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Thread: Changing tents

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jun 1999
    Posts
    58

    Changing tents

    I am looking to purchase a changing tent that will allow me sufficient room to l oad 4X5 film holders. Any recommendations? I have seen a Fuji changing tent made of laminated wood and cloth that folds up for storage. The dimensions are 26"W- 26"L-24"H. Has anyone used this changing tent?

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Dec 1997
    Location
    Seattle, Washington
    Posts
    67

    Changing tents

    I am using one from a company called Shadow Box. It's works well (sets up like a tent) and handles the abuse pretty well (comes in a handy plastic suitcase for travel or putting into the car trunk). One thing I learned when choosing a changing tent, avoid the ones that "pop up". These have exposed metal hoops inside the tent; this can lead to extra risk in scratching film or whatever may comeup against the hoops.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Mar 1998
    Location
    Anchorage, AK
    Posts
    286

    Changing tents

    If you're using transparency film, it may not be worth purchasing a changing bag. Based on B&H's prices, the price of Readyloads and Quickloads have remained stable for several years at about $2.25/sheet, while the price of plain sheet film has increased to nearly $2/sheet. Personally, I don't mind paying $0.25 to avoid having to load film.

    Perhaps the differential for B&W film is greater, or perhaps the film that you use doesn't come in a preloaded holder. In that case, you're stuck with having to use a changing tent.

    My own experience was with a Photoflex Changing Room. I found it very difficult to load film without having some dust on it. This was especially true while working in the desert. I simply won't work with a tent in dry, dusty areas anymore.

    Hope you have better luck. Bruce

  4. #4

    Changing tents

    I second the recommendation for the Harrison tents. They work well, and are comfortable to use.

    Regarding the previous post on the price differential between boxed sheet film and quickloads, I believe the 25 cents figure is optimistic. For RDPII sheet film I pay $1.72/sheet (based on 50 sheet box) while a quickload costs $2.60. That is a difference of $0.88/sheet or 51% film higher cost. I believe the differentials for Kodak readyloads are somewhat closer.

  5. #5

    Changing tents

    There is a similar question I asked. I bought a Harrison mini pop-up tent (the smaller version for 4x5-5x7). It works great and lightweight. The only improvement I suggest with this tent is to make pockets for the aluminum frames deeper so it's easier to set up the them on the tent.

  6. #6

    Changing tents

    I have a Photoflex changing bag and do not like it. The setup seems tricky. Somedays I can setup the bag, other days it seems impossible.

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