Changing bag or ...closet?

You mean from a bulk roll? I use a changing bag to load the film into the loader, then roll in daylight. I just remind myself that the first frame and last 2 won't come out, and load and unload my cameras accordingly.

If you load your rolls in the dark, you need to figure out how long a 36 exposure roll is. I think it's like 2 arm lengths for most people or something like that.

If you mean for developing, then I use a changing bag. A closet is better because of the extra room, but make sure you have somewhere where you can lay everything out that you need. That's the real benefit, in my opinion - knowing the scissors are _there_, the can opener is _there_, etc.

allan
 
If in a closet: make sure to tape up & make it as light proof as possible. It may be a good idea to stand in there for a few minutes to make sure that after your eyes adjust, all the little light leaks are covered.

Probably best to buy a change bag though... makes it much easier & you can load your reels pretty much anywhere.

Cheers, j
 
A large changing bag is far from expensive, I wouldn't take the chance on yor closet being as light tight as it appears. Bulk loaders are even cheaper. For bulk loading I do what Allan said.
 
Dont like changing bags. I'd always choose a closet. Though before my darkroom I would just wait till night time and load film in a darkened room.
 
I just do it in my (windowless) bathroom with the lights off in the house and the bathroom dors closed.

EDIT: in the evening/night. Sorry I forgot to add that.
 
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I use a changing bag, I find I am more coordinated that way, even though I can't see my hands, spacially I am more comfortable.
 
I use a changing bag as well to load the bulk loader, and then just load in daylight. I develop in the bathroom at night like some others here.
 
I use a changing bag to load bulk film into loader and to load shot film onto reels and into tanks. I've always found them very easy to use - soon learn the feel of things - and very versatile. And I've had the same bag now for 16 years - so it was worth its money... :)
 
Changing bag now, but I used to sit under a pair of quilts in my bedroom (at night with doors and curtain shut and light off) when I first started... it got a touch warm, but did the job, with no issues. Just make sure you get a big enough bag, as mine is a touch crowded with a double reel dev tank, scissors, etc. At least you can find everything quickly :D

Matt
 
i have a no window bathroom that works great.
i put an old towel at the door's bottom.

i also only use it at night with all the house lights off.
 
Changing bag...$20.00 from Freestyle.

As all the work is being done with touchy-feely method, being blind has no advantage!
 
To bilk load I used a roof-cupboard with a few patched holes and only at night. I just moved house and don't have anywhere so convenient but will probably use the bathroom (no window) after making a light-tight cover for the alarmingly bright extractor fan pipework. For loading reels I use a changing-bag, much more practical as you can do it safely without having to wait for evening.

For measuring the film I used long a bit of wood taped to the shelving, with a couple of little dowels to hook the film over. Cotton or rubber gloves remove any problem of fingerprints, if you think you can't be sure of using only the edge of the film. Watch out for static-sparks from the sticky-tape (if your cores need it) though.....
 
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