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Vick Ko
8-Oct-2011, 15:12
Is "instant" 4x5 film still available?

Who makes is (I'm guessing Fujifilm), and what is it called?

Thanks, just looking to accelerate my search.

Vick

RawheaD
8-Oct-2011, 15:33
Is "instant" 4x5 film still available?

Who makes is (I'm guessing Fujifilm), and what is it called?

Thanks, just looking to accelerate my search.

Vick


Yeah, there's still the Fuji FP-100C45 that is in the market, but the way it looks, not for much longer.

Vick Ko
8-Oct-2011, 15:46
Thanks
Does this film work with a Polaroid 545i back?

...Vick

BrianShaw
8-Oct-2011, 15:50
It is pack film, Vick, so it will not work in a 545

Roger Cole
8-Oct-2011, 15:51
What kind of back do you need then?

BrianShaw
8-Oct-2011, 15:51
550, I believe

BrianShaw
8-Oct-2011, 15:52
I think there was Fuji back too, but I can't remember the designation. Something like PA-45.

Roger Cole
8-Oct-2011, 15:55
Thanks. Found the listing on Freestyle and you are correct, a Polaroid 550 or Fuji PA-45:

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/02602760-Fujicolor-FP-100C-Professional-Instant-Print-Film-4x5-10-pack

If I had a back already this might be interesting but I wouldn't even think of paying $200+ for a back to use film that will probably be discontinued next week and probably also can't even be frozen.

Vick Ko
8-Oct-2011, 15:57
Yeah, my web search revealed PA45.

So, my local lab charges $4 per 4x5 film for developing (E6 for slide).

FP100C45 is $3 per sheet ($27 for pack of 10). PA45 is $230 new, maybe $100 used on ebay. So, the holder is 75 to 33 "sheets of film" cost.

Not cheap.

BrianShaw
8-Oct-2011, 15:59
My local lab charges $2.80 for 4x5 E6. Shoot less but higher quality!

thrice
8-Oct-2011, 19:29
My local lab charges $10 a sheet for B&W 4x5. They do not develop colour, they are the only lab within 2000km that does 4x5.
So I dev my own :p

Roger Cole
8-Oct-2011, 19:45
I was going to say "just do your own color." But I already have a Jobo so that's easy for me to say. I've done color manually with an inversion tank and big ol' tub o' water. Worked fine but it sure is a PITA.

Then again, at several dollars a sheet a CPE2, 2523/1 and 2509n reel could pay for themselves pretty quickly even accounting for the cost of chems.

Frank Petronio
8-Oct-2011, 20:20
If you strictly want to use Instant film to check your camera settings then the smaller, cheaper 3.25x4.25 Fuji Instant film is half that price. It uses the old Polaroid 405 holder or the newer Fuji version. It would also work with your Hasselblad's Polaroid back and many other cameras. On 4x5 it crops a little of the image off. So what? Who cares if it is just a test shot?

While Instant/Polaroid is currently trendy and fun as a fine art medium unto itself... back in the pre-digital days we mostly used it for lighting checks and exposure testing. Nowadays proofing with a digital DSLR is a lot less expensive way to fine-tune your lighting... but a final Instant Film check from the actual camera you are actually shooting with is still very valuable. Not only do you check the lighting, but you insure the camera is working correctly (flash syncing, light leaks, focus, etc.).

You can find old 405 holders for well under $100. Look for clean, easy-spinning rollers and all the springs in place. Some older cameras don't like using these backs horizontally or sometimes you have to be creative in how you remove the darkslide.

There is talk of a Type 55 film project, recreating the classic pos/neg Polaroid film. I am a bit skeptical based on how poorly the Impossible Project film has been but they are different team so they may yet be successful. In which case hold onto your obsolete 545 holder for a couple more years, just in case.

I can't imagine why anyone would still shoot E6 other than for the novelty of the light box but whatever....

Marc B.
8-Oct-2011, 20:31
Vick, Another option for instant capture, (for far less money), is the smaller 3.25 X 4.25 inch pack film from Fuji.

Used backs that will accommodate this smaller Fuji pack film is available from both Polaroid and Fuji to fit 4 X 5 cameras. These backs sell on the big auction site for between $40-$70USD.
The Polaroid back is the 405, and the Fuji is the PA-145.

The pack film for these backs usually costs $7.50-$9.00USD a pack; less then a buck a shot.
Fuji color pack film for these backs is FP100c, 100 ASA.
Black & white is FP100b, 100 ASA, and FP3000b, 3200 ASA.

By most accounts, Fuji is now only producing three pack films for MF and LF shooters today.
The FP100c and FP3000b in 3 1/4 X 4 1/4, and FP100c45 in 4 X 5 inch.
Some shops still have FP100b and FP3000b45 on the shelves.

Oops, Frank beat me to it.

Roger Cole
8-Oct-2011, 20:40
I can't imagine why anyone would still shoot E6 other than for the novelty of the light box but whatever....

In 35mm I shoot it for projection. If I had a 6x6 projector I might shoot it in 120 too. For 4x5 I used to agree with you but happened on some at a good price. WTH 50 sheet box for thirty bucks is less than black and white. Of course I'll either have to scan it for inkjet output or pay out the nose for some more Ilfochrome material. I'm tempted to do the latter just so I can print on it a little more before it too goes away.

vinny
8-Oct-2011, 20:45
I can't imagine why anyone would still shoot E6 other than for the novelty of the light box but whatever....

there's nothing wrong with E6 and I have about 1000 sheets of it in the freezer, that's why!

Roger Cole
8-Oct-2011, 20:51
Already have 1000 sheets - that's a DAMNED good reason! ;)