fred aspen Posted May 27, 2004 Share Posted May 27, 2004 I am about to make a purchase of the Photoflex Changing Room. In searching the site I found several LF photographers that didn't like them for their ergonomics and sent them back. I also looked at (on the web) the Calumet Changing Room but don't think I would like the position of the arms/hands in that bag. Appreciate any comments regarding the above products. Don't really want to spring for the Harrison Tent as I do 35mm only and don't need the space and can't justify the additional expense. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonathan_brown Posted May 27, 2004 Share Posted May 27, 2004 I love my Photoplfex Changing room tent. I have used bags in the past and your hands get all sweaty, plus the weight of the bag. I did not like using those bags. This tent or room whatever you want to call it is a great deal for the money its easily collapsible to be flat as a piece of cardboard, but pops up to give me enough room to work with my big five reel tank with the five reels. As far as ergonomics go I haven't had any problem. Mine seems to fit me just fine. I Usually go into my living room and get everything together on the carpet and sit down to do my work (Never carry the bag with things in it, it is more likely to tear that way). You could easily do the same at a desk or bench. I would go with the photoflex its great high quality, will last for ever with good care, and its totally light proof where some bags have problems with leaks(I use mine in my sunny living room and I have never had a leak) and your not spending the money like you would on a Harrison Tent. Hope this helps. Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael_young3 Posted May 27, 2004 Share Posted May 27, 2004 The Changing Room is all that Jonathon says, but I don't like it enough to stop looking for a better solution. I have a photo of my motorcycle helmet sitting on top of it. Robbie the Robot, it was dubbed immediately. And that's the problem with the changing room: the location of the arm holes. Sit at your desk for five minutes with your arms akimbo, a foot or so above and parallel to the surface. It ain't natural. I set it on the corner of the ottoman, and sit on the floor snugged up to the corner to use it. It just ain't natural. I don't have a Harris tent, but the armholes look more inviting. One of these days, I'll snag the Changing Room's carry bag zipper on the material and rip an unpatchable hole, and then I'll let you know how the pup tent works out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markrinella Posted May 27, 2004 Share Posted May 27, 2004 I have been much happier using the Harrison Tent than the Photoflex Changing Room. Michael's comment about the awkward arm placement is accurate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff_drew4 Posted May 27, 2004 Share Posted May 27, 2004 I have the smaller one and considering the differences in price, chose the Photoflex vs. The Harrison. I like the Changing Room better than a brand-X bag, but it's always a puzzle for when I have to collapse and store it. It works as advertised, and it works for me and is better than what I had, but it's not a panacea. The CR travels well, but not as well as a small changing bag. It's functional but a compromise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barmijo Posted May 27, 2004 Share Posted May 27, 2004 Michael's response is absolutely correct. The photoflex is effective and affordable but is not an ideal solution. I've found that sitting the photoflex on my lap with a piece of foamcore under it is the most comfortable way to use it, but after 10 minutes I can't wait to get my arms out of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonathan_brown Posted May 27, 2004 Share Posted May 27, 2004 Red Wing Changing Room Tents have the arms in the front just like the Harrison's but without the cost they run like $59.00 at Adorama, that might be a very viable alternative. I just ran acrossed it and though I would through it into the mix. Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred aspen Posted May 27, 2004 Author Share Posted May 27, 2004 Thanks, everyone, for your input. The Red Wing version is the same at the Calumet version and due to similarities I suspect it is manufactured by Photoflex with the of the objectionable arm placement modified to compete with Harrison. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_oneill Posted May 28, 2004 Share Posted May 28, 2004 I made a film changing tent using plastic pipe and black out material. Cost me $35 Canadian. It's roomy. I use it for 8x10 and 4x5. Tried it over the weekend. It works. When I get some snaps of it I'll post them here so you can all have a laugh at it.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_massie Posted May 31, 2004 Share Posted May 31, 2004 I use the Photoflex for rollfilm, and don't have a problem with the arm sleeves.... I wear 34-35" shirtsleeves. For larger film, I have been using a Fuji Darkbox, which is great... lots of room. If anybody is interested, I'll sell it for $75. Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_oneill Posted June 3, 2004 Share Posted June 3, 2004 Here are the pics I promised of my film loading tent. Try not to laugh so hard....the darn thing sets up really fast and it works! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_oneill Posted June 3, 2004 Share Posted June 3, 2004 another view... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_oneill Posted June 3, 2004 Share Posted June 3, 2004 Another.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_oneill Posted June 3, 2004 Share Posted June 3, 2004 ho hum.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_oneill Posted June 3, 2004 Share Posted June 3, 2004 yawn.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_oneill Posted June 3, 2004 Share Posted June 3, 2004 getting bored yet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_oneill Posted June 3, 2004 Share Posted June 3, 2004 Hey! That's me in the picture sliding an 8x10 holder between the top and bottom bags! I've should have included a bottom view which shows how the top bag overlaps the bottom. No light gets in whatsoever. All seams were sewn. I tried to keep seams down to a minimum. Seams were also covered with strips of darkout material. They were contact cemented on. The few pinholes I found were also patched with the same material and contact cemented. The whole kit 'n' kaboodle rolls up into a compact unit which inturn slips into my 3 year old daughter's Ikea tent bag. She'll never notice it's missing... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lex_jenkins Posted June 3, 2004 Share Posted June 3, 2004 Pretty clever, Andrew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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