Small Padded Pouches for finders and LTM lenses?

[Bart Bart]

I seem to have accumulated several small finders and lenses since getting back into LTM photography. Any recommendations for protective pouches or other ways to carry small delicate optics like finders that don't use lens caps?

I've used various Op-Tech brand neoprene pouches for larger SLR gear but I don't see any "tiny" versions listed. But it doesn't have to be neoprene, just something padded and smooth/tightly wove enough that it doesn't hold grains of sand or grime.

Thanks

 

[Beemermark]

I have a Plano 4 compartment plastic case measuring 4.63"x 2.88" x 1" to hold 4 view finders. The finders rattle around a little but since the only material they rattle against is soft plastic it doesn't seem to hurt the finish or optics. Found in the fishing section of most sporting goods stores.

 

[peterm1]

Some years back I found some small zip top pouches in neoprene not much larger than a man's wallet. Just right for small Leica lenses. I think they were by Crumpler. Another option if you cannot find something soft in the right size is a small plastic box with the clip top and inbuilt seal designed for small items of food. Wrap the lens in a little micro fibre cloth first and you are good to go. More suited perhaps to use in a larger camera bag than carrying on the person. And much cheaper than a small Pelican case though not so robust. Small flatter boxes of a similar sort work for things like memory cards, finders, etc. Another alternative I use when travelling is a small nylon padded case designed for protecting things like portable hard drives for a computer. They have a zip around three sides and for some applications I like them. For example lens cleaning cloths, charged spare batteries, memory cards and the like when moving about - I find these a little more convenient than harder plastic boxes for carriage in a camera bag.

 

[Archlich]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Soft-Neopr...hash=item5926731ef0:m:m_HMAdguj_B9Ei17grcoMwA

This, among numerous other look-a-likes. I assume they're all from the same manufacturer.

 

[David Hughes]

I have a Plano 4 compartment plastic case measuring 4.63"x 2.88" x 1" to hold 4 view finders. The finders rattle around a little but since the only material they rattle against is soft plastic it doesn't seem to hurt the finish or optics. Found in the fishing section of most sporting goods stores.

If you could find an old fashioned mouse mat, that would make a good lining for them.

Regards, David


PS If you want to go to town then look for one of those nice leather cases Leitz made in the 1930s that will hold everything neatly and firmly. The problem is that modern rear lens caps have to be replaced by pre-war black brass ones for the lenses to fit exactly. And you need very deep pockets...

 

[presspass]

Firms like the former Eastern Mountain Sports used to carry soft pouches for candle lanterns and other tiny but fragile camping items. The soft fabric pouches work best for finders; the foam ones will fit anything up to a 90mm f4.0 Elmar but don't work well for shorter lenses like the 3.5 35mm Elmar. Check for camping supply items on eBay or Amazon if you're interested.

 

[Richard Plume]

I use Tamrac Goblin lens pouches. They come in various sizes.

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

Thanks - I'm looking for something to hold the close focus attachment for my DR Summicron, not something I want knocking around in a pocket, and you have to take it off to use the lens for normal distances!

 

[laurentb]

I found a Rollei case for 2 35mm cartridges is perfect for a 35mm VF from Leica (SBLOO IIRC), so now my VF lives in such a case.

 

[Godfrey]

Waterfield Design in San Francisco makes a number of small pouches and accessory bags that I have found fit a variety of finders, accessories, small bits, etc. For clip-on viewfinders and Moment accessory lenses for the iPhone, their Stylus-Pencil Case fits two or three, separated by a little bit of foam between them. The interior has a small slip pocket that I fit a Moment remote release into as well.

G

 

[Livesteamer]

I have made rear lens caps with an attached shoe to accept the finder. Nikkormats had a flash shoe that is easily available and easy to adapt for that. Four screws on the bottom of the Nikkormat flash shoe remove the excess parts and then carefully drill four holes in the rear lens cap of your choice to mount the parts together. I've made several that way for my LTM lens's. Joe

 

[shimokita]

For external finders I picked up some soft pouches at a jewelry supply store that were intended for rings or broaches. Usually with a draw string closure.

.

 

[mbisc]

How about these square wraps with velcro tabs:

https://www.freestylephoto.biz/722111-Domke-F-34R-11-x-11-inch-Protective-Wrap-Black

They come in different sizes and work for gear in a large variety of sizes

 

[newst]

If you want a project to kill some time at home, why not take some of those plastic containers that roll film comes in, glue some felt or similar material inside (it doesn't need to be a complete job, just enough to keep the finder from rattling around) and the containers can be kept in your bag with your lenses.

 

[halfaninchawater]

Came across this one today in my search for a lens pouch.
Artisan and Artist ACAM-411 https://www.popflash.com/T-ACAM411
Nice, but a bit pricey.

Does anyone know what happened to the "Micro Lens Pouch" brand? They were the right size and good quality at a decent price. Not on Amazon anymore and their website is closed.

 

[Doug]

Check your local jewelry store for the soft pouches their glitter comes with! Might have to buy a diamond ring or two... 😀

 

[peterm1]

The other el cheapo approach you can use, I suddenly recalled is to go to a Post Office and pick up some small bubble wrap pockets of the sort used when posting items (not the envelopes with inbuilt bubble wrap). Probably needs a rubber band to close the top of the pocket but in a pinch these do nicely enough.

 

[Justin Smith]

If you could find an old fashioned mouse mat, that would make a good lining for them.

I've used zippered neoprene beer bottle insulators before, purchased at the local Dollar Tree store years ago. They fit my lenses pretty snugly, but will stretch and are very secure when zippered.

Here is an Amazon link for illustrative purposes. I am sure that you can find them even cheaper:

https://www.amazon.com/Juvale-Insulator-Sleeves-Neoprene-Assorted/dp/B01FVXQDKG/ref=sr_1_109?dchild=1&keywords=neoprene+beer+bottle+insulator&qid=1586447736&sr=8-109

 

[Glenn2]

What I did years ago was make my own. A local Tandy craft store supplied some soft brown leather and sewing materials. Easy to make a bag with thong drawstring, not rocket science.

While I was at it ended up making a removable soft case for a 3f. When it was off you could crumple it up and stuff in a pocket.

Glenn

 

[cary]

I use the jewelry bags found in Chinatown, padded and inexpensive.