Focusing Cloth for Whole Plate

Jim Cole · Jul 10, 2009

I need to find a good focusing cloth for my Seneca whole plate camera. Most have an elastic cord around one end that attaches to the camera back. Manufacturers normally make cloths for 5x7 and 8x10.

Any help on deciding which would fit better?

What are you whole plate shooters using?

Thanks,
Jim

Ian Grant · Jul 10, 2009

I used a piece of old red velvet curtain and died it black, 33 years later they are beginning to fade

It's no big deal, format is almost irrelevant, find some material and make one that suits you and your camera.

Ian

Jim Cole · Jul 10, 2009

Thanks Ian. I'm not much of a sewer, so I generally am willing to spent a little bit of money to get something functional. I will be using the camera outside mostly so I need a cloth that attaches to the camera to deal with the wind.

paul_c5x4 · Jul 10, 2009

Jim Cole said:
I'm not much of a sewer, so I generally am willing to spent a little bit of money to get something functional.

Find a local fabric/haberdashery store - You should be able to purchase a yard or two of velvet (or other suitable material). Take the opportunity to chat to the staff, and chances are, you'll find one that is happy to put a hem along one edge.

Thread a length of 1/8" elastic cord through the hem and then use a spring toggle to adjust the tension to suit.

You might find a mom'n'pop curtain store will also be able to oblige for a minimal fee - Say a print of the store and staff

NormanV · Jul 10, 2009

"I'm not much of a sewer"
Isn't a sewer the pipe where all the liquid waste from your house goes?
Do you mean that you are not much of a seamstress?

removed account4 · Jul 10, 2009

sewer: one who sews
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sewer[2]

hi jim

i just use a big piece of felt or black canvas
it is cheep at a fabric store,
it is helpful if it attaches to the back of the camera
but if you drape it, and gather it at the bottom with your fingers
it works well too.

a t-shirt works well, as does a jacket or pretty much anything that can block the light .

sounds like a beautiful camera, have fun!

john

Jim Cole · Jul 10, 2009

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the do-it-yourself tips. You folks are much more resourceful than I am.

I am trying to avoid black as I photograph mainly in the southwest US and it's generally too hot to hide under a black cloth. I'm looking for a silver outside/black inside cloth. Yes, I know I can make one of those, too.
Let's just say I'm lazy and don't want to exert the effort to fabricate my own cloth. I'm really just trying to find out what size cloth to order pre-made. I'll just call a couple of the manufacturers.

John, thanks for saving my literary butt.

Richard Wasserman · Jul 10, 2009

I'm a big fan of Harrison Classic Silver darkcloths, they're nice and reflective in the sun. I think the 50x54 inch size could work well for your camera. http://www.badgergraphic.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=670

Richard Wasserman

Jim Cole · Jul 10, 2009

disfromage said:
I'm a big fan of Harrison Classic Silver darkcloths, they're nice and reflective in the sun. I think the 50x54 inch size could work well for your camera. http://www.badgergraphic.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=670

Richard Wasserman

Thanks Richard, I'll check into it. How does this cloth attach to the camera?

Jim

Never mind...I answered my own question.

jeroldharter · Jul 10, 2009

I suggest going with the Blackjacket. Check out the website which is pretty informative. I have tried the horseblanket type which is OK but you need a clamp or velcro on the camera or something else to really keep it dark. I tried the BTZS which is OK but the elastic is too tight on some cameras and the thing is a sauna in the summer and a humidifier in the winter. I bought a Blackjacket and was impressed by the overbuilt quality. I have not been able to use it a lot yet, but I like it best so far.

Jim Cole · Jul 10, 2009

jeroldharter said:
I suggest going with the Blackjacket. Check out the website which is pretty informative. I have tried the horseblanket type which is OK but you need a clamp or velcro on the camera or something else to really keep it dark. I tried the BTZS which is OK but the elastic is too tight on some cameras and the thing is a sauna in the summer and a humidifier in the winter. I bought a Blackjacket and was impressed by the overbuilt quality. I have not been able to use it a lot yet, but I like it best so far.

Jerold,

I have heard a lot of good things about the blackjacket, but I'm a bit worried about futzing with the sleeves. I like a cloth that simply has velcro along the bottom that can be opened up to get my loupe to the ground glass. The Harrison that Richard mentioned seems to fit the bill as it has a bit of elastic around the camera opening that provides a little tension, but the opening size is adjustable with velcro to fit various camera sizes.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Jim

jeroldharter · Jul 11, 2009

Jim Cole said:
Jerold,

I have heard a lot of good things about the blackjacket, but I'm a bit worried about futzing with the sleeves. ...
Jim

I had issues with that too, but in the end I concluded it was OK. The sleeves are loose, drape like. No different in principle than dealing with the loose edges of a conventional dark except that the Blackjacket does not dangle open or flap in the wind as much. It has an adjustable shock cord to secure around the camera. That is better than velcro which can wear out and attaches annoyingly to camera cases etc. It is better than elastic because it does not torque the camera during on/off and sometimes mess up focus. Also, the cinch cord makes it easier to use with multiple cameras or formats than elastic types.

Akki14 · Jul 11, 2009

I made an elasticated darkcloth for my 4x5 camera then realised all I'm doing is making a simple skirt with an elasticated waistband. It's incredibly simple to sew and fast if you have a sewing machine available to you. Just need to decide on a cloth that is right for you. I'd go for a black cotton drill fabric.

Jim Cole · Jul 11, 2009

jeroldharter said:
I had issues with that too, but in the end I concluded it was OK. The sleeves are loose, drape like. No different in principle than dealing with the loose edges of a conventional dark except that the Blackjacket does not dangle open or flap in the wind as much. It has an adjustable shock cord to secure around the camera. That is better than velcro which can wear out and attaches annoyingly to camera cases etc. It is better than elastic because it does not torque the camera during on/off and sometimes mess up focus. Also, the cinch cord makes it easier to use with multiple cameras or formats than elastic types.

Jerald,

Good points that I'll consider. Thanks for taking the time.

Jim

Jim Cole · Jul 11, 2009

Akki14 said:
I made an elasticated darkcloth for my 4x5 camera then realised all I'm doing is making a simple skirt with an elasticated waistband. It's incredibly simple to sew and fast if you have a sewing machine available to you. Just need to decide on a cloth that is right for you. I'd go for a black cotton drill fabric.

Thanks Heather,

Your're right, it is just a skirt and rather easy to make. Just don't have a sewing machine. Thanks for the reponse.

Jim

Peter Black · Jul 12, 2009

Jim Cole said:
Thanks Heather,

Your're right, it is just a skirt and rather easy to make.
Jim

Time for a visit to your local thrift/charity store?

Jim Cole · Aug 21, 2009

Found a Harrison cloth that I bought several years ago that I had forgotten about after buying my small lightweight one for the 4x5. The Harrison cloth works fine on the WP camera.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions here.

Focusing Cloth for Whole Plate

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