4x5 BW Fuji instant film - where to get?

[Kurt Eichenberger]

Hi all,

New member - first post here.

I am long time large format photographer. Started when I was 12 shooting 5x7 and 8x10 photo paper in pinhole cameras back in the 60's. I have built and owned a lot of cameras since that time. I enjoy photography immensely. Never earned a dime from it, and never had a formal show.

The past few years I have been shooting B&W Polaroids using a 545 back in my Speed Graphic. I get a real kick out of it. My last case of Polaroid 4x5 film is about gone, and of course no more is to be had.

I have been planning to switch to the Fuji instant pack films, using a 545 holder.

Looking for the following:

FP-100B45 Super, ISO 100, black and white
FP-3000B45 Super, ISO 3000, black and white, comparable to Polaroid type 667
FP-500B45 Super, ISO 500, black and white

But I can't find any of the Fuji 4x5 B&W films - have they been discontinued? If not, where can I find them?

Thanks,

Kurt

[Robert Fisher]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/278325-REG/Fujifilm_15200784_FP_100B_Professional_Instant_B_W.html

[vinny]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/278325-REG/Fujifilm_15200784_FP_100B_Professional_Instant_B_W.html

NOPE!
This happens here all the time. 45 is not the same as the medium format version. There is no longer film made that fits your 545.

You can't buy it in the states yet but they will begin to sell it in March (the 100asa 4x5 stuff only). google japan exposures, that's the only place to get it right now but it's $$$$$$ and you'll need a different holder, the fuji pa-45 if you can find one. The deman has been so high, the price has nearly doubled since I got mine about 6 months ago. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/308996-REG/Fujifilm_14250691_PA_45_Film_Holder_for.html

vinny

[Gene McCluney]

Hi all,

New member - first post here.



I have been planning to switch to the Fuji instant pack films, using a 545 holder.

But I can't find any of the Fuji 4x5 B&W films - have they been discontinued? If not, where can I find them?

Thanks,

Kurt

If the 545 holder is for the Polaroid single-sheet instant films, you won't be using any Fuji instant films, as they are PACK films and require a pack-film back.

All the Fuji b/w films are current production, but not all are yet officially imported into the USA. I think more will be available in March.

[Kurt Eichenberger]

Sorry all,

I meant to say the 550 holder or the PA-45. I know the 545 won't work.

Glad to know the larger size is planned to be imported soon.

Kurt

[ljsegil]

Dirk Rosler's site (http://www.japanexposures.com/shop/index.php?cPath=32&osCsid=77d490bbbd006f8e826d2de98fc8c1f0) has a 10% sale going on B&W film right now which takes their prices on the Fuji instant film (and the regular film inventory also) just a little ways out of the stratosphere, and the shipping costs are surprisingly quite reasonable if you aren't in a rush (claim 1-2 weeks delivery). I finally decided to bite the bullet and try out their Instant Film 4x5 B&W packs in the different ISOs (100, 500, 3000) and see what the film can do (ISO 3000 could be out of sight for handheld LF if you can see anything through the grain). The Fuji Instant Color FP100C45 is very good, I think much superior to the old Polaroid 79. They also have in stock the appropriate 4x5 pack film holder, new for the crazy $200, but also used for half that amount which is how I got mine and I can't tell it from new. Report back in a month or so on the film, and in the meantime make the usual no affiliation disclaimer although I have always enjoyed Dirk's contributions to the forum.
Larry

[Kurt Eichenberger]

I have used the old Polaroid 3000 ASA film many times in the past, and had always been amazed at how good it was. Thanks for the link. I may bite. Is this company located in Japan?

Kurt

[ljsegil]

Yes but very user friendly.
LJS

[Kurt Eichenberger]

Well I picked up a used Polaroid 405 back today at my local camera store today for 20 bucks, as well as some of the medium format Fuji B&W instant film. So I'm back in business shooting polaroids with my old Speed Graphic. Going to place an order with Japan exposures on Monday for some of the Fuji 4x5 B&W film, while I look for a Polaroid 550 holder. Thanks for all the help.

Kurt

[Chris Dunham]

I can't see why anyone would pay as much as 100% _ shipping more for film from japanexposures, some of those prices are nuts.

Pity really as would like to use the B&W stuff.

Chris.

[Cymen]

This thread over at APUG is relevant:

http://www.apug.org/forums/forum322/58876-when-will-acros-4x5-available-sheets-us.html

With some posts from apparently Fuji USA.

[Bill_1856]

I haven't seen any Fuji 4x5 prints, but the 3x4 looks more like prints on an RC paper than the beauty of real Polaroid 52.

[Chris Dunham]

Further to the instant film discussion, found this while looking for film - really hope they have some results.

http://www.the-impossible-project.com

Chris.

[Gene McCluney]

Further to the instant film discussion, found this while looking for film - really hope they have some results.

http://www.the-impossible-project.com

Chris.

You should note that this "project" is to produce "integral" film such as used by the Polaroid SX-70 and 600 type cameras, not peel-apart films. There are no plans to make peel-apart films such as we use in large format for testing. Fuji is the only vendor going forward on these.

[Chris Dunham]

You should note that this "project" is to produce "integral" film such as used by the Polaroid SX-70 and 600 type cameras, not peel-apart films. There are no plans to make peel-apart films such as we use in large format for testing. Fuji is the only vendor going forward on these.

Hi Gene,

Thanks, I missed that in my first read, shame. Still, the SX-70 is a pretty neat and unique look.

I really wanted to try some 8x10 instant film but have arrived at that decision a bit late. Next option is to keep shooting the Fuji FP-100c45 which I quite like then scan and print up on glossy print paper at 8x10 and see how that looks.

Chris.

[Santo Roman]

So would this be the same film at the polaroid peel apart with the picture and useful negative?

Santo

[Santo Roman]

I was thinking of type 55 peel aparts. Is the fuji we are talking about the same as that?

santo

[Gene McCluney]

I was thinking of type 55 peel aparts. Is the fuji we are talking about the same as that?

santo

There is no film made like Type 55 anymore. The Fuji b/w instant film, just produces a peel-apart print, there is no negative that can be saved and printed. Type 55 was a single-sheet film, All Fuji instant films are "pack" films, requires different back.

[willrea]

Supposedly the 100 speed B&W stuff will be available to US suppliers on the 10th

[Santo Roman]

Thanks Gene. I knew it was a long shot that it would be the same. I won't hold my breath for the May 11 deadline.

santo