Gaffer's tape?
Jun 6, 2018 16:39:26 #
Bill_de wrote:
Uh, Google (which after the Ad sites got me to a top level site where I searched w/o success) and Amazon app (which led me to the $20 rolls and didn’t have a 3M filter). Just before I added that reply.
Jun 6, 2018 16:48:47 #
jamesl wrote:
I realize this might seem like a dumb question to some, but I'll ask anyway. I hear photographers talk about using gaffer's tape for a number of things when they are out shooting, so I would like to know what it is. Is it the same as masking tape or the blue painters tape? If it is a special type of tape for photography use, where do you get it?
It is definitely different from any other tape. I use white and black for taping down wires and other stuff. I also use it to ‘lock’ a zoom lens.
Jun 6, 2018 17:23:12 #
The real stuff is usually available through motion picture equipment dealers and rental companies. It is strong, somewhat heat resistant and will not damage most surfaces. In my location kit I keep various tapes; gaffer tape for the above mentioned use. Black masking tape is lower tack and releases more easily- it's great for improvising vignetters, and smaller gobos or emergency sealing light leaks in film backs and bellows. Gorilla tape is incredible for unexpected breakages or emergency repairs. With that stuff you can temporary mend a broken tripod leg, a damaged light stand or anything that sheers off, cracks or falls apart! It has incredible tensile strength in layers. Don't put it on anythg that mars easily- it will pull the finished layer right off of gyp-rock.
Duct tape is kinda dodgy lately. The domestic brands (3-M etc.are decent enough for the usual patch up jobs. Some of the cheaper imports are much weaker, more sticky and gooey and leave a mess behind.
Duct tape is kinda dodgy lately. The domestic brands (3-M etc.are decent enough for the usual patch up jobs. Some of the cheaper imports are much weaker, more sticky and gooey and leave a mess behind.
Jun 6, 2018 17:51:15 #
There are countless vendors for this tape on eBay. About $15 a roll though often cheaper in bulk.
Jun 6, 2018 19:02:22 #
As an aside, conventional duct tape, applied to galvanized ducting, will, over time, fail to adhere. One hundred percent of the time….
Jun 6, 2018 20:14:29 #
It's more like old fashioned, like 1940s or 50s, electrical tape. As mentioned in the post I quoted it's black, sticky and fabric as opposed to shiny black electrician's tape. I believe I saw some at the photography store I go to in Sacramento, Mike's Camera. Unfortunately Mikes in only in CA and CO.
Jun 7, 2018 01:55:23 #
It comes in all kinds of colors, looks lots like Duct Tape, and much more expensive... I think I pay $18 a roll... but oh so worth it. no sticky residue left behind.
I usually get mine at the camera store.
I usually get mine at the camera store.
Jun 7, 2018 03:21:58 #
jcboy3 wrote:
No, the biggest difference is the adhesive. Duct tape will leave a residue when you remove it. Gaffer tape was developed to tape cords to the floor or other structures, and then remove them without leaving a sticky residue. Duct tape was developed for use as the name indicates; to seal ducts. Put it up, leave it up. Not designed to be removable.
What I'm saying is MOST people that are not in theater or are gaffers are using it as expensive duct tape!!!
SS
Jun 7, 2018 05:33:27 #
dsmeltz wrote:
It is very nice duct tape. Except it is vinyl instead of poly coated and it has a nice non-reflective matte finish. It comes in various colors but black seems to be the most popular. You often see it being used to hold down extension cords at events.
As a former video guy, I cringe when it is referred to as a kind of duct tape.
Jun 7, 2018 11:46:28 #
Jun 7, 2018 12:35:04 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
jamesl wrote:
I realize this might seem like a dumb question to some, but I'll ask anyway. I hear photographers talk about using gaffer's tape for a number of things when they are out shooting, so I would like to know what it is. Is it the same as masking tape or the blue painters tape? If it is a special type of tape for photography use, where do you get it?
Type it in on search at BH PHOTO. we used it at weddings to secure cables in early video. It's just like masking tape but much easier to remove. Used to cover our silver film Nikon's with it so they would not stick out in a crowd.
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