F/11 Camera Backpack
Your new photography assistant.
The F/11 Backpack features an innovative lens storage system that is designed to keep your expensive equipment safe, but to also give you instant access when you need to capture the moment.
It is also a conscious move away from traditional looking photography backpacks that traditionally feature a 'panel' loading system.
*This design now belongs to Lino Manfrotto + Co. Spa.
"Keeping my equipment safe and free from dust/water is my biggest concern"A Landscape Photographer
Primary Research showed Photographers' main concerns are keeping equipment clean and secure.
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 time to the elements.
Lens Locking Plates
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).
Padded Dividers
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.
One handed lens changes are now a reality.
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.
"I would really love a minimal backpack for my photography equipment that doesn't look like a photography backpack"A Lifestyle Photographer
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.
Brand Development
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. 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 quickly.
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 that was identified for summer 2018 using WGSN Trend Forecasting.
