a related topic...do many of you folks carry tripods? You know those very small compact ones, if so what brand/cost? I was looking around for one so I can take cool token bike posses on my solo rides that will fit my Nikon Coolpix S1 (guess most will work....standard 3/8" screw hole on bottom). Ebay has a bunch but unsure of the quality of the no-name brands out there. Figure a tripod is easier than finding a riding buddy to take the picture (though I could stand to find me a Miss. riding buddy :))

[username]

On a related topic...do many of you folks carry tripods? You know those very small compact ones, if so what brand/cost? I was looking around for one so I can take cool token bike posses on my solo rides that will fit my Nikon Coolpix S1 (guess most will work....standard 3/8" screw hole on bottom). Ebay has a bunch but unsure of the quality of the no-name brands out there. Figure a tripod is easier than finding a riding buddy to take the picture (though I could stand to find me a Miss. riding buddy :))

i have a little tripod i received as a gift. it's from REI, packs down small, and works fine.

[Visian]

Andy - about 10 years ago, I found this little tripod sitting in the dirt at a motocross race:

http://i13.ebayimg.com/03/i/04/95/04/9a_1_b.JPG

This thing is one of the most useful accessories I've ever had. It is really small, so you can always have it handy.

You can set it on nearly anything and easily level it up.

You can bend it around railings, tree limbs, etc.

The only thing it doesn't have is extendible legs and I can't think of a time I have ever needed those.

Ian

[Mika]

I carry the small REI tripod and a colapsable walking stick with a top that can be taken off that reveils a mount so that it can be used as a stand.

Visan, your tripod looks interesting. Do you have mfg info?

[bmwdean]

I, too, use a Nikon D70 (wonderful camera!).

I have carried it all over in the top case of my R1150RT and of my R1200RT. I always keep the camera in a Lowepro TLZ1 padded case. Never have had a problem with this arrangement.

[MCohen]

On a related topic...do many of you folks carry tripods?
I carry a Cullmann Magic 2 tripod. Not the highest quality tripod but reasonably stable and expands to a reasonable height. And best of all, folded down, it fits into a System Case.

Michael

[The_Veg]

guess most will work....standard 3/8" screw hole on bottom
Standard tripod thread is 1/4-20, which is also a common screw size at Home Depot. Useful info if you should ever lose the mounting screw.

[CustomSarge]

I've gone 10+k miles with the DCam (Fuji FinePix 4900) and the VCam (Sony H8 camcorder) in the top case of my LTX without issue. I wrap them in: each a hand towel, both in my rain suit. If I need the rain suit, I grab clothes & rebuffer them. Ease of access & minimized vibration, but I'll yield that 10k is a pittance. I run the small (21L?) top case. <<<)))

[knary]

Andy - about 10 years ago, I found this little tripod sitting in the dirt at a motocross race:

http://i13.ebayimg.com/03/i/04/95/04/9a_1_b.JPG

This thing is one of the most useful accessories I've ever had. It is really small, so you can always have it handy.

You can set it on nearly anything and easily level it up.

You can bend it around railings, tree limbs, etc.

The only thing it doesn't have is extendible legs and I can't think of a time I have ever needed those.

Ian

I want one. Before I start digging in the dirt, any idea who makes it or where to find it?

[SlashFiveTourer]

. . .do many of you folks carry tripods? You know those very small compact ones, if so what brand/cost? I was looking around for one so I can take cool token bike posses on my solo rides that will fit my Nikon Coolpix S1. . .

Andy - about 10 years ago, I found this little tripod sitting in the dirt at a motocross race:

http://i13.ebayimg.com/03/i/04/95/04/9a_1_b.JPG

This thing is one of the most useful accessories I've ever had. It is really small, so you can always have it handy.

You can set it on nearly anything and easily level it up.

You can bend it around railings, tree limbs, etc. . . Ian

I want one. Before I start digging in the dirt, any idea who makes it or where to find it?
This (http://stores.tomshardware.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=771874) might be your guy, the Ambico V-6016 flexible mini - cheap price too!

Another neat item is this one (http://shop.store.yahoo.com/semsons-inc/botcaptripfo.html). You got a water bottle or a pop bottle, switch to this cap and you got an immediate tabletop camera support. Might be a neat little gadget to have in the Beer Tent for taking those incriminating group photos we all love to see here on The Forum weeks after the event!

Good luck! :wave

[rocketman]

Andy - about 10 years ago, I found this little tripod sitting in the dirt at a motocross race:

http://i13.ebayimg.com/03/i/04/95/04/9a_1_b.JPG

This thing is one of the most useful accessories I've ever had. It is really small, so you can always have it handy.

You can set it on nearly anything and easily level it up.

You can bend it around railings, tree limbs, etc.

The only thing it doesn't have is extendible legs and I can't think of a time I have ever needed those.

Ian

I got one of those too, works great for my point 'n shoot type cameras but not with my D70 not nearly sturdy enough.
As for carrying my D70 I got a nice padded tank bag that straps and is magnetic with a lower and upper bag unit. I pad the lower part then put my D70 in the top part. that way it is easy to get to while on the road plus i can remove the upper bag when i leave the bike as I would not leave that much equipment when I can't see the bike. Mine is a Joe Rocket 2 piece that I got for around 100 clams. I used some velcro dividers from one of my camera bags to make some compartments for camera and lens so they don't move around and other stuff in there doesn't bang against the camera. Works great.

RM

[IndyGT]

I carry my camera in the tank bag for the simple reason that I'll use it more if it's handy.
That said, my Nikon D100s stay home because I don't want to subject a high-end digital SLR to the dust and vibration of motorcycle travel. I bite the bullet, buy a bunch of film, and pack the F5 with a 28-300mm Tamron lens for bike trips. It kills me to have to pay for film and processing and then have to scan the negs, but I use the D100s for my work and don't want to beat them up. The F5 is nearly bulletproof.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

I do not think that my equipment is as sophisticated as the cameras used by several of you, although I have a Sony Cybershot and it goes in a Ziploc bag and into the rear right pocket of my Rallye2 jacket and that way I can get to it but it is kept waterproof for those showers. The main advantage though is that it is a small camera that takes big pics.

[Visian]

I got one of those too, works great for my point 'n shoot type cameras but not with my D70 not nearly sturdy enough.

Yer right on that one. I tried it with my Nikon film camera and it doesn't work too great. You can get it to work if you position the legs just right, but the weight of most lenses reduces the usefullness of this little tripod quite a bit.

... my Nikon D100s stay home because I don't want to subject a high-end digital SLR to the dust and vibration of motorcycle travel. I bite the bullet, buy a bunch of film, and pack the F5 with a 28-300mm Tamron lens for bike trips. It kills me to have to pay for film and processing and then have to scan the negs,...

Indy - ask to have a photoCD pulled when you get your film developed. It's usually only about $12 and some film places will not charge you if you ask for the CD instead of the prints. Most places use an optical scanner that's better than most consumer units on the market, and the scans res up really high if you use PhotoShop.

Ian

[1024JLC]

In looking for a solution on how to carry my digital SLR, I took into consideration:
1) How to isolate the camera and lenses from shock and vibration
2) How to carry the the camera/bag in a secure manner
3) How maintain good access to the camera and lenses

Since I almost always travel one-up, and have a nice wide passenger seat that is not being used, this is what I came up with to solve my problem.

I bought some cellular (ajustable) foam from Pelican (i.e.: waterproof camera cases) and customized it to fit my Cortech tail bag. Works like a charm.

[1024JLC]

Cortech Bag

[1024JLC]

Interior

[1024JLC]

Camera gear removed showing cut-outs

[1024JLC]

Cut-outs and foam padding for base

[PAULBACH]

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/Camera%20Gear/LoweProBag.jpg
I have used this model of Lowepro with great success. The sling allows easy movement around to the front and easy
retrieval of camera and other gear without getting off the bike.

The website says (http://products.lowepro.com/product/SlingShot-200-AW,2035,4.htm#):
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/Camera%20Gear/slingshota200.jpg
Carried comfortably on the back, it easily rotates to the front so you can get to your camera quickly. The SlingShot 200 AW holds an SLR with mid-range zoom lens attached 3-4 extra lenses, cables and accessories and has a full access lid to make loading it a snap. This feature-rich bag also includes a built-in memory card pouch, micro fiber LCD cloth and two generous organizer pockets.

I have found there prose to be right on target.

[oldpaul]

All I know is there are pieces of Leica scattered all over US75 in north Dallas, along with several bottles of water, a towel and the remains of a 22L topcase.

I once again carry only what will fit in a jacket pocket.

[Paul_F]

Two summers ago on my 10,000 km ride, I kept my Canon 20D and a moderate telephoto lens in the a small backpack camera bag in my top box. Last summer, on a 13,000 km ride last summer, I kept my 20D in a smaller camera bag in the top case, with no additional lens, and a small Canon A540 in my chest left pocket. I used the small pocket camera more frequently than the SLR.

As much as I prefer the results of the SLR, I find that it takes up too much space. The last few trips of last summer were taken only with the small Canon A540 as I only require the images to be enlarged to 16x20. As an aside, the D20 survived in the Givi 50L top case, even with one tip over.

[SNC1923]

As much as I prefer the results of the SLR, I find that it takes up too much space. The last few trips of last summer were taken only with the small Canon A540 as I only require the images to be enlarged to 16x20. As an aside, the D20 survived in the Givi 50L top case, even with one tip over.

I'm coming around to this conclusion myself.

The DSLR and bagful of lenses are used when I'm heading out to take photographs. I can carry my Canon 40D, six lenses, two flashes, a lightmeter, and miscellaneous accessories in a big that fits as though it's tailor-made for my GSA side case. I do worry about the vibration, but so far so good. However, on a long trip, I simply can't afford that space for camera gear.

When I'm going for a ride, I take along a compact camera. There are dozens of really good, very inexpensive choices. I just invested in a G9, which is great, but is by no means the only good choice out there.

[SNC1923]

All I know is there are pieces of Leica scattered all over US75 in north Dallas. . . .

Ouch.

:(

[rinty]

I like carrying my D 40 in a Lowe case in the right System case, which is my "road bag" i.e. it affords a safer place to stand while opening it. I like carrying expensive stuff down low.

My point and shoot goes in the tank bag, and is also in a padded Lowe case.

I think if you're going to carry expensive cameras on a bike, you've got to be prepared to replace them if you crash. And in any event, if that happens, there will probably be more serious issues to deal with than camera replacement.:)

My old film Nikon SLR's were pretty tough; I've fallen on them while cross country skiing and they were unaffected. But I assume the digital versions are pretty fragile.

Rinty

[Paul_F]

My old film Nikon SLR's were pretty tough; I've fallen on them while cross country skiing and they were unaffected. But I assume the digital versions are pretty fragile. Rinty Well besides a tip over last summer, I did a low side on gravel at about 30 mph in Colorado, with the 20D in a small camera bag in the Givi top case. Even though I have another 20D, I used the trip 20D and shot three weddings and a fashion show after the low side with no ill effects on exposures.

[Visian]

My old film Nikon SLR's were pretty tough...

remember the old nikon F ad where the photographer smuggled his nikon into a country by putting into a bucket of water?

i'm thinkin' that won't work with a digital.....

i've been thinking about one of these sling packs:

http://www.ebyte.com/product_images/Large/11051014.jpg

... it would work well for rapid access, not so well for crash protection.

good think i never crash. :ha

[torags]

I have a more global view. In addition to the bike, I want a bag that will be good when I want to hike in a mile or so, to photograph some birds.

I use the Tamrac Adventure and I have an exterior pouch for my circular polarizers that has stayed on during triple digit long tours.

Here's mine Forgive the brown taped tarp - someone stole my gear bag from a laundermat. good thing I had a tent tarp.

http://torags.smugmug.com/photos/136746237_9kzrv-L.jpg

[adsinger]

My XT has over 25K miloes on 3 continents, all in tankbags. I keep it in an Aerostich fleece bag which helps damp out vibrations yet makes it easily accesible. If I'm caryying other lenses they usually go in the right side bag.

I don't use the tailbag for two reasons, first it's hard to get at and as others have said they can come off (my 1200GS bag has the dreaded crack now).

I also usually take a small P&S as well, also in the tankbag. If the weather is bad, or I don't want to carry the SLR, I grab the little one. In the past I usaed an S70 as it took the same memory cards and battery as the XT, reducing the amount of stuff to carry. Now I'm using an S80, same battery but it uses SD. Of coure if I upgrade to the Canon, it's SD too, but then the battery won't match. Ah well.

Someone mentioned tripods. I have several, a couple of Cullmans, a SLIK tabletop, a $4 Wal-Mart super-mini that I use with the S80 sometimes. But for light bike travel I use the Ultra-Pod. I have the little U-PI and the larger U-PII. The Ulta-Pod II will handle the XT with and any of my lenses, it weighs only four ounces and the velcro strap attachment allows me to use the bike itself or nearly objects as tripod mounts. Very handy and quick to deploy.

http://www.pedcopods.com/products.htm

alan.

[DougGrosjean]

Late to the party, but here's what I use / carry, and where, on a bike trip.

Gear (Rolleiflex TLR and a 35mm Widelux pano) go into a Lowe camera bag, which then goes into a Marsee tankbag. The tank on my R100gs is pretty smooth, rubber-mountend and all that. Stuff in there is easy to get to, and pretty well protected in a crash.

I usually carry a tripod on bike trips, too. Whether it's big or small depends on how heavily packed I am. Solo, I'll take a full-size Slik tripod (with a joystick-type ballhead and quick-release), in its own bag, lashed onto the rear somewhere. Two-up, much more likely to take a small Fotomat tripod I bought prolly 25 years ago. Collapsed, it's about 3"-4" diameter and about a foot long.

Another option is a small bean-bag with a tripod screw mounted in it. The beans are plastic pellets, and it's shaped roughly like a hockey puck. It's a little slick, so I added some tacky plastic sheet to the bottom, like what you might put on your car's dashboard under a PDA or cellphone. Below is a link to the item:

http://www.amazon.com/POD-Camera-Platform-Bean-Bag/dp/B00009UTQ3/ref=pd_bxgy_p_img_b

The Amazon reviews point out that with an SLR, it may not work well, due to long lens and CoG. But with the squat cameras I have, it works OK in certain situations. Tripod is better, though.

[rocketman]

I have a more global view. In addition to the bike, I want a bag that will be good when I want to hike in a mile or so, to photograph some birds.

I use the Tamrac Adventure and I have an exterior pouch for my circular polarizers that has stayed on during triple digit long tours.

Here's mine Forgive the brown taped tarp - someone stole my gear bag from a laundermat. good thing I had a tent tarp.

http://torags.smugmug.com/photos/136746237_9kzrv-L.jpg

Thats pretty much how my setup is for the Airhead since I have two part tankbag with big magnets on the side and it has a strap that goes around the steering stem so it can't fall off. I put a towel in the bottom of the bag covered by a sheet of plastic so water can't soak in from the bottom if its raining. I took the velcro dividers from an old camera bag and got some sticky-back velrco strips attached inside the bag to make compartments to hold slr with 50mm lens and two more for the other two lens. Plus the two-part bag has shoulder straps on the upper bag part so I can remove it and carry it with me as a small back pack. Nice arrangement.

On the LT I have to settle for the regular camera bag in the trunk, padded with a towel since the tankbag won't work on the plastic $%^&@# tupperware. Or now with the G9 I may just leave the slr at home for day rides unless I know I'm going places where I can park my highway pig comfortably to get to the slr. The G9 rides in the little tank bag up front for shots where I can't get off the bike which is fairly often since I mostly wonder 2-lane back roads with little or no shoulder.

RM

[OfficerImpersonator]

I keep/store my digital SLR and lenses in a Lowe/Pelican combo that is completely bomb-proof. I've taken my gear on two separate three-week trips down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. If a bag and hard case can protect sensitive camera gear from the water, sand, and grit of a long river trip, it can withstand motorcycle trips. http://products.lowepro.com/product/Omni-Trekker-Trekker-Extreme,1985,9.htm

Unfortunately, my Pelican is too large to fit in a side case on my RT. So the camera goes into my Big Mak tank bag. Then it's always right in front of me should I come upon a subject that must be photographed immediately. If it's going to rain, I throw in a gallon "Ziplock" type freezer bag to keep the camera dry should the rain soak through the fabric of the tank bag.

Some day I'll fabricate a mount for the top of my radio box that will accommodate the Pelican case, but until then, the tank bag works just fine.

[GregFeeler]

remember the old nikon F ad where the photographer smuggled his nikon into a country by putting into a bucket of water?

i'm thinkin' that won't work with a digital.....

i've been thinking about one of these sling packs:

http://www.ebyte.com/product_images/Large/11051014.jpg

... it would work well for rapid access, not so well for crash protection.

good think i never crash. :ha

I have one of these and really like it. Easy access when on the bike and I don't have to dedicate my tank bag to camera storage. There is a secondary strap that creates a "Y" harness in the front and the pack stays planted on your back. And, the bag comes with a built in rain cover. :thumb