Grow Tent as a working camera

Hey there, guys.

I've been introduced to this forum because of a DIY Room Camera project I made some time ago...and ever since I've been wanting to make a portable version of it.

So my first question is: has anyone ever tried to use a Grow Tent as a camera? I've seen some posts about using it as a darkroom, so I'm guessing it's quite possible to turn it into a camera with minimal modifications.


I've never even seen one of those, so let me ask this: Can they be assembled backwards? I mean, silver side out and black side in (because having silver reflective walls isn't a very good idea for a camera ). Or would I have to cover the reflective part with some black cloth?

Thanks in advance,
Diego

When you say want to use it as a camera, is that as a Camera Obscura or to make negs / prints within?

I've never had a Grow Tent so I don't know if you can reverse it inside out but if not but I would think that it needed to be 'blackened out' somehow, to stop light bouncing all over the place. But then again I have seen 'Room Camera' videos using bright / white walls so maybe you don't? I too await to see what others say with interest.

Terry S

tezzasmall said:

When you say want to use it as a camera, is that as a Camera Obscura or to make negs / prints within?

Click to expand...

I mean an actual camera, to shoot negatives with
I've done it before, but with a room. And yes, I did have white walls and it wasn't an issue... but the room was quite big. A grow tent would be smaller than the room I used, I guess.

You mean posts about my darkroom?

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Yes, you can. However these grow tents from china have lots of small pinholes which must be sealed in the fabric, seams and zippers. Reversing the lining is a tight fit around the frame which in turn stretches the seams once you set it up and down a few times. I use gaffa tape or similar to patch the seams up in this case, I've only had to move it 3 times (eg semi-permanent darkroom) but its already stretching a lot. That said, they are not the most durable if travelling all over with them you might want to consider modifying a truck or small van instead.

calebarchie said:

You mean posts about my darkroom?

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Yes, you can. However these grow tents from china have lots of small pinholes which must be sealed in the fabric, seams and zippers. Reversing the lining is a tight fit around the frame which in turn stretches the seams once you set it up and down a few times. I use gaffa tape or similar to patch the seams up in this case, I've only had to move it 3 times (eg semi-permanent darkroom) but its already stretching a lot. That said, they are not the most durable if travelling all over with them you might want to consider modifying a truck or small van instead.

Click to expand...

Thanks a lot for the feedback! I actually wanted it for travelling purposes, so it's probably not the best option for me, I see. I'll probably have to build one from scratch then (or going with the truck/van plan but I can't really afford that right now )