Harrison vs Wanderer 8x10 Dark Cloth

[r.e.]

Here are the Harrison and Wanderer dimensions again for their 8x10 dark cloths:

Harrison Medium: 53" x 55" (134cm x 140cm)
Wanderer: 36" x 56" (91cm x 142cm)

These three screen captures are from Ben Horne's video about his Harrison Medium (linked in post #7):

This first capture shows his Arca-Swiss rail and camera, which is basically the same camera that I use.



Here, Horne shows the dark cloth extending from the front standard to almost its full 53"/140cm length.



With the dark cloth still attached at the front standard, this shows him in a working position under the cloth.

[r.e.]

Further to the above post...

The Wanderer dark cloth is attached at the rear standard. At 36"/91cm, it's 17"/43cm shorter than the Harrison. That's less than the length of the rail on Horne's camera. The Wanderer is also 31% less material. I don't know the weight of the fabrics that Wanderer uses, but that should mean less bulk. The Harrison weighs 1.5lb/680g.

Horne makes the point that he can use the Harrison to protect the camera from rain (he believes that the outer silver material is highly water resistant), and indeed that the Harrison could be used to photograph in the rain. When it comes to purchasing a dark cloth, for me those aren't significant considerations. If I want to photograph in the rain or snow - not a regular event - I'll bring a tarp or someone with a big umbrella. In a good breeze, which is a consideration, I think that I'd prefer to attach a dark cloth at the rear standard.

When it comes to width (i.e. the amount of material draping over the top and sides of the camera and the photographer), the two cloths are essentially the same. The Wanderer is 56"/142cm wide and the Harrison is 55"/140cm.

[Ethan]

Thanks very much. So yours is 36" x 48" (91cm x 122cm), 8"/20cm shorter than Wanderer's standard 8x10 cloth on the long side.

Did you order your dark cloth with the optional snaps ($12)?

I didn't get the snaps. I don't think they're needed for 8x10, maybe more so for smaller cameras when there is more slack in the cloth

[r.e.]

If we assume that the dark cloth is attached at the camera's rear standard, this is the length of material extending back from the standard and over the photographer's head, and the dark cloth's weight:

Wanderer 8x10: 3 feet (91cm); weight unknown
Harrison Medium: 4.4 feet (134cm); 1.5lb/860g
Harrison Large: 7.8 feet (239cm); 2lb/907g

These are the widths draped over the photographer's head and sides:
Wanderer: 4.7 feet (142cm)
Harrison Medium: 4.6 feet (140cm)
Harrison Large: 4.5 feet (137cm)

[r.e.]

Thanks everyone for the input. I've ordered a dark cloth from Wanderer, 8x10 size.

[r.e.]

I didn't get the snaps.

I've ordered snaps (post #6) with the 8x10 dark cloth. When I receive it, I'll post whether I think that they're useful. Thanks for your posts.

[r.e.]

A bit more info on Wanderer Dark Cloths...

I contacted Wanderer by e-mail about stock availability. I dealt with Ryan Gillespie, who describes himself on his Instagram account as co-creator of Wanderer. From the Vancouver, Washington area, it turns out that he makes large format black and white photographs himself. His website is at https://www.gillapie.com It looks like his photographs are 4x5, 4x10 and 8x10.

Ryan told me that 8x10 dark cloths are made to order and that mine should ship by Friday. Shipping is by USPS Priority Post, $15.05 to New York.

[Fred L]

Wondered about Wanderer cloths, but still using Harrison. Upside to Harrisons are the weight, which is also a downside when it's breezy. The Harrisons do have velcro for cinching down the elasticized section, but I usually just use binder clips to secure the cloth to the camera back. So far they haven't gone sticky yet.

[r.e.]

it does-- i've both; use the large lightweight wanderer. it was in daily use for most of 2020.

Hi, sounds like you're talking about Wanderer's "Ultra Light" dark cloths, weighing about 4oz (123g). Wanderer recommends these for backpacking. How are they if there's some wind?

[jprofita]

Sorry I didn't respond yesterday. I have the larger of the two. I think you will be happy with the purchase.