Help the Newbie Load 4x5 Film

[opiatewave]

Apologies if this topic was previously discussed. I'm still learning how to search and navigate through the forum.

I bought a box of Ilford HP-5 sheet film, and I've got my film holders and changing bag ready. Trouble is, I am not sure how to properly load it in. The salesperson told me that there are notches on one side, but how do I know which side is the emulsion side so that I can load the film properly?

Thank you!

 

[Bruce Osgood]

Welcome to APUG, try this site:

http://www.butzi.net/articles/filmload.htm

 

[mwdake]

All will be revealed here...

http://www.butzi.net/articles/filmload.htm

looks like we posted at the same time

 

[fschifano]

When the film code notches are at the top edge and to the right, the emulsion is facing you. Page 1 of this document illustrates the notch code for HP5+.

 

[nickandre]

Put the notches in the upper right hand corner, handling the film by the edges. This indicates that the film emulsion faces towards you. Pull the darkslide out of the film holder and flip out the bottom. Holding the film by the edges, guide it into the tracks from the bottom which are furthest center of the holder leaving the notches at the film entrance to the holder(you might practice in the light with a sheet of film although I didn't need to.) The film should slide fairly easily. Then flip the bottom back open, blow the dust out, and slide the darkslide back in. It's possible you might guide the film into the wrong set of tracks, if that happens you will have diffuculty closing the dark slide and the film won't be flush with the holder's center. Make sure to guide the film close to the center of the holder.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Go to youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikOI1XLBxqA&feature=PlayList&p=B2CB3709C6FBD75E&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=41

 

[bobwysiwyg]

Opiate, you sound as new to 4x5 as I am. The link listed is what I used to learn. One other thing, if you haven't already, vacuum the h_ll out of the camera interior and vacuum all the film holders before using them. I came from the relatively dust-free world of 35mm and without vacuuming out the 4x5, well, let's just say there were some interesting artifacts on the film after they were developed. Looked like biological slide with various one celled critters on it.

 

[removed account4]

a thing that might be helpful is to sacrifice a sheet of film
and look at it in the light. you will see the notches ( close your eyes and feel them too )
pull your darkslide up about halfway ...
and look at the rails the film slides UNDER ( or it will pop out when you take your photo )
pull the flap down and practice loading it, notch up and to the right, or down and to the left ...

there are a lot of things to remember when you use a large format camera, even when you load film,
but after a while you will get used to it all ...

have fun ( and good luck ) !

john

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Cleaning is so important. As bobsysiwyg states about vacuuming the interior of the camera, get into the habit of doing it regularly. Before loading film, make sure your holders are dustless. Blow them out with canned air (in the trap, too). After blowing them, I give them a good wiping with tac cloth (found at any paint store). Then, wipe down the loading area with a damp cloth, including the walls. Keep holders in ziplock bags when you go out shooting. Keep them in the zip locks when you are not using them.

 

[voceumana]

John's post is excellent advice: Sacrifice one sheet to see how it loads in daylight, and most of the process will seem very obvious.

FYI, the first time I loaded 4x5 sheet film, I hadn't even thought it might be difficult (and it really is NOT difficult), and the film just seemed to find where to go by itself--call it beginner's luck, I guess.

Charlie Strack

 

[opiatewave]

Thanks, everyone.

Yes, I am completely new to the 4x5 format, so the web site and youtube videos were great. I also like your tips about vacuuming to keep dust out is really helpful. Right now I'm practicing with one sheet so that I can get a feel for all the equipment. Pretty soon I'll be out shooting. Can't wait!

 

[nworth]

I've been loading sheet film on and off for over 50 years, and for me the most difficult part is getting the film in the grooves along the sides of the holder. If the film isn't in the grooves, it will bend forward. At best, the image will be out of focus; more often you will have to clear a nasty jam in the camera. When loading a holder, after I think the film is properly in place, I always give the edge a little lift. If it is loaded correctly, I can only lift the very end of the sheet. Far too often, I find the film is loose and needs to be reloaded

 

[reub2000]

After I'm done loading my film holders, I check each and every one of them before turning on the lights. In truth, I find it a lot less scary than loading roll film onto a film reel.