NEC 358.6:  EMT, factory elbows, and associated fittings shall be listed.

NEC 358.26:  There shall not be more than four quarter bends (360 degrees total) between pull points, for example, conduit bodies and boxes.

The you're describing is "conduit body."  As long as it's listed for its intended purpose and you don't make any splices in the conduit body, it should be fine by the NEC.

HOWEVER, that's not to say your local jurisdiction has not outlawed them.  It's good to come to eng-tips to get an opinion, but it's much, much, much better to ask the local electrical inspector who will be judging your installation.

Good on ya,

Goober Dave

Forgot to mention -- the 2011 NEC has a change, 314.16(C)(3), that prohibits splices and taps within short-radius conduit bodies. (hence my no-splice comment above in previous post).

That may be what your friend heard about.  Check with your local AHJ, though!!

Good on ya,

Goober Dave

Be careful of the fill and bending radius requirements unless you use one size larger body than conduit.