changing tent thoughts?

[atlcruiser]

Hi All,
Now that I am safe in my office and the jobo tank cannot stalk me I decided I need to look into some changing tents.

This will be for 810 film/holders.

Harrison is the obvious choice but it a fair bit of money. Any thoughts on this one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3S-KangRinpoche-Film-Changing-Tent-up-11-14-films-/200655386829?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb7fe38cd

Any other decent options?


thanks

[vinny]

$200 for a harrison knock-off with shipping. How much are you going to save? What are you paying per exposure of 8x10? What'd you pay for that jobo drum that almost took your head off? How about the guy who started the "I wanna sue the company who made my changing bag" thread?
Get the harrison. I've had mine for 15 years. I use the medium for 4x5 and 8x10. You don't need to pull the darkslide all the way out to load holders.

[John Kasaian]

I have a Panavision changing bag. It is so stiff it acts like a tent (It'll stand up without supports) and so huge I can almost, but not quite change 12x20 film holders in it. I think it cost $30 used but they are rare. I don't know if they are available new and how much they'd cost today but IMHO definately worth check out

[Gary Tarbert]

Hi , I have a harrison medium , Can't remember what i paid for it i just know it works perfectly everytime i use it , Worth every penny !! IMHO . Cheers Gary:)

[lenser]

I've got the Harrison middle size. You may want the larger for 8x10 with room and comfort but you'll need to set it up on a motel bed due to it's footprint. I do that even with my medium. As has been pointed out, what with cost plus shipping, are you really saving any money and on top of it they clearly advertise no returns. Harrison stands solidly behind their tents.

[jeroldharter]

Harrison is the way to go. Even so, when traveling I prefer a windowless bathroom and some black duct tape.

[neil poulsen]

Be careful about purchasing a Harrison tent used. I bought one on EBay for a "reasonable" price and found that the outside surface of the interior tent was tacky. In other words, its synthetic surface had deteriorated.

Perhaps it had been left in the heat or something. But after inquiring on the forum, I learned that others have had the same problem.

With that said, I think that this tent is still light tight, etc. So, it's usable. But . . .

[John NYC]

I have used this for 8x10 for a long time now and have no problems throwing a box of film and four holders in there to load. Sure, it is tight and you have to bend the film and not pull the dark slides out all the way. You have to constantly flip flop what is on top since you don't have room to put the film box on one side and the holders on the other. I personally find it is not a big deal. I have not scratched or damaged any film. And you can't beat the price. Your mileage may vary.

http://www.calumetphoto.com/eng/product/calumet_changing_room/rm1000

[Frank Petronio]

I've used the Calumet Changing Room and you are a very nimble and patient man John... get the largest new Harrison and buy it once and forget about it.

Most of the sticky fabric reports stem from people having DEET or some other cosmetic/tanner/bug spray on their arms - it melts the coating.

I would only buy used Harrisons from someone you know and trust.

[edp]

I've got one of these Chinese tents in the middle size and it is fine.

[Jim Cole]

Harrison Jumbo if you don't want to have a hassle.

[atlcruiser]

thanks all.....Vinny is right; really not that much of a savings based on cost/value of what I am working with.

Harrison it is

[jeroldharter]

I would double check the sizes on the Harrison. I think I have the Original size which is great for 4x5 and adequate for 8x10 up to an absolute max of 6 holders. I sometimes wish for a Jumbo but I balked at the 46 inch width for use while traveling. The Jumbo is an inch or two taller which would be great too. Just make sure the Jumbo is not too big for your purposes.

[Steve M Hostetter]

I used to use a changing bag but now If I go on a trip I just use the hotel bathroom at night ... I never scratch negs or sweat on them from a hot changing tent..

[Harley Goldman]

I used to use a changing bag but now If I go on a trip I just use the hotel bathroom at night ... I never scratch negs or sweat on them from a hot changing tent..

Hotel? What is that? :)

I have a Harrison Jumbo I use for 4x5 and love it. Plenty of room to load a Jobo drum. Worth the dough IMHO.

[cdholden]

Harrison Jumbo if you don't want to have a hassle.

+1

I paid $150 for my used Jumbo on this forum.

[John Berry]

If you are real lucky you will be attacked by a jobo tent.

[sully75]

I made a pretty awesome changing "box" from a cardboard box and an old changing bag. Cut the bag in half and put the door part on one side of the box, and the hands part on the other side. Lined the inside with slices of a Hefty Lawn and Leaf bag. It's 100% lightproof and cost the price of the box and bag. It's fairly roomy, just use a box as big as you need. Not particularly portable although it would definitely fit in my car...

[Aled Hughes]

I have used the KangRinpoche Film Changing Tent for a couple of years, no problems whatsoever.

[joselsgil]

David,

If you are going to use the tent or changing bag for 5X7 holders on up, I would recommend the Jumbo Harrison tent. It does have a large footprint but that means it has plenty of room inside and it is very stable once setup.

I also have the Calumet changing bag, it will work ok up to 4X5 holders. It does flop around a lot, but it is very convenient as it just pops open without poles. I usually use it for the smaller format films. I can usually sit this changing bag/tent on my lap. The Jumbo Harrison, you will need a large table or a bed. I'm too old and fat to use the Jumbo on the floor.

Jose

[Ivan J. Eberle]

I haven't used my Photoflex Changing Room for anything but 4x5, but it is plenty roomy for Grafmatics for about half the price of an equivalent Harrison.

[johnmsanderson]

I bought a Harrison for $141 shipped on ebay. no complaints. thing is well made and has loops on each end of the tent so you can just hang it up on the wall when not in use.

just wait for one to come up on ebay.

4x5 and 8x10 are fine.

[Sirius Glass]

I use a http://www.freestylephoto.biz/25001-Photoflex-Changing-Room which was great for 4"x5" until I started using Grafmatic 45s. Grafmatic 45s fully extended are tight.
Photoflex-Changing-Room 25" x 22" x 15"
Calumet Changing Room 16" x 21" x 16"

Steve

[Frank Petronio]

I have the larger changing room and it is OK to work in, but I prefer the Harrison. The less expensive changing room fits flat in a suitcase and if it goes into a dirty environment then it is easier to sacrifice, loan out, etc. Definitely nice to have a less expensive alternative but you get what you pay for, the Harrisions are great.

[atlcruiser]

I am still holding for a harrison jumbo...hint, hint.....it is the season :)

[Erik Larsen]

The Harrison Jumbo is nice if you can swing it financially imo. If I am car camping I either set it up on the hood of my truck of if I'm at a campground on a picnic table. Plenty of room for up to 11x14 easily. If you are backpacking it can double as your tent:) but it isn't practical if you are a serious backpacker as it isn't all that lightweight or small. I think it rolls up to into about a 2 foot long bag give or take a few inches. it is Cadillac of portable changing bags imo. I also use the Photoflex Changing room when I'm too lazy to set up the Jumbo. 8x10 can be done in it but it's a tight squeeze and you have to be organized and careful and it is a little awkward with your arms coming in from the sides but you get used to it I guess.
regards
erik