Dark Bag Recommendations

braxus · Jul 1, 2020

I bought an 8x10 camera last year and got a new dark bag for it. It is a 24 x30 inch bag, which when you look at it, it doesn't seem that big. I used it for loading some 4x5 film today, and I was struggling with it even in that bag. So it seems I really need something bigger. Does anyone have any recommendations on what bag would be suitable for loading 8x10? Links please.

CreationBear · Jul 1, 2020

I just took delivery of a Harrison tent (Standard size) that would probably make life a lot easier for you. About the only drawback is that if you are at all on the burly side, the armholes are pretty close together--barring a torn labrum, though, I wouldn't go back to a bag unless I were backpacking.

Andrew O'Neill · Jul 1, 2020

I bought a used Harrison Jumbo tent. I couldn't stand changing film in a regular bag, even with the biggest one I could find. There is also a Chinese version sold on ebay.

braxus · Jul 1, 2020

CreationBear said:
I just took delivery of a Harrison tent (Standard size) that would probably make life a lot easier for you. About the only drawback is that if you are at all on the burly side, the armholes are pretty close together--barring a torn labrum, though, I wouldn't go back to a bag unless I were backpacking.

Link to a seller?

Andrew O'Neill · Jul 1, 2020

You could just google yourself but if you insist...

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/172897-REG/Harrison_1001_Standard_Film_Changing_Tent.html

fiddle · Jul 1, 2020

Adorama makes/sells on, cheapest Ive seen.
https://www.adorama.com/adpfcr.html...EgKqy_D_BwE&utm_source=adl-gbase-privatelabel

Also a company called photoflex
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...MIxO-Zuu2s6gIVEpSzCh2P3ADEEAYYASABEgJIX_D_BwE

shutterfinger · Jul 1, 2020

https://www.adorama.com/pfcr.html good for 4x5, might work for 5x7 or 8x10.
ebay search for changing tent in cameras and photo
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Large-Form...099217?hash=item2ca3871211:g:hRQAAOSwaCtd15WA
I tried a Harrison changing tent years ago, similar design. I found the tapered ends/sides limited the working room. Mine was for 4x5.

braxus · Jul 1, 2020

That one on Ebay is a good price. Might be what I need. I find the rounded tent bags almost the size of the bag I already have, which isn't going to work. I need room to stretch while loading a sheet.

Andrew O'Neill · Jul 1, 2020

That Adorama one is tough to work in. I used to use a friend of mine's. Good up to 5x7. Very tight at 8x10. Hard to beat the Harrison Jumbo, or Chinese equivalent.

AgX · Jul 1, 2020

fiddle said:
Also a company called photoflex.

Photoflex long time has been known as manufacturer of light modifyers. Also of that tent.

John Koehrer · Jul 1, 2020

photoflex and Adorma look like they came from the same factory, probably in the far east. A lot of private label
and lower end big label is coming from the same place.
If there's ANY flexible plastic involved it will eventually outgas and either crack or the sides will stick together when it's folded.

Anyway I've got two options available.
#1 Burke & James changing bag two layers opaque cloth and of course double zipper.
Measures: 41" X 32". As flexible as it was when it was new. Elastic in the arms fit snugly.
With any bag it's going to be floppy but you can make a simple frame from 3/4" PVC pipe from the local
Home depot or Lowes.. $70.00 Shipped in the US

#2 FUJI FDB12 Dark Box These were used by reps from several companies demonstrating their color printing
kits. 2'X2'X2'full fabric with MDF three section folding base folding base. Dual zippers and held upright with four
metal legs the slip into a metal socket permanently attached to the base. When folded it measures 3" X 26"
and is secured with nylon webbing, also a handy(?) carrying strap. This oinker weighs just over 13 lb.
without any packing.
Looking for $125.00 shipped to US.

With either one if you're not happy I'll refund your $$$ EXCEPT FOR MY ACTUAL SHIPPING AND
RETURN SHIPPING IS ON YOU.

Important note. For some reason I haven't been able to reliably upload an image even to email for over six months.
Give me your email & I'll try it again.

braxus · Jul 1, 2020

The number 1 bag might work. I do live in Canada though.

shutterfinger · Jul 1, 2020

John Koehrer said:
photoflex and Adorma look like they came from the same factory, probably in the far east. A lot of private label
and lower end big label is coming from the same place.
If there's ANY flexible plastic involved it will eventually outgas and either crack or the sides will stick together when it's folded.

My first Photoflex Changing Room (Adroama link) interior started flaking off in small bits after 20+ years but its still usable in low light levels. I did not trust it in bright sun so I bought a new one 15 years ago and its still like new.
The Fuji Dark Box would be my next choice.

Donald Qualls · Jul 1, 2020

I'd recommend a used Ford Transit in the windowless version. Easy enough to light seal, and very portable. Lots of room inside, too.

AgX · Jul 1, 2020

John Koehrer said:
If there's ANY flexible plastic involved it will eventually outgas and either crack or the sides will stick together when it's folded.

Well, our beloved film typically is outgassing plasticizer too....
But yes, I have encountered a lot of shit concerning flexible PVC, but also flexible PVC stuff that held on well.

btaylor · Jul 1, 2020

Harrison jumbo tent. Easy to load 8x10 holders or 1000ft 35mm Panavision magazines. It was the standard on film sets when they were shooting film. I have loaded my holders and magazines in mine- roomy.

mpirie · Jul 2, 2020

Calumet Film Changing Tent: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Calumet-Changing-Room/dp/B00023JDTO

Haven't tried it with 10x8 but it works well with 5x4.

Mike

138S · Jul 2, 2020

braxus said:
what bag would be suitable for loading 8x10? Links please.

You have to decide if you want a tent type or a bag type. I use a Harrison Jumbo (46″L x 28″W x 19″H) that came (used, bargain) from cinematography usage. This is like riding on a Roll Royce... but it weights 1.4Kg, so not for trekking but perfect if it goes not far from car's trunk. A bag type is ideal for guerrilla warfare, for when you want no extra weight.

A major concern with dark bags/tents is dust, one has to be very careful with that !!! To clean the inside, I first clean the room air with an HEPA air purifier and later I blow it well. Also when introducing the film box and the holders one has to sure that not much dust is carried inside the tent, outdoors we may have not much dust, but inside a car we may have a lot. Of course the camera bellows inside should also be kept clean in a similar way. A 5mm long dust filament in the middle of a 8x10" sheet is something painful You remember that for years...

Alan Gales · Jul 6, 2020

My uncle used to say that the best way to invest your money is in anything that keeps you off the ground. You want a good mattress, good shoes and good tires.

After those three things, I'd add a good tripod and a Harrison Jumbo tent.

Dark Bag Recommendations

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