gnps Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 I am considering using Polaroid instant film in order to preview my landscape setups and also obtain images quickly if required since I don't do my own processing. There seems to be two options. Either the 545 holder and use of single sheets or the slightly smaller (and much cheaper) 405 holder and film packs. What does anybody else use and why? What advantages/disadvantages have you found with either. TIA, Nigels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troll Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 Both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian_kennedy Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 Nigel, if cost is a consideration, you might also think about buying used. I picked up an old 545 back on auction site a few days ago for around $50. It arrived yesterday. It is rather heavy (made entirely of metal) and seems to be built fairly ruggedly. I cleaned it up a bit, tried it out last evening with some type 55 pos/neg film, and it works *perfectly*. I think it will be a blast to use, and it was certainly worth $50. There are lots of old 545 backs available, and in good condition, they appear to sell in the $40-80 range. I think I'm really going to enjoy using type 55 film, and I'm not sure that's available for the 405 back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james_driscoll2 Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 there is also the 550 back- 4x5" pack film type 55 is available for use in the 405 holder- it is called type 665 I too, use all three- the 405 back is a lot less to run and the small print is all I need most of the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louie_powell1 Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 In addition to the above comments: - seems to me that the film selection for the 500 back is more limited than for the 545 or 405. - my experience with the 405 has been mixed - when mounted in my camera (a Zone VI), it is difficult for me (with fat fingers) to grasp and pull the dark-slide handle, and very often I inadvertantly pull the holder away from the camera back as I do this. The result is that I fog one edge of the film Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nick roberts Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 Remember that the 545 back will take Fuji Quickload as well - and buy one used. Well, that's what I did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_symchyshyn Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 Personally, I use both styles of polaroid back. To answer your question specifically... While in the field I ONLY use my pack film back. The polaroid is cheaper, is smaller to pack, and gives you the majority of the image to judge exposure. (what you said you wanted it to do) The back is larger than a film holder (thickness) so make sure your camera back can handle it. I use a Wisner Technical, and it's a squeeze but does go in and works well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neil_poulsen1 Posted August 8, 2003 Share Posted August 8, 2003 I've been using type 664 and get very decent results. But of course, it doesn't cover the entire 4x5 frame. The main thing in exposure is to take the reciprocity failure of Polaroid film into consideration. At longer exposures, even at 2 seconds, it's substantial. I built myself a table that gives me the difference in stops between the Type 664 and Astia film for each different shutter speed that I might want to use down to about 10 seconds. Reciprocity failure begins at about 1/30th second and longer exposures for Type 664. I use the Polaroid tables to estimate the degree of failure. It also helps to know that the tables are built on a logarithmic scale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gnps Posted August 8, 2003 Author Share Posted August 8, 2003 Thanks for the info chaps - PN does it again. Think I'll go for the 405. It should go on my RSW but Robert White will be able to confirm. What colour film would anybody recommend? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james_driscoll2 Posted August 8, 2003 Share Posted August 8, 2003 fuji fp-100c. it fits the 405 back or fp-100c 4x5 fits the 550 back (not the 545!!!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred_de_van Posted August 9, 2003 Share Posted August 9, 2003 I second James... Fuji FP-100c is the best color Polaroid film ever made. 665 is a great B&W emulsion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gnps Posted August 9, 2003 Author Share Posted August 9, 2003 It had to be Fuji didn't it. Thanks again everyone who answered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now