[LargeFormat] Traveling with LF gear

[Betsy Schneider]

Diane,
This is a big issue for me since I am an American who lives in Norway (and 
spent the past four years in London) and travel relatively extensively with 
my camera equipment and small child (now children, although I haven't 
traveled with both yet). Its always a big decision which pieces of equipment 
to take. I have a Tamrac backpack which is actually pretty uncomforable but 
holds a substantial amount (maybe there is a connection there). It will hold 
my 4x5 Burke and James field camera, 10 film holders and my Mamiya 7, light 
meter, film, etc. I never travel with both my 4x5 and my Mamiya RB, In fact 
traveling with the RB is almost always a back breaking proposal. As others 
have said, I always carry on my camera bag, I have never had problems with 
this (they weigh the checked luggage not that which is on your back).
I usually bury my tripod in my giant duffel bag with my clothing, although I 
am debating buying another tripod so I can leave one on each contienent. 
Transporting the tripod is a pain. 

I guess the trick is figuring out what you need in advance, how much 
traveling you will be doing on foot and what other things you are willing to 
forgo. Depending on where you are going, there can be a significant amount of 
walking in airports (O'Hare and Heathrow both have 10-15 minute stretches) 
and wheels may be the alternative. But then again they will take up space and 
will add to the weight.  

If anyone has the perfect solution I'd love to hear it. 

Betsy