What if I don't have enough boxes to take to the lab?

[dikaiosune01]

Admitance:
I am new to Large Format Photography. I have mostly worked with 35mm and have done my own processing; plus the occassional lab with slides.

I've already found a highly recommended lab that is accessible (sort of). However, I don't have enough boxes to take to the lab. I plan on processing some B/W and slides with them. However I won't be emptying the box immediately. Some film will be saved for backup once i get my initial results back. I can't give them my darkslide. They dont' have anywhere to put it either...

I'm looking for a solution to transport my film to the processor. I don't have any extra boxes. ANd darkslides seem infeasible.

[gary mulder]

If we know where you are a member could send you some boxes. I have more than enough. But sending them over half the globe does not seem right.

[dikaiosune01]

Hong Kong
send me a PM if you are so inclined. I would be very greatful. Thanks

[Fred L]

just wondering how hard it would be to make one's own three part boxes ala kodak ? figured some black matt board and black tape. and a sharp exacto knife.

[Frank Petronio]

Ask the lab for boxes.

[ROL]

I'm looking for a solution to transport my film to the processor. I don't have any extra boxes. ANd darkslides seem infeasible.

Nobody really does when starting with LF sheet film. Here are 2 possible solutions:
1) If you print at all, use 8X10 paper boxes with their dark bags, maybe taping the outside of the boxes with dark tape.
2) Buy the cheapest film of the size you are using in the least amount possible from any source and chuck the film just for the boxes.

[Bob Kerner]

This is a pretty common question; I should know I asked it here about a month ago.

There is no short cut. You need boxes. Either ask the lab or offer to pay someone here to mail you some empties; perhaps a posting in the for sale forum.

You might try the local camera shop. Maybe they have some outdated stock that they are going to throw out that you can acquire at a good price.

I'd offer this tip. When you do get that first batch to the lab do NOT leave without your boxes when you pick up the developed film. There's nothing like getting home only to realize you don't have any empties and can unload your film holders.

[MIke Sherck]

There's nothing magic about film boxes: if your lab can't find some empties to give you and no one near you offers to send you any, any cardboard box with a tight-fitting lid will do. Wrap the film in an empty film or photo paper bag or even several layers of black garbage bag, and put it into an inner box and then within an outer box. Then wrap the box in another bag or two, if you're the worrying type, or in aluminum foil. Aluminum foil is an excellent, light-tight material (I once sealed a darkroom with it. Long story, but it worked great.) Keep in mind that from the manufacturer, film is in a non-light-tight inner bag, inside a cardboard box, inside another cardboard box. Cardboard works really, really well.

Try to avoid making the package look, um, suspicious. Lots of idiots out on the street and you don't want the local bomb squad blowing up your film. *Sigh*

Mike

[Frank Petronio]

If you do something out of the ordinary, like package your film in something other than normal film boxes, be sure to label it VERY CLEARLY and in multiple places. Labs do not expect such amateur antics and you can't hold them accountable if you do something weird like that.

[John NYC]

With some labs, you can take in your holders and they will unload them for you while you wait. I've not done this myself, but I've seen people ask for this service and get it.

When I started I had to go to two labs to get an empty box.

Another option is to buy two boxes of the same type of film (like a 10 sheet box of slide film) and then cram the contents of one into the other and use the empty one for transporting your film. This can work with Kodak boxes I think, but with Ilford boxes, being smaller and having 25 sheets in them, this tactic probably won't.

The best option is to get an empty box from somewhere to start... and then as someone said above ALWAYS get your empties back. They are great for filing negs away later also for storage.