Dark Cloth

Hi Guys.
I've been making do with coats, jackets etc. for too many years now and I think I need a REAL dark cloth. Vanbar's online doesn't have any. B&H have one for $50. I have access to someone who knows how to use a sewing machine if I could locate some good cloth.

Any suggestions?

Peter.

G'day Pete,

I usually just use my raincoat too, but I was considering making one last year... realised I was happy enough with my coats in the end though. I don't know how practical it would have been, heat & weight wise, but I was going to use black-out curtain material, possibly with a nylon outer layer for a bit of drizzle-proofing. Had a good look around a couple Spotlight stores a few times, came across one that had black-out material that was black on one side, white on the other. Not too pricey really, just an hour or sew (haw haw) behind a sewing machine and one would be set. I had planned to bring the corners of the camera-end together, and have a draw-string running through it to slip over the camera then pull tight.

Maybe one day I'll consider it again... probably after I see how well you're going with yours I bet!

G'day Pete,

I usually just use my raincoat too, but I was considering making one last year... realised I was happy enough with my coats in the end though. I don't know how practical it would have been, heat & weight wise, but I was going to use black-out curtain material, possibly with a nylon outer layer for a bit of drizzle-proofing. Had a good look around a couple Spotlight stores a few times, came across one that had black-out material that was black on one side, white on the other. Not too pricey really, just an hour or sew (haw haw) behind a sewing machine and one would be set. I had planned to bring the corners of the camera-end together, and have a draw-string running through it to slip over the camera then pull tight.

Maybe one day I'll consider it again... probably after I see how well you're going with yours I bet!

Hi Pete,
I bought a white outside black inside elasticized darkcloth with velcro. I think you've seen it. It works a treat and doesn't get blown away while your trying to focus. Plus it's waterproof. I think I bought it from Badger Graphics when I got the 8x10. The other good thing about them is they don't flap about in the wind.
Mike

Hi Pete, my recommendation is to get your sewing person to get to work on some triple-pass fabric from Spotlight. I am waiting for my sewing person to do the same for me, but I can vouch for the fabric, in terms of light-proofness.

By the way, it is white or near enough, so a cool option, in more ways than one.

I agree with Mike. I got one of these BTZS darkcloths and have been very happy with it:

https://www.badgergraphic.com/store/...t_detail&p=675

Ian

Hi Pete.
There is a dark cloth on Adorama for 19.95 at the moment if your interested. Ebay USA.
cheers Brian,
PS tried to copy & pase link for you but wont let me.

BrianD said:

"Hi Pete.
There is a dark cloth on Adorama for 19.95 at the moment if your interested. Ebay USA.
cheers Brian,
PS tried to copy & pase link for you but wont let me. "


Thanks, Brian. The buy price of 19.95 from Adorama and/or B&H for $50 is not outrageous but the extra $50 for shipping is not acceptable.

Peter.

I went to Lincraft (Highpoint) with SWMBO yesterday and browsed what materials they had. There I found curtain blockout material which should be suitable. All sorts were 1.37m wide rolls of cloth backed with white rubber. There was black with a preformed curtain edge for $40/metre, dark blue for $18 per metre and in the oddments bin I found the black variety pre-sewn into a curtain for $40 which contained about 2 sq.m of blockout cloth. Enough for two darkcloths but I wasn't allowed to buy it then. I'm told I'm allowed to browse Spotlight soon.
Peter.

Greetings, if you can have someone sew a straight line, or something similar, I'd suggest considering gabardine (almost all shops selling material will have this). I made a cloth with a short lenth of white sown back to back with a piece of black. It is used with the white side out (reflects heat and light), it isn't not waterproof, but I don't anticipate it needs to be for me.

Guys,
I just use the BTZS Cloth for my 8 x 10 it is very well made. I have long since forgotten the price as the convenience outweighs the pocket. I looked at getting a similar style made for my 4 x 5, however I will just get the 4 x 5 with my next order from the view camera store.

Just last Thursday, we went back to Lincraft and I bought 1.5m of 1.2m wide 'blockout' curtain material. White rubber-coated on one side and a very dark black&brown on the other side $9.05/m. My lovely ma-in-law has been a sewer all her life and is going to size, hem, elasticise and velcro it all up for me, so I'll be set.
Peter.

great to see you're finally getting a good darkcloth Pete, but I don't think your in law would like to be called a "sewer" no matter what shit she spouts. LOL
Mike

Ha ha! Good one mike :P

Good buy on the material Pete, last time I looked (for lining the door in the darkroom) I couldn't find anything under $30, which is why I ended up using tablecloth vinyl. Was it on special, or is that the regular price? We're moving house this weekend, and my new 'darkroom' space will need some serious blacking out!

I think the 'normal price for that material is $12.68 /metre. I got it at 30% off!
It's all sewn up now and is a treat to use. Going to the Otways area next week, so I'll give it a tryout.
Peter

Gutter-mouth Mike said:
"great to see you're finally getting a good darkcloth Pete, but I don't think your in law would like to be called a "sewer" no matter what shit she spouts. LOL"

That 'sewer' is sounded the same as 'sower' and means someone to sews for a living. My ma-in-law is the greatest!!
(And SWMBO occasionally sees this forum).

Peter.

Sorry 'bout that Chief. Apologise to the missus for will you? Actually you're lucky to have some one make it for you. My first one was a one metre square of black felt with no overlocking on the edges. It lasted until I met Jenni, 7 years ago, and she made one for me. Then I bought the BTZS one with elastic and velcro.
Mike

Took the cameras to the Otways last weekend and tried out the darkcloth at Triplett Falls (which were carrying a thundrous amount of water). Very nice.
Now I've got enough material for two more darkcloths. Anyone want it?

Peter.

I'd imagine there definitely would have been plenty of water around last weekend! Having spent the week moving, I can vouch that there was a LOT of water around!