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Thread: How to store 4x5" while shooting in Snow

  1. #1

    Question How to store 4x5" while shooting in Snow

    Hi members of the forum,
    I just thought I'd go straight to the point with the title and the post. I'm planning to go on a rather big field trip with my 4x5 Large Format and shoot some Kodak Ektar film, as well as some black and white. I only have two film holders, which means 4 shots at a time, and I will most likely need to use a changing bag to swap films so I can take more.

    So my question is:
    How can I make sure when I take them out to take the shot, or to swap the film in the changing bag, that I don't get condensation on the film from the drastic change of temperature from inside the bag to outside in the cold snowy weather?

    I'm thinking firstly to use sandwich zip-bags to store the holders in when not using them, but is that going to make a difference when quickly taking them from considerably warm to cold, to warm again?

    Thanks again!
    -Constantin

    PS: Hope this is the right section of the forum to post this kind of question.

  2. #2
    Foamer
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    Re: How to store 4x5" while shooting in Snow

    Warm to cold, no problem. Cold to warm can cause condensation. Keep the holders in a sealed bag and take them inside. Let them warm up slowly over several hours.


    Kent in SD
    In contento ed allegria
    Notte e di vogliam passar!

  3. #3
    Dave Karp
    Join Date
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    Re: How to store 4x5" while shooting in Snow

    Keep the film in a bag too. I also put my backpack with the camera and lenses in a big garbage bag and seal it before it goes inside.

    It will also be a lot easier if you can get your hands on some more film holders. You can never have enough of them! :-)

  4. #4
    Big Negs Rock!
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    Re: How to store 4x5" while shooting in Snow

    Keep all the gear in the cold. You won't have lens condensation problems, nor other condensation issues.
    Mark Woods

    Large Format B&W
    Cinematography Mentor at the American Film Institute
    Past President of the Pasadena Society of Artists
    Director of Photography
    Pasadena, CA
    www.markwoods.com

  5. #5
    Big Negs Rock!
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    Re: How to store 4x5" while shooting in Snow

    And load your film outside. The exposed sheets can go inside, no problem.
    Mark Woods

    Large Format B&W
    Cinematography Mentor at the American Film Institute
    Past President of the Pasadena Society of Artists
    Director of Photography
    Pasadena, CA
    www.markwoods.com

  6. #6
    ic-racer's Avatar
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    Re: How to store 4x5" while shooting in Snow

    Quote Originally Posted by Constantin View Post
    I only have two film holders.
    You will have a difficult time because of that.

  7. #7

    Join Date
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    Re: How to store 4x5" while shooting in Snow

    You will be frustrated going out with just 2 film holders. That's just 4 shots. You will spend too much time managing film and holders each day. The good advice here from fellow forum contributors is to get more of them.
    Peter Collins

    On the intent of the First Amendment: The press was to serve the governed, not the governors --Opinion, Hugo Black, Judge, Supreme Court, 1971 re the "Pentagon Papers."

  8. #8

    Join Date
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    Sheridan, Colorado
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    Re: How to store 4x5" while shooting in Snow

    Whether you have two holders or two hundred, you still have the same question/problem. The best advise -- already given -- is to keep the film & gear as close to the same temperature as possible -- and as close to the temperature they will be used in. If you are camping, it's a non-issue. Condensation is not just a possible issue for film. It can happen just as easily to a ground glass, lenses, loupe, eyeglasses, etc. Higher humidity makes it worse/more likely. Out here in the West, the Winter humidity is often under 10% so it's not a big deal except going from a 70 degree house to a -10 degree outdoors. But in that case, the lenses and films are not the only things that have to deal with SHOCK!
    Last edited by xkaes; 26-Dec-2017 at 11:32.

  9. #9

    Join Date
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    Re: How to store 4x5" while shooting in Snow

    Just to clarify. Will you be using the bag outside or inside ? Also to add to other repliers, I suggest getting a few more holders, as I'm not sure we can ever have too many holders Don't need to take them all out but you can use some then when they're exposed, let them warm up slowly, while using the other holders. etc etc. rinse and repeat.
    notch codes ? I only use one film...

  10. #10

    Join Date
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    Madisonville, LA
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    Re: How to store 4x5" while shooting in Snow

    Buy more film holders! They're cheap!

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