I am thinking about getting a changing bag to load a developing tank. My tank is a 16 oz Kinderman with a stainless steel reel (35 mm). I currently do this in my bedroom closet, but this limits me to doing all of my tank loading at night.

So my questions are:

- How large a changing bag do I need? - Is there one brand which is better than others and, if so, what features does it have that make it better?

Thanks, Peter Schauss

-- Peter Schauss (schauss@worldnet.att.net), January 01, 2002

Answers

since you are using a fairly small tank, you can get by with a changing bag of roughly 14"x17". However, a somewhat larger bag is more comfortable. If you intend at some point to use large format, then consider a changing room, which looks like a miniature tent. These are far more comfortable for any size film, but much more pleasant for 4x5 and up. Also, with a changing room you are less likely to have problems with dust and lint.

-- Ted Kaufman (writercrmp@aol.com), January 01, 2002.

I got the next size up and it has worked well with the one- and two-reel tanks I have been using. A little extra room to spread out doesn't hurt. I don't think brand names make much of a difference.

-- Jeff Polaski (polaski@acm.org), January 02, 2002.

Photoflex makes a good one that has an internal frame to keep the bag out of the way with plenty of room to spare.

-- Scott Walton (scotlynn@shore.net), January 02, 2002.

I finally bought a Harrison Changing Tent from Camera Essentials in the 24 x 36 size. I've had a variety of others and struggled with bags and cheap tents... around $200 but worth every penny.

-- Eric Beggs (photonwrangler@aol.com), January 06, 2002.

I have the Calumet bag which "pops" up like a tent. About $80.00 and very happy with quality.

-- Don M (Maldos@home.com), January 07, 2002.