Toyo Film Holders

[Michael Graves]

I was just placing a film order over at Freestyle and happened across a "special offer". They had two packs of Toyo 4x5 film holders for $42.99. That's $17.00 less than B&H had them, so it sounded pretty good. I've got enough film holders to choke an elephant right now, but I keep hearing how good these are, so I ordered two. At least I'll be able to compare directly.

[Sal Santamaura]

Be sure to tell us how they smell:

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...hlight=reeking

I'd love to buy more but, unless Toyo moved production back to Japan and/or has gone back to using the same plastic resin it did 10 or more years ago, won't.

[Michael Graves]

I shall do that. Good thing Freestyle has a liberal return policy.

[Ralph Barker]

I ran across a similar deal a few months back, and bought a few. The construction is definitely better than Fidelity and others - very smooth in function. Although initially a little stinky, that has gone away.

[Sal Santamaura]

I purchased a box of two more 4x5 holders roughly 1-1/2 years ago as a test. They stunk as expected, but I placed them out in the garage to "air out." As of this writing, they still reek, albeit slightly less so.

The test continues...

[Ralph Barker]

That's interesting Sal. Mine now have only a faint odor, if I sniff with nose to the holder (instead of the grindstone).

Maybe I should set up a de-reeking business in the dry New Mexico air.

[drew.saunders]

Freestyle has been running this special for months now. I have bought 5 2-packs over the course of a couple of Freestyle orders. Oh, they smell the same as some 8-year-old Fidelity holders I have.

[Jim Cole]

I have also purchased 5 2-packs from FreeStyle in three separate orders over the last 2 months, all with no more than a new plastic smell. I think you'll be fine with your purchase.

These holders are smooth and I have had a couple of shots with direct sun shining into the open slot with the darkslide removed and have had no light leaks.

They are a great deal at 2 for $43!

[ljsegil]

but no bargains there for 8x10. Anybody know of any?
LJS

[Michael Graves]

Mine arrived yesterday. No apparent smell that I could tell. Are they better than Fidelity or Lisco? I certainly wouldn't pay more for the Toyos than I would for a pair of brand new Lisco or Fidelity. But they are certainly nice. The fact that they are brand new makes them better. I wasn't aware that Toyo had changed over to plastic darkslides until after I ordered, so perhaps that is affecting my judgement. Still, for a pair of brand spanking new film holders....I think it's a pretty good deal.