Light Case
I need a storage/transport case for my Paul C. Buff light kit. I can pay $300 for a Pelican case, which sort of fits my lights. Or I can build one out of wood, custom-fit to my light kit. In either case, it will be too big and heavy for air travel, so why go to the expense?
The case needs to hold the equipment I have, plus the equipment I plan to buy in the future. It should have wheels and carry handles. It should be reasonably rain resistant (painted and possessing a lip or weatherstripping on the lid).
| Item | Qty | Dimensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zeus Z1250 Power Pack | 1 | 10½" x 4¼" x 7¼" | lid hinges protrude ¼" side spines protrude ¼" |
| Zeus Z2500 Power Pack | 1 | 14½" x 4¼" x 7¼" | lid hinges protrude ¼" side spines protrude ¼" |
| Z2500SH Flash Heads | 3 | 4" x 6½" x 9" |
cord can wrap around stand clamp cord protrudes at least 2" from rear ratchet handle protrudes ¾" umbrella clamp protrudes ½" |
| X1600 Monolight | 1 | 4" x 6½" x 12" | ratchet handle protrudes 5/8" umbrella clamp protrudes ½" unused 2 x 3¼" below stand clamp |
| ZRM2 Ringflash Head | 1 | 10½" x 12" x 9½" | 5½" x 7" unused |
| Ringflash Honeycomb Grid | 1 | store inside ringflash head | |
| 7" Reflectors | 4 | 7½" x 7½" x 5½"
(stacked) | |
| 7" Honeycomb Grids | 4 | 6½" x 6½" x
2" (stacked) | |
| Barn Doors | 1 | 9¼" x 9¼" x 1½" | |
| White Shovel Background Reflector | 1 | 4½" x 4½" x 6" | 2¼" x 4¾" unused |
| 12' Extension Cable | 2 | 8" x 8" x 2" (combined) | |
| Power Cables, Sync Cable | 3 | 8" x 8" x 2" (combined) | |
| Light Meter, Pocket Wizards | 1 |
6½ x 6¼ x 1½ 6¼ x 2¼ x 4¼ | |
| Softbox Speedrings | 4 | 7½" x 7½" x
3¾" (stacked) | |
| Spare Bulbs | 1 | 8" x 8" x 4" (combined) | store under ringlight? |
| Gels | 1 | 2" x 2" x 13½" | rolled up |
It isn't going to be easy to decide how best to arrange all of these items.
Hardware
I need to identify the hardware I will be using to build this case. I should buy it before I try to finalize the dimensions.
- Wheels - I need some kind of fixed caster wheels that I can fasten to the bottom of the case ... alternatively, I could use big inflatable dolly wheels
- Latches
- Hinges
- Corner Protectors - metal corner protectors, as seen on trunks
- Recessed Handles
- Foam Padding - some kind of closed-cell foam, 1" or ½" thick sheets
The benefit of large dolly wheels is that they would allow me to pull it up stairs without dragging. It would also be a lot stronger than a few little screws holding a caster bracket. My dolly has a 22" outer width, with 13½" between the wheel hubs. A 24" outer dimension seems like it would fit through doors easily.
In most cases, ¼" plywood should be sufficient for separating sections. However, I might consider ½" plywood for horizontal shelves and ¼" for vertical separators.