May 7, 2008
Portabrace PC-3B case for EX1 and Letus Extreme
After taking a hard look at all the available cases that could fit my EX1 with the Letus Extreme, follow focus, lens and matte box fitted I went for the Portabrace PC-3B.
Cases that made the final:
Pros:
- Soft Case
- Price
- Quick Access
Cons:
- Soft Case 
- Can’t hold lenses
Pros:
- Fits a Monitor and Lenses
- Rugged
Cons:
- Very Expensive
- BIG
So in the end the Portabrace won, take a look at the gallery for more shots of the case.
13 Comments, Comment or Ping
Brad
I’m thinking if doing the same. Was weighing up the Portabrace or a large Pelican Case though. The main worry for me is the movement of the camera in the bag in transit. A custom cut foam is in a Pelican hard case is a great way to protect gear but is a pain to move around. Does the camera move around much in the bag? Cheers.
May 8th, 2008
balster
The case comes with three padded dividers, these keep the cam in place pretty good. I am thinking of cutting some foam blocks and using these for a custom fit.
Still I think the soft case is much better to handle then a Pelicase. The PC-3B does have a metal frame so it’s still very tough for a soft case. Good luck with your decision.
May 8th, 2008
DEAD CITY FILMS
The only problem I see with this case is the potential damage done to the Letus mount/front end/mattebox on a drop… since everything is so rigid it wouldn’t take much force to snap one of those key components… I personally like to keep everything separated not only for safety but also accountability and maintenance.
May 13th, 2008
DEAD CITY FILMS
PROS – Ready to roll set up, camera and letus are up and running as soon as you open the bag
CONS – Large (can’t be shipped or taken as carry on luggage), expensive, possible damage done on a drop
It’s a cool idea depending on your budget and your application, especially if you can avoid flying or major transport.
May 13th, 2008
balster
Very good point, I should mention that this case is meant to enable fast shooting and transport with the Letus Extreme fitted. So it’s main purpose is moving from location to location ready to shoot. For travel I have a set of peli cases for lenses, adapter and follow focus and a Portabrace CS-DV4U for the EX1.
May 13th, 2008
DEAD CITY FILMS
Good call! Wasn’t sure if this was your primary transport or not… always good to have options… cheers!
May 13th, 2008
Brad
Just ordered my PortaBrace, thanks for the tip. I think because you have the same EX1/Letus setup that helped made me go for the this over a Peli case option. I think look at making a foam insert for it too, make it more of a snug fit while moving around. I’ve got a RedRockMicro MatteBox & follow focus on order and from what I can tell this should fit OK too (I hope!). How do you like the wood handle?
May 19th, 2008
balster
Hi Brad,
I own the RedRockMicro too and it fits, the mattebox should not be a problem. The wood is good
May 19th, 2008
Marcin
what matte box are you using in your rig?
Oct 3rd, 2008
balster
Hi Marcin,
It’s a Vocas mattebox: mb250
http://www.vocas.com/pages/mb250.htm
Good luck!
Oct 4th, 2008
Marcin
Hello,
which follow focus do you use in your rig?
Mar 17th, 2009
Chris
Hey Balster, hi from England:
I appreciate the info you’re putting onto the web. In your EX1 Balance section in Africa you used a V-mount battery with your EX1.
What base, cable (it looks really sturdy and tough) did you use to make it work.
Thanks, Chris
Jan 21st, 2010
Balster
Hi Chris,
It was a Zacuto support system and the cable was the original sony cable cut and refitted with a dtap plug.
good luck
Jan 21st, 2010
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