4X5 readyload holder

[Bruce Osgood]

I've been interested in trying Fuji 4X5 Acros film and come to find out it is only sold as ReadyLoads.

If I were to buy the Fuji loader how practicle is it when using other films from Kodak, Agfa, etc.? Or perhaps I should ask is there a readyload type film holder that works with all readyload packs?

 

[Tom Stanworth]

Readyload is Kodak packet film, Quickload is Fuji packet film.

I have the latest form of Kodak readyload holder (single sheets). It works flawlessly with Fuji quickloads and I have used Acros in it. However, I think the quickload holder is not suitable for the Kodak readyload films. I would suggest ths readyload holder so that you can use either Kodak or Fuji. Some I'm sure reckon the polaroid backs (which can use polaroid kodak or Fuji) to be the best bet, but I have never used one so cannot comment. There are drawbacks I believe.

Acros is available (for import) in sheets at a very good price (certainly in GBP) at: Dead Link Removed

It is also available from badger graphic (I think), but someone your side of teh atlantic could better advise on this.

Its a great film which is not the same as Tmax, having a different look. If you want decent acutance I wouls strongly suggest a pyro type dev as the film is blinding in the stuff. I've tried it in Dixactol and others PMK/pyrocat. All seem to have been really impresed.

Tom

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Do you have a Polaroid holder? Readyloads and Quickloads work in a Polaroid holder, but I've read that they each work best in their native holders. Here's a good article on the subject--

http://www.butzi.net/reviews/readyquick.htm

 

[Nick Zentena]

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/lfforum/topic/500605.html

Mpex is supposedly now carrying loose sheets.

 

[Deckled Edge]

I have used three iterations of the Kodak Readyload holder. The Polaroid is by far the best, most consistent, and least likely to allow light leaks in windy weather.

That said, Ready/Quick/Etc/Etc is FAR more expensive and much more restrictive than sheet film in a box. It makes much better sense to hold out for Acros in loose sheet form than to buy any film in the sleeve. I love to do without holders, love to write prosy notes on the sleeve, and love the convenience of switching in the field between two or three types of film, but if you shoot any volume, the price is prohibitive.

 

[Tom Stanworth]

I have used three iterations of the Kodak Readyload holder. The Polaroid is by far the best, most consistent, and least likely to allow light leaks in windy weather.

.

Including the latest single sheet, with red button?

I have not had a single leak or error of any kind with mine. I have been very pleased and bought it having heard that the problems of previous kodak holders had been sorted once and for all. In my case it works well, but perhaps they are not consistently made??

Tom

 

[mikeb_z5]

I have the latest kodak holder(red button, black pressure plate) and used 200+ quickloads and readyloads without any problems. I have heard the earlier models were not as consistant though.

 

[rbarker]

The Polaroid 545i or 545pro holders are supposed to work with everything, including Polaroid single sheets, of course. I've heard of problems with the older Polaroid holders, however. I've used both my 545i and a Fuji Quickload holder with Acros in Quickloads, but prefer the Fuji holder for size and potentially more precise film positioning. As others have mentioned, the latest Kodak holder is supposed to work well with both Kodak Readyloads and Fuji Quickloads.

 

[Baxter Bradford]

The Fuji Quickload holder has a pressure plate for better film flatness. I think the Kodak Readyload has one too. The polaroid doesn't, so might not yield such great or consistent results.

 

[Tom Stanworth]

The Fuji Quickload holder has a pressure plate for better film flatness. I think the Kodak Readyload has one too. The polaroid doesn't, so might not yield such great or consistent results.

Yes, it does.