New feature for 32", 40" and 46" BLACKJACKET(TM)s

[kswatapug]

I am pleased to let the large format community know that I've added a new feature to all 4x5 and 5x7 BLACKJACKET(TM)s. The new feature I'm calling the BLACKBAG(TM) doubles as a storage sack for the BLACKJACKET(TM), and an adjustable curtain to block the gap beneath the rear standard and base of field style cameras, (or on either side of the rail in monorail style cameras).

Like many of my other modifications, this concept was developed in response to customer feedback. Thank you! I do listen and value your input.

You can click here to link to the explanation and demo page on our website.

Folks that have received orders the last couple of weeks are already aware of this new feature. I delayed a global announcement until I had retrofitted my remaining inventory.

I expect a similar accessory will be part of the 8x10 models as soon as testing is complete.

My earliest customers know I don't like to penalize those who were the first adoptees of our product, so I expect to be able to offer BLACKBAG(TM)s with installation kits (for little more than the cost of postage) or arrange for customers' return and retrofit of their existing focusing cloths to accept this new feature.

The retrofit only requires the addition of two strips of the special "snag-free" Velcro(TM) to the neck of the focusing cloth, but business has been so brisk all year that I will need to wait until my fabricator has caught up with my current orders before I formally extend the offer.

Stay tuned and thanks for your support!

 

[scootermm]

nice addition.
Im looking forward to when the ULF black jackets are out. I love the 8x10 version. please keep us updated.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I'm also looking forward to an 11x14" Blackjacket.

 

[kswatapug]

Thanks guys! As for the ULF, we're close. I'm currently waiting for the revised prototypes to be returned from my fabricator. The brisk sales have made it difficult to do anything but keep producing the models we currently feature. But, I like the looks of these new ones.

I was pleasantly surprised during my last session at Kerik's to see how close we came on the initial pattern go-round. A few tweaks and we'll check it out again. I was hoping to have everything finalized by the end of the month, and at the latest, mid-February. I'm headed to Yosemite to teach the 2nd week in February and hope to stop in at Kerik's again for another first-hand evaluation.

 

[Jeremy]

Kevin, is there any idea on when this addition will be available for those already owning a blackjacket?

I must say that these things are indispensable! While photographing in Japan I would have taken 1/2 of the LF shots I did if not for how well the blackjacket works in heavy winds.

 

[kswatapug]

I was expecting delivery this week of at least a partial order of all model sizes to bring my existing product quantities up to par stock. The holidays always throws a wrench into production schedules and I am just one of many vendors the fabricator is dealing with.

The challenge thus far has been prioritizing the orders. I don't like any delay in shipping once something has been ordered, and since orders have been so steady for our current line, we've had a hard time scheduling the design/build of new product. As many BLACKJACKET(TM)s as are out there, I'll be making the bags for quite a while before we catch up.

And as for priorities, I am most eager to get the ULF models complete and into the production schedule, especially since we began working on those around this time last year.

But, once we get over that hump, it shouldn't be long to generate a large enough inventory that we can start shipping The BLACKBAG(TM)s.