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01/11/2006 02:17:50 PM · #1 |
I have a need for a waterproof equipment case, specifically for my camera gear. I am seriously considering the Pelican 1510 model with dividers. Floation is stated for salt water. Does fresh water make a difference? For those using pelican cases, do they consider them a good value? Is there any advantage to the foam vs. dividers? I am currently leaning towards the dividers.
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01/11/2006 02:25:55 PM · #2 |
I'd go with the 1520 since there are many accessories for that particular case. DO NOT go with foam if you plan to put your D70 or any other digital SLR in it. Foam is a dust magnet and a major dust source when it gets a little older (remember the case will last forever). Also you can get the case completely blank/empty and line it with closed cell foam or like I have a removable camera case that you can take on it's own when you don't need the added protection.
edit:
I forgot, I don't think you can fit as much camera equipment in that case to make it sink in any water regardless of the salinity. Camera equipment just doesn̢۪t weigh enough to over come the positive buoyancy of the case.
Message edited by author 2006-01-11 14:32:02. |
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01/11/2006 02:27:33 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by Flash:
I have a need for a waterproof equipment case, specifically for my camera gear. I am seriously considering the Pelican 1510 model with dividers. Floation is stated for salt water. Does fresh water make a difference? For those using pelican cases, do they consider them a good value? Is there any advantage to the foam vs. dividers? I am currently leaning towards the dividers. |
I have a huge pelican with dividers and lid organizer. I love it for stortage of my gear. It comes in handy for air travel and large shoots. I still have a soft backpack for most evverything else.
newer version of mine.
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01/11/2006 02:58:18 PM · #4 |
Personally, I use several pelicans from the large 1650 all the way down, 100% dividers. Never have liked the foam much as it is so in-efficient in space.
I have used them for air travel all over the world with not one instance of damage... knock knock...
As for the fresh vs saltwater - basically there are two perhaps three "main" things at play here.
1) the displacement of the water by the weighted case
2) the weight required to submurge as long as its 100% air tight at depth
3) and the salt water being heavier than fresh water so it will float better...
HOWEVER: pelicans come with a pressure/bleed valve that if left open can let water in if that portion get under. But the amount of loaded weight you would have to load one down to the point that it may sink is way more thna you would ever most likely be able to put in there...
I as a practice always wash the cases really good after exposure to salt water and be sure that the gaskets are clean and free of salt residue.
Can't really go wrong with a Pelican of any size...
John
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01/11/2006 03:12:23 PM · #5 |
I checked out a number of pelican models when I had a requirement for waterproof/ floating camera protection and I really like the pelicans for transportation but I realised that they didn't suit me at all for actual use out and about - most trips I do are wildlife ones so one is not walking on flat surfaces where one could even use the wheelie pelican model.
Instead I opted for a Lowepro Dryzone rucksack - also 100% waterproof even when thrown into the sea and specifications say it floats too, even when fully loaded!
I bought mine for a trip to the Antarctic and I'm glad I did since zodiac transfers from the ship to shore were fast and often involved a lot of water getting into the zodiac and splashing our bags.
The advantage for me is that, once safely ashore, I could carry the backpack easily.
Disadvantage is that the sealing system makes the backpack harder to open and close (when actually using the waterproof seal too) than regular lowepro models. However, once onshore you don't need to keep sealing that again and can zip closed just the regular outer zipper - much easier and quicker. Then, when it's time to take the zodiac back to the ship, do up the waterproof seal again and off you go!
I took it to the Galapagos too thinking zodiac transfers might be similarly wet but because the seas are SOOOO calm there they weren't at all, not to mention that our zodiac drivers all drove like old age pensioners! So I didn't need it at all and just used the regular lowerpro I also took with me.
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01/11/2006 03:48:26 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by Flash:
I have a need for a waterproof equipment case, specifically for my camera gear. I am seriously considering the Pelican 1510 model with dividers. Floation is stated for salt water. Does fresh water make a difference? For those using pelican cases, do they consider them a good value? Is there any advantage to the foam vs. dividers? I am currently leaning towards the dividers. |
Since freshwater is less dense, the flotation value will be less.
I have several Pelican-type cases for work. I use them to carry portable data acquisition equipment to different locations. The ones I use have the foam inserts, they will provide the best protection, but they are less efficient, space-wise. Usually the equipment I have in them consists of a laptop computer, a box of electronics, sensors and cables. I have shipped these in cartons via DHL and UPS overseas and domestically. I have checked them as luggage when flying, on both overseas and domestic flights. In one facility where I was working, I had a forklift run into one, sending the case across the floor and into an I-beam. The equipment inside has never been damaged and the cases display only scuffs and scrapes.
As I understand it, the operation of the bleed valve is automatic and you really don't have to do anything with it aside from making sure it's not completely caked with gunk.
I have mostly Pelican brand cases and they are great, but I have also had good luck with Storm Case brand cases.
I got the best service through Cases 4 Less.
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01/12/2006 08:36:22 AM · #7 |
I use heaps of the larger Pelican cases in my work for transporting surgical equipment and the very small sizes for white water kayaking to keep a compact P&S, keys, lunch(!) etc dry. They are absolutely industructable and I have never seen so much as a drop of water enter one.
Q. |
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01/12/2006 09:09:27 AM · #8 |
| Thanks folks. Truly appreciate the replys. |
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01/12/2006 09:29:11 AM · #9 |
Blast it....I am still such a marine biologist at heart.
I read this post and thought it referenced some issue of Pelicans (the bird) and cases or incidents of their being spotted or such.
*sigh*
Guess you can get it out of the heart even after 10 yrs. |
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