View Full Version : Moving to Israel - how to take lots of camera equipment?
Tuolumne
10-15-2009, 16:44
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
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?
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
10-15-2009, 17:00
Take care.
noimmunity
10-15-2009, 17:00
If it's only :D $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!
I would defenitely try to take the max with me on the plane (cynically using my family for this):p, then split the low price/high volume items in the check in luggages.
Good luck!!
BillBingham2
10-15-2009, 17:06
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 (;->
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
10-15-2009, 17:24
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
10-15-2009, 17:35
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
10-15-2009, 17:37
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.
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
10-15-2009, 17:47
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
10-15-2009, 17:48
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
10-15-2009, 18:16
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?
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:o
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
10-15-2009, 18:27
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
10-15-2009, 18:28
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
10-15-2009, 19:13
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
10-15-2009, 19:24
a mid sized backpack might do the trick. Allows free hands and you can pack substantial weight.
robklurfield
10-15-2009, 19:31
How much insurance did you put on the gefilte fish??? homemade or store-bought??? horse radish, too???
If it's only :D $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!
One trick I also learnt was to wear a photographers vest. You can stuff lots of gear in those pockets and it often gets me round the weight restrictions.
kermaier
10-15-2009, 21:55
1. Under no circumstance should you allow anything potentially attractive to thieves to be checked. Period.
2. Split the load into two medium-sized cases, rather than one big case. The probability of finding spaces in the overhead compartments improves.
3. Soft-sided cases are easier to fit into the luggage bins, and you won't need the protection of Pelicans for carry-on.
4. Scatter many fresh packets of silica-gel dessicant throughout your bags, as the wide swings of temperature and humidity between NJ, 30,000 feet altitude, Tel Aviv and the desert can easily result in condensation inside your gear.
5. Even Pelicans won't save your gear if they're dropped down a bomb disposal shaft and shot with rifles - so don't leave them unattended in Ben Gurion airport! :)
Ari
Just to note, contrary to what has been mentioned by sanmich, there is NO import TAX imposed in Israel on photo/video gear unless imported in commercial quantities. Nearly all my gear (be it in my SLR days or now with RFs) has been acquired from abroad (mainly from US) by online trading and then shipped to me. What you do pay is VAT (approx. 16%).
Having said that, this only applies (IMO) to the case when you live laready in the country and being it by shipment. When arriving (and in particular immigrating) - you'll be highly unlikely required to pay anything in this respect.
From my own, quite expensive online purchasing experience of the photo gear - nothing to fear from buying online and getting shipped over to Israel.
Just be straight with customs to pay VAT (account it into the final price you're willing to put up) and you're fine.
BillBingham2
10-16-2009, 04:07
Alexz,
What about if he has purchased it while he lives in another country and can show prof? I'm wondering if he can bypass the VAT that way. I can understand the VAT while he lives there, but if it was purchased before that seems unfair (I know, we are talking government, two word do not always go together, but I have high hopes).
If that is the case he could ship the stuff he kept receipts for over without paying VAT. Be it duty or VAT it's still a lot of money for stuff he already owns.
B2
If you get a '55cm' wheeled bag, I think you'll be able to get all your gear in it. You won't need a huge amount of padding as you'll have it with you - what padding you do pop in you can make up out of bits of foam.
Something like:
http://www.samsonite.co.uk/hardside-travel-collections/pixel-cube/pixel-cube-upright-55cm-20inch/product-en.htm?or=0101341299&od=2109932000
It's amazing how much you can put in to one of these things.
Tuolumne
10-16-2009, 05:17
If you get a '55cm' wheeled bag, I think you'll be able to get all your gear in it. You won't need a huge amount of padding as you'll have it with you - what padding you do pop in you can make up out of bits of foam.
Something like:
http://www.samsonite.co.uk/hardside-travel-collections/pixel-cube/pixel-cube-upright-55cm-20inch/product-en.htm?or=0101341299&od=2109932000
It's amazing how much you can put in to one of these things.
Is this a carry on?
/T
marcr1230
10-16-2009, 05:42
I have been there dozens of times over the years
airport customs is never a problem
I find that wearing a loud Hawaiian shirt, a baseball cap and a goofy smile protect me from inspection, not that I'm carrying anything subject to tax/duties
there have been a lot of good suggestions , much depends on whether you need to take everything at once or anticipate multiple trips or visits from friends family
I try to travel light, you can't imagine how much carry on people take on these flights, then watch in horror as they smash you stuff to get their oversize and overweight bags into the overhead.
I like the idea of either a hard case for protection, or soft bags that you keep on your person, including the vest.
Good luck!
Take a look at the Pelican 1510 model, it is specifically designed to carry on as much equipment as is humanly possible within airplane size limits.
Tuolumne
10-16-2009, 07:11
Take a look at the Pelican 1510 model, it is specifically designed to carry on as much equipment as is humanly possible within airplane size limits.
Since I am going to be living in the desert this may be good for long-term storage, too. I will definitely check it out. Perhaps I will get two and make my wife carry one!
/T
Alexz,
What about if he has purchased it while he lives in another country and can show prof? I'm wondering if he can bypass the VAT that way. I can understand the VAT while he lives there, but if it was purchased before that seems unfair (I know, we are talking government, two word do not always go together, but I have high hopes).
If that is the case he could ship the stuff he kept receipts for over without paying VAT. Be it duty or VAT it's still a lot of money for stuff he already owns.
B2
That is exactly what I was talking about.
A tourists visiting the country are not subjected to any customs/VAT according to the law, unless they bring the brand new goods to the locals, but this is also very unlikely to be checked upon. He is immigrating and the general assumption he is bringing his own belongings so once again no customs/VAT apply. The classic case of VAT (yet again, no custom imposed in Israel for photo/video/computer gear unless in commercial quantities) is one is Israeli citizen living locally, purchasing he goods from abroad to be brought by freight (can be case of online shopping). I usually pay VAT for my camera gear when purchased over internet and brought by shipping, even on used one (then VAT gets calculated from the declared value unless that value looks unfair for the particular goods).
FS Vontz
10-16-2009, 10:55
I also recommend you wear a coat with lots of pockets, you'd be surprised how much you can fit into it.
Get two bags. Your wife doesnt need to carry at all. Just say that you are carrying it for her if anyone asks. Your allowed to be a gentleman ;-)
Yes, that Samsonite is the right size for most airlines. Some airlines allow bigger carryon bags. Check your airline website to confirm.
Airlines slightly reduced the carry on size last year, but no one seems to have noticed. Some airports in Europe will occasionally weigh carry on luggage and will require you to check it. Basically, the new rollers fit, look for ones that have maximum interior room, and bubble wrap your stuff, pack tight. Bring extra mylar tape to rewrap if necessary. Sounds as if your stuff will fit in two bags, but am not sure about the lighting equipment.
TSA?, a photographer's association and the Airlines have negotiated an agreement that allows photographers an extra carry on, so you have two carry-on's and a personal bag to fit your stuff, I normally use a roller carry-on. The personal bag for men is not defined. I use a duty free bag from the Paris airport, strong, good straps, cheap, and it says duty free. Some airports make more from duty free than from flights, so they don't mess with it.
If you have any connecting flights with the small planes, you will have to gate check your bags, picking them up when you deplane. I would do a search, print out the agreement, (may be on the TSA site) as people at airports are notorious for ignorance of the precise rules, and often make them up as you stand there, making it a power thing. Perhaps my opinion, but it is easier to show them a piece of paper. A copy in my carry on. Sucking up is a great asset when traveling, unfortunately.
I had a bag delayed, with items stolen, the airline send me a piece of paper saying that checked luggage is only for clothes, and nothing else is covered.
It may be possible to insure/register a checked bag, -- I have heard of this, but never done it. Certainly pros travel with expensive gear specially packed, I suspect special agreements and treatment are involved.
Certain credit cards may provide additional insurance for checked luggage.
If that fails, upgrade to business class, they generally allow perks to people with more expensive tickets. As Delta wanted $150 for an extra two kg, the upgrade might be cheaper.
Good luck in your travels.
John
While it's true you don't need the strength of a Pelican for carryon, if cabin crew thinks it's too heavy they will insist it goes in the hold in which case you'll be glad you used a Pelican.
While it's true you don't need the strength of a Pelican for carryon, if cabin crew thinks it's too heavy they will insist it goes in the hold in which case you'll be glad you used a Pelican.
Sort of a Catch 22, I often pack cameras in carry cases, inside of a carry on, so I can pull them out if they insist on tossing the bag in the hold. I had this happen at Rossy, the guy said I looked professional and probably had insurance on the cameras so they should go in the hold. Today I might point out that I have insurance on my legs, but prefer them unbroken. He then checked the 9 lb. Carry on.
I pulled out everything I could, bought some bags in duty free, and carried them on board, repacked the carry on in NYC, and rolled it to the next flight. Of course anything left in the carry on was broken.
The actual limits for weight for carry on are pretty low, so I try not to be too obvious with my carry on luggage, and I try to keep it to something light enough to hoist in to the overhead.
A spare empty bag with handles inside your carry on can come in handy, I had to toss 4.5 lbs of clothes last trip to avoid the $150 surcharge, and had I a spare empty bag I could have checked it for free.
Rules seem to change every day, and at every stop.
One of the reasons I switched to 35mm.
My friend packed an onyx chess set in his bag, spent five minuted explaining in Mexico that the bag was fragile, so the guy put a huge orange fragile bumper sticker on it, then turned around and tossed it 15 feet to the conveyor belt.
Regards, John
Tuolumne
10-18-2009, 09:19
Thanks for all of your input. Here's what I'm thinking I'll do. Get 1 or 2 smaller Pelican bags to carry on the really valuable equipment, i.e. Leica and RF gear, and then get a larger Pelican to check the less valuable gear, i.e. some Nikon gear and the Panny gear. Also get a photographer's vest to maximize the amount of gear I can carry on my person.
I've read somewhere about "TSA locks". Does anyone know what those are? They sound like locks the TSA can open, but not anyone else. Sounds like a good way to protect from pilferage.
I'll keep you updated as things proceed.
/T
kermaier
10-18-2009, 11:52
I've read somewhere about "TSA locks". Does anyone know what those are? They sound like locks the TSA can open, but not anyone else. Sounds like a good way to protect from pilferage.
I'll keep you updated as things proceed.
/T
TSA locks are ones that the TSA can open without breaking them, but that everyone else will break to open. :(
If you put cameras in checked luggage, the odds are north of 80% that they'll be stolen, no matter what sort of locks are on it. This because the baggage handlers, with access to secure areas of the airport, are the baggage thieves. (Convenient, eh?)
Please, I beg of you: Any photo gear you can't carry with you at all times should be sent via FedEx, insured for full value, and marked "Hold for pickup" - and be sure to photograph it all and record serial numbers.
Ari
Are Israeli customs officials known to pilfer luggage?
Are Philadelphia check in personel known to pilfer luggage?
If you fly directly from the US to Tel Aviv, I think you can put everything into your suitcases.
Israel is not South Africa and Tel Aviv not Johanisburg, am I right here?
Or has Israel come that far, with theft, and apartheid etc?
Incidentally, household goods owned for maybe a year (*depends) are free of customs if you repatriate ... So no VAT on any stuff of your own on entering to live ...
TSA locks: go to your local luggage store and ask.
Pherdinand
10-18-2009, 12:58
i really hate it when people tuck oversized "carry-on" luggages everywhere and especially after landing when they try to be the first to exit, for some reason those few minutes count a lot to them and take their big frickin heavy hard cases out of everywhere and bump them on other passengers' heads and toes,
because they think they are oh-so more important than everybody else.
Moving is not cheap, moving to another country by plane is definitely not chep, that's the way, sorry! Having 15k worth of photo equipment, i am sure you will figure a way out. Just insure them well if you wanna check them in ,coz it will all be gone.
kermaier
10-18-2009, 14:34
I doubt customs officials in the US or Israel are given to pilferage. But baggage handlers in the US and other countries are well known for theft.
I've had camera equipment stolen put of locked checked luggage flying from NY to Paris.
Ari
I doubt customs officials in the US or Israel are given to pilferage. But baggage handlers in the US and other countries are well known for theft.
I've had camera equipment stolen put of locked checked luggage flying from NY to Paris.
Ari
My bag and the one after it were both opened and gone through between here and Prague, my bag was not even re-closed, it came out years later that the baggage handlers were selling the stuff on ebay. I complained at the time to Czech Air, Continental, TSA, no one seemed interested. I only know about the one after mine because the woman complained at the same time.
AAA sells the locks, and newer luggage have TSA friendly locks.
Some people had bags from the interior arrive on the outside.
Nothing surprises me, even when the bag arrives intact. ;-)
Regards, John
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