Moving to Israel - how to take lots of camera equipment?

[Tuolumne]

I will soon be moving to Israel and have to figure out the best way to transport my camera gear. I didn't want to send it on our lift, which has already arrived anyway, so that isn't an option. I was thinking of buying one of those very large suitcases with a multitude of padded sections for equipment. It's too large to carry on, so I would have to check it. Is that safe? Would I have to insure it? This would be alot of expensive gear, probably in excess of $15K or more when it's all loaded in. I would be more afraid of its disappearing through theft or pilferage than any outright damage.

Your suggestions welcome.

/T

 

[kxl]

I think your options are:

1) ship them in multiple packages (assuming you someone to receive it in Israel)

2) Check them (Pelican cases), but, as you said, you risk theft as well as damage

3) Push the limit on how much gear you (and spouse, friend, and whoever else is traveling with you) can carry on board.

4) A good excuse to sell off some gear?

 

[alexz]

First of all, welcome to our country. Very nice to realize our local RFF community is getting stronger ..🙂
As about your gear, take into account maximum allowable cabin weight not to exceed one. The hard case may add quite substantial to that...
As with any airline companies, I'd refrain from checking expensive equipment, plan to take it somehow as a hand carry-on. If you're going with your family - consider spreading it over other member's carry-on.

Should you have any questions - do not hesitate to PM me, it'll be my pleasure to assist you making moving to Israel more pleasant.

 

[35mmdelux]

Take care.

 

[noimmunity]

If it's only 😀 $15K, you should be able to carry most if not all of the valuable stuff on board. I carried six bodies (4 RF, 2 SLR), a quiver of SLR and RF lenses, several P&S, 250 rolls of film, and a lot of gefilte fish in my carry on, with room for more if I'd needed it. Filters, hoods and other sundries went in checked luggage.
Airlines now refuse liability beyond a pittance for checked baggage.
Check in advance the maximum dimensions of carry-on for your carrier/airport. Get an inconspicuous bag that fits those dimensions or goes slightly over, depending on the strictness of the airport. Pack everything tightly in padded wraps or light cases.
Good luck!

 

[sanmich]

I would defenitely try to take the max with me on the plane (cynically using my family for this)😛, then split the low price/high volume items in the check in luggages.
Good luck!!

 

[BillBingham2]

T,

While I am a BIG proponent of less is more, it's not everyone all the time. Keep in mind the cost of purchasing the stuff you already own again over there. I have no idea about shipping, import duties, or anything. I could be waring you about something that is nothing. Just want you to thing about all the ramifications of selling stuff off before you go.

Good luck. Perhaps next year I will be luck and be in Israel (an adaptation of a line we hear every year).

Safe trip to your new home, enjoy, prosper and share some pictures from over there!

B2 (;->

 

[sanmich]

I forgot about that...

I strongly advise you not sell anything you may want to buy again.
Specially if it is expensive stuff. Even if it may seem cumbersome to take everything with you now.

Buying gear from there can be very furstrating, the custom take their share unless you do not insure it. Buying from KEH is a major pain because they ship only UPS and then after you pay the custom taxes, and the custom release, you just can't really enjoy their genrous return policy.
I have an aunt in the US who helped me buying gear for years, and she became a specialist in lenses inspection, but still, all this is very inconvenient.
I would even rather leave some gear at a relative for a future trip than sell and rebuy....

Bill, GREAT adaptation (and certainly more realistic and careful than the original🙂🙂)

 

[Tuolumne]

Just to fill in some background - I have already sold a huge amount of stuff, but there seems to be alot remaining. What remains is reduced to what I decided I really wanted to keep and would probably use. I am keeping three systems: Leica M5/multiple CV bodies/RD-1 rangefinders and many M-mount lenses; Nikon FM3a and many manual lenses; Panasonic Lumix G1 and 3 (maybe 4 lenses), flashes, etc.) I saw a really large (used) camera suit case at B&H that I thought would be ideal for loading with all my gear, but is definitely too big to be a carry on. It would have to be checked. I guess the other option is to get a rolling carry on and load it with cameras and lenses fitted into bubble wrap bags. That way I could load it with the maximum amount of gear and keep it with me. I am only travelling with my wife and I don't expect her to be very accomodating as to carrying my camera gear. She's great but will probably draw the line there. So, I am the only mule with equipment.

/T
P.S. I am aware of the difficulties in having purchased camera equipment shipped to Israel and would probably save any acquisitions for trips back to the US. At least it will help tamp down GAS.

 

[vidgamer]

I guess I don't have much new to add, but maybe to just reinforce what has already been said... I would only check stuff that isn't so valuable that you couldn't live without. Also, when I travel, sometimes I check power cords and things that I don't immediately need, but wouldn't be too useful to a thief if they were stolen -- it's the camera or the lens that'll be desirable, I figure. Maybe you too can figure out what you need to take along (battery chargers, etc.) and check those.

You might be able to fit a lens or two in your wife's purse, if she takes a big one. :-D You should be able to get a ton of stuff in a backpack or small duffel bag. I agree, the main concern is being aware of the allowable dimensions.

I never check in my cameras when I travel, but I only generally take one camera and a couple of lenses, max. With an inexpensive FLRF, I might check that in....

 

[markwatts]

Have you consider a courier service since you missed the opportunity to include this in your removal service?
I move country every few years and have never had a problem as long as there is someone at the other end to receive the package. I would rather trust a dedicated cargo plane load/unload than what I see looking out of passenger aircraft windows.

 

[sanmich]

Yes, you should manage with one or two rolling carry on luggage.
Also, I think you are entitled to a small backpack. You should be ok with packing everything with a bit of bubble wrap.
Be carefull though that there are theoretical limitations on the weight of the carry ons.
They are very rarely checked, but still, think of a plan B, in case..

 

[Tuolumne]

Have you consider a courier service since you missed the opportunity to include this in your removal service?
I move country every few years and have never had a problem as long as there is someone at the other end to receive the package. I would rather trust a dedicated cargo plane load/unload than what I see looking out of passenger aircraft windows.

What courier service have you used?

/T

 

[Tuolumne]

Yes, you should manage with one or two rolling carry on luggage.
Also, I think you are entitled to a small backpack. You should be ok with packing everything with a bit of bubble wrap.
Be carefull though that there are theoretical limitations on the weight of the carry ons.
They are very rarely checked, but still, think of a plan B, in case..

The weight quickly gets to be very substantial. That's why I would need a rolling bag. I don't think I could heft it myself.

/T

 

[noimmunity]

I guess the other option is to get a rolling carry on and load it with cameras and lenses fitted into bubble wrap bags.

All the above-mentioned gear will certainly fit in this option.
You sold the MF gear (wasn't Fuji?) that you had?

 

[sanmich]

The weight quickly gets to be very substantial. That's why I would need a rolling bag. I don't think I could heft it myself.

/T

I'm sorry I was unclear.
What I meant is that the company usually puts a limit on the weigth of the carry on, although I have never seen this enforced. I think it's in the 15 pound figures, and stuffing a carry on with gear will bring you WAY over it.
I usually pack my backpack with gear to avoid any serious chance of checking, but then I walk strangely, leaning forward, loosing my balance at every step😱
Last but not least, in the case things turn bad, I would defenitely explain "them" the situation. Not every day does a fervent RFFer emigrates...

 

[markwatts]

FedEx, UPS....The only thing to be aware of is import duty as others have mentioned. I have been forced to pay 20% import duty on the cost of repair of equipment already owned by me and sent out of the same country! I hate carrying heavy bags at airports and the weight and size limit is being enforced more and more. I know we all see people coming aboard with mountains of bags but if you get stopped it all goes in the hold, and assuming your suitcase is full already, you are penalized heavily for excess baggagein. If I am in doubt I feel it is too much of a risk to have the hand luggage rejected.

 

[BillBingham2]

T,

Do you have family over here that will be visiting in the next 6 months? Perhaps they can bring it over with them? A friend?

Another option is to purchase a hard sided case, not a camera case, but just a big rectangular box with a handle. My father adapted one for a hold a KoniRapid years ago. I think they were called Salesmen Sample Cases or something like that. Get it as big as you can carry on. High density foam on the bottom, thin cushion wrap once around everything thing (keeping it thin) and then everything placed one on top of the other in the case. It will drive security nuts but you will get it all in. Add an hour to pass through security to unpack it and repack it. You will carry this bag like it is your family jewels.

Might be a bit crazy but camera cases have way too much space between items if you are needing to pack a lot.

Give us some idea of what else. What you've listed above will fit in one of these cases. If you need some foam PM me with the size and I will cut you a piece.

B2 (;->

 

[f16sunshine]

If it's true that gear is very expensive there. That will be true of the big Pelican cases as well. You should consider purchasing the burliest P-case that fits your needs and insuring it fully. Selling it once your on the ground. It should be quite easy to see your expense returned. Travelling pros use these cases all the time. If the cutouts are done properly with generous spacing, you should be quite safe. Best of luck with your move.

 

[35mmdelux]

a mid sized backpack might do the trick. Allows free hands and you can pack substantial weight.