4x5 beginner, sheet film handling question.

fiddle · Jan 21, 2020

Hello all,
So I'm new to 4x5, was wondering how film is handled after it's been shot?
Once film is shot, if it's not ready to be developed, or c41 to send out for example. is film put back in an empty box? Sheets on top of eachother as they came?
Sorry if this is obvious. Was curious.
Thank you.

bdial · Jan 21, 2020

Yes.
Make sure to label the box well so that you don't accidentally reload the exposed sheets. Putting the film into one of the envelopes inside the box, such as Kodak or Ilford uses doesn't hurt if you want, but I'd leave out any paper interleaving the film may have had, or the cardboard that Kodak uses, especially if you're sending it out.

jim10219 · Jan 21, 2020

They also make light-safe plastic bags you can store them in. The problem with them is they don't seal themselves, so you have to fold them over and then tape them shut to keep the light out. They're not as convenient or as easy to use as the original boxes the film comes in, which is what I use now. But back when I was first getting started, they came in handy as they were cheap and allowed me to separate various types of film, as well as different development strategies. Now that I've bought enough film and have enough empty boxes, I tend to try to avoid using them.

Alan9940 · Jan 21, 2020

If I don't need the holders (I have quite a few!), the film just stays in there until I run a development cycle. If I'm traveling or need to empty the holders, then exposed sheets go into the original box just like when new. I even use the cardboard and the bag to ensure that the film doesn't get damaged in any way,.

koraks · Jan 21, 2020

I try not to keep film (exposed or unexposed) around in holders, and if I do, I store them in the dark. The reason is that the holders (esp. the dark slides) are not entirely light tight, I find. Given enough time in normal room light, the film inside will eventually fog, even though it takes quite a while. Holders stored in the dark would of course be fine.

abruzzi · Jan 21, 2020

Another small comment--while I know that you can identify sheets by their notch code, I have found some films essentially have identical single notches (so far, Foma 100 and Catlabs 80). Since those films may require different developing, I make sure not to mix up sheets. All the Foma 100 goes in one place, all the Catlabs 80 goes in another place, and so on.

RedSun · Jan 21, 2020

I would keep the film in its holder, put the holders in a black bag. Then process the films within days. The longer, the risky it gets.

fiddle · Jan 21, 2020

Thank you all for the suggestions. I was thinking mostly for c41, walking the sheets over to the lab, or mail. Whichever it may be.
Thanks again .

4x5 beginner, sheet film handling question.

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