Quality 4x5 and 5x7 Film Holders

[C_Remington]

So, my 2014 new years resolution is to minimize my gear and equipment but focus on quality (not quantity).

Can someone recommend the top two or three holder brands?

thanx much in advance.

[BrianShaw]

The only film holders I have ever "had a problem with" are wooden. All of the others of "plastic" manufacture, whether vintage Riteways or more modern Lisco/Fidelity, have worked well for me. The most important part is the condition of the individual holder. In good shape, you'll be good. In questionable shape, and you'll wonder if you are going to be good.

Read this if you haven't already: http://www.largeformatphotography.info/holders.html

[Heroique]

Also, no matter the quality of the holder, no matter if new or used, no matter how well or poorly you treat them, be sure to keep careful field notes so you always know – even years down the road – which film sheets came from which holder and on which side.

Be a good detective before you have to be a good detective!

[Leigh]

Well, in recent years Fidelity, Riteway, and Lisco were all made by the same company.

I've been told that Toyo are the best available. I have a couple dozen of them, and I believe they are.

My favorite holders are the latest Riteway, with the automatic slide lock.
These have a feature than prints numbers outside the image border. Very handy.

- Leigh

[Alan Gales]

I have also heard that Toyo's are the best. I acquired a few mint ones with a used 4x5 camera purchase and kept them. They are pretty nice. I wish I had some of the 8x10 ones.

[lbenac]

I have Toyo and Chamonix as my best holders.
But I also have 40 or so old Riteway with the metal handle for traveling when loading film on the go is not really an option.

[Sal Santamaura]

Toyo holders are the best 4x5s mechanically (Toyo never made 5x7s), but, if you purchase new or "newish," you'd better have a very poor sense of smell:

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...g-film-holders

[John Kasaian]

My very best 4x5 holders are the older style Riteways. Being a luddite, I don't think the new ones are nearly as good---too gimmicky for me.
For 5x7 I'd look for Bacos(not the salad topping!) In fact, I am looking for 5x7 Bacos!

[Leigh]

My very best 4x5 holders are the older style Riteways. Being a luddite, I don't think the new ones are nearly as good---too gimmicky for me.

The numeric imprint on the negatives is an integral aspect of my documentation.

Those correlate with my shooting notes without any possible error, as can occur with numbering only the storage sleeves.

- Leigh

[Tin Can]

Interesting to note that the link points out Grafmatics are best in 'T', perhaps a steel holder is simply easier to machine to size.

The only film holders I have ever "had a problem with" are wooden. All of the others of "plastic" manufacture, whether vintage Riteways or more modern Lisco/Fidelity, have worked well for me. The most important part is the condition of the individual holder. In good shape, you'll be good. In questionable shape, and you'll wonder if you are going to be good.

Read this if you haven't already: http://www.largeformatphotography.info/holders.html