Custom camera case

A custom camera case means a hard case whose foam is shaped to your exact gear. You can do it yourself with pick and pluck foam, shape a customisable insert or, for a clean finish, have foam cut. ShutterBuzz, which sells Case Kavach hard cases, offers custom-cut foam: message them with your gear list and ask for the price and the time it will take.

The shell of a custom hard case is usually a standard case. What changes is the inside, so choose the case first and the foam second.

Start with the right size of hard case for camera gear, or browse our camera cases page.

The three ways to get it

Explorer sells its 5221HL with pre-cubed foam in the base, and Vanguard describes the Supreme 46F's insert as customisable hexagonal foam. Pick and pluck edges are stepped because they follow the cubes, while cut foam can follow the shape of the item.

For Case Kavach cases, the sizes are on the Vantage range listing. Ask ShutterBuzz which case suits your list when you message them.

How to measure your gear

1. Fit each item as it will travel: lens caps on, hoods reversed, batteries in.
2. Measure width, length and height with a ruler, and take the height at its tallest point.
3. Write the list with the model name and the measurements.
4. Add the items you often forget: charger, cards, cables and a spare battery.
5. Photograph the items laid out with a ruler in the frame, so anyone cutting foam can read the shape.

How to lay it out

Put the heaviest items near the hinge side or the wheels, so the case does not tip when you stand it up. Keep a solid wall of foam between items and between each item and the shell. Avoid long thin walls, which tear with use. Leave a finger gap or a small pull slot next to items that fit tightly, so you can lift them out with one hand.

If you pluck the foam yourself, mark the outline first and remove cubes a few at a time. Once a cube is out, it does not go back in well.

Plan for change

Foam cut for one kit will not suit the next one. If your lenses change every year, padded dividers such as the Explorer 5221HL.BPH may suit you better than foam.

Indian conditions

Foam holds moisture. After a monsoon shoot, open the case and let the foam dry before you close your gear back inside, or humid air can start fungus on lenses.

Before you order

Ask about the price and the time before you agree, ask whether the case itself is included and keep your gear list so you can reorder the foam. Ask for a GST invoice.