BlackJacket

[Aggie]

I had the pleasure of having lunch with Kieth S. Walker today. I must say you will go a long way before meeting a nicer indiviudal. I was one of those who bought one of his blackjackets back in early Dec. It was my little Christmas present to myself. I love it. I no longer have to fight with this cloth that is worse to wrestle with than a huge blanket, while trying desperatly to focus and keep the dark cloth closed enough to see the screen. It is simplicity itself. Added the blackjacket doesn't get airborne with any breeze that comes up.

For those that have thought about it, and have an ULF camera, that is mainly what we discussed. The possiblity of a new blackjacket that would work for ULF. Right at this moment I expect that Keith if he tore himself away from Resortoration Hardware, is at Kerik's home watching how He works with his Large format cameras. Keith is dedicated about putting a workable product in the market. Rather than just enlarging the opening to fit around a ULF camera, he wants to know exactly what gyrations have to be taken into consideration in its design and implementation. This is a vendor that cares about quality. I personally appreciate it.

 

[Jeremy]

I met Keith at his opening for a show here in Texas and he is a heck of a guy. Spent about 30 minutes chatting with me--loved every minute of it!

 

[tgb12]

I agree that Keith's an earnest and amiable guy, as well as a landscape photographer of growing reputation. BTW, his name is Walklet, not Walker.

 

[Kerik]

Right at this moment I expect that Keith if he tore himself away from Resortoration Hardware, is at Kerik's home watching how He works with his Large format cameras. Keith is dedicated about putting a workable product in the market. Rather than just enlarging the opening to fit around a ULF camera, he wants to know exactly what gyrations have to be taken into consideration in its design and implementation. This is a vendor that cares about quality. I personally appreciate it.

Keith stopped in Placerville on his way home to Idaho and we had a good visit while I set up my arsenal of ULF cameras, 1 by 1. He showed me how his Black Jacket works and I was very impressed. I'm looking forward to the ULF version, because I'll be first in line. I will have a couple of his 8x10 models with me at my workshop at the Photographer's Formulary in June, for anyone who's there and wants to try one out.

Kerik
www.kerik.com

 

[sanking]

Keith stopped in Placerville on his way home to Idaho and we had a good visit while I set up my arsenal of ULF cameras, 1 by 1. He showed me how his Black Jacket works and I was very impressed. I'm looking forward to the ULF version, because I'll be first in line. I will have a couple of his 8x10 models with me at my workshop at the Photographer's Formulary in June, for anyone who's there and wants to try one out.

Kerik
www.kerik.com

If that is so I will be really pissed. I have had my order in for a Black Jacket for ULF since early January and now I find that Kerik jumps ahead of me on the line for the first to get one!!

Keith, this really stinks.

Sandy

 

[kswatapug]

Easy Sandy! No one is butting in line here.

I am only just now getting to the design stage for the ULF cameras (I have a photographic career after all) and needed to see the cameras first-hand.

ULF cameras are in very short supply in Idaho and Kerik was kind enough to share his many cameras and let me observe his workflow. I routinely travel between Yosemite and Idaho on business, know Kerik from my association with the Ansel Adams Gallery and, largely prompted by the interest in models for the ULF cameras that you stirred up, sought him out for assistance.

As I indicated in the earlier threads about this, designing a new model from scratch takes me quite a bit longer because I want it to work like it is supposed to, and time has been in very short supply for me the last six months.

I definitely haven't forgotten your desire to wrangle the first one off the assembly line! The first 8x10 customers know that when I was working on that design, I kept them apprised of the progress. I'll do the same with the ULF models.

As a result of my visit with Kerik, I have conclusive measurements and will begin working on the patterns shortly.

 

[Aggie]

I don't mind being third in line. The black jacket is well worth the wait.

 

[David]

Where do you find info about the existing Black Jackets? I couldn't find a google entry. I shoot ULF and would be happy to find something besides my big horse blanket. It works well but can also be a big pain with slippage and all. On the other hand it makes a great blanket when camping.

Would the ULF work between formats? I shoot both 11x14 and 8x20. Thanks.

 

[photomc]

David, look at the sponsers link here on APUG...Like all the good guys, they are listed there..or just click here

 

[Kerik]

If that is so I will be really pissed. I have had my order in for a Black Jacket for ULF since early January and now I find that Kerik jumps ahead of me on the line for the first to get one!!

Keith, this really stinks.

Sandy

Sandy,

I was only trying to demonstrate my enthusism for Keith's product. You may certainly have the me-firsts.

Kerik

 

[sanking]

Sandy,

I was only trying to demonstrate my enthusism for Keith's product. You may certainly have the me-firsts.

Kerik

Kerik,

Yes, it is a great product. So much better than anything else I have used in the past there is just no comparison. Hopefully the b'jacket will be available for all ULF photograhers soon enough.

Sandy

 

[scootermm]

add me to the list of people whod gladly purchase a 7x17 version of the black jacket.

just LOVE my 8x10 hybrid version

 

[JHannon]

Are most of you buying the original or hybrid version? The hybrid appears to be heavier and has breathable fabric. The prices are the same for both.

 

[Richard Wasserman]

I ordered an original 8x10 a few days ago and can't wait to get rid of the horseblanket I've been using. I hope it's as good as everyone says it is.

Richard Wasserman