Pelican 1620 - Foam Cut Planning?

[Wil_Bloodworth]

So I've had the 1620 for about two weeks now and all I've been able to do is take it out of the cardboard box and open it up.

I can't decide how to cut all the foam... should I make cutouts for my bodies with lenses attached... just cutouts for the bodies and then make cutouts for the lenses vertically?

Suggestions on planning the destruction of the foam?

BTW, I also have the 1500 and it's basically too small to do much of anything (for me) with. I'll probably just sell it and get a 1520 instead.

Thanks!

- Wil

[Daniel W.]

The foam should pick apart without any cutting, it's pick n' pluck =].

Frankly, I'd prefer dividers so I can always reconfigure, but if it were me I'd do bodies and lenses separately.

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Well, the 1620 has like 5 layers of the pick-n-pluck material. I just can't decide how to lay everything out. The dividers are freakin' expensive... nice though.

The only reason I was thinking about doing a layout that had two bodies with lenses already attached was because I typically use the same two bodies with the same two lenses 92.375% of the time. (ha ha)... and being able to open the case and grab a body (or drop one it) without having to do any work would be a handy feature.

Once you "pick-n-pluck" though, you can't "un-pluck"... you're "plucked". LOL!

- Wil

[KdLaneJr]

This should help

[aerosolcheese]

I know this may not answer your question, but I used to have the pick-pluck foam with my 1560 back when I used it for my Panasonic DVX-100 Video camera. After a while, it starts to fall apart. I recommend getting the padded dividers. If you work them around the bits and pieces snugly, then they provide very good protection, probably not as good as the foam with several inches between components, but good enough so far.

[Daniel W.]

I think that's the issue with such a deep case, if you want to do two layers, you'd need another non-pluckable layer to be a floor to the 2nd layer, and even then it's a pain to lift up the second layer to get to it. I found that the 1650 is better suited since it's a bit longer and a little more shower. However, my next purchase as far as cases will probably be a 1510+dividers.

Eventually I shucked all my foam and just pack the gear into camera bags, and then stick them in the naked case. Lets me grab a bag full of specific gear. For instance, I have a Lowepro stealth 400 for just my lenses, then a cheap bag for my flashes, pencil pouch for my sync cords and another for my radio triggers.

[txphotog]

Just a suggestion when cutting it- Stick it in the freezer overnight to make it easier to cut. When I worked at a camera store I knew several people who did this and it made a big difference in making it easy to cut.

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Originally Posted by txphotog

Just a suggestion when cutting it- Stick it in the freezer overnight to make it easier to cut. When I worked at a camera store I knew several people who did this and it made a big difference in making it easy to cut.

Thanks Justin! That's awesome advice!

- Wil

[janikphoto]

I've had a 1560 for a while now, and I just spent the extra money on the dividers. They work much better. Not that the answer helps you, but...

I did use the foam on my pelican rifle case. I layed my M1 Garand on top of the foam and cut an outline (made from a sharpie) with a knife. It was easy and looks good.

[J Eddington]

Originally Posted by ParkImaging

I can't decide how to cut all the foam... should I make cutouts for my bodies with lenses attached... just cutouts for the bodies and then make cutouts for the lenses vertically?

- Wil

I would take the foam out, lay it on a piece of paper. Trace around it. Since you use two bodies with lenses (99% of the time), I would place those first. Then work around adding any additional lenses. Rather than pick and pluck, use a serarated bread knife and you will get nice clean edges.

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Thanks everyone for your excellent suggestions and advice! This is a great thread with content you don't see every day. I'll post again with my progress and results when I'm done... if I ever get started!

- Wil

[Breezy]

I have the foam in mine.
And dh decided I needed a hard bottom for the top layer. Well yeah you do but don't use Plexi glass lol. Mine snapped in half the other day. Thankfully nothing fell out. I may have to get those dividers as nothing else seems to work for the top layer for me.
Wish I had known about freezing the foam.

[THE NiKoNiAn]

I am thinking of a Pelican with the pick n pluck for my PW, flashes and maybe lens, I like the idea of th P-n-P foam as I am get the right shape for the PW especially. I can keep them from getting bumped around or the antennas getting bent. Or I may get one Pelican with the deviders for lens, camera, and accessories and one for PW and flashes. I have not decied yet but my Lowepro is full and I don't have anywere for the PW at this time :)

[PIC]

Originally Posted by aerosolcheese

I know this may not answer your question, but I used to have the pick-pluck foam with my 1560 back when I used it for my Panasonic DVX-100 Video camera. After a while, it starts to fall apart. I recommend getting the padded dividers. If you work them around the bits and pieces snugly, then they provide very good protection, probably not as good as the foam with several inches between components, but good enough so far.

Correctamungo !!!
Pick n Pluck is a contamination problem.
You pick it and it will with use / time... pluck your equipment.

[THE NiKoNiAn]

hmmm...I see the problem, I will have to just look at the deviders then. I really liked the idea of a perfect fit though...like this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaymond/3398227904/