Boneheaded newbie question

I've just gotten an antique German 9x12 camera, and it will be my

first experience with sheet film (though I've used 35 mm and, to a

lesser extent, medium format for the past 35 years). The camera is in

great condition, I'm getting the film holders figured out, the film is

in the mail, and I'll find a way to load and unload the holders even

if I don't have a changing bag by the time the big day arrives.

There's even a local lab that processes large format film in house.

 

But.

 

I just realized there's a very important unanswered question: what do

I do with the exposed film sheets after taking them out of the

holders, until I get them to the processing lab? Are there special

"dark" envelopes I need to get? Will the film box have a second

protective bag inside? I know I can't just leave them in the holders

-- even if the lab techs can unload an unfamiliar holder in the dark,

I'll never see my original 70+ year old holders again...<div></div>

By a packet of 11x14 paper and a paper safe. Put the paper in the paper safe and save the black plastic envelope for your exposed film. Label the envelope clearly on both sides with your name, phone number, etc., with clear instructions to save the envelope and return it to you with the developed negatives.

 

Probably a good idea to stuff the envelope back into the semi-rigid cardboard sleeve for extra protection, and label the outer sleeve as well.

You don't need an 11x14 envelope! 9x12 film is about 3.5 x 4.5 inches. Lex does have a good idea though! Make sure your lab has holders for the film. In this country that size hasn't seen much use since the 1940's!

 

Sheet film boxes usually have three nesting pieces to assure light tight storage. Save the old boxes. The lab should give them back if you ask. Also they might have an empty 4 x 5 (inches!) box they can give you for your exposed film.

I wouldn't use the bags paper is put in, too easy to get spot holes in them, which is enough trouble in holding paper in them! Watch students wander about in horror when htey have these unexplained purple specs (because of the lighting in part of the building) on even unexposed paper. Hence I don't like the bags much.

 

For large format, when I shoot 4x5 I always have a spare box around. Since your film will be smaller than 4x5 you can use old 4x5 boxes, just make sure they realize its not got 4x5 film in it when you take it for processing. Some stores sell empty boxes if you're just starting out, others may just give you one. You'll have a better chance of finding a 4x5 box than 9x12.

A decent lab will be able to handle film in holders. They

will return the holders to you. Once you have used up the

first box of film, you can then use it for storing exposed film.

A lot of labbies I've talked to say they don't like getting the holders, but if you don't have any boxes it is certainly an option. And to me that keeps you from shooting again right away if they have to hold on to it.

I`d also recommend to give the film in holders to the lab. Don`t do this if you use Grafmatics. They are unknown to most lab guys, and the septums are bend in no time.

Martin

Do what I did: Ask the lab for an empty box! And ask the lab to return the box to you - at least until you start swimming in empty boxes.