Changing Bags

[cliveh]

When loading film into a spiral, I usually use a changing bag. However, all the changing bags I have ever used have an outer layer and an inner lining. These are separate, thus making it possible to load outside the lining by mistake, which is not as light tight. Why don't the manufacturers sow the inner lining to the outer bag, so you can't make this mistake.

 

[BobD]

Maybe because sewing makes holes and holes admit light?

 

[Daniela]

The one I have has both layers sewn together. Unfortunately, I don't have the original packaging, and the label reads this:

Maybe someone can help translating!

I don't remember where I bought it, though...

 

[Valerie]

We have several different changing bags in my classroom. Most have the layers sewn together. The few with separate layers are a constant problem for students who think they have defective equipment. However, these are sewn together at the sleeves, so film/ equipment cannot be reached if it's the wrong layer. All ours were bought from Freestyle.

 

[MurrayMinchin]

Elevate yourself above the plodding, knuckle dragging, uni-browed, slope foreheaded louts still using flimsy fabric particle shedding changing bags to this: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...eMVqb4ptlkymE92_Ln5gNzSo5MaLvYARoCPUQQAvD_BwE

 

[madNbad]

Elevate yourself above the plodding, knuckle dragging, uni-browed, slope foreheaded louts still using flimsy fabric particle shedding changing bags to this: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...eMVqb4ptlkymE92_Ln5gNzSo5MaLvYARoCPUQQAvD_BwE

I have one. Bought it from a member on another forum about six years ago and it’s great. I store my leader retriever and a pair of safety scissors in it, pop it up and it’s ready. Comfortable to use and no sweaty hands!

 

[KerrKid]

Elevate yourself above the plodding, knuckle dragging, uni-browed, slope foreheaded louts still using flimsy fabric particle shedding changing bags to this: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...eMVqb4ptlkymE92_Ln5gNzSo5MaLvYARoCPUQQAvD_BwE

How do you get your arms in the sleeves?

 

[madNbad]

How do you get your arms in the sleeves?

Use one hand to pull the sleeve over one arm, the hand that’s in the tent is used to guide the other sleeve and push it up over your elbow.

 

[KerrKid]

Use one hand to pull the sleeve over one arm, the hand that’s in the tent is used to guide the other sleeve and push it up over your elbow.

It is very light-tight this way or is it advisable to use it in a dimly lit room? Am I to assume that its best with bare arms?

 

[Patrick Robert James]

I'll put a ditto on the Photoflex changing tent. I've had one for almost 20 years now. It is getting pretty worn but it still works. I can't imagine going back to a regular changing bag.

 

[madNbad]

It is very light-tight this way or is it advisable to use it in a dimly lit room? Am I to assume that its best with bare arms?

There are two zippered doors for loading the tent. I just close the shade in the room I’m using and turn off any lights but I don’t close the door or take any extra measures other than those. Bare arms are best, they also keep fibers to a minimum. Occasionally, I’ll vacuum it just to be sure.

 

[KerrKid]

There are two zippered doors for loading the tent. I just close the shade in the room I’m using and turn off any lights but I don’t close the door or take any extra measures other than those. Bare arms are best, they also keep fibers to a minimum. Occasionally, I’ll vacuum it just to be sure.

Thank you!

 

[Daniela]

Elevate yourself above the plodding, knuckle dragging, uni-browed, slope foreheaded louts still using flimsy fabric particle shedding changing bags to this: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...eMVqb4ptlkymE92_Ln5gNzSo5MaLvYARoCPUQQAvD_BwE

I just learned the word lout, and I ain't one! Still, once this bag kicks the bucket, I'll certainly switch to the little tent. I'm tired of worrying about using scissors inside and the aforementioned sweaty hands.

 

[reddesert]

I don't quite get it.

Every changing bag I've had, the two layers are joined at the cuffs. If you put the developing tank, film, etc inside the outer bag and not the inner bag, you can't reach the tank, as Valerie mentioned above. So you have to start over and do it right. This is a good thing. Learning to do things carefully and correctly is part of film developing work, otherwise you spoil the film.

I understand the fear of cutting a hole in the bag with scissors, although I find lifting the bag material with the off hand while cutting with the dominant hand prevents this from happening.

In a modern device filled world, the primary concern for changing bags and tents is not whether you use bare arms or not in the cuffs (they work both ways), etc, but remembering to take off any watch, Fitbit, or other device that may light up before sticking your hands in the bag.

 

[cliveh]

I don't quite get it.

Every changing bag I've had, the two layers are joined at the cuffs. If you put the developing tank, film, etc inside the outer bag and not the inner bag, you can't reach the tank, as Valerie mentioned above. So you have to start over and do it right. This is a good thing. Learning to do things carefully and correctly is part of film developing work, otherwise you spoil the film.

I understand the fear of cutting a hole in the bag with scissors, although I find lifting the bag material with the off hand while cutting with the dominant hand prevents this from happening.

In a modern device filled world, the primary concern for changing bags and tents is not whether you use bare arms or not in the cuffs (they work both ways), etc, but remembering to take off any watch, Fitbit, or other device that may light up before sticking your hands in the bag.

You don't need to put scissors in the bag , as you can cut the leader off and start loading the spiral in daylight before putting it in the bag.

 

[keithcraigs]

Elevate yourself above the plodding, knuckle dragging, uni-browed, slope foreheaded louts still using flimsy fabric particle shedding changing bags to this: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...eMVqb4ptlkymE92_Ln5gNzSo5MaLvYARoCPUQQAvD_BwE

Adorama has their branded tent for half the price: https://www.adorama.com/adpfcr.html

 

[albada]

Elevate yourself above the plodding, knuckle dragging, uni-browed, slope foreheaded louts still using flimsy fabric particle shedding changing bags to this: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...eMVqb4ptlkymE92_Ln5gNzSo5MaLvYARoCPUQQAvD_BwE

I've had a Photoflex changing room for around ten years. I like it.

BTW, when loading a reel and after reaching the end of the roll, I use scissors to cut the 35mm film from the cartridge. That's easier than trying to break open the cartridge. That's a good reason to have scissors inside a changing bag/room, and a good reason to use the Photoflex room instead of a bag.

Mark

 

[Sirius Glass]

Elevate yourself above the plodding, knuckle dragging, uni-browed, slope foreheaded louts still using flimsy fabric particle shedding changing bags to this: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...eMVqb4ptlkymE92_Ln5gNzSo5MaLvYARoCPUQQAvD_BwE

I have used on of those for two decades and never had a problem. Great changing bags. Two zippers and nothing stupid ever done.

 

[Hassasin]

No matter which type, and I am tent user for 30 years, in use the room is dimmed, never lit up. When light travelling I have a standard bag and never experienced problems, but it is a far cry comfort wise from a tent.

 

[MCB18]

The bag I have is a no-name bag on Amazon, and it has the layers sewn together. I have also cut arm holes in a box from the mail and stick that in the changing bag to avoid the bag drooping and bunching up. I am quite honestly shocked at how few people seem to do that, and constantly complain that their darkbag gets in the way all the time that haven’t taken the time to think about doing something as simple as that…

 

[Molli]

The one I have has both layers sewn together. Unfortunately, I don't have the original packaging, and the label reads this:
View attachment 333161
Maybe someone can help translating!

I don't remember where I bought it, though...

Hi Daniel a, I used Google Lens to translate the label in case you decide to forego the Photoflex and buy another of these in the future:

"Tianshu Image Technology Department Shanghai Zhanwang Electronic Burner Co., Ltd."

The bag I have is a no-name bag on Amazon, and it has the layers sewn together. I have also cut arm holes in a box from the mail and stick that in the changing bag to avoid the bag drooping and bunching up. I am quite honestly shocked at how few people seem to do that, and constantly complain that their darkbag gets in the way all the time that haven’t taken the time to think about doing something as simple as that…

I have a simple, long tube changing bag that, while I've not had need of it yet, I popped an open ended box inside which I can flatten into the base of my suitcase when travelling and simply push it up into shape to keep everything clear of the bag inside. As you say, MCB18, there's some pretty simple solutions out there.

 

[Daniela]

Hi Daniel a, I used Google Lens to translate the label in case you decide to forego the Photoflex and buy another of these in the future:

"Tianshu Image Technology Department Shanghai Zhanwang Electronic Burner Co., Ltd."

Thanks, Molli!

 

[Ballinderry-Michael]

The Calumet film changing room is what I have used for 15 or more years. It is still available in the UK at £66.50 from Wex, who took Calumet over (or merged?) a few years ago. I am still using my first one and have another in reserve.

[Edit: I should have added that it is stored flat, in its own pouch. It springs open easily for use]

 

[guangong]

The Calumet film changing room is what I have used for 15 or more years. It is still available in the UK at £66.50 from Wex, who took Calumet over (or merged?) a few years ago. I am still using my first one and have another in reserve.

[Edit: I should have added that it is stored flat, in its own pouch. It springs open easily for use]

I bought an identical bag from China. Can’t remember what it cost. Unfortunately, pouch was lost in house fire.
This bag is roomy and comfortable. I use it for everything from Minox to 4x5.

 

[Sirius Glass]

The bag I have is a no-name bag on Amazon, and it has the layers sewn together. I have also cut arm holes in a box from the mail and stick that in the changing bag to avoid the bag drooping and bunching up. I am quite honestly shocked at how few people seem to do that, and constantly complain that their darkbag gets in the way all the time that haven’t taken the time to think about doing something as simple as that…

This changing room mentioned in several post above have a wire structure that compresses flat and is popped up when using to provide a large non collapsing volume to work in. Much like the one in post #23 but with the arm sleeves coming in from opposite sides.