Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

I need advice from you photographers out there. I am flying to Tucson, AZ this weekend and want to take my camera and Norman flash unit with me. I need advice on how to pack my Norman flash to make sure it doesn't get damaged while those "careful" bagage handlers take good care of the bags while loading and unloading. I plan on carrying on my camera and the flash bulbs, but was wondering if anyone has any advice from past experiences. You help would be appreciated.

Brad "IBRACN" Brown

www.ibracn.com
#PaulsToTheWall
GO SAMMY!

I.B., forget the camera thing.

There will be plenty of "photogs" there. Just purchase some pics from them.

Problem solved!

TSA...It's not a GROPE...it's a Freedom Pat!

Agreed, the world needs less photogoobers.............

Opinions may vary...

Never trust the handlers with ANYTHING you value.. Having access to the inside of your baggage gives them the opportunity they need to rob you blind..

i put all of my stuff in my carry on....

I checked my camera as baggage only 1 time....never again. Hand carry it on my friend.

Jeff Kristensen

Camera gear goes into either my carry-on bag or my back-pack. Only clothes and personal stuff goes into the checked in bag. Yes, I'm sort of temporarily dead in the water if my checked bag comes up missing. But I still have my gear! LOL!

You will need to confirm that your carry-on is small enough if you are flying on a smaller plane. A couple of years ago, I was flying from Cleveland to Charlotte (I think) via Southwest and even went out and bought a slightly smaller carry-on that conformed to the printed specs for that flight/plane. The bag fit in the overhead on the flight there but would not fit on the return flight due to this being a different model of plane. However it did fit inder the seat in front of me but that was a very uncomfortable flight home.

Of course, I don't lug around a Norman either. They are far too heavy and cumbersome and Nikon flash beats it any way you look at it. Not sure if a baggage handler would know what it was!

JMS ProPhoto

Drive. Problem solved. ;-)

Stan Meissner

this is the back pack i got and i can get two of everything in it, the only thing i do not get in it is my 2nd norman battery box, that goes in my luggage, but everything else fits perfect: 2 bodies, 1 big lens, 2 short lenses, all chargers, heads, batteries, bracket and reflector.....check it out

http://cgi.ebay.com/Naneu-Pro-Alpha-Military-Style-Backpack-Black_W0QQitemZ200374537700QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2ea740cde4

almost 2 weeks since the 1st winged race of the season at Tucson and no pictures anywhere to be found. PLEASE bring your camera.

I too look forward to your photos. You don't realize how good we have it here in Knoxville until a friend goes down there to race. Not many pictures and no broadcast.

Definitely recommend using carry-on if you can. Otherwise, there's always this:

http://lifehacker.com/5448014/pack-a-gun-to-protect-valuables-from-airline-theft-or-loss

Thanks for everyones advice.....I'm definately taking my camera down there but am trying to decide how to carry on all of my Norman flash stuff. I will have to jimmy-rig something for the weekend. I think I will have to invest in that bag Tim...I appreciate the help. The forcast looks perfect for Saturday in Tucson so I can't wait to get down there. I'll post photos as soon as I can.

www.ibracn.com
#PaulsToTheWall
GO SAMMY!

IB do what eagleye does

Brian 

"TURN AROUND; MATE !"

That is what I'm going to do but I don't have time to get one of those before Friday morning so I will have to make something that will work short term. I should be able to come up with something until I get the backpack.

www.ibracn.com
#PaulsToTheWall
GO SAMMY!

I use a rolling laptop bag to store all my Norman gear in when travelling as well as the laptop.

I also use a rolling backpack for all the camera gear and Norman spare batteries/parts.

I try to make other arrangements to prevent having to fly with the Norman gear, as it looks like a bomb!!!

Usually I try drop it in someone's hauler that is heading to race if flying if possible.

Plan on extra time going thru security, they are prob going to dismantle your bags.

You can always drop your Norman in a flat rate priority mail box for the ride home.

Just make sure you get insurance if sending home!

It is definitely a hassle, but without it you might as well not shoot!!!!!

Frank

1624 Black Military Grade, Water Proof- Pelican Case, that has locks you can lock after TSA has went thru it, it has foam inserts and I have flown over 165,000 miles the last several years and have never EVER had anything be broke or stolen, mainly because I stand right there when TSA is inspecting and I personally lock it with locks before it goes in the belly of the plane.

Camera Body's, my expensive lens and flash cards go on the plane with me.

Good Luck

Serving the Motorsports Industry since 1975!