LF Newbie - Exploring Options

[lkkang]

if you can get graflok back , that will be the best option.

But, not all camera support graflok back systems. Another option is to DIY something, so that it takes graflok.
most spring back is able to take polaroids. ( I mean "MOST", there are some very very old models that cannot accept ). As for roll film back, it must be a graflok back.

Billy

another novice question: the mentioned FS Calumet Wide Field 4x5 Camera looks like a spring back, is that compatible with polaroids or roll film? Is it necessary to get a graflok back camera to be more compatible with most formats?

 

[Shadowleong]

I have a grahic back camera, its unable to use MOST roll film holders and cannot take All polaroid backs. If you are looking at graflex cameras get the special anniversary or pacemaker versions as they are more modern and have the gralock back.

 

[mamypoko]

Personally I'm using a camera with a Graflok back, and have a 6x9 rollfilm back.

Honestly after shooting sheet film, the only other back I ever use is the Polaroid back, the rollfilm back lies in my storage box.

Most spring backs should be able to accommodate the Polaroid back, it's not too thick.

 

[sharps]

as long as it comes with the polaroid back, it means i can use fuji C45?

 

[Shadowleong]

There are 2 sizes for FP film, namely the FP100C and FP100C45,
the latter being the 4x5 full frame and the former being the smaller 3 1/4 and 4 1/4 inch size used commonly on Polaroid land cameras

For use on a LF setup you can utilize both films but you need the correct holder for each size

The Polaroid 405 or Fuji PA-145 are for the smaller pack films (FP100C)
The Polaroid 550 or Fuji PA-45 are for the larger pack films(FP100C45) which only Fuji has been making for a few years (Polaroid stopped these pack films several years ago).


The naming of some Fuji Instant films and the holders they make do seem to cause slight confusion. When you see FP100C and FP100C45, that 45 indicates the larger pack film. Both those films are 10 shots in a pack, but they need different holders. The Fuji PA-145 is the smaller holder, and their PA-45 is their larger holder. The smaller pack films will not fit nor work in the larger holder.

So becareful and double comfirm before buying a holder as they are not interchangeable


The Polaroid 405 or Fuji PA-145 might fit under the ground glass spring back of some 4x5 cameras. It would be tougher to do the same with a Polaroid 550 or Fuji PA-45 holder, because these are thicker; you might break the springs on some cameras. All these holders have slots which would work in a Graflock set-up, and I would recommend using them that way.

Hope this helps

 

[blackbug]

I have finally taken my first baby steps to LF adventure. I have successfully acquired a speed graphic from ebay
It should arrive real soon and I am really excited to test it and see some results. Thanks to you guys for many tips, and especially Shadowleong for answering many of my PM questions
I thought of getting a PA-145 and some instant films to get some quick feel of the camera. I saw online the probable cheapest price is from B&H for the film? And PA-145 from japan exposures. Do you guys know if anyone is selling theirs, or any other places to buy? Many thanks in advance!

 

[Shadowleong]

Nice! Get the back from japan exposures the shipping shouldn't be as expensive as frm US as for film you cam get frm konota penisular at 19.90

 

[lualua]

mate, join us for the next LF shoot. We meet to shoot(usually on Saturday or Sunday mornings) at least once a month.

I have finally taken my first baby steps to LF adventure. I have successfully acquired a speed graphic from ebay
It should arrive real soon and I am really excited to test it and see some results. Thanks to you guys for many tips, and especially Shadowleong for answering many of my PM questions
I thought of getting a PA-145 and some instant films to get some quick feel of the camera. I saw online the probable cheapest price is from B&H for the film? And PA-145 from japan exposures. Do you guys know if anyone is selling theirs, or any other places to buy? Many thanks in advance!