BTZS Focussing Hood

You are correct, Sandy. Your order shipped already and hopefully will arrive within a day or so. I suggest you see if it will work as you have described. If it does, fine. Otherwise, we can look at the 8x10 instead. Bottom line is that I want you to LOVE your purchase. With each new situation, I've often been able to make subtle adjustments to the overall product to increase its functionality. I'll be waiting to hear from you.

The BTZS focusing hood is a big improvement over a horse blanket. I've been using it for about two years, and its material is much improved over earlier models. I don't like the 360 degree elastic front, because it doesn't fit as well as a velcro'ed design would (it's either too tight to put on, or slips forward and compresses the bellows). I hadn't heard of the Blackjacket until reading this thread, but think that if I have to do it again, this is what I'll try next time.

kswatapug said:

James,
In comparison, there is considerably more room under an 8x10 BLACKJACKET(TM) than the 4x5 and 5x7 models (which are identical save the size of the neck). The default 8x10 model has a clip to restrict the collar size to 32 inches for occasional 4x5 use. If you'd like one made with an additional clip set for 46 inches, it would be a simple task.

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Someone offering custom work? Where else but APUG! I'm going to wait for Sandy to post a report about how the size works for him and then place an order. I suspect the 8 X 10 with the additional clip is the way to go. Thanks for the quick reply.

Cheers,

James

kswatapug said:

James,

The answer to your question is yes, although it is not ideal. If you find the side-to-side clearance insufficient, you might be able to pull the dark slide out into the sleeve, which, if it doesn't seal out the light on its own, could be folded over once at the cuff and clipped to do the trick. When flattened, the sleeve is about a foot across, which would accommodate a 5x7 darkslide.

In comparison, there is considerably more room under an 8x10 BLACKJACKET(TM) than the 4x5 and 5x7 models (which are identical save the size of the neck). The default 8x10 model has a clip to restrict the collar size to 32 inches for occasional 4x5 use. If you'd like one made with an additional clip set for 46 inches, it would be a simple task.

Click to expand...

Would it be a good idea to buy a 5x7 size for use on a 5x4 camera?

DeanC said:

but I'm going to try replacing the loupe with a pair of reading glasses and see if that does the trick.

Dean

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Dean,

FYI, I had a +4 magnification glasses made at my optometrist <sp?> and rarely use a loupe to focus with now.

Don Bryant

I've had a number of orders from individuals with monorail 4x5 cameras who opted for the larger neck of the 5x7 so that they could encompass the rail in addition to the rear standard.

My 5X7" BlackJacket arrived today and I just had a chance to try it out with the camera on the tripod. Wow, this is really a great product, much lighter and easier to use than than that other brand hood. And it is indeed possible to remove and insert the dark slides with the hood over the camera so there would be no need to go to the 8X10 model for this feature, at least with my camera it won't be necessary. You need to adjust the hood bit to the side to do this but I found it to be no problem.

Now, here is another thought. Why not just adapt the design a bit so that the BlackJacket could also be used as a changing bag?

OK, I gotta have a BlackJacket for my 7X17" and 12X20" Canhams. Let me know about pricing and availibility. I figure you could do a one size fits all for the 12X20", 8X20" and 7X17" banquet cameras.

But congratulations, this is really one outstanding dark cloth. And thanks, Francesco, for the recommendation.

Sandy

Glad you're happy Sandy.

As for the changing bag concept, I already have a design worked out, but decided to start production with the simpler concept.

I am working on the patterns for BLACKJACKET(TM)s to fit the larger cabinets. Stay tuned.