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Lenrick
4-May-2011, 07:54
Hey

I am new to this forum, sorry if this question has been asked before.

About 5 years ago I used Polaroid sheet film in my 4x5" camera. I mainly used the 54 black and white version. Now I want to do this again, but it seems all production of these films has ended. The ones I find in the Impossible Project web shop are too expensive.

Some 'instant films' are easily available in Sweden (where I live). The store where I usually shop lists these in their web shop: Fujifilm Instant Fp100 C, Impossible film for Polaroid 600, for Polaroid SX-70 and for Polaroid Image.

My question is: Is there an adapter or some thing that I can buy that will let me use any of these films on my 4x5" camera?

I cant find the size of these films, but I guess they are much smaller than the Polaroid 4x5" sheet film I used to use. What size are the ones I mentioned above?

Thanks!

/Filip

Brian C. Miller
4-May-2011, 08:07
Welcome to the forum!

The Polaroid 550 holder can use the Fuji 4x5 packs. There is also a Fuji holder, which lists for $200.

Lenrick
4-May-2011, 08:17
Thanks

The Fuji 4x5 packs does not seem to be available in Sweden. I called Fuji-Sweden and asked about Fuji instant 4x5 and they said I should forget it.

Do you know of any store where I can buy Fuji Instant 4x5 that would be likely to ship to Sweden?

You can see what films are available here locally at these link:
http://www.scandinavianphoto.se/product/list.aspx?sid=6196443
http://www.scandinavianphoto.se/product/list.aspx?sid=6196505

Sevo
4-May-2011, 08:44
I tend to buy mine at Fuji UK: http://www.fujilab.co.uk/catalog/fujifilm-fp100c-inch-instant-film-gloss-10sheets-pack-p-732.html - that seems to be the official outlet for Europe. Shipping to Germany takes about one week.

yeknom02
4-May-2011, 09:56
You can also get the Polaroid 405 or Fuji PA-145 holder (I think), which will allow you to shoot the smaller FP-100C (not the FP-100C45) in a 4x5 camera. I have one and I love it. The size is 3.25 x 4.25 inches, which is not too small for me, especially since this film is much more affordable than the FP-100C45.

Lenrick
4-May-2011, 11:02
Thank you yeknom02, that was just the thing I was trying to ask about. A holder that fits my 4x5 camera and is suitable for the smaller (cheaper) Fuji instant film.

Ok, the size is 3.25 x 4.25 inches for the smaller film, that is large enough for me I think. Now, where can I buy a Polaroid 405 or a Fuji PA-145 holder (can anyone verify that the Fuji holder is the correct one)? On Fuji UK (http://www.fujilab.co.uk/catalog/cameras-backs-c-125.html) I can only see one holder which I guess is for 4x5".

Will any of the films I mentioned before (Impossible film for Polaroid 600, for Polaroid SX-70 and for Polaroid Image) fit this holder?

Ari
4-May-2011, 11:41
Will any of the films I mentioned before (Impossible film for Polaroid 600, for Polaroid SX-70 and for Polaroid Image) fit this holder?

In a word, no.
To my knowledge, the IP is NOT about peel-apart films, so don't hold your breath waiting for a resurrected Type 55 or the like.
Fuji has stepped up admirably, and made an excellent quality peel-apart instant film.

Sevo
4-May-2011, 12:30
In a word, no.
To my knowledge, the IP is NOT about peel-apart films.

The former Polaroid factory they operate was a integral film plant and they aren't even there yet with reverse engineering the integral production after something like two years, even though they have the gear and expert staff. Whatever their peel-apart plans may be, you'd better not hold your breath...

Tim Povlick
4-May-2011, 12:42
Hi Lenrick,

Confirmed, the PA-45 is for full sized 4x5 instants and the PA-145 is for the smaller

http://www.japanexposures.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=229

You may be able to find these on Ebay or perhaps this sites "For Sale" section. Note: it takes 30-days of membership before one can use that area.

The Fujifilm is excellent and I believe some artists on this forum are using it in their work.

Small Vs full-size I prefer the 4x5 as it shows FoV more accurately.

The Impossible Project missed the 4x5 peel apart equipment before it was scrapped by Polaroid but they managed to get the 8x10. They have said they will pursue 8x10 peel apart in the future. Their latest film is actually pretty good. If Fujifilm had an 8x10 in peel apart that matched their color instant it would be nirvana.


Best Regards,

Tim

Lenrick
4-May-2011, 13:24
Thanks Tim

Just to be very super-clear on all the details.

If I want to take 4x5" images I can use "FUJIFILM FP-100c54" with a Polaroid 550 holder or a Fuji PA 45 holder.

If I want to take 3.25 x 4.25" images I can use "FUJIFILM FP-100c" with a Polaroid 405 holder or Fuji PA-145 holder.

All of these holders, except the Fuji PA 45, are hard to find (meaning I have to look for them on e-bay or likewise).

The Polaroid 545 holder (http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Polaroid_545) I used for my old Polaroid 55 and 54 will not work with any of Fujis Instant films? Is this holder good for anything now-days?

Marc B.
4-May-2011, 22:31
Here is the rundown on availability/compatibility:

Fuji PA-45, Film holder for 4X5 Pack film

http://www.adorama.com/FJPA45.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=fuji+pa+145+film+back&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

There are currently only two Pack Films offered, that
will fit the Fuji PA 45 Back, or Polaroid 550 Back

Fuji Color, 100 ASA, 4X5 Pack Film
http://www.adorama.com/FJFP100C45.html

It is rumored that production of the 4X5 inch B&W, 3200 ASA, Pack Film,
has ended; only the 100 ASA Color, remains in production in 4X5 inch, though
some say this B&W, 4X5 size, is still produced/distributed for the Japan, or Asian markets.
I'm unable to confirm this at this time.

Fuji B&W, ASA 3200, 4X5 Pack Film
http://www.adorama.com/FJFP3000B45.html


Below are the three (smaller), Pack Films offered in 3.25 X 4.24 inch size,
and to the best of my knowledge, still in production for worldwide distribution.

These (3) Pack Films will fit the Fuji PA 145, and Polaroid 405 Film Backs.
Either of these backs do appear with some frequency on the big auction site.

Fuji Color, 100 ASA, 3.25X4.25 Pack Film
http://www.adorama.com/FJFP100CN.html

Fuji B&W, 100 ASA, 3.25X4.25 Pack Film
http://www.adorama.com/FJFP100B.html

Fuji B&W, 3200 ASA, 3.25X4.25 Pack Film
http://www.adorama.com/FJFP3000B.html

The Polaroid, Single Sheet Film Backs, Model 545/545i, are totally
useless for readily available, Instant Film Photography of today.
Too large for paper weights, and too ugly for door stops...Useless!

Lenrick
6-May-2011, 01:53
Guess what!

The technician at my department have an old Polaroid 550 holder which is not in use anymore. I can "borrow" it as much as I like for free (she can't officially give it to me).

They used it in the olden days for the scanning electron microscope, before the CCD. It's a shame I'm so young, it would have been so cool to take electron micrographs on actual film and do science in the darkroom.

Well, I'm placing a order for some FUJIFILM FP-100c54 pack film. Thanks for all your help!

/Filip

Struan Gray
6-May-2011, 06:19
Hej Lenrick

Where are you? I may have a Polaroid 405 back you could borrow.

And I can assure you, the good old days of taking electron microscope and other technical images on Polaroid were a nightmare. Digicams and frame stores are *much* better. That's why I love the annual dumpster days at my department (Fysicum, Lund).


Struan

Justin Cormack
6-May-2011, 07:03
Whats the FP100B that Fuji uk list? http://www.fujilab.co.uk/catalog/fujifilm-fp100b-inch-gloss-instant-film-sheet-pack-p-730.html appears to be 100ASA black and white. Does that fit in the PA-45? Its odd as the part number is not FP100B45 but it says it is 4x5.

Japan exposures are still listing the FP3000B45, so looks like it might not be discontinued yet.

Lenrick
6-May-2011, 07:35
Hej Struan

I'm a nano student of yours, you will know me when you see me. I'm doing my PhD with Reine Wallenberg at PolyMat. I'll grab you in the corridors of FTF and ask about that Polaroid 405. Maybe we can order some film together and split the shiping cost.

Gunnel sa att Reine inte bör få veta att jag lånar ('får') bakstycket, utan det skulle vara mellan mig och henne ;). Så att du inte råkar nämna det för Reine.

/Filip

BrianShaw
6-May-2011, 07:48
... technical images on Polaroid were a nightmare. ...

How quickly this seems to have been forgotten. "Nightmare" is almost an understatement!

Sevo
6-May-2011, 08:20
Whats the FP100B that Fuji uk list? http://www.fujilab.co.uk/catalog/fujifilm-fp100b-inch-gloss-instant-film-sheet-pack-p-730.html appears to be 100ASA black and white. Does that fit in the PA-45? Its odd as the part number is not FP100B45 but it says it is 4x5.


Something must be wrong there. The image and order number are those of the quarter plate film, but the title refers to 4x5 and the price is that of the latter as well. Phone them to get confirmation whether it is 4x5 in spite of the wrong picture and product code, or you might end up having to send back a batch of heavily overpriced 3.25x4.25!

sanchi heuser
6-May-2011, 09:49
Enough confusion? No:D
4x5 is not really 4x5 !

The image area of the Fuji 4x5 pack film is only 3 1/2 x 4 5/8" (8.9 x 11.8cm).

Same with the smaller Fuji pack film which size is given with 3 1/4 x 4 1/4".
Image area is only 2 7/8 x 3 6/8" (7.3 x 9.5cm)


And, the smaller Fuji instant film in both of the suitable
holders (Fuji PA-145 or Polaroid 405) isn't centered on the viewing glass.
This affects the longitudinal direction only.

May important if someone wants an exact composition with the instant film as
end result.

I'd recommend a mask on the viewing glass with both film types.

Struan Gray
7-May-2011, 02:20
I'm a nano student of yours, you will know me when you see me. I'm doing my PhD with Reine Wallenberg at PolyMat.

Jaså - that Lenrick. Welcome to the LF forum.



I'll grab you in the corridors of FTF and ask about that Polaroid 405. Maybe we can order some film together and split the shiping cost.

First rule of LF in Sweden - buy everything from abroad. I feel bad not supporting local businesses, but the markup is just too outrageous.



Gunnel sa att Reine inte bör få veta att jag lånar ('får') bakstycket, utan det skulle vara mellan mig och henne ;). Så att du inte råkar nämna det för Reine.

I know nothing.....

g g gibson
23-Jun-2012, 20:14
Hi:
I have an fp back for my Speed Graphic and Cambo. Where can I get, or how can I make a mask to use with these?
Thanks
ggg