Grafmatics, Could 4x5 photography be easier?

I have been thinking for a while that Grafmatics have helped me

shoot faster but then I thought If instead of having to have 20

holders to have 180 septums, what if several photographers who would

love to have hundreds of septums pre-loaded got together and found

someone who has the capability to make them.

 

I believe that if a photographer who already loves the system could

have access to lets say having 400 septums loaded half color and

half black and white, then 4x5 could be way more convenient.

 

I take a few holders along and then boxes of septums pre -loaded in

bunches of six held together with a rubber band and then I place the

bundle inside the foil packet or an envelope to prevent scratches.

 

For a while I used the Fuji quickchange which was pre loaded but the

septum's are plastic and after a few reloads they wear out.

 

I have enough septums for some occasions but in others I find myself

economizing shots to stretch it.

 

I would like to be able to pre-load an entire day in several films

rather than rely on assistants having to reload on set as invariably

that places further stress on the existing septums and then there is

the dust factor.

 

I think It would be very reassuring to have the possibility of being

able to not worry about re-loading and if the extra film isn't needed

then its ready for the next time.

 

I was wondering if some of you who like to shoot assignments would

have a need for such convenience, I know that occasionally these can

be found but if a few of us got together and did something about it,

If septums were not such a rarity, then perhaps if we consider that

there are enough holders out there and if someone could own a couple

of holders but have the ability to shoot hundreds of shots in a day

without wasting time to load the septums ,then that could make a big

difference.

 

I can load the bundles of 6 into the holders in about 4 seconds each

I place the rubber band on the unexposed bundles sideways , then

after I take it out I place it around my wrist and when I take the

exposed bundle out of the holder I place the rubber band around the

long side so they don't get confused.

 

I can put up to 8 holders in the changing bag at one time , and as

im usually developing normal these days I don't need to label it ,I

just run 1 sheet of each bundle and hold the rest.

 

On the other hand when I have to load each septum and then the

holder individually It takes

much.longer.......................................:( .

 

Clearly it would be much easier to what I did previously which was

to buy a bunch of holders and then sell them without septums to

those who had extra septums.

 

Do any of you know someone who can make these?

 

Does anyone share such need / interest ?

Sounds like a really good idea. I doubt the septums would be that hard to make. Almost any decent metalworker with the right metal brake could fashion them. I've made flashing for roofs on site with a portable brake,maybe if you could find a metal shop(place that makes air conditioning/heating ducts) and showed them one of your septums you might be surprised to find someone could make some up???

I'd prefer 4x5 roll film, with a vacuum back. Just my 2 cents.

William,

 

I recently posted about a website that might interest you:

 

www.emachineshop.com

 

Download their software and you can design anything you want and pick the material you

want. They will then give you a quote based on how many you want.

 

Their rates appear to be fair. I haven't used it yet...but I'm looking for an excuse.

 

I don't shoot nearly the volume that you do...I have Three Grafmatics and a handful of

normal Film holders and that has been enough for me (I shoot 4x5 'on the side').

 

Grafmatics don't seem to be all that rare. Perhaps you could go on a buying spree.

 

jmp

Thank you all for the thoughtful replies , this week was very busy in NYC , I apologize for my tardy response ,roll film would be interesting but it takes me longer to load my Pentax 67 than to flip the grafmatics holders on the graflock, I think a 45 roll back could be cumbersome or heavy and also don't think anyone would make the film.

 

Since were making a dreamlist I would love Polaroid T55 to come in 4x5 pack.

 

Anyway because the septums are paper thin 0.39mm or 0.015 in . they could not be machined, they need to be stamped, and the rails that hold the film on 3 sides have the perfect thickness opening ( film fits without any play as a result of the metal being folded, it looks like its a 2 or 3 step dye stamp first it looks like an envelope with flaps and toughening grooves on the back and then the edges are curled to hold the film.

 

I doubt it could be made by hand as the surfaces must be smooth to avoid scratches and the whole thing has to be smooth to glide well on the system.

 

Beyond the quick change factor I like these because they hold the film flatter than anything else, for example regular 2 sided filmholders can be like potatoes with a film slot that can be as wide as 1.5mm or 00.58 in. and that is huge error so I don't use them when I shoot the lens wide open , another benefit of the septums is that on one side there is metal protecting the film and on the other there is a 0.050 in. rail guard which prevents the film from touching anything, sure you can scratch it when you put it in but that would apply to any holder.

 

John I saw that link as soon as you posted for the emachine and im looking into it for solid unrelated parts, I love to try new things.

 

Do you know anyone who makes such dyes?

There were a few roll film formats in the past that were 4x5 or bigger. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_formats

that is really amazing!!