5x7 Color Film

[1750Shooter]

Does anyone know if there is any color film available in 5x7 other than Porta? I've really gotten to like Ektar, but can't find any in 5x7. I'm almost thinking of getting rid of my Seneca & going back to 4x5 just for the color. No, I don't want a reducing back. I'm not interested in carrying another set of filmholder. Thanks for any help.

[Daniel Stone]

Other than getting Ektar cut to 5x7 via special order, NO. You can cut down 8x10 Ektar, but most people don't feel comfortable doing that.

So fork over $15-18k, and you can get a nice supply of 5x7 Ektar. Not "impossible", but definitely not the inexpensive route

-Dan

[mdm]

I bought a rotary cutter to cut down 8x10 film and did 80 sheets earlier this week, its actually not such a hard thing to do, though it does get a little tedious. The big advantage is there is more choice in 8x10 than in 5x7. Also 10 sheet boxes are available, so you dont have to front for a 50 sheet box of 5x7 Portra. It also means that if 8x10 TMY ever pops up I can cut that down too. I think its the way to go. I think even in the Ilford ULF order there are 5 inch rolls of FP4 available, so you have that option. Xray film too if you like, that can be cut down.

[1750Shooter]

Thanks for the help. Since I don't have a darkroom & only use a darkbag, cutting film down isn't really practical for me. I asked a couple of commercial labs & they said they weren't comfortable doing it, so I guess I'll just have to sell my Seneca 5x7 & go back to 4x5. Thanks you.

[mdm]

I dont have one either. I did it in the windowless passage on a filing cabinet with all the doors and lights off and home alone. It sounds daunting, but its easy in practice.

[1750Shooter]

Thanks, I might give it a try.

[joselsgil]

1750Shooter,

Instead of selling your 5X7 Seneca. Just find a 4X5 back for the camera. That way you can use color film with the 4X5 back and still use the 5X7 back with B&W.

That's what I would do, but then I salivate when I see a black Seneca with red bellows

Jose

[cdholden]

Depending on the camera, optional backs may not be an option.
The back on my 6b rotates, but does not allow interchangeable film backs.

[joselsgil]

Depending on the camera, optional backs may not be an option.
The back on my 6b rotates, but does not allow interchangeable film backs.

Point taken.

The Seneca 5X7 that I am trying to refurbish does allow for the removal of the back.

[1750Shooter]

I thought about that, but can't bring myself to want to pack both 5x7 & 4x5 holders. That makes for a big load if you're going any distance. My Seneca is one of the few I've seen that is black with nickel fittings. Wish it had red bellows, that would look really sharp.