Blackjacket vs BTZS for 8x10 Deardorff?

Peter Spangenberg · May 19, 2007

Does anyone use a Blackjacket with an 8x10 Deardorff? I'm considering getting the "updated" version when it becomes available, and I'm just curious how well it works with the rear frame controls on the Deardorff. It seems like it would be hard to get a tight seal around the bottom. Preferences between the BTZS and the Blackjacket? Thanks

Jim Noel · May 19, 2007

I have an original "BlackJacket" which has been updated. I prefer it because it is not as hot, the sleeves are very handy, and it weighs next to nothing.

Alex Hawley · May 19, 2007

Peter Spangenberg said:
Does anyone use a Blackjacket with an 8x10 Deardorff?

I've had a Blackjacket for two years now and can't say enough good things about it. Light, folds up relatively small, and does not become a Batman cape when the wind is blowing, which it usually is where I photograph.

When moving the rear standard in/out on a Dorff, you don't have a light-tight seal, but that's never been a hindrance to me. I can still operate the controls quite readily. I may use one hand to hold the darkcloth shut while I view the image, but that's no where near as annoying as having to fight with a flapping conventional horse blanket.

jstraw · May 19, 2007

My blackjacket was designed with velcro attacments so that the storage bag can be used to block light that enters between the bed and the back. That may be a newer feature.

Scott Peters · May 19, 2007

I like the BTZS hoods. They are great at blocking all the light. They are lightweight too. Negatives - they can get hot in very warm weather. Also, the way it attaches to the back of your camera can be great or...the elastic either holds well or can 'pinch' the bellows or slip off. It works great on my 7 x 17 and 8 x 10...on my arca 4 x 5 and the way the arca is designed, its harder to get the elastic to 'attach' to the back. I have not used the the blackjacket, but the design looks great. I would strongly consider it.

Tom Hoskinson · May 19, 2007

I use Blackjackets with my 5x7 Deardorff and my 8x10 Wehmann - Love-em!

sanking · May 19, 2007

I have a BlackJacket for 5X7 and I really like it for both of my cameras. The BTZS hood, by contrast, compersses and distorts the bellows. The ability to adjust the tensin of the hood around the camera is a big plus for the BlackJacket over the BTZS in my opoinion, at least with these cameras, an old Nagaoka and a Canham MQC.

On the other hand, the BTZS hood for 7X17 works nicely on the Canham. I don't have a BlackJacket in this size, though I have tested a a prototype which looked promising but still had a way to go.

Sandy King

Alex Hawley · May 19, 2007

Sandy, Scott, thanks for the tip on the BTZS 7x17 hood. Think I need one of those.

Blackjacket vs BTZS for 8x10 Deardorff?

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