Film Changing tent recommendations and Paramo.

[Marc Wilson]

Hello,

After many years of blacking out rooms or getting bothered by cumbersome changing bags I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations for the various film changing tents available?
Ideally looking for one that is portable, not for use in the field necessarily but more at the end of the day on trips away.

And whilst we're here, is the Paramo focussing hood really as good as I hear?

Thanks,

Marc

[Marizu]

Depends on film size.
I use the Calumet Changing Room for 4x5.
It's pretty cool because it looks a bit like the robot from Lost in Space.
http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/RM1000/
There is plenty of space in there so nothing needs to touch the film. On an adventurous day, I can load 3 DDS into a Jobo spool and tank and re-load the dark slides.

It is too small for 8x10 which I have to do in the darkroom.

[Dave Tolcher]

My 2 cents on both topics....

1) I have a harrison pup tent which does the job better than the bag style I had previously. It is a small tent with poles that flex across the apex in true dome tent style. Good working room and as comfortable to have your hands in as any. Expensive though.

2) The Paramo darkcloth is an excellent piece of kit. Majority of the folk I have been out with that tried one have bought one - '8 out of 10 lf users prefer paramo' . Again expensive but it just works - if I didnt already have a dark cloth then I wouldnt hesitate in buying it but if you already have something that works well then I wouldnt upgrade. I did upgrade from a black jacket nasa space cloth thingy (because it drove me mad with its slipperiness, uasbility and fit) and the Paramo is far superior IMHO.

[michaelfinch]

.................or have a peep at this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Field-Outdoor-Tri ... 2119wt_946

[PAUL O]

I use the Harrison Standard Tent for loading/unloading film holders as well as loading film tanks; I can comfortably load 5x7 film and have used one for 10x8 (but a bit of a squeeze!). I am now the proud owner of an Inflatable Darkroom Tent too - awesome! I can run around in there it's so big
On paper it sounds like a pain in the rear but in practice I can set the Darkroom Tent up in a shade over 5 minutes; this allows for the electric motor to inflate the structure as well as fitting the supporting framework. I purchased it (used) as I plan on using it for some platinum/palladium contact printing However, if I have to load a pile of 5x7 film holders it is easier to set up the Inflatable tent and have loads of room rather than to use the Harrison which involves only loading a few holders at a time and packing/unpacking boxes of sheet film.
It struck me as pretty odd when I considered the cost too - a Harrison Jumbo Tent can cost in excess of £300; you can buy a new Nova Inflatable Tent (complete with elecric motor) for a shade of £500?

Re: the Paramo; I considered one but it would struggle to fit my 5x7 - so I made my own!

[Marc Wilson]

Thanks for those quick replies.

It's for 54 only so the calumet looks like a good bet.
I did use the blackjacket a few times before and once in it certainly was dark but in certain locations I felt a bit exposed and cut off from the outside world!
The paramo seems to allow both ways of using it quite well so I'll have a look at one of them...I used to use cream coloured black out material in the past that I velcroed to the top of my ebony and whilst certainly lightweight, never too hot and small to fold up it did fly up at the edges a bit and so it was never that dark under there!

Cheers,

Marc

[Sean Lewis]

Depends on film size.
I use the Calumet Changing Room for 4x5.
It's pretty cool because it looks a bit like the robot from Lost in Space.
http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/RM1000/
There is plenty of space in there so nothing needs to touch the film. On an adventurous day, I can load 3 DDS into a Jobo spool and tank and re-load the dark slides.

It is too small for 8x10 which I have to do in the darkroom.

Thanks for that, I ordered one this afternoon. I was on the lookout myself for a decent film changing tent as I'm campervaning around the Lakes next week. The film changing bag I have at the moment tends to make ones trannie look like it's been stored in a yetti's armpit!

Regards
Sean

[TimH]

Depends on film size.
I use the Calumet Changing Room for 4x5.
It's pretty cool because it looks a bit like the robot from Lost in Space.
http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/RM1000/
There is plenty of space in there so nothing needs to touch the film. On an adventurous day, I can load 3 DDS into a Jobo spool and tank and re-load the dark slides.

It is too small for 8x10 which I have to do in the darkroom.

Thanks for that, I ordered one this afternoon. I was on the lookout myself for a decent film changing tent as I'm campervaning around the Lakes next week. The film changing bag I have at the moment tends to make ones trannie look like it's been stored in a yetti's armpit!

Regards
Sean

Hi Sean - Ive had one of these for about a week now - bought it from Calumet in London on a day out (reserved via phone AND in stock) - seems pretty good value too.

regards Tim........

[jennym]

The Calumet change tent is light, roomy and very good value. I find it a bit uncomfortable to use as the arm holes are quite high and therefore at a bit of an awkward angle. I bought a used Harrison pup tent which has a lot less room, and is definitely a bit tight when loading film onto a reel, but has a better working angle for me.

[Lynne Evans]

I've been using the Calumet Changing Room in a campervan for 18 months now......perfect! If they made bigger versions it could double up as a shower-room!

[numnutz]

I have a Calumet change tent. It is fine for 5 x 4 loading film and tanks of all types. I found that I needed to place it on a table or bench that is the right height for me. I sit on a chair and have the tent on a bed. If I have the tent on a (dining room) table it is too high and uncomfortable to use.

I have used the Calumet tent for 10 x 8 and it can be done with care, however I would recommend something larger for more comfort.

nn

[Sean Lewis]

I received my Calumet changing room today and it is just perfect for campervaning, camping and so on. There's plenty of room in there without the danger of touching the top or sides with your film and it is very compact when folded. I too recommend them and thanks guys and girls for bringing them to my attention.

Sean

[hmvmanuk]

Yes, thanks for the 'Changing Room' recommendation. I've just ordered one and it's going to save me a lot of bother trying to make rooms at home (and away) light-tight!

Gavin.

[Marc Wilson]

Well after starting this thread I'm now feeling rather left out...so will be ordering mine on Monday...shares in calumet anyone?

Marc

[dave_whatever]

I don't need one right now but should I ever feel the need for a tent-style chaging bag then these things have just shot up my shopping list. Seems like a smart design.

Does anyone know if these are actually made by calumet? I know most of their other own brand stuff is rebadged (for example lenses=rodenstock, tripods=manfrotto etc), so if they are made by someone else it'd be handy to know what to keep my eye open for.