photojournalists vest

[Luis]

what kind of photojournalists vest do you use or suggest to buy?
do you know any website or good store where I can find a good one?, any brand?
by the way,...what's in your pockets?
:cool:

[Sportsguy]

Well, if you want one that'll last, go with Domke (http://www.saundersphoto.com/html/body_vest.htm). It's made by the manufacturer of probably the best still photo bags there are. Other bag makers such as Tenba (http://www.tenba.com/camera/photovest.htm) or Billingham (http://www.rtsphoto.com/html/bill15.html) may make them, but I'd go with the Domke.

Porta-Brace (http://www.portabrace.com/Details/vv/vvdetail.htm) makes one that looks more like a bulletproof model than a photog vest. I'm sure that it would last you quite some time, given their track record with shoulder cases and the like.

For something more temporary, you could hit up Banana Republic or even check out Eddie Bauer.

[photogguy]

I don't wear a vest, but what's in my pockets can be scary. Right now, my IFB earpiece, a video barrel connector, ink pen, cash, pager (fun for when it goes off [vibrate!!!]), keys of various and sundry description, cellphone on my belt, sometimes an audio barrel connector (male-to-male, it seems to be the one I need most...go figure), and a 9 volt battery. I dread going through metal detectors.

[shooter k]

Originally posted by photogguy:
I don't wear a vest, but what's in my pockets can be scary. Right now, my IFB earpiece, a video barrel connector, ink pen, cash, pager (fun for when it goes off [vibrate!!!]), keys of various and sundry description, cellphone on my belt, sometimes an audio barrel connector (male-to-male, it seems to be the one I need most...go figure), and a 9 volt battery. I dread going through metal detectors. At one time I used to carry:
numerous 9 volts
several pens
two or three sets of keys (depending on if I have a live truck that night)
IFB earpiece
cell phone on belt
pager on belt
change
lint
press pass on lanyard (metal clip at end)
2 video barrel connectors
wireless mic
wide-eye lens on belt
AA battery (for the senheisser)
double this if I have on my winter coat
once I had to empty all that crap into those little dishes at the metal detector for a 5 minute interview at a courthouse.

:P

[Luis]

thank you for the websites...
if anyone here use a photojournalist vest..,what do you have in the pocket of your back, the big one?

and, do you buy it? or the channel gave it to you?
:cool:

[Sportsguy]

BE CAREFUL WITH THOSE 9 VOLTS!!!

Especially with all the other *metal* crap in your pockets. If you don't know what I'm talking about, go ask somebody...

[shootcam]

Howdy! From my experiences, working in Miami and the Caribbean, the best wat to go is with an Orvis fly fishing vest. It has plenty of easy to get to pockets, and a mesh back. Otherwise, the Domke,that was mentioned is my second choice, for all around werar and tear. The Bananna Repulic still makes 'Photojournalist' vests, but I personally am not happy with their price, but do like the net backed ones. You get what you pay for. Believe me when I say this. Check out all your options before making a purchase, cause this will become your second skin. I carry a cell phone, multiple I.D's. various XLR connectors, DVC Pro tapes, Power bars, barrel connectors, and sometimes even cash, and a wireless transmitter. They are definitely more efficient to me than the waist carriers. Good Luck! :P

[shootcam]

Sorry I forgot to mention the 9 volt dilema. Neither vest pockets, jeans, or any pocket on your body should contain a 9 volt battery+coins,or any other metal object! The battery will become extremely hot, and could possibly freak you out in the middle of the shoot, while you are attempting to throw everything out of your jeans pocket, because that burning sensation you are feeling is not a match, but the battery reacting to the polarization of the metal or coins. You will feel like you are on fire! Quite embarrassing the first time it occurs. Second time, just stupid! Hastala vista baby! :D

[texshooter]

I have a PortaBrace slinger. In it I have a spare brick battery (one compartment is made for this), wireless lav, ECM 44b lav, AA and 9v batteries, tapes, IFB, reporters notepad, varius connectors and adapters (both audio and video), pens, and other assorted odds & ends. This works better for me than the fanny pack or vest. When I am going to be stationary for awhile, I just slip it over my tripod, and everything is in easy reach. One note on the 9v's, we use Duracell ProCells, the 9v's come with a plastic protector over the contacts... just leave on until you are ready to use the battery.

[<NYshooter>]

Those fishing vests are the cheapest way to go, but I still love my Domke.

BTW, I rarely use the back pockets, but if I do I carry an extra audio cable there.

[Anton Saur]

In the back pocket i usually hold the "press packet" that gets handed out at the usual pressers.

[Shaky & Blue]

I don't use it much any more in my current job, but instead of using a vest or production belt, I used an Army surplus pistol belt with suspenders. On one side is a large ammunition pouch that carries cables, microphones, tapes and other odds and ends. On the other side is an EMT pouch that carries a Leatherman, Mini Mag Light and a pen. Next to it is a small magazine pouch that carries wireless transmitters and batteries. I have other pouches of various size that can be switched out with these should I find myself with more or less equipment. At one point I also had a Rip Tie clipped to the belt to hold a cable, but I abandoned that because it flopped around too much.

Across the back is a genuine British Army double pouch from the 50s. It has two pouches side by side that are exactly the same size as Anton Bauer brick batteries. It attaches to the belt by means of quick release straps, so that if I find myself needing to drop the extra weight to run I just give one tug on the straps on each side, and the whole thing drops to the ground.

My setup has several advantages. First, it's cheap. I have about $60 in what's on the belt right now. Second, it's durable. This stuff will last as long as the Portabrace belts for a fraction of the cost. Third, unlike a vest, it's reconfigurable to just about any way I want to use it. If I run out of pockets, I just put more on there. Finally, it's stylish. When you show up in a vest, you look like you're ready to go fishing; when you show up in this, you look like you're ready to start a war. :D

I have a really nice Domke vest that was given to me as a gift. I wore it once. It's a fine piece of gear, but it just doesn't fit my methods.

[str8shooter13]

I used to wear a vest, but lately it's been too hot. Besides, those huge Anton Bauer batteries won't fit in the pockets :)

"Chance" has one of the best ideas with the Orvis fly fishing vest -- they're usually mesh and/or really lightweight and cool. In a pinch (and to save money) you can probably find a generic fishing vest at K-Mart or WalMart for $20 or less.

I've moved to a MountainSmith fanny pack. My list :
Spare A/B battery
2 DVCpro 33-min. tapes
Stick mic
CO-90 clip mic
Wireless transmitter
Spare CO-90 battery
2 spare 9V batteries for wireless
12-20 ft. mic cable
Mic stand
30-inch white/gold reflector
Mini flashlight (for levelling tripod in dark)
Business cards
Pens

Travel light -- but make sure you have everything you'll truly need.

[ntxshooter]

I'm with Shakey. A vest is too hot to wear where I work. I use a homemade thing myself. I use a pistol belt, I got various sizes of soft camera cases and cable tie them to the belt. There is one size that will fit a BP-14 Battery perfect. And it is cheep. If I have to go through a metal dector I just take off the whole thing very easly and go right through. I used to use the sholder straps but it would get too tangled up and time consuming. Specialy when I get to a spot news location.

[<satpimp>]

The Domke is a great vest lost of room and vnted sides and back. There is no escaping the heat in Florida so the vest is just another thing to soak up sweat... Yes the Domke launder's well. I'm on my second. I did realy like the Kata vest but it was more $$ and Porta Brace is the bomb..tough, roomy and tailor made for video junk but TOO heavy for my neck of the woods. I saw a $49.00 vest that looked okay in the Travelsmith catalouge try Travelsmith.com and you might find a closeout for even less. For the hot weather guys they make really nice lightweight breathable clothes too.

Cheers

[<Chuck Dennis>]

I have 3 different kinds of vests and I use them all and have used them for 13 years.

You can get them at Army/Navy surplus stores. They are affordable and come in different styles.

Some are good for winter wear, some for summer and some for the situation you may find yourself in.

$35.00 for my winter vest $32.00 summer and 40 for my black nylon vest.

[Fisher]

It is way too hot for vests here during the summer. When it cools down I sometimes wear a Domke vest. Bought it at a camera store for about $80.

[SwampOtter]

For the longest time I've used a large REI fanny pack, but got tired of carrying all my gear in it and have my pants constantly fall down (the curse of having no a$$.) I got some Mountainsmith suspenders for it and have been happy since. Quick on, quick off and I don't have to suck in my gut for the waist strap anymore!

[Terry E. Toller]

A good photo vest will have netting for the back. Personally, I don't find them too hot in the summer but I guess that's up to the person using one...

I have a Bazoobee vest. Same as the Domke but a little more expensive.

Fishing vests are too short and the pockets too small.

Target used to sell a safari vest that looked pretty nice for about $30. One of the side pockets had a seam up the middle to make room for two sets of glasses. Cut the seam out and you get a nice, large pocket. But, the back is solid material and not comfortable on those hot days.

[<bananarama>]

Here's a copy of the good ol' Banana Republic vest:

http://www.glockstore.com/pgroup_detail.php?pgroupid=3098

[shooter k]

Originally posted by Sportsguy:
BE CAREFUL WITH THOSE 9 VOLTS!!!

Especially with all the other *metal* crap in your pockets. If you don't know what I'm talking about, go ask somebody... I made sure the little tabs were on the ends. Yes they can get quite hot in no time.
Good warming technique in the winter!!

:)

[<photosafari>]

http://www.pockettools.com/safphotveskh.html
http://store6.yimg.com/I/pocketools_1759_5615555

[Luis]

check this out, not so many pockets, but cool model....

http://www.glockstore.com/pgroup_detail.php?pgroupid=167

nobody have said if your company gives you the vest,with embroided logos from the channel and all that :cool:

[Anton Saur]

Originally posted by Luis:
check this out, not so many pockets, but cool model....

http://www.glockstore.com/pgroup_detail.php?pgroupid=167

nobody have said if your company gives you the vest,with embroided logos from the channel and all that :cool: Ours does..but it's one of those that are kinda short, and for us "large" people it's like a Chris Farley skit... I have the green one posted above, and it works great.

[PC148]

I used a porta brace waist belt or a Tamrac still photographers vest. Vest had all sorts of pockets and the big one in back used for mic cables and or NP1 batteries.

[Luis]

thank you for your answers.
I've been lookin' for a nice photojournalist vest and haven't found till now..

thanks :cool:

[D.St.]

I have the Porta-Brace vest. I've had it about 3 years, and it's held up really well. I've been able to stuff:
- an Anton-Bauer Brick
- four DVCPRO field tapes
- 3 mics (hand held, lav, shotgun)and Lectrosonics transmitter
- a 9 foot mic cable
- A portabrace rain jacket
- IFB earpiece and grey coard
- 9 volt batteries
- pen, pencil, and notepad
- in the rear pocket, a 94 min DVCPRO for field editing, a head cleaning tape, a countdown.
- video barrels and audio turnarounds.
- and, last, but not least, a cell phone.

The only problem with the vest is that it wears like a winter coat in the summer time.

[SigLife]

how bout something that's not a vest but you can still carry a good amount of things in...

something that you can just throw over your shoulder...

i'm a one-man-band and something like that would be more helpful than a vest i think...

[news-shooter]

I Don't use a vest at all, I use the Porta Brace Slinger. I think it's SS2. It slings over my right shoulder and hangs on the left. There is a pocket that fits an Anton Bauer brick perfectly along with other pockets to fit a nextel. The shoulder strap is padded and the whole thing fits comfortable. ENG gadgets has it for about $159.

[Curves Ahead]

Domke, all the way