Joe asks 'What cheap case can be used for small equipment?". If we're not talking about fragile equipment, I know a few people using these Plano 4 Pistol Foam Lined Cases. These aren't your waterproof air tight 'Pelican-Like' cases, but they still offer a fair amount of protection. With an internal dimension of 16" x 10" x 6", these pistol cases are large enough to hold monitors, portable audio recorders, microphone systems, battery chargers, and more.
Typically these run between $25-35 dollars, but it's currently on sale today for under $12 dollars. Jump over to the page and you'll find other customers sharing images on how they use it with their camera gear (found here).
Plano 16" W X 10" H X 6" Deep Molded Case with Foam Liner
For smaller equipment that I feel can take a few bumps, clear Organizing Tackle Boxes work great. The clear boxes take the guess work out of finding gear, all without having to open the box. You can organize and label areas such as 'new' or 'used' for batteries.
Example of how I use these cases
The trick is finding a good set, and the ones I use are also from Plano. Not just durable, but 3" deep to hold fairly thick camera accessories such as LP-E6 Batteries. Overall storage dimensions are 10.5" W X 7"H X 3" Deep, and these run under $7 dollars (found here).
Apostolos
Home Depot has Plano, and Plano-style clear cases for about the same price. The "Plano-style" are HDX brand, which is the Home Depot brand. I use the ones that are not deep to put sets of AA batteries (which I don't want to mix for use with my flash units). The also have a very nice two-pack with a handle for about $10.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-15-Compartment-Interlocking-Organizer-Black-2-Pack-320034/204515485?keyword=hdx+2-pack+storage+case
Eddie
Too bad they don't ship it overseas 🙁
Josh Becker
Picked up one and fit two V-lock batteries, dual charger, cables, and 15mm v-mount bracket inside. Not too bad for $11. Doesn't hold a candle to a Pelican, but at 1/10th the price, it works for rugged/cheap gear.
Taiwan Brown
it went back down to 11.97 ($12)
John McClane
I ordered one when this story first came out - LOVE IT. Perfect for all those little, semi-delicate pieces of equipment. I bought two more last night and the price was still just under $12. Can't beat it!
apostolos
I think those "pistol" cases may very well be the best deal around for storing small items, from audio gear to monitors, of filters. I got three and I received them today, I should have gotten six or seven. They went back to $22, but you can also get them for around $16 on Ebay. But you can't beat $12 shipped. Thanks again, Emm.
Richard
@Emm, I see it now when accessing from my desktop. Those photos do not show up for that link on my mobile devices.....
Joshua Cadmium
I haven't ordered it yet, but after a bit of research, I think that this ArtBin at $9.99 is a better buy than the Plano: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Super-Satchel-Removable-Divider/dp/B000X24A10/
The Plano 3630 (the one posted) is only 11"x7.25"x2.75" according to Plano's website. The Plano 3730 (which is also $9.99) is 14"x9.13"x3.25" The ArtBin Super Satchel is 15"x14"x3.5", comes with a handle, is designed to be stackable with other sizes of ArtBins, and is made by Flambeau, who I read might have better dividers than Plano.
EricSF
@Rob S - Even better! In for one then :). Thanks!
Rob S.
@EricSF Actually, I meant that both sets fit into one case. You'll just have one set in pouches and the others outside of pouches.
EricSF
@Rob S.
Done. In for two :D. Thanks again!
Rob S.
The pouches velcro in so don't move around. But each pouch only really fits one transmitter or receiver. With two sets, they all fit together pretty in the lid well and don't move around. Everything else I put behind the net.
EricSF
@Rob S.
Thanks man! That looks like it fits the bill perfectly. Those internal pouches look like they'd keep them from moving around too much and spare the antennas, which is the whole point... Good looking out!
stanperry
Just ordered one ... now i got a secure place for my mic and recorder and wires and batteries ...
Rob S.
@EricSF I use these semi-hard cases which can hold two complete G3 units and lav mics. You can rearrange the pouches. Not too large but good protection.
https://www.amazon.com/Navigation-4-3-Inch-Magellan-Navigators-Accessories/dp/B001BZM998/
David Mathas
Office Depot has the perfect container for Sony NP-F970 batteries. It's called "Really Useful Boxes - Plastic Storage Box, 1.75 Liters."
It can hold ten NP-F batteries, and it measures 3"H x 7"W x 9 1/2"D.
They cost $4.49.
The product ID is 452333 and can be found at officedepot.com.
Emm
Post author@Richard - It's all part of the product page. They let customers upload their own images. Just run through the gallery of images you see on the left side.
Richard
The link where you say there's pictures of examples of what other photographers use these cases for their equipment only seems to bring me to the Amazon page in fact all three links in your post just bring me to the Amazon page I can't seem to find those examples can you help me?
Kay O. Sweaver
I'm even cheaper than this. I'm using a couple of old power tool cases that I found. They're pretty sturdy and lockable.
EricSF
Hey Emm,
Thanks as always! You're one if the best when it comes to smart hacks like this to save some $.
I'm looking for a small hard case for a Sennheiser G3 wireless system. It's only for use to put inside a camera bag so doesn't need to be pelican heavy duty. It could be a tacklebox-like solution. Just looking for something hard and as small as possible so that my transmitter and receiver antenna wires aren't getting bent while packed in my camera bag, and so that it fits inside a camera bag. So I'm not looking for something big and bulky with a handle. Ideally the solution would fit the transmitter, receiver (with cold shoe adapter on), wireless lav, and Mini to XLR cable but if it only fit the transmitter and receiver, I'd be happy. Any suggestions? Thanks!!