Change tent: harrisson versus photoflex

SoulSurround · Jul 1, 2007

L.S.,

Over the next couple of months I need to load a lot of 120 rollfilms into my jobo 1520 development tanks. Now I have to make a room light-thight by using the plastic+velcro solution. Because this takes up quite some time I am looking at the alternative of a changing bag. I narrowed my search down to two items:

* The "Harrison Film Changing Tent - Pup"
* The "Photoflex changing room"

What would you suggest; I am looking for the best solution to load 120 rollfilms, but considering that the Photoflex one is about half the price of the Harrison one... the arguements need to be strong ;-).

Hope someone can help - especially someone with hands on experience.
Thanks!

DanMcGuire · Jul 1, 2007

I have no experience with the Photoflex product but for what its worth I am quite happy with my Harrison Pup.

circlesofconfusion · Jul 1, 2007

I own a photoflex tent.
It serves my purposes very well for now but I think it won't last. The way you have to pull the loop to put it into shape, puts a lot of stress on stitching and the stitching on mine is starting to give.

A more expensive but very long lasting dark tent is the "Doli dark tent"

I think they are a chinese company. folds flat on base for storage but when you put it up it is big enough for the largest format films or many medium format films. I use one in the lab I'm working in. You can put several tanks in at one time which speeds up things considerably.

dphphoto · Jul 1, 2007

My photoflex tent broke when it was only a few days past the warranty. The rod inside snapped off. I can still use it, but it tends to collapse just when you need it to stay together.
I don't like dark tents anyway. Dean

MikeSeb · Jul 1, 2007

Go with the Harrison. Buy the largest size; the Jobo tanks are large and you'll need the room, more so than you think. I bought mine one size too small; it works OK but it's an inconvenience every time I try to load one of the larger Jobo tanks. The tent is well made and does its job well.

mmcclellan · Jul 1, 2007

I have and have used both and I much prefer the Harrison pup tent. It's bigger and takes up more space when it's stored (box as opposed to a flat pack), but when set up it's very roomy and feels very strong and well-made. Get the biggest one you can.

I've used mine to load large 35mm tanks (8 rolls), sheet film (including 8x10), and plenty of 4x5 and always found it spacious enough. Strongly recommend it!!

fotch · Jul 1, 2007

When my old rubber coated changing bag started disintegrating, I decided to replace it with an upgraded system.

I first purchased the Photoflex and found the set up to be a real PITA. Once its up, its ok. I even considered that maybe I would just leave it set up once I got that far. But, to big, dust collector, not a good idea. In use, the arm sleeves are not it the best position, however, if that was the only issue, would live with it.

I then purchased a Large Harrison. Its is real easy to set up, arm sleeves in the right position, and very high quality. First class in every way. Yes, it cost more, and looks like it will outlast the less expensive ones.

If its affordable, go for the Harrison, its worth the extra investment.

Good Luck.

jmdavis · Jul 1, 2007

I own both the photoflex changing room and the Harrison standard (as opposed to pup tent). I like both, too.

My photoflex will be 3 years old in september. I think that I paid $65. I have used it in the house and in the field. I have had no problems with it. After each use, it goes back into its plastic bag and then into it's case. It is light and easy to store and carry for 4x5 use.

I bought the Harrison because the Photoflex was too small for 8x10 (at least for me). The quality of the Harrison is much higher (but so is the cost) and the setup is slower. But when I'm loading 8x10 I definitely prefer it. It is releatively compact when rolled and stored in its bag,

Mike

SoulSurround · Jul 2, 2007

Thanks everybody, it looks like the Harrison is the "winner". The only thing I am "concerned" about is the size. I see that there are three sizes... I will only be loading 120 rollfilm with it in a JoBo 1520 tank (just one reel). Maybe in the far future 4x5" (but that's not why I am buying it now).

Do you really recommend the largest (Jumbo) one?

* Harrison Film Changing Tent - Pup for formats up to 5x4" weighs2lb/910g 25x19x12" / 63.5x48.5x31cm open; 13x4" / 33x10cm stowed.

* Harrison Film Changing Tent - Standard for 5x7" - 10x8" weighs3lb/1.4Kg 36x27x14" / 91x69x36cm; open; 16x5" / 41x13cm stowed.

* Harrison Film Changing Tent - Jumbo for 11x14" up weighs3.5lb/1.6g 46x28x19" / 117x71x48cm; open; 21x6"/53x15cm stowed.

Thanks again!

MenacingTourist · Jul 2, 2007

If you're not planning on going larger than 8x10 then the standard size should be fine. I'm finding that it's a little tight loading 8x10 into the huge Jobo Expert drum and kind of wishing for the largest size. I guess if it bugs me enough I'll eventually bite the bullet but so far I manage to do just fine.

Alan.

fotch · Jul 2, 2007

While the Pup would probably be large enough, you cannot go wrong with the Standard. My hands get claustrophobic, and like others stated, when you get your gear inside, might find it a bit tight.

I use mine (Standard) for up to 4x5.

TimVermont · Jul 3, 2007

The Harrison standard has served me well, even for the occasional 8x10 job. Patti Harrison is very nice to deal with if you need something special made up.

I've had bad experiences with the silver coating delaminating on new Photoflex products, to which their customer service person replied cheerily: "Yes, that happens!"

Tim

SoulSurround · Jul 4, 2007

TimVermont said:
I've had bad experiences with the silver coating delaminating on new Photoflex products, to which their customer service person replied cheerily: "Yes, that happens!"

So it's gonna be the Harrison standard then! Thanks for the input everybody!

Change tent: harrisson versus photoflex

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