Checked or carryon video equipment

[scubamickey]

My new Ocean Images housing and RB75 lights are not only very heavy, but bulky. I can't think of any case that will fit everything and be small enough for my most restrictive carryon limit ( 10x14x22 inches).

How many of you check your housing and light systems? I assume if I did this that I would carry on the camcorder as that is more fragile and easily stolen.

What size pelican case have you found to fit everything? The 1610?
I'm not worried about it getting lost, I have a direct flight.

Ideas?

Edit: I already have a carryon bag with just the regulators (long hoses) and canister lights. There are 2 of us.

 

[paulpost]

I have the 1610, I think it will meet your needs I have a sony MPK housing what is very bulky but can fitt very well.
Paul

 

[ronrosa]

Housing, camcorder, and light lamps come with me on the plane. Light batteries get checked. If I have room, I also carry-on my regs. I use bathing suits, underwear and t-shirts for padding.

Most airlines allow a carry-on, sized as you listed, plus a "personal" bag. For me, this is usually a back pack.

 

[Mini Dive]

I only carry my cameras, regulators and computers on-board. Everything else is well packed in my check-in luggage. I have several smaller UK cases I place stuff in, and I pack clothes around these cases. I do include several pictures so TSA can put things back as they should. The pictures also help me remember how to pack when I leave the liveaboard.

 

[scubamickey]

I'm having trouble fitting the video housing and lights in a bag small enough for carry on. I'm thinking that I am going to have to put them in a steal-me case and check them.

 

[scubadrewvideo]

Carry on = Camera (sony HC3) in camera bag and housing in Ocean Images carrying case.
Checked = RB-75 lights disassembled to fit in suitcase.

 

[scubadrewvideo]

Also...Airport screeners don't like the Ocean Images RB-75 battery pack...looks mighty suspicious.
Keep housing open...the screeners also don't know how to operate the latches and your not allowed to help. Scary to watch some bumbling idiot try and open a $2000 housing.

 

[scubamickey]

Also...Airport screeners don't like the Ocean Images RB-75 battery pack...looks mighty suspicious.
Keep housing open...the screeners also don't know how to operate the latches and your not allowed to help. Scary to watch some bumbling idiot try and open a $2000 housing.

Really? Nothing suspicious about batteries. My canister light always gets looked at but they have always recognized the battery for what it is. Even asked us to help put everything away so it didn't get damaged. Guess we've just been lucky. But it is always a concern, that's for sure.

 

[scubamickey]

Carry on = Camera (sony HC3) in camera bag and housing in Ocean Images carrying case.
Checked = RB-75 lights disassembled to fit in suitcase.

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. Carry on pelican case for the camera and housing and then the lights in their case as checked baggage.