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Thread: Changing bag versus tent

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Sep 2005
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    Changing bag versus tent

    Hello,

    I go to New Zealand end of March. While We (me and my wife) will spend most of the nights in a camper van, there may be a problem loading the film holders. So I am considering taking a changing bag along.

    The issue is - I have invested already quite some money into different photo items and changing tents are relatively expensive and heavy (airfare luggage limits). So I am considering to buy just a changing bag as they are much cheaper.

    The question is - how bad/hard/inconvenient is the changing bag compared to a tent?

    Bottom line - I have never used either of the two possibilities.
    Matus

  2. #2
    joseph
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
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    Chapel Hill NC
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    Re: Changing bag versus tent

    I think it depends on the format-
    I used a changing bag for years for 4x5,
    and when I had to load 8x10, I got a larger one-

    After one experience loading 7 darkslides,
    I immediately went shopping for a tent-

    Haven't used it yet, but it's got to be an improvement.

    It doesn't seem that much heavier either (Harrison 35mm size)

    Anyway, bottom line is, 4x5 is ok in a bag-
    or rather, I put up with it without questioning it too much...

    j

  3. #3
    Whatever David A. Goldfarb's Avatar
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    Mar 2000
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    Honolulu, Hawai'i
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    4,658

    Re: Changing bag versus tent

    Fewer dust problems with a tent, because the fabric isn't likely to contact the holders or the film. I had one for a while that was essentially a large changing bag with a Tinkertoy kind of frame made from plastic tubes. The frame didn't necessarily add much weight to the bag.

  4. #4

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    Re: Changing bag versus tent

    A good tent is not going to be much heavier than a bag--if at all. There's really no comparison; tents are much nicer to use. Buy the Harrison medium-sized tent to start out because you'll likely buy one eventually after the frustrations of a bag.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Aug 2006
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    Milford Pa.
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    Re: Changing bag versus tent

    if you always try and keep either closed this helps reduce dust.

    i used a bag for years with film up to 8x10. i got a tent one day for a good deal. now i find a bag more of a hassle. ignorance is bliss. just do not try a tent and THEN go to a bag!

    save the bulk and go with a bag.

    another thing you can do is what we used to do while big wall climbing. get some of the aluminum tent poles cut them to the right length and stick them inside of then bag....making your own tent. pad the pole ends so they do not rip through the bag. this will again add to your bulk issues but it will be about $200 cheaper than a ready-made tent.

    eddie
    My YouTube Channel has many interesting videos on Soft Focus Lenses and Wood Cameras. Check it out.

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  6. #6

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    Westminster, MD
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    Re: Changing bag versus tent

    Changing bag always gave me more dust problems.
    When I grow up, I want to be a photographer.

    http://www.walterpcalahan.com/Photography/index.html

  7. #7

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    Re: Changing bag versus tent

    I tend to agree with Eddy, but those poles can be bought in New Zealand aswell.
    With bags you have to be carefull about dust...... I had trouble with it for many years.
    Vacume them regulary ! (Staubsauger !)

    Peter

  8. #8
    jvuokko's Avatar
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    Jul 2008
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    Re: Changing bag versus tent

    One thing about bags that haven't yet covered is fact that bag is really hot and huminidy inside it tends to rise fast if you use it in warm weather (20 celsicius or more). My wordt experiments with a bag are from japan where temperature was already around 35'C and air was very humid.
    The amount of sweat inside bag - and at the negatives too! Something that I haven't prepared for.
    Jukka Vuokko
    Flickr

  9. #9

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    Re: Changing bag versus tent

    Quote Originally Posted by jvuokko View Post
    One thing about bags that haven't yet covered is fact that bag is really hot and huminidy inside it tends to rise fast if you use it in warm weather (20 celsicius or more). My wordt experiments with a bag are from japan where temperature was already around 35'C and air was very humid.
    The amount of sweat inside bag - and at the negatives too! Something that I haven't prepared for.
    oh yeah! how soon we forget.....what jvokko said!
    My YouTube Channel has many interesting videos on Soft Focus Lenses and Wood Cameras. Check it out.

    My YouTube videos
    oldstyleportraits.com
    photo.net gallery

  10. #10

    Join Date
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    Richmond, VA
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    Re: Changing bag versus tent

    Bag = DUST, DUST and more DUST

    Tent = Happy Photographer

    'nuff said

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