>am seeking some advise from the list and anyone within the list who has
photographic and/or camera knowledge.<

I have a video production company here in Hawaii and have had vanagons for
years.  The roof will support your weight, but you will dent it... trust me,
you don't want to do that.  I bought a photographic roof rack for the top of
my 88 wolfie a number of years ago from a company in seattle I think it was.
Beautiful construction with rubberr cupped feet, solid floor with non-skid
rubber mat and small rails all around and metal twisting connectors to
tighten to the rain gutters (with rubber protectors for the paint).  Came in
various sizes and with or without a ladder (which I never used cuz I didn't
want a ladder permanently mounted on my van and I always thought it was
easier to access from one of the front doors).  I have lots of pictures of
the rack on a vanagon if you want to see one.

Anyway, it was a very slick roof rack not only for photography, but for
carrying other things as well.  Wasn't cheap, but was well worth it.  Now,
what was that guys name... OK... got it... Harry Carter Cartop, Inc. P.O.
Box 298, Welches, OR 97067.  Phone 503-622-4477.  Haven't heard from him
since about 1995 or so, but I assume the company still exists.

I heartily endorse their product, but add the usual disclaimers... I am not
affiliated with them in any way other than just being a very satisfied
customer.

Mick Kalber
89 Syncro Westy "Daddeo"
Tropical Visions Video, Inc.
62 Halaulani Place
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
808-935-5557
808-935-0066 (fax)
hotlava@interpac.net
www.volcanoscapes.com