Source for BTZS focusing hood?

[Bill_1856]

I seem to be having a problem locating a source for BTZS focusing hood. The silver has flaked off my 4x5, and I also need a new one for 5x7. Maybe they're out of business?
thanks,
Bill

[Bill_1856]

D'oh! Never mind. Badger Graphics lists them.

[Oren Grad]

The View Camera Store was Phil Davis's authorized dealer for BTZS products:

http://www.viewcamerastore.com/default.php?cPath=99&osCsid=3o6976va4u1p3qj6p0b2h8cmd5

[keith schreiber]

Hi Bill,

As Oren said, the View Camera Store is the place for all things BTZS. But you should be aware that their current focusing cloths are a bit different than the old silver/gray coated ones. The coating is now white and seems a bit thicker than the old version.

I recently had the same problem with the coating flaking off of the smaller of my 2 cloths. I ordered a new one but I am a bit disappointed and have decided to send it back. They eliminated a couple of the features of the old cloth that I really liked. The elastic end is permanently sewn into a circle, rather than the velcro going all the way up. The slits on the sides to accommodate easy access to knobs are gone. The sewing is a bit crude too, though that is rather unimportant. The 4x5 size seems a bit short to me, so consider going a size larger.

I would guess that the design changes were probably in response to customer requests, but personally I prefer the old style. Fred hasn't yet responded to my request to return it (sent yesterday), but I have no doubt that he will take it back. I have known him for almost 20 years and he is an honorable guy. Besides it is their stated policy to accept returns.

I hope this is useful to you.

~ Keith

[Oren Grad]

I bought my first BTZS hood, with gray coating, around 1996. After a few years the gray material disintegrated into little flakes of rubbery stuff, leaving a mess all around.
But my later ones with white backing, purchased at different times but all of them at least several years old now, are all holding up well.

[Eric Biggerstaff]

I have one of the white ones for 4X5, I will let it go cheap, just contact me.