Focusing Cloth

[scott_6029]

I prefer one that is very tight around the camera such as the BTZS - not a loose blanket type. I find it lighter and much easier to use. I would start there?

[Keith S. Walklet]

Barry,
Heck, now you really have me confused. The Clyde Butcher-sized model is still in development. Did you buy the cloth used or directly from me? I rarely get complaints about it being too big, and in fact developed a second line of cloths that were even longer than the original pattern to accommodate the over 50 crowd's shifting vision.

As for stowing the cloth, I don't bother to put mine in the sack each time if I working steadily. I either leave it attached to the camera or simply roll it up and stuff it in my camera bag. The BLACKBAG is intended to be a light skirt first. Its use as a storage sack simply serves the secondary purpose of keeping things tidy.

So, I'm curious what you have there. It doesn't sound right. Why don't you PM with details of your purchase and we'll get you squared away. If you indeed have the proper model for that camera, and its not working for you, send it back for a refund.

I don't want any product I produce to be the source of irritation. I am the first to lose patience when things don't work properly since the majority of my work is done in windy, inclement weather. After all, that was my motivation for developing BlackJacket in the first place.

[thetooth]

i justed purchased a btzs hood from http://viewcamerastore.com/ and am looking forward to it . it will be much better than using my changing bag .

[Greg Liscio]

Gents,

I just bought the BTZS hood from Badger Graphic. Thanks for the valuable input. I also subscribed to MagnaChrome Journal after reading the review of the dark cloths there.

Also attached a Nieuport 17 - the pilot apparently uses a dark cloth.

What a site !!!

[Mike Castles]

Well, I use one of the newer model BlackJackets and really like it. Keith was really great working with me on getting the right 'fit' for the various formats I shoot. It fits perfect on the old Eastman No. 2 7x11, which is a LARGE camera vs most 8x10's.

The really cool thing with the BlackJacket I have is it has the ability to be sized down by using clips that allow me to use it with my B&J 5x7. The bag fits inside the to block light from the bottom of the camera, and the best feature of all is the ability to place the film holder in the camera and pull the darkslide without having to worry about light leaks - the back on the Eastman needs some serious work (but that is another story).

Looking forward to using the BlackJacket with Ritter camera when it arrives.

[BarryS]

Keith-- Thanks for your generous offer. I don't mean to imply any implicit problems with the Blackjacket--I bought it on the strong recommendations of many LFers. I'm not a big guy--5'6" and I'm also nearsighted, so I don't need to be very far from the groundglass; for me, there's an excess of material. I bought a like new hybrid tweener from a forum member, so I didn't get it from you directly. The BJ has no problem staying attached to my Chamonix, but I feel like I'm wrestling with all that material. This being the swamplands of Washington, D.C--I felt the hybrid version was the best choice even though it weighs a bit more. I like the design except for the size. That's why I'm thinking about finding someone to shorten it and take in the seams a bit.

[timparkin]

Keith-- Thanks for your generous offer. ---snip--- I like the design except for the size. That's why I'm thinking about finding someone to shorten it and take in the seams a bit.

I should add that I think the size is an essential component in my enjoyment of the Black jacket. I have normal vision and if it were any smaller, I would have to hold the top of the cloth if I wanted to draw my head away from the ground glass. For those thinking about the black jacket, it's the size of an extra large T shirt and packs down to the size of a Dykinga book (but with less pretty pictures in it).

Tim

[Keith S. Walklet]

Barry,

Thanks for the clarification. Your explanation makes perfect sense. I'd be happy to do the modifications for you, but I think you'll find it is much easier to deal with a seamstress or tailor in person to get exactly the fit you are looking for with the trunk. I'd love to see what you end up with.

As for the heat, I grew up down the street from you in Williamsburg, Virginia and am all to familiar with the humidity. I fear that the only thing that will ease your pain is a portable fan or a move to the Sierra. ;-)

Actually, wearing a well ventilated high-crowned hat to keep the fabric off your scalp helps, too (which is something to keep in mind when you decide how much to shrink the opening of the trunk). And if it is any comfort, a test by one of my customers found that the interior temperature of the HYBRID (breathable fabric) was ten degrees cooler on a hot day than the lightweight version favored by backpackers, which is constructed of entirely of coated fabric.

Thanks again Tim, Mike, John, et al. Good to hear from you all.