Question about Ilford Direct Positive Paper (4x5)

[Rain Dance]

My Direct Positive Paper arrived today and I was trying to fit it in my 4x5, but it does not fit ( a bit wide). I've read somewhere that there is no need to trim these to fit 4x5 holders. Is this correct, or are there different kinds of the 4x5 direct positive paper that they sell ??

[Maris Rusis]

My Direct Positive Paper arrived today and I was trying to fit it in my 4x5, but it does not fit ( a bit wide). I've read somewhere that there is no need to trim these to fit 4x5 holders. Is this correct, or are there different kinds of the 4x5 direct positive paper that they sell ??

4x5 inch film isn't actually 4''x5''. That was the exact size of the glass plates that film replaced. To fit film into a glass plate holder it needed an adapter, a sheath, so the film had to be a bit smaller. When I measure the 4x5 film that fits my film holders I get 99.7mm X 125.0mm compared to 101.6mm X 127.0mm for a true 4"x5" size.

Ilford offer Harman Direct Positive Paper item number 1171158 which is 99.6mm X 125.0mm and fits 4x5 film holders. The other DPP item number 1171169 really is 4"x5" and does not fit 4x5 film holders. Trimming is possible under dark red safelight but be careful. Dim light, sharp edges, forceful slicing, and soft fingers are an anxious combination.

[Rain Dance]

Thank you for the reply. I checked the catalog number, and it is 1171158, but it does not fit. Might this be a mistake in the packaging? I sacrificed 4 sheets already and loaded them out of the dark but they all are a bit wide.

[jnantz]

hi raindance
just trim off 1/32 or 1/16" from the long edge
its pretty easy ... and not worth worrying about :)

have fun!
john

[vinny]

This makes zero sense to me. What are you supposed to do with 4x5 paper other than shoot it in a camera? It's the only 4x5 paper I know of so.......