Dark cabinet for film changing: I have a couple of med. format film cameras. Sheet and roll film. I want to build a 'dark cabinet' for changing /loading film. I don't need a full dark...

BigWahoo Loc: Kentucky

I have a couple of med. format film cameras. Sheet and roll film.

I want to build a 'dark cabinet' for changing /loading film.

I don't need a full dark room and don't want to use a changing bag unless I am in the field.

Anyone have ideas or links to sites that might have some good ideas?

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

BigWahoo wrote:

I have a couple of med. format film cameras. Sheet and roll film.

I want to build a 'dark cabinet' for changing /loading film.

I don't need a full dark room and don't want to use a changing bag unless I am in the field.

Anyone have ideas or links to sites that might have some good ideas?

I don't see why you would need one, sheet film is protected until you insert it and remove the dark slide and roll film you can change in bright sun without worry?

Searcher Loc: Kent, England

BigWahoo wrote:

I have a couple of med. format film cameras. Sheet and roll film.

I want to build a 'dark cabinet' for changing /loading film.

I don't need a full dark room and don't want to use a changing bag unless I am in the field.

Anyone have ideas or links to sites that might have some good ideas?

I used to use one of these:
http://www.theimagingwarehouse.com/ProductGrp/Nova-Darkroom-Tent

BigWahoo Loc: Kentucky

speters wrote:

I don't see why you would need one, sheet film is protected until you insert it and remove the dark slide and roll film you can change in bright sun without worry?

I need to be able to load the film into the film holders.

The sheet film comes in a box and is loaded into the holders by the photographer.

Also I will want to be able to load the film into a day tank for developing.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=63620&gclid=CK_39v-Rw78CFTJn7AodMUUAgg&Q=&is=REG&A=details

After developing the film I can scan it for printing.

SonyA580 Loc: FL in the winter & MN in the summer

I used to use a closet for loading film into the tank. Once you have it loaded you can resume working with the lights on.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

BigWahoo wrote:

I need to be able to load the film into the film holders.

The sheet film comes in a box and is loaded into the holders by the photographer.

Also I will want to be able to load the film into a day tank for developing.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=63620&gclid=CK_39v-Rw78CFTJn7AodMUUAgg&Q=&is=REG&A=details

After developing the film I can scan it for printing.

I too shoot quite a lot of film (mostly medium format) and I never had any issues, if I had to load extra film holders (in the sun).

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

speters wrote:

I too shoot quite a lot of film (mostly medium format) and I never had any issues, if I had to load extra film holders (in the sun).

Are you telling us that you would unlatch the flap of a film holder (with or without dark slide installed, extract a piece of unexposed film from a double-trap film box, slide it beneath the guides on the side of the holder, retract the slide, close the flap and close the slide - in sunlight - and not have your film fog? What was youe ASA? 0.005? Even wet plates at ASA 0.10 fog if not covered!

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

BigWahoo wrote:

... I want to build a 'dark cabinet' for changing /loading film. ...

Why not just use any windowless room or closet. It's easy to light-proof the door with some black weather seal on the outside edges to make a light trap. The only problem I found was the bottom so I just place a small rug against the closed door and turn off the light.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

selmslie wrote:

Why not just use any windowless room or closet. It's easy to light-proof the door with some black weather seal on the outside edges to make a light trap. The only problem I found was the bottom so I just place a small rug against the closed door and turn off the light.

If you have kids or a wife, you'll need a lock too.

A.J.R. Loc: Devon, UK

speters wrote:

I too shoot quite a lot of film (mostly medium format) and I never had any issues, if I had to load extra film holders (in the sun).

I don't understand. Please explain how you do this. Panchromatic sheet film has to be loaded in total darkness.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

BigWahoo wrote:

I have a couple of med. format film cameras. Sheet and roll film.

I want to build a 'dark cabinet' for changing /loading film.

I don't need a full dark room and don't want to use a changing bag unless I am in the field.

Anyone have ideas or links to sites that might have some good ideas?

I never had a problem with a changing bag, even in the field.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

BigWahoo wrote:

I have a couple of med. format film cameras. Sheet and roll film.

I want to build a 'dark cabinet' for changing /loading film.

I don't need a full dark room and don't want to use a changing bag unless I am in the field.

Anyone have ideas or links to sites that might have some good ideas?

When I used to load film from 100' reels, I go into the hall closet and close the door. Of course, with the bulk film loader, I could have done it in broad daylight, but I wanted to get a couple of extra shots on each roll, so even the part that attached to the take-up reel didn't see the light of day.

Bill gomberg

I suggest a changeling bag .

RichieC Loc: Adirondacks

Closet or changing bag... no rocket science here.

I am curious, this is a fundamental issue with film that you must have considered and adapted to before, tell us what we are missing? Are you looking for a portable closet? A brand?

I understand you only have so many 4x4/8x10/ 2.25 film backs... but every photographer I ever directed, always looked for a dark room with a closet- both darkened, a black towel across door bottom or black fabric gaf taped as a curtain ( if needed) over door, AND GUARDED! , or they brought a changing bag and were fanatics in organization and marking previously exposed film... complete with notes for the processor and test sheets separated.

jimbrown3 Loc: Naples, FL

Big Wahoo I have a changing bag that fits 4X5 easily. If you want a pix. PM me. I would like to sell as I do digital only.