Re: Focusing cloth question
I agonized for a while over this and ended up with the BTZS cloth for my 11x14. Couldn't be happier. It has elastic that keeps it fitted to the camera and it's as dark as a cave inside. Was hoping to get one that I could throw over the whole camera to keep it dry (this was rubberized, but not big enough) but I decided to let that requirement go.
Others have been pleased with the Blackjacket.
--A
Re: Focusing cloth question
Mine is velcro'd to the camera. Unfortunately, what this means is that the darkcloth and the camera blow away together. In high wind, I hang the camera bag on the tripod. When I used a loose cloth, I carried it on my shoulders, but others cover the camera and wrap a bungee around it at the neck.
Re: Focusing cloth question
I share the spousal limitation, so I definitely understand your concern. And I don't think I would want to try to explain why she is coded as 'excess baggage'.
My practice generally is to use the darkcloth only for focusing, and once that step is done, I fold it up and put it back in my backpack. One of my concerns is that if you attach the darkcloth to the camera, it acts like a big sail. At best, it can introduce vibrations during long exposures, and it the worst case it can blow over the camera.
There are times, however, when photographing in bright sun, when I want to shade the back of the camera during the exposure. In those instances, I wrap the cloth around the rear standard of the camera, and then clip the two tails together under the camera using an "A clamp" that ordinarily hangs from the side of my backpack.
Re: Focusing cloth question
Small spring clamps bought in any hardware store.
I also have a BTZS for my 8x10 and 4x5 when I need more than a darkcloth.
My wife is never 'excess baggage' 'cause she refuses the hang around when I'm photographing. It's me carrying the 'excess baggage' after she done shopping. Grin.
Re: Focusing cloth question
Hmm, I'm wondering if small spring clamps are strong enough to hold my wife :)
I think I will get the Blackjacket.
Thanks a lot to all who responded!
Re: Focusing cloth question
I use bulldog clips. It's held around the rear standard and clipped underneath. Can't go anywhere and it's non permanent :)
Re: Focusing cloth question
Use a nice Black T-Shirt.
It works better than a dark cloth, covers tops, sides and bottom, is light in weight, folds up small, doesn't act like a sail in a strong wind.
A size "L" will fit well on most 4x5's. XXXL's fit 5x7.
My students have been advised in this direction for years.
Re: Focusing cloth question
Quote:
I had my wife with me so I politely asked her to hold the cloth for me while I'm focusing and framing - but, unfortunately, having my wife with me every time I take pictures is not an option - she's too bulky, requires an additional power supply, won't fit standard baggage compartments on most aircraft and is only good for digital and 35mm
Leave the wife at home and rent two scantily clad super models. Barring that (bar not bare) try a Blackjacket. The 8x10 model also fits 4x5 nicely.
Cheers,
Mark
Re: Focusing cloth question
i use my hands to hold it on the back of the camera.
no clips, or springs, or elastics ( just fingers ).
nothing fancy for the cloth, just a piece of black felt ...