Harrison Changing Bags/Tents

marcmarc · Jun 11, 2016

Hi Everyone. It's time for me to purchase a new changing bag or tent for loading film into a four reel tank. For years I used to simply buy what was on the shelf at Freestyle which was a simple black bag with two layers for about $30. I shoot a lot so I use the bag almost every day to keep up my developing. So a bag might last about six months or so before the inner layer starts flaking as my current bag is doing (and leaving weave imprints on my negs it seems.) So I'm checking online and there seems to be two classes of bags/tents. The cheaper ones like I've been using and the Harrison brand which come in at over $100 for a bag and over $200 for a pup tent. So to those who use these are they worth it? Generally speaking I feel higher priced goods are of better quality then lower priced similar goods but there comes a point when something is just over priced. If a $30 bag lasts me 4-6 months of everyday use will a $100 bag last me three times longer or more, or will a tent last for several years before material starts to fade and flake, and what advantage is there to using a tent anyway to load reels other then a little more room to move around in? Thanks for replies.

Neal · Jun 11, 2016

Dear marcmarc,

I use Dead Link Removed. With it I bulk load 100' rolls all at once, load and unload Graphmatic 4x5 film magazines (one at a time) and can unload 6 film holders and load the 12 sheets into a Jobo 25XX tank. A little more room for the Graphmatics would be nice but it will be more than large enough for your needs.

Good luck,

Neal Wydra

Stephen Weston · Jun 11, 2016

Hi marcmarc
I still have a bag that I purchased years ago but I find it a bit of a pain as it has no support structure to it and when your trying to load reels just got in the way. I have also tried a similar tent to the one Neal is linking to but mine came from Calumet. That one I didn't get along with either. Eventually I managed to pick up a Harrison tent off Ebay at a good price and love it. They are expensive but I wouldn't go back to anything else.

CropDusterMan · Jun 11, 2016

I've used Harrison for years. They are amazing and worth every penny.

Kawaiithulhu · Jun 11, 2016

I got a used tent a while back. I don't use it except once or twice a month, but I've had it for 4-5 years now. The inside is lined with smooth cloth and not just raw lightproof rubber stuff, no flaking like what you describe is possible in the working space. The arm hole sphincters are still strong, years later. The exterior silver is prone to acquire tiny flaws over the years, but nothing to compromise the lightproofing.

Using a tent is a dream for loading 4x5 and the bulky Jobo reels and tanks, and the larger tent size is comfortable with even the large Jobo 3010.

It does come down to a business decision: it may be worth it to simply buy new, cheap bags on a schedule, or the up front cost for the working convenience of a tent may make that choice worthwhile.

karl · Jun 11, 2016

Harrison tents are worth every penny. My first large Harrison tent lasted 13 years. I've loaded well over one thousand sheets and rolls into holders, drums and reels in Harrison tents.

Tis Himself · Jun 11, 2016

Saw a used Harrison Tent offered for sale the other day on the Large Format Photography Forum. Think the price had been reduced and included CONUS shipping. Don't know if it is still available.

darkroom_rookie · Jun 11, 2016

Harrison tents are the real deal. I've seen three so far, all bought used from production companies, and these things are indeed worth every c€nt.

michaelorr · Jun 11, 2016

Love my Harrison jumbo tent;
had to do that in anticipation of 8x10, which materialized. It is rather big, especially for roll film. But the smaller one may be just right for rolls and 4x5. Here is my take, without regard to the format. The dome tent way means that absolutely nothing "falls" into your workflow while your hands are fully at the task at hand. The Harrison is double-walled. The arms inserts are generous have two elastic band seals. The opening is fully over the larger face of the rectangular tent, and has two zippered flaps (one for each wall.) the 2 poles are so simple with bungies and just slip into sleeves and anchor points so easily. The outside is silver, so it reflects light and minimizes heat. I have had to use my jumbo in the field in the White Mountains with 8x10, and really appreciate every detail and feature of the Harrison. My Harrison is the most used item of anything i have, my most appreciated and indispensable.

mike c · Jun 11, 2016

Ive have a Harrison and it works fine for 8x10 and 5x7 but it is a bit much for 120, the cube shaped photo-flex that Neal mentioned works great for the 120. The cube take less space on the kitchen table and is easier to store and set-up.

eddie · Jun 11, 2016

If you just need the bag for loading reels at home (rather than something easily portable), look into a Fuji Dark Box. They can be had for good prices, and are really comfortable to work in.

Patrick Robert James · Jun 11, 2016

I have one of the Photoflex tents (rebranded Calumet) and it works really well. I can fit my JOBO 3010 in it no problem and 5 reel tanks fit easily too as do Grafmatics. The Harrison tents always seemed awkward to me since the sleeves went into the front. The Photoflex is pretty natural with the sleeves in the sides. It is easier to move your hands around inside.

Hope that helps you.

Harrison Changing Bags/Tents

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