KangRinpoche Film Changing Tents?

[neil poulsen]

Has anyone purchased a KangRinpoche Film Changing Tent? If so, what's your experience with it? Are they good quality?

I have the 8x10 Harrison, but it's having the typical Harrison tent quality problem, where the surface of the materials are deteriorating.

[vdonovan]

I've had one for about four years and I really like it. It seems sturdy and very well made.

I don't now how well the materials will hold up over time, but so far it all still looks brand new. I use it about four times a year.

[RedGreenBlue]

Likewise, I've owned the 4x5 size for around 4 years now. No problems. It was inexpensive. If I were to replace it I would buy the 8x10 or 11x14 size. 4x5 is snug. I think it's a great value. One thing though - I haven't used the Harrison, so I can't compare - after a while my hands sweat. Perhaps that's normal?

Scott

[diversey]

I have both 8x10 and 11x14 KangRingpoche changing tents. Fabrics seem fine, but poles to support the tents are fragile.

[Jim Becia]

Has anyone purchased a KangRinpoche Film Changing Tent? If so, what's your experience with it? Are they good quality?

I have the 8x10 Harrison, but it's having the typical Harrison tent quality problem, where the surface of the materials are deteriorating.

Neil,

I have one of theirs and have had it for quite a while (probably 6 or 7 years). It is the large one for up to 11x14 film. While I like it, I have had a couple of issues. One, where they embroider their logo on top, they go through both layers and it actually had a small light leak from this area. I took care of it with some black gorilla tape on the inside. The other issue, after years of using it the sleeves that take the aluminum poles have started to rip out. I have resown them and taped them quite heavily with (again) gorilla tape. Now please bear in mind that I give this some heavy use, probably more than most people would. I still use it and prefer it over a Harrison that I have (kept as a backup). It is spacious and allows me to change 5 to 8 8x10 holders at one time.

[Kevin Harding]

I've had mine for years and I like it - no issues. One of the puller strings on the pole foot broke, but that's about it.

[Peter Collins]

I have the 4x5 Harrison and get very warm, sometimes sweaty, hands. Good when tenting, or needing to re-load midday. A bathroom etc. is better.

[neil poulsen]

Thanks for all the responses. I'm just purchased the model for 11x14.

[williaty]

Thanks for all the responses. I'm just purchased the model for 11x14.

Where did you purchase it from?

[neil poulsen]

I purchased that last one of about 10 or 12 on EBay. About $160 plus $40 shipping.

[williaty]

"Last one" meaning out of stock or end of production forever?

[neil poulsen]

I can't say much about the manufacturer, whether they're still in business or not. As for this particular transaction, the seller (3S-krpc) had 13 new model 3S (for up to 11x14) tents to sell, and it appears from the listing that I purchased #13. I checked his "other" listings, and he has no other tents for sale, nor has he recently sold other models. (EBay option Sold Listings.)

Searching for KangRinpoche on EBay within category Cameras and Photo, there are none currently listed for sale, and these 13 are the only units that have been sold by any EBay seller in the last 90 days. (Again, Completed Listings. And, I think it's in the last 90 days.)

You might try contacting the seller and see what he says, whether he will have more to sell later.

Assuming all goes well with this transaction, I'll be selling a used Harrison 8x10 model for under $100 in the For Sale Forum. I'll be selling it inexpensively, because it's developed the fabric problem for which Harrison tents are known. I've not had a problem with it's being light-tight; but, with the KangRinpoche being offered at such a reasonable price, I decided to upgrade.

As to the Harrison fabric problem, and as I understand it, to whatever degree, Harrison tents out-gas. If the tent is left for any long period of time (years?) in the compact sack that Harrison themselves sell with the unit, this out-gas in such close quarters attacks the fabric. The fabric takes on a "moistness" feel, though it's not really wet. This has occurred on both the exterior and interior skins of my tent. Airing out the tent does not reverse this problem. Best that Harrison tents be stored with the flap open in a large box, or perhaps hanging in the open air.

I spoke with Harrison about this problem years ago, and they refused to acknowledge the problem. It was later that I learned about the problem's source, likely on this Forum.

[ghostcount]

Hi Neil,

How is the changing tent holding up? Any light leaks? Any quality issues to report?

Contemplating on purchasing one to replace my 9 yo Harrison.

[G Benaim]

I'm not the original poster but I did buy one of these for ulf and it came w pinholes through the top stitching, brand new out of the box. The seller refunded my money, but I'm just saying I wouldn't trust it in broad daylight.

[cjbecker]

I'm not the original poster but I did buy one of these for ulf and it came w pinholes through the top stitching, brand new out of the box. The seller refunded my money, but I'm just saying I wouldn't trust it in broad daylight.


same here, i kept the tent and got a half refund. Mine had light leaks in the same place you are talking, i taped the pinholes and cover the whole tent with my dark cloth.

[G Benaim]

same here, i kept the tent and got a half refund. Mine had light leaks in the same place you are talking, i taped the pinholes and cover the whole tent with my dark cloth.

And has that helped remedy the problem?

[cjbecker]

Yea. No more issues when used under subdued light. Even after taping the pinholes of the logo, i tested it again under direct sun and it still fogged film, But used in the shade with the darkcloth over the tent, no more issues.

[ghostcount]

I'm not the original poster but I did buy one of these for ulf and it came w pinholes through the top stitching, brand new out of the box. The seller refunded my money, but I'm just saying I wouldn't trust it in broad daylight.


same here, i kept the tent and got a half refund. Mine had light leaks in the same place you are talking, i taped the pinholes and cover the whole tent with my dark cloth.

Thank you for these assessment and I'm sorry for your experience.

Looks like I'll get another Harrison.

[tim48v]

Before I had a darkroom, I built my own out of cardboard and duct tape: https://youtu.be/fAXAavTAMbk

Tim

[many]

Has anyone purchased a KangRinpoche Film Changing Tent? If so, what's your experience with it? Are they good quality?

I have the 8x10 Harrison, but it's having the typical Harrison tent quality problem, where the surface of the materials are deteriorating.

How is the tent holding up?
I need a tent for 4x5 and wonder if I could go with a KangRinpoche rather than a Harrison.
Besides more expensive, the Harrison seems to need special care and storage.