Problem with Kodak E100g Readyload in Polaroid 545

[Duncan Dwelle]

I have a problem with Kodak E100g Readyloads in my Polaroid 545 (old metal model - not the plastic 545i). Polaroid types 54 & 55 work fine. However I've just done a test with 4 shots of E100g and I find that all 4 "didn't work because the metal clip on the end of the envelope didn't catch when it was inserted." (Thus the film was never uncovered to be exposed.) That's a quote from Q. Tuan Luong at http://www.largeformatphotography.info/holders.html (http://www.largeformatphotography.info/holders.html).

Curiously he was discussing Polaroid film in the Kodak back - just the opposite of my problem. And furthermore his article reports "Kodak film in the Polaroid back - works ..."

Does anyone have a similar experience? Suggestion? Do I have to get a Kodak Readyload holder and carry both?

[Ralph Barker]

My understanding was that both Kodak Readyloads and Fuji Quickloads work in the Polaroid 545i and 545pro holders, but no guarantees on the older Polaroid holders. Early on, the general recommendation, aside from a 545i or 545pro, was to use the respective manufacturer's holders. Paul Butzi (http://www.butzi.net/) did extensive testing a while back, and has extensive info on his site. I've also heard recently that the very latest Kodak holders will now also work with Fuji Quickloads.

[Gem Singer]

Hi Duncan,

You probably need to get the newer 545i version of the Polaroid holder, or better yet the latest version of the Kodak Readyload holder, in order to solve your problem. Some of the Kodak Readyloads won't even work properly in the older Kodak holders, not to mention older Polaroid holders.

[Duncan Dwelle]

Thanks for your thoughts. I have read these sources and many others. The summary of advise seemed to indicate that 545 = 545i (except for weight) and Kodak & Fiji should work in 545. But obviously conditions vary. The conservative advice seems to be appropriate: Kodak in Kodak; Polaroid in Polariod, etc. So I'm resigned to ordering a Kodak holder from Badger in the morning.

[Steve McKinney]

I often have problems with Kodak Readyloads in my Polaroid 545 holder. The clip at the end of the film packet does not engage the latch at the end of the holder. My solution is to pry the clip out a little bit with a fingernail. You have to be extra careful to feel that the film is staying in the holder when you pull out the envelope.

By the way, I never have this problem with Fuji Quickloads. Also, in my experience, Quickloads are easier to remove from the 545 holder than Readyloads, which often snag at the rollers.

[mark blackman]

There is a report of a recent comparison of various film holders and types on the Robert White website:

http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/Large%20accessories.htm#Readysteady

[Bill Jefferson]

The 545 film holder has one catch in the center of the holder, slightly, bend open the cap to engage the latch, probably your older holder is worn enough to miss the cap.