Daylight changing bag - correct usage

[briandaly]

What is the correct way to use a daylight changing bag?

Is the following correct?
1. Place the equipment in the outer bag, below the inner bag
2. Open the zip in the inner bag
3. Close the zip on the outer bag
4. Insert arms through elasticated holes into inner bag
5. Feed hands through inner bag into outer bag to work with the film/reel/tank etc.

Having searched in various other online forums for an answer, I've seen some replies saying that everything should be placed in the inner bag. To me, this seems to defeat the purpose of the dual bags, as any light leaks around the elasticated holes will enter directly on to the film.

Brian

 

[JoeV]

I've always used a changing bag with the equipment in the inner bag. I understand the purpose of the double bag is to ccompensate for pinholes, tears or delaminations in the fabric or rubberized coating (if it has such a coating), and also to cover the zippers.

Regarding the arm holes, if the sleeves are of sufficient length they should flop over the elastic area around your arms and provide additional protection. And it's always a good idea not to use a changing bad in direct sunlight.

I recently examined my old, larger changing bag, and discovered lots of missing rubberized material on the outer bag. Yet I've never had a light leak that affected the film; but I do use the bag in shade or indoors.

~Joe

 

[pschauss]

I always put everything in the inner bag and close both zippers before starting. I find that using an 8"x10"x4" food storage container helps me to keep everything organized. I put everything (film, scisors, reel, tank, and lid) into the container and then put the container into the bag. Using the container also gives my hands a bit of vertical room while I work.

 

[wintoid]

I put everything in the inner bag. One time I got my film spooled on to the reel and then realised I'd forgotten scissors. I got my partner to open the outer bag, put the scissors between the inner and outer bag, and then to close the outer bag. I was then able to open the inner bag from the inside to retrieve the scissors. I always thought this was the purpose of the double bag. A bit like an airlock.

 

[robertdfeinman]

Everything goes in the inner bag. If you are in a really bright place you can lay something like your coat over the whole assembly as added insurance.

Pull the cuffs up high enough so that they fit tightly on your arm. The biggest problem with changing bags (at least for large format) is dust. If you are just using it for something like loading 35mm IR film this won't be too much of an issue.

I used to carry one all the time even when I stopped shooting 4x5. I saved several rolls of 35mm which jammed in the camera this way. In an emergency you can use your (heavy) coat. Put the button or zipper side down, fold under the bottom and put your arms into the sleeves backwards. In bad weather do this in your car or a shelter.

 

[Ronald_H]

Hmm, my cheap a$$ changing bag does not even have an 'inner' and 'outer' bag. Just a zipper and a flap that folds over it, held in place with velcro.

Because I have limited experience, I always spool my film (in the bag of course) in my bedroom with the curtains closed.

Everything has been fine so far.

 

[cosmonot]

I would worry more about light entering through the zippers than the armholes. I always thought this was why there were two bags: you get an extra zipper to keep the sensitive stuff away from any light leaking through the "outer" zip.

 

[NickTrop]

Word of caution with regard to changing bags, I know from experience...

DO NOT get liquored up on cheap Rock-n-Rye, put your head in the changing bag, and tighten up the zippers. You will stagger around in complete darkness, could trip over things, knock over valuables, and harm yourself and others. You also run the risk of suffocating!

 

[briandaly]

Thanks everyone. Sounds like it all should go inner bag - makes the job easier too.

NickTrop, next time I try your party trick, I'll be sure to leave the scissors out of the bag😉

 

[dadsm3]

Everything in the innerbag. I always trim my film leader before putting it into the bag (easy with a Leica, but not possible for cams with an auto-rewind I assume). That way, I always have a straight cut leader to wind onto the spool, and I put a 45 degree chamfer on the corners for smoother insertion; I find it difficult to do a perfectly straight cut blind.
I always take off my watch and ring, and make especially sure the spool with the film is on the bottom of the tank....

 

[Ducky]

Word of caution with regard to changing bags, I know from experience...

DO NOT get liquored up on cheap Rock-n-Rye, put your head in the changing bag, and tighten up the zippers. You will stagger around in complete darkness, could trip over things, knock over valuables, and harm yourself and others. You also run the risk of suffocating!

I find the light bag handy for unloading film jammed in my Vivitar slr. A necessary accessory .😉

 

[sfb_dot_com]

Everything in the innerbag. I always trim my film leader before putting it into the bag (easy with a Leica, but not possible for cams with an auto-rewind I assume). That way, I always have a straight cut leader to wind onto the spool, and I put a 45 degree chamfer on the corners for smoother insertion; I find it difficult to do a perfectly straight cut blind.
I always take off my watch and ring, and make especially sure the spool with the film is on the bottom of the tank....

I go one step further and preload the film on to the reel. If using a Patterson type reel that is. I just push the film past the two stainless steel balls then put the whole lot in to the bag. Never had any problems with film refusing to load that way, although I've had lots of other problems, mostly due to my own clumsiness. I always do things the same way, and so far despite the odd heart-stopping moment have never had any major disasters .

 

[sfb_dot_com]

Everything in the innerbag. I always trim my film leader before putting it into the bag (easy with a Leica, but not possible for cams with an auto-rewind I assume). That way, I always have a straight cut leader to wind onto the spool, and I put a 45 degree chamfer on the corners for smoother insertion; I find it difficult to do a perfectly straight cut blind.
I always take off my watch and ring, and make especially sure the spool with the film is on the bottom of the tank....

I go one step further and preload the film on to the reel. If using a Patterson type reel that is. I just push the film past the two stainless steel balls then put the whole lot in to the bag. Never had any problems with film refusing to load that way, although I've had lots of other problems, mostly due to my own clumsiness. I always do things the same way, and so far despite the odd heart-stopping moment have never had any major disasters .

 

[NickTrop]

I go one step further and preload the film on to the reel.

God - what a stupid simple idear. Damn, talk about overlooking the obvious! Thanks for the tip!
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[srtiwari]

God - what a stupid simple idea before. Damn, talk about overlooking the obvious! Thanks for the tip!
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No Kidding ! Amazing, that for all the posted/videotaped guides to the techniques of loading film onto the reels, I have never heard of this one before. :bang:
Also, BTW, I just ordered a Photoflex tent from Adorama for $69 as I am now doing some 120. I got tired of (literally) sweating out loading the reels in a small bag that collapses around my hands. Who knows, maybe that just speaks of my skill at it.
Subhash

 

[bsdunek]

I always put everything in the inner bag and close both zippers before starting. I find that using an 8"x10"x4" food storage container helps me to keep everything organized. I put everything (film, scisors, reel, tank, and lid) into the container and then put the container into the bag. Using the container also gives my hands a bit of vertical room while I work.

Good idea. When I put 100 ft rolls in my daylight loader I end up chaseing the screw-on part around the bag.
For those that use "Rock-n-Rye", it does no good in the bag - you can't get your head in those sleeve thingies to get a sip! 😎