What's your favorite Darkcloth ?

[Ron Bose]

Okay, I've never been a fan of darkcloths, I'm too self-conscious and feel silly underneath one. In fact I've only ever used my darkcloth to envelop the camera preventing light leaks and using it as a big lens-shade.

To focus and compose I use a Corfield rubber loupe.

Am I missing out on the true LF experience by not staring at my GG under the privacy of a darkcloth ?

So what do other LFers do ?

1 - tube like darkcloth.
2 - traditional rectangular cloth
3 - loupe
4 - your hands

[Keith Pitman]

Another option is the viewer that attaches to the rear of your camera: i.e., Sinar, Linhof, Cambo, the Ebony bellow with magnifier, etc.

I've always used a darkcloth, but recently I adapted a viewer to fit my camera and I'm trying it out. So far, I prefer the dark cloth, but I haven't used the viewer very much yet.

[vinny]

black t-shirt sewn inside a white one with a stretchy cord sewn into the neck. with 4x5 i stretch the neck over the camera and it fits snug and won't blow off. for 8x10 i put my head through the neck and the bottom over the camera.
cheap and you can wear it if ya get chilly.

[Andrew O'Neill]

I have to be under the dark cloth...it's the best way to isolate myself and the gg from the outside world. I'm easily distracted especially if I'm photographing at a cement factory and there happens to be a Timmy Ho's right next door!

[jnantz]

i use a 2$ piece of black felt
from a fabric store
and from time to time i also
use a monocular loupe(toyo)

[cyrus]

Changing bag? Jacket?

[John Kasaian]

I've got one Suzelle sewed for me, but after shooting in the rain a couple of years back and then tossing it in the trunk of the car while still wet for the long drive back from the coast and the poor thing has developed a case of mildew

[Marcus Carlsson]

I use a rectangular and sometimes the wind can be a problem.

One funny thing though, is that when I have focused or is about to use it and have it on my back over my shoulders (with the white side out) I almost feel like a preast

/ Marcus

[Patrik Roseen]

I have been tempted to use a tube-like darkcloth, but I am using the rectangular.

I think I would feel uncomfortable in situations where there are other people walking around where I am photographing. It's hard enough to keep an eye on your equipment under the traditional rectangular darkcloth...what is it like when your head is inside the tube?

What is the general opinion of the 'tube' from those using it?

[joolsb]

After trying traditional and lightweight darkcloths, I now just use a black fleece sweatshirt. Simple, quick to use and can provide extra warmth on a cold morning :-)