BTZS Focussing Hood

[Adrian Twiss]

Are there any members who are currently using the BTZS focussing hood. My dark cloth is too small to be properly effective and I am looking for a suitable alternative. I use a Linhof Kardan GT. Any input and suggestions would be gratefully received.

Thank you

Adrian

 

[Les McLean]

Adrian, I've used the BTZS hod with my MPP 5 x 4 for the past 5 years and have found it to be extremely efficient especially in high winds.

 

[michaelwjones]

Adrian:

I've used them since Fred first introduced them. I'll never go back to a "horseblanket" style darkcloth. I must say though that I always use the next size up; that is, an 8x10 hood with a 5x7 camera. I find it more comfortable.

Mike

 

[Jon Shiu]

Hi, when I tried one, the material was not breathable, so it got too humid inside with breathing. Also, the elasticized camera opening needed to be both tighter to seal out light and had to be removed from my field camera to take a picture, which I thought might move the camera. However, the vendor's customer service is excellent and I was able to return it with no problem.

Jon

 

[Jorge]

I have one for my 4x5, one for my 8x10 and one for my 12x20.....does that tell you anything?...

 

[DeanC]

I've got one for my 8x10 that I like a ton better than my old horse blanket. It's not perfect because it's a challenge to get it on in a way that lets me easily access the rear standard control and still have it be light tight but it's a huge step up...

It's a good product, but it might be worth taking a look at the one that was demoing at the LF Conference last year that has sleeves before you make a final decision.

Dean

 

[hortense]

I am very please with mine. However, if you plan to use it in very cold weather, it becomes brittle.

 

[Adrian Twiss]

I've got one for my 8x10 that I like a ton better than my old horse blanket. It's not perfect because it's a challenge to get it on in a way that lets me easily access the rear standard control and still have it be light tight but it's a huge step up...

It's a good product, but it might be worth taking a look at the one that was demoing at the LF Conference last year that has sleeves before you make a final decision.

Dean

I know the one you mean and it seems a toss up between the two. I agree, horse blankets are a bit of a pain. This is not helped by the fact that mine is too small.

Thanks to all who replied.

 

[Robert Hall]

I have them for the 4x5 through the 12x20. I like the cloth type better, but I dont know if they make them anymore. The 12x20 is much lighter, but tends to act a little more like a sail. (partly due to it's size, I'm sure)

Regardless, they work great. They are only second best to my sweatshirt pulled over my head.

R

 

[Danpv]

Consider Gnass Gear

Being new to LF, I did lots of reading before settling on the BTZS cloth. But when it arrived I realized that it wasn't what I wanted. The reflective surface might be great for keeping one cooler under the sun, but the material is bulky and stiff. I returned it and bought a Gnass Gear (.com) dark cloth which is lighter, more flexible fabric; velcro and a couple of snap closures makes it very easy to use and remove. The only improvement to the Gnass cloth that I would like to see is two arm holes to make louping the GG easier. Good luck.

 

[sanking]

I've got one for my 8x10 that I like a ton better than my old horse blanket. It's not perfect because it's a challenge to get it on in a way that lets me easily access the rear standard control and still have it be light tight but it's a huge step up...

It's a good product, but it might be worth taking a look at the one that was demoing at the LF Conference last year that has sleeves before you make a final decision.

Dean

Do you have any more information about the product that was at the LF conference?

I have BTZS hoods for 5X7 and 12X20 (which I also use on the 7X17). The hoods have some advantages over horse blankets but they are not ideal for use with some cameras because of the way they interfere with access to the rear standard controls.


Sandy

 

[Michael Mutmansky]

Sandy,

The product referenced may be this one:

http://www.quietworks.com/FRAMES_FILES/BJ_SPECIFICATIONS/BJ_NEW_HOME_FRAME_.htm

It seems to be a bit more capable than the BTZS hoods, but I haven't tried them myself, co I can't comment on whether they are better or not.

I use the BTZS hoods, but I know that they have changed materials several times in the last few years. I have never had problems in the cold with mine, but they are older, and that fabric in mine is no longer used anymore (discontinued by the fabric manufacturer, I understand).


---Michael

 

[Tom Hoskinson]

I use a quietworks BlackJacket with my 8x10 and I love it!

 

[DeanC]

Sandy,

The product referenced may be this one:

http://www.quietworks.com/FRAMES_FILES/BJ_SPECIFICATIONS/BJ_NEW_HOME_FRAME_.htm
<snip>
---Michael

Yup! That's the thing I was thinking of.

Dean

 

[tgb12]

So, Dean, what do you think of the Blackjacket? Interesting to read the various comments on this popular topic...

 

[DeanC]

So, Dean, what do you think of the Blackjacket? Interesting to read the various comments on this popular topic...

Didn't get one myself. I'd just bought a BTZS hood when I saw them and figured I'd give it a try before replacing it. Only real downside to the BTZS is getting the loupe in there without letting in a bunch of light, but I'm going to try replacing the loupe with a pair of reading glasses and see if that does the trick.

BTW, I notice that Blackjacket is an APUG sponsor now...

Dean

 

[Francesco]

Used a BTZS hood from 1996 to around mid-2004. Now use a Blackjacket for my 8x10 Wisner. Superior in every way!

 

[sanking]

Used a BTZS hood from 1996 to around mid-2004. Now use a Blackjacket for my 8x10 Wisner. Superior in every way!

Francesco,

You convinced me. I just ordered a Blackjacket (light weight version) for my 5X7" camera. It will replace a BTZS hood for this format which, frankly, has not proven very satisfactory with my cameras.


Sandy

 

[Francesco]

Sandy, the BlackJacket and the Satin Snow GG are in my opinion two of the biggest bargains in LF photography today. Worth every penny!

 

[James Bleifus]

I'm using an older (nearing the century mark) 5 X 7 camera and one of the reasons I'm still using the old horse blanket is because I like to keep the film holder covered while the dark slide is out to avoid fogging. Does the BlackJacket have room to remain attached to the camera while the film holder is in place?

Cheers,

James

 

[Francesco]

I'm using an older (nearing the century mark) 5 X 7 camera and one of the reasons I'm still using the old horse blanket is because I like to keep the film holder covered while the dark slide is out to avoid fogging. Does the BlackJacket have room to remain attached to the camera while the film holder is in place?

Cheers,

James

Hi James, I have never tried it but it does feel quite roomy under the 8x10 Blackjacket - my guess is yes, with the drawstrings loosened a bit to allow insertion of the filmholder and removal of the slide.

 

[doc4x5]

I've used one with my Toyo field camera for number of years. It has worked well. On a couple of occasions, while attaching it, it has accidentally pulled the back out a bit. Now I just check to be certain the back is firmly seated before focusing.

Eric

 

[James Bleifus]

Hi James, I have never tried it but it does feel quite roomy under the 8x10 Blackjacket - my guess is yes, with the drawstrings loosened a bit to allow insertion of the filmholder and removal of the slide.

Thanks Francesco. I'll be sure to order the larger size for extra space.

Cheers,

James

 

[kswatapug]

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.

 

[sanking]

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.

Well, I just purchased a 5X7" model and I think it has already been shipped. I would very much like to be able to remove and insert the dark slides with the holders covered, if for no other reason peace of mind.

The camera I will be using the cloth with is a Nagaoka 5X7 that measures a maximum width of about 8.5". Will I be able to remove and insert a dark slide with this configuration with the holder covered? If not, it might make more sense for me to send this model back and purchase the 8X10"?

Sandy