Film Changing Tents

[DJ]

I have a question regarding these, which hopefully some of you will be able to help with. I'm considering buying one, and I've seen the Harrison tents. They look to be ideal, if very expensive.

My question is this, is the "Pup" tent big enough for 5x4?

I know the blurb says so, but I'd rather hear from people who've either got one or used one. Is there enough space in there for changing film without getting too much dust onto it? or should you go for the next size up?

My current methods, whilst creative are not exactly practical...

Usually, I put a chair in the wardrobe and sit in there and do a box of film at a time but it's a built-in wardrobe, so not very portable...

And my "mobile" method is an old old film changing bag with a cake cover skeleton inside it...

I realise I wouldn't have this trouble with Quickload, but that's also expensive, and I have 14 boxes of Velvia 50 in the freezer, and I'm determined to use them

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

[masch]

I seem to recall the pup tent being big enough for 5x4, at least what people on the net are reporting.
There is however a bit of an issue about the black colour Harrison are using, which sometimes seems to crumble after a few years. Due to the cost of those tents, I'd be a b it annoyed about that....

Calumet sell a really nice "portable Darkroom" for about GBP40. Plenty of space for loading even a grafmatic. I've been using one for close to two years (since the Keswick Workshop) w/o any problems.
If you have a Calumet anywhere close to you, have a look. At the price they are a real bargain, compared to the Harrison. Not quite as stylish, though

Marc

[Chong]

Hi DJ,
I have the next size up from the Pup tent and been using it for 10 months now. It is a great design and no dust problems since switching to Harrison. The Pup could easily accomodate 5 (or more) 4x5 DDS. The one I am using could accomodate upto 5 8x10 DDS (and more than 10 4x5 DDS).

I have my concerns too what Marc has pointed out. The inside is line with cloth material, so no problem there. However the cuffs are made of some rubbery materials and the outside tent is coated with a layer of synthetic silvery rubber. These may potentially harden and flakes in the future. I think if you protect it from the elements, oils and acids after used then hopefully it should bring you many years of service without any problems.

The calumet tent, I have only seen it on the net and it does look very good value for money.

I hope that help.

[Steve Bell]

I have a Calumet tent. It doesn't get a lot of use but I'm very happy with it. Well worth the money it cost.

I usually load my film holders in the airing cupboard, at night with all the landing doors shut.

[Charles Twist]

I have the Calumet tent and cannot live without it. It folds flat, seems solid (lives in the van and has been round Iceland and still fully functional), and is light. The erect tent has a space that can comfortably accomodate 2 double dark slides in depth and 3 in width and about 8 in height (allowing for room to move your hands above the stack). Seems pretty good at keeping dust out although I recommend a regular shake-out and a twice-yearly hoover.
Only note, price at Calumet it slightly more, being nearly GBP60 inc VAT.
Charles

[Joanna Carter]

Let me add another vote for the Calumet tent. It is inexpensive, light and easy to clean and use. The Harrison has removable poles that have to be inserted/removed and has to be rolled up into a sack, whereas the Calumet one simply "pops" up or down like a zip disc and then just slides into a zipped cover, just like a zip disc cover.

The only problem I have with it is the "oven" effect; when working in a warm environment, perspiration can be a problem, but whether this is exacerbated by the "man-made" material I can't tell bacause I haven't tried the Harrison. However, the smoothness of the inner surfaces means that it doesn't collect dust in the fabric and it can be cleaned with a damp sponge.

Oh, and don't forget to remove your watch if it has a luminous dial

[DJ]

I wasn't aware of the Calumet tent, it looks to be ideal, looks like it folds smaller than the Harrison and at a third of the price, it's a no brainer.

Calumet tent on order. Thanks for your advice.

[Apple]

That looks like a decent idea and the price is better than the Harrison.

I've got an ancient cloth changing bag but it's just about big enough to open a grafmatic in so not much use for anything any bigger. Ideally, I need to something I can dump the whole camera into and remove the grafmatic all in the dark as I've had them jam before and the only way eventually is to writhe out the offending piece of film which tends to fog the rest from the recess in the septums.

The only downsides I can see to the Calumet one is that the "real estate" doesn't seem as large as the Harrison (but is taller) and that it's a more awkward shape when collapsed (but hopefully should fit in the daypack on the phototrekker...)

[Joanna Carter]

I've got an ancient cloth changing bag but it's just about big enough to open a grafmatic in so not much use for anything any bigger. Ideally, I need to something I can dump the whole camera into and remove the grafmatic all in the dark as I've had them jam before and the only way eventually is to writhe out the offending piece of film which tends to fog the rest from the recess in the septums.

Then the Calumet is definitely going to be the one to go for. It is essentially an "ovaloid" box 20"x16"x16", plenty of room for most cameras and to work next to them.

The only downsides I can see to the Calumet one is that the "real estate" doesn't seem as large as the Harrison (but is taller) and that it's a more awkward shape when collapsed (but hopefully should fit in the daypack on the phototrekker...)

And that brings me to a slight disadvantage: in its sleeve, it is roughly 21"x17" and the PhotoTrekker day pack is only 19"x14" fully stretched I, personally, keep it in the boot of the car so, although I would have to return to the car, at least I don't have to abandon the whole day out.

[Apple]

I, personally, keep it in the boot of the car so, although I would have to return to the car, at least I don't have to abandon the whole day out.

But, based on the old favourite "if it's more than 50 yards from the car, it's not photogenic," then it shouldn't be too much of a bind...

[DJ]

My film changing tent arrived from Calument today, very pleased. It doesn't fold down quite as small as I expected or hoped, but I don't expect to be carrying it about much anyway, so it's not an issue.

Thanks for the advice, saved me £100

[Joanna Carter]

Thanks for the advice, saved me £100

Ah, that should be enough for a cup of tea all round at the next get-together