Graflex.org

[frohnec]

I just purchased a Polaroid 545 and am going to order some instant film.
Anybody have strong opinions about either Fuji FP100 or Polaroid 5n series? There is quite a difference in price.

[t.r.sanford]

The last time I looked, Fuji did not make instant film in the single-sheet packets used in the "545" Polaroid backs. They did make filmpacks for the "550" back, in a few emulsions. I'd be glad to know whether this has changed.

There's nothing wrong with Polaroid materials, of course.

[frohnec]

Fuji makes instant sheet film FP100C and some others. I contacted the Fuji tech help and they responded that their film can be used with the 545.

[frohnec]

A copy of the body of the email from Fuji is below

Dear Mr. Chris Frohne:

Thank you for contacting Fujifilm, USA. Please allow us to assist you.

Please be advised, Mr. Frohne, that as long as your Graflex Speed Graphic accepts the Polaroid 545 back, then you are able to use the FP-100B Instant Black and White Instant film with your camera.

If you should have any further questions please feel free to contact our Sensitized Products Technical Hotline directly at 1-800-788-3854, ext 73.

Thank you for your interest in Fujifilm products.

Respectfully,
Product Support Agent 3127
Consumer Information Service Center
Corporate Communications Division

[RichS]

Boy, that got my interest up, until I went to the fuji site to check. See here:
http://www.fujifilm.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/proPhotoProductsInstant.jsp

All there instant sheet film is in 10 sheet _packs_. Pack film, for the 550 holder, not the 545 holder... I even went to a couple of reseller (B&H, Adorama) to make sure...

Sorry, the 545 will only work with the Polaroid films... (and nothing to be sorry about there as they are great films!)

[45PSS]

[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2005-12-26 18:37 ]

[frohnec]

Thanks to all. Polaroid it is.

[R_J]

I hope it isn't improper to post the link to a specialist dealer who has provided information about compatibility between film holders and Polaroid/Fuji films.

http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/Large%20accessories.htm#Readysteady

Although I love Fuji film, their instant film has never made it into my repertoire on a permanent basis. Perhaps the texture of the Fuji 100PC polaroid proofs is very different from the polaroid type 54/55 which is my regular shooting material.



[ This Message was edited by: R_J on 2004-12-10 11:51 ]

[Micah in NC]

Hi,

I just wanted to say that I've been VERY impressed with the fine-grain and tonality of Type 72 PolaPan 4x5" instant sheet film. I use type 57 (ASA 3000) and there is grain present on it, of course. Not very bad, though, for the high speed it offers.

With Type 72, however, which is ASA 400, I can't see the grain with unaided eye. That's a real plus, in my book.

What's more, in Polaroid's "A Guide to Using Polaroid's 4x5" Sheet Films" online publication (a PDF file), they list another 400-speed film: Type 52 Fine Grain. I would love to try that--if I can't detect grain on the Type 72 film, Type 52 must be terrific!

Ooops, it appears I went off on a tangent about ASA 400 films here...

--Micah in NC

[R_J]

"What's more, in Polaroid's "A Guide to Using Polaroid's 4x5" Sheet Films" online publication (a PDF file), they list another 400-speed film: Type 52 Fine Grain. I would love to try that--if I can't detect grain on the Type 72 film, Type 52 must be terrific!

Ooops, it appears I went off on a tangent about ASA 400 films here... "

Not at all Micah - It's helpful to hear other recommendations for Polaroid film. I haven't seen Type 72 or Type 52 in my stockist before. It may be a more flexible alternative to use when the slower negative of Type 55 requires.

[RichS]

Nothing beats the negative from Type 55. I just love it!

But I have to admit that when I first started with Polaroid, someone suggested Type 52. It was my first Polaroid film. I liked it. I did try Type 54 and it was close, but I like 52 better. May be sharper? May be just that 52 was first? But I still like 52 better... Just my opinion... Never did try the 3000 speed though ( or maybe I did?). I think I had one box of 72, but apparently it didn't pull me away from 52. But after 55, I had little interest in anything else... It's all worth trying at least once though...

How about the Type 56 Sepia???


_________________
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"Ya just can't have too many GVIIs"
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[R_J]

"How about the Type 56 Sepia???"

Rich - are you making this up?! I'd love to save time toning small concentrated prints from the sepia bath if this really exists.

I've never seen it in my dealer before although I do tend to head for the type 55 and not much else.

Have you any images made with type 55 on the web Rich?

Regards,


RJ

[David A. Goldfarb]

Type 55 negatives are Panatomic-X--a film that's been discontinued in every other form. It's a great look, and the grain is very fine. Here's a detail--

Linhof Tech V 4x5"
Zeiss 135mm f:3.5 Planar at f:16 and a third
2 sec.
Polaroid Type 55 (neg)
Front rise, camera angled downward
Window lighting and a sheet of white paper as a reflector


[ This Message was edited by: David A. Goldfarb on 2004-12-12 16:10 ]

[RichS]

[David A. Goldfarb]

Thanks, Rich. That's a scan from the neg. I get better scans that way in general with the equipment I have, and I think the type 55 neg is a little sharper than the print. That's another thing I like about 55. Other kinds of Polaroid aren't really sharp, but you can proof for sharpness with type 55, as well as using it as a medium in its own right.