The F/11 Camera backpack served as my final year major project between 2016-2017.
Photographers invest a lot of money into our gear and want it to be as safe as possible. Lenses in particular are exposed the most when changing lenses outdoors. Exposing the glass to precipitation can hinder the final photograph. Juggling two lenses at one time whilst holding your camera body could also lead to potential drops.
The F/11 backpack incorporates a new lens security system that holds lenses in place inside the backpack. Lens Locking plates sit inside the backpack and locks lenses into place. Twist and lock/unlock lenses with one hand. Changing lenses outdoors has now become a lot safer and quicker*.
*This design now belongs to Lino Manfrotto + Co. Spa.
"Keeping all of my equipment safe and free from dust/water is my biggest concern"A Landscape Photographer
Primary research showed that one major concern for photographers is keeping their equipment clean, dust free and protected from drops.
A self directed study showed that photographers needed quick and easy access to their equipment, mainly to swap lenses, or to access accessories. Most photography orientated backpacks feature a zipped front panel to access the internal space. A rethink into how equipment is carried was needed.
To ensure lenses stay in one secure place in the backpack, specially designed plates were developed that act as Rear lens caps. These would then locate into specially designed padded dividers which would keep lenses secured in place. It would also allow users to simply grab their lenses with one hand, rather than juggling two lenses at once, and reducing exposure (pardon the pun) time to the elements.
Lens Lock development looked at ways to keep the lenses secure and locked into place when in the backpack. Ultimately, a 3D printed Plate that featured the same Mount as the lens gave the best fit. These plates would have to be specifically designed for each lens mount (Sony, Nikon, Canon).
The Padded dividers used standardised webbing to create a location point for the Lens Locking Plates to sit. The padded dividers the wrap around the Locking plate, creating a secure fit. Various lengths of lenses can be accommodated by adding multiple sections of webbing, creating a 'ladder' effect.
These become unts in themselves, opening up an opportunity for these to be incorporated into a range of bags.
Lens Locking Plates work with the innovative lens dividers to secure and house the users lens(es).
Providing protection to the rear of the lens, twist and lock/unlock lenses with one hand, reducing the risk of dropping equipment when changing lenses traditionally.
These Lens Locking Plates are unique to each camera system (Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E), allowing the most secure fit possible.
One handed lens changes are now a reality.
"I would really love a minimal backpack for my photography equipment that doesn't look like a photography backpack"A Lifestyle Photographer
Photography backpacks look the same. Photography backpacks use the same front panel loading system and look very similar to each other. This also means the backpack had to be placed on the floor, not ideal when outdoors in wet conditions or when quick access is needed.
I saw an opportunity for camera orientated backpacks to be inspired by fashion, and deliver a look that looked away from traditional photography backpacks.
Research in different materials, trends and colours was undertaken and was used to inspire the look and material choices of the backpack.
A Roll top backpack was used, to give a more urban look to the overall product. A Zipped Side allowed access to the lenses/ main interior. Contrasting materials in the form of traditional Cordura fabric and PVC coated material gives the backpack a 'dry bag' aesthetic, signifying the bag could be used in extreme conditions. Blackwatch tartan accents were incorporated, a forecasted Trend according to WGSN.
As the USP of the backpack is based around the unique Lens Locking System, the Logo was generated around this. The Logo represents the square Locking Plate, while the aperture rings signify that it is a camera based product, and to signify where the lens goes in regards to the Locking Plate. F11 is derived from an aperture setting, helping to signify this is a camera related product.
The F/11 uses a PVC coated Polyester for the Roll Top and 510 GSM PU coated Polyester for the outer main backpack, ensuring protection against weather.
An external pocket on the outer allows the user to store smaller items and gain easy access to them.
The Side Access has a large opening, ensuring easy access to equipment.
The backpack features contrast blue stitching and accents of Blackwatch Tartan, a key trend identified using Trend Forecasting for summer 2018.
