So what options are there for instant pictures, non digital in 2012?

[Vick Ko]

So what options are there for instant pictures, non digital in 2012?

Are there Fuji instant films available, in 4x5?

Do I need a special film holder (I suppose the answer is yes)?

And what sort of image quality do I get?

Thanks in advance.

Vick

[lenser]

Fuji makes a pretty darned good color instant film in the old Polaroid pack size. In one instance, I goofed on the subsequent transparency and had to use the test on this film for scanning with outstanding results. The color, to my eye, is far better that the old Polaroid by a fair margin. They also make a B&W film in this format, but I have not used it. It does require the use of the 4x5 holder that was made for this same sized Polaroid film (550?).

I use this with ease in both my Zone VI and Cambo SCX cameras.

[Roger Cole]

I use the Polaroid in my Linhof too. Works great. Holder is a tight fit in my spring back, but it does work well.

[Brian C. Miller]

Frequently asked question.

Currently available: Fujifilm holder PA-145, uses FP-100C and FP-3000B packs.
There is no other currently manufactured instant film for 4x5 cameras.

Older (do not buy unless it's a real deal including film): PA-45, uses FP-100C45 and FP-3000B45 packs. The film has been discontinued due to lack of demand.
The FP-100C45 packs work with the Polaroid 550 back.

As for image quality, it's really nice! And you can recover the negative. Take a look at the images in the image sharing section.

[Vick Ko]

I see lots of Polaroid 405 backs for sale but very few Fuji PA-145. Will the Polaroid back work on my Tech Master?

....Vick

[urs0polar]

Fuji's site in Japan still lists the FP-100C45... it is getting more and more expensive though - maybe it's only discontinued in the US?

More importantly, however: how does one recover the negative?


Frequently asked question.

Currently available: Fujifilm holder PA-145, uses FP-100C and FP-3000B packs.
There is no other currently manufactured instant film for 4x5 cameras.

Older (do not buy unless it's a real deal including film): PA-45, uses FP-100C45 and FP-3000B45 packs. The film has been discontinued due to lack of demand.
The FP-100C45 packs work with the Polaroid 550 back.

As for image quality, it's really nice! And you can recover the negative. Take a look at the images in the image sharing section.

[Brian C. Miller]

There are previous threads on the discontinuation, including a translation of the Fujifilm notice.

From the New55 blog: Fuji FP-100C Negative Reclamation (http://new55project.blogspot.com/2010/04/blog-post_6525.html):
1. Tear away the paper parts, and wash the backing.
2. Allow it to dry, and tape the backing emulsion side down to a piece of glass. I use removable blue painting masking tape.
3. Brush on household bleach on the back to remove the black emulsion. I just use normal liquid bleach.
4. With the film still taped down, wash off the bleach. Make sure all of it is off.
5. Untape your new negative, and trim it with scissors.

[urs0polar]

Thanks Brian! That doesn't seem too difficult... Cool.

[Roger Cole]

I see lots of Polaroid 405 backs for sale but very few Fuji PA-145. Will the Polaroid back work on my Tech Master?

....Vick

It works on my Tech III.

[urs0polar]

It works on my Tech III.

and on my Tech V

[welly]

Fuji's site in Japan still lists the FP-100C45... it is getting more and more expensive though - maybe it's only discontinued in the US?

More importantly, however: how does one recover the negative?

Here in Australia, one of my local suppliers of film has FP-100C45 and (I think) 3000B45 in stock. Last time I bought a pack from them, they said they weren't aware of any discontinuation and said getting hold of it wasn't a problem.

[photonsoup]

I bought a lot of film holders and there were two Polaroid 405 holder in the box with the regular film holders. And there was film in them! I have no idea how old it was but I shot it, it worked, so I bought some more.
Heres some crummy scans of the print, the negative, and a couple of contact prints made on B&W paper
85038850398504085041
Fuji fp100c