This is for all of you photographers.....I am shopping for a new Pelican/Storm case for some camera gear. These cases always offer a choice of an empty case, a case with the "pluck" foam and, padded dividers. Of course, the empty case is the cheapest and the padded divider cases the most expensive, but does the foam offer any substantial benefits over the padded dividers or are the padded dividers the best way to go....I appreciate any feedback!!!! Cheers,
The case I bought / use had foam in it when I purchased it. It was a large block and then precut (perforations) into 1/2" squares wherein you could tear out voids for your goods to have their own respective compartment. It's a nice system, but being slightly OCD and not wanting to commit to one setup I kept it in tact and bought different foam to use where I cut parts out for different use. Either camera gear, or dive gear. Eggshell foam is a good start, pretty easy to work with, and readily available. I prefer that, over the padded squares where gear can still safely 'slosh' around. It also gives me a bit more flexibility with the case in general. If you want pics, I can grab some and post them for you. Otherwise, I've been more than happy with it.
Many thanks for the reply.....I wonder if I were to use the Eggshell foam if I could save a bit and just buy an empty case??? That way I do not have multiple foam sets laying around....the three Pelican/Storm cases I am looking at cost a lot less if ordered empty....so when they come in visit a large hobby/arts & crafts store and stock up on the foam... Cheers,
My wife and I are amateur underwater photos. Our pelican cases with the high density, non absorbent foam have never failed us. I suppose other foam might be as effective, but we have never tried. Our lenses are too expensive. Just saying
Hi, I have several cases and have used both foam and dividers. But for the past twenty years or so, have stuck with dividers. I have had no problems with damaged equipment, even though the cases take a tumble from time to time. One word of caution though. The foam that comes with the case is 'sealed'. In other words, each tiny air bubble in the foam is an independent, sealed unit. This prevents the foam from retaining any moisture in the air. Obviously, if you cut it to shape, you destroy the integrity of some of the bubbles – but the amount of moisture they can hold, compared with ‘normal’, unsealed foam, is so small that it won't be a problem.