Richard K. , Oct 02, 2006; 11:47 a.m.
OK I (pushing late 50s)'ve been thinking about this for a while and am wondering
if anyone here has actually tried it...
I have a 7x17 kit in one case, a lens case and a tripod, all of which assume a
daunting weight when not photographing from the trunk of my vehicle, which
despite claims and wishful thinking , not all the best photographs to be made
are within 10 feet of it. Thus in venturing out, I can definitely see the
attraction of a classic basinette type baby carriage for haulage. It has big
(sometimes pneumatic)
tires for a smooth ride, adequate space for my stuff, provides a back saving
working height when reaching into the bags (this last quality is GREAT!)and
gives one a look of innocence if photographing in dodgy neighbourhoods. A
collapsible one is best for easier trunk transport. I see this as useful in the
city and on gentler trails. Now, there is a (good) chance that you may become a
source of mirth or at least bemusement, but so what? My friends certainly
laughed when I mentioned the idea but I was astute enough to invite them to
lunch and they felt so bad about hurting my feelings that they paid for lunch
(twice, their memories are going too).
Anyway, any experiences, comments? If you're going to laugh at me, let's do
lunch some time!
Randall Ellis , Oct 02, 2006; 12:25 p.m.
I ran into a couple of fellow LF shooters on the trail not too long ago in one of the State parks here in Florida who were using jogging strollers to cart their gear around in. I'm a decade younger than you, but an elderly driver made it difficult for me to get around with my 4x5, let alone the 8x10, and their solution looked really good! These things are sturdy, have large wheels (good on sandy or rocky terain), have a fair amount of capacity, and handle well. I'm currently looking for a used one, but if I can't find something soon, I'll buy one new. I'll tell you this much, after a few miles on the trail, those guys were loking a lot fresher than I was!
- Randy
W T , Oct 02, 2006; 12:55 p.m.
We have a Baby Jogger that has retired from hauling kids, and I am hanging onto for use as the second poster described. Great for places with groomed trails, like parks and of course sidewalks. Once you get the folding process down, it takes less than a minute. You'll probably need bungie cords or straps to help you hold your 7x17 stuff in. If you have a choice between one with 20 " wheels, and one with smaller wheels, go with the 20" every time. PS this topic has come up here before, do a search for "baby jogger". There are other brands besides baby jogger, chariot or something that converts for bicycle trailer, jogger type, some have more room, etc
Alan Davenport , Oct 02, 2006; 02:46 p.m.
Gives me nightmares just to think about the reaction when the coppers see me shoving a baby buggy down the street. (FREEZE, AQUALUNG! ON THE GROUND!)
Drew Bedo , Oct 02, 2006; 03:45 p.m.
Hello all; I have a jogging stroller with three pneumatic wheels. Its been stripped down to just the lower cargo level and works great for my 4x5 and 8x10 gear. Many scenic areas are handicap-accessable with wide, gentle pathways. Mine knocks down to fit into the bed of my pick-up. Load, Roll, and Go!
H. C. , Oct 02, 2006; 04:44 p.m.
Richard,
Yup, I watched a couple of veteran LF shooters haul out these Chariot Jogging strollers
from their vehicles... no kids!
Then, out came the big toys... 8x10s, 4x5s and a variety of other gear! Massive tripods
too!
And, off they went... no muss, no fuss and their backs probably thanked them at the end
of the day! :)
So, I've been on the hunt for a reasonably priced jogging stroller for the past short while.
Just make sure they'll support the weight of your equipment. Some strollers can only
handle small amounts of weight while others can handle up to 100lbs.
BTW, make sure you're sitting down when you look at the price of these babies brand new!
They run anywhere from CDN$200 up to $1,000!
Yikes! :)
Cheers
Jochen Schrey , Oct 02, 2006; 07:25 p.m.
I've pushed a friend's baby jogger (intended use) and wasn't totally convinced. If I had a pick-up, I'd prefer a mail delivery bike.
Whatever you'll grab make sure the wheels run really smooth and look that you don't overload it. In general it seems to be a good idea. But my own luggage hauling experience with a rather basic device for sitting youngsters was really disapointing. It obviously wasn't made for that weight. I'd also hate to bungee my tripod entirely. (I did my share of motorbikeing, so I know what I'm talking about) I'd love to have a collared plate to put it's feet in and just one belt to close to secure it.
Maybe a wheelchair might be a better starting point for your construction, if it can hold your equipment case. It's intended for higher payload, long term use and quite easy to steer. Pusher operateable brakes are available and you can use main wheels from bicycles according to your needs.
Go ahead however. Photography should be fun, so it has to be made convenient.
Alan Davenport , Oct 02, 2006; 11:31 p.m.
Photography should be fun, so it has to be made convenient.
LOL! Somebody pinch me! Was that actually said by someone who uses large format cameras? :-P
I've heard many adjectives used to describe LF gear. "Convenient" was, until now, not among them......
Glenn S 
, Oct 03, 2006; 01:51 a.m.
I picked up a golf cart a while back that am hoping to modify for transporting camera pack and tripod. Once close to destination, the pack could be shifted to my back for final steps if the ground was too rough or steep for wheels. Some good ideas here... It's got me thinking. I'm now 60+ years and hate being a beast of burden any more than necessary.
Michael Hendrickson , Oct 03, 2006; 04:10 a.m.
I'm a little younger than some of you posters, but not by much. I've been noticing the weight of the camera gear for a while now, too....
Hmmmm ... what a lotta great food for thought!
And if a laugh or two is the price one pays, just think of this: What's the laugher getting done lately, eh? Probably *not* pumping out any worthwhile artwork, that's for sure.
Get it done any way you want, and be proud of it. And also, be willing to take a little time now and then, enlightening others on the trail who stop you to ask as to how you've engineered the whole thing, as you see the gleam in their eye as they come to understand, yes! yes! my back don't gotta hurt!
