What size darkcloth for ULF?

[John Kasaian]

Hello! I thought I'd tap the resources of APUG.ORG once more regarding this really big camera. My dark cloth which I used on my 8x10 is too small to be much use on the 12x20. I was wondering what size dark cloths other 12x20 users find workable. Since this will be a home made project, I'd rather be too big than too small, but I can easily imagine the dimensions quickly approaching ridiculous and unmanageable proportions if left to my own devices. Any recommendations??

 

[Donald Miller]

John,
Just as you, I am involved with this matter now. The information that I have been able to gather from Jorge and others is that what works is a cloth of sufficient size to wrap the perimeter of the camera back (secured by elastic with the two corners attached to each other). This makes an enclosure around the camera back. Then the other end would have the two corners not attached to each other and a distance of approximately 6 feet from the point at which it attaches to the back of the camera to the opposite end. I figured that mine would need to be about 90" by 72". (the perimeter of my back is 85"). I figure that this will allow it to double as a tent. LOL

 

[Les McLean]

I use a 4 x 5 cloth made by The View Camera Store that wraps around the back of the camera with ab elasticated aperture, it's really efficient and very light to carry. I'm sure they do the same cloth for larger formats.

 

[Jorge]

The View Camera store does make the bTZS cloth for ULF, but is horribly expensive.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

For now I'm using my 8x10" cloth (Delta 50x60") for 11x14", but I'm planning to make a new one this summer unless I find one that's suitable--at least 72" on the long side to go all the way around. B&H has one that's 58x72", but it's nylon, which might be too lightweight to be practical outdoors. There is a Wista that describes itself as "Large" and "for larger cameras," that looks more substantial, but it doesn't say how large is "large."

By the way, if you look at the B&H website, you have to search under "focusing cloth"

 

[John Kasaian]

....Hmmmm, the perimeter x 6', eh? Sounds like a great place to start----Thanks!

 

[Aggie]

..

 

[John Kasaian]

Aggie, Thanks for the kind offer, but I've got someone to do the sewing(in fact I married her!)------------Cheers!

 

[bmac]

</span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Aggie @ May 11 2003, 10:50 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> I keep reading about dark cloths. I can make one for you. The one dimension would be 60&quot; since that is the widest width fabric normally comes in at fabric stores. It could be as long as you want the other direction. I can add elastic to the one side, and velcro closure along the other sides to wrap you in a sort of coccoon. I have been toying with the idea of adding sleeve like extensions on the sides of the fabvric that would allow you to reach forward without having to fight the dark cloth. This way you could focus and stay in the dark at the same time.

Offer made, and it would only cost you the price of materials and the postage. </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'>
Aggie, I like that Idea! Kind of like a monks robe with a huge collar that can wrap around the back of the camera!

 

[Aggie]

..

 

[Donald Miller]

I just bought the fabric to have one made up tomorrow for the 12X20. Black interior, white exterior, Enclosed with elastic to grasp the camera back...open at the far end. Overall dimensions 90" X 60". About 1/3 the cost of the BTZS. Hope that it works out, but the price is right.

I would have taken Aggie up on her offer, but the lady at the fabric store offered to make it up for $10.00, I couldn't refuse...besides she was kinda cute, but probably no competition for our Aggie.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

So the Zone VI 8x10" sized darkcloth available from Calumet is 78"x48" and around $46. Other than BTZS, that looks like the largest standard-issue darkcloth around.

 

[bmac]

Does anyone know if the Zone VI has weights or elastic?

 

[PaulH]

I bought the Zone VI for 4x5 years ago and it has weights. But they don't stay in the corners. I recently bought their 8x10 model which has no weights. The fabric is pretty heavy weight and I don't miss the weights. They can become pretty dangerous in a stiff wind.

 

[PaulH]

No elastic.