I'm back!!! And my the world has changed... :-(

[NikoSperi]

Yes, after several (oh, enough to breed two kids...) years of absence, I'm back!
Back to taking photos as opposed to digital snaps, that is.
Rusty as ever, but the darkroom is back up and running, and I still remember how to load films onto the reels!
Today, I pulled out the Sinar and opened up my last box of Polaroid type 52 and had an absolute blast. Love the results so much. But that brings me to my point:

When I last checked in here, about 6 years ago... it was all doom and gloom about no more TechPan, no more Ilford (thankfully that one was wrong at least!), no more Kodak...

I went into a photo wholesaler and was pleasantly surprised to see it completely stocked up on all my usual chemicals and films/papers. However, after playing again with the Polaroid...

Does anyone still make 5x4" instant film? Or should I offer my last box of Type 55 on Ebay for $1.3million? I would play some more with the type 52 if I knew I could replenish it. Otherwise, it'll have to wait for The Ultimate Shot before I use the last sheets.

 

[j-dogg]

FujiFilm I believe makes film for it, and there is an organization that is bringing Polaroid film back they're making their own emulsions, etc. Little rusty but it's getting there.

 

[M.A.Longmore]

.
Welcome Home Niko !


Ron
.

 

[bdial]

Fuji makes a pack film for 5x4 cameras, but it requires their holder, it doesn't work in the 545 type sheet holders and their variants.
My understanding is that the impossible project people were not able to get ahold of the 4x5 production equipment, so it's likely gone forever.

 

[Aurum]

Fujifilm FP100B and others in the range do the job of type 55. Might need to do a little digging to see if it works with the back you have fitted.

Not the same characteristics as the old Polaroid material, technically much better and sharper, but lacks the soul of type 55 according to some people.

Still at least its available

 

[benjiboy]

Welcome back Nico.

 

[mabman]

Funny the topic of Polaroid 4x5 films comes up now, and I'm surprised I haven't seen another topic on it (or maybe I just missed it) - the latest email from The Impossible Project says they found a stash of variously expired Polaroid type 57 (ISO 3000) boxes, as well as a few boxes of 8x10 type 809 film. Neither is cheap, though. You can get them at Dead Link Removed.

 

[Tony Egan]

I call my time helping to raise three kids the Kodakcolor Gold 200 years. There is a ten year gap in my file of B&W negatives from 1988-1998. Wouldn't have traded that time for anything, but I know how good it feels to be back. Happy return.

 

[pcyco]

hallo

and welcome back here

thomas

 

[NikoSperi]

Wow, thanks for all the "welcome back" comments!
It's really heartwarming - and I feel like I'm back home here.

I've now seen the Impossible Project site - got to love the name. Although I am a bit disheartened to see how much the remaining type 57 is going for! Plus, I seem to recall parting with a considerable amount of cash for my Polaroid 545 pro back... sad to know it's a relic soon.

Oh well, I guess I need to brush up on loading those film holders. (Do Fuji still make QuickLoad Acros sheets? Need to look that one up too).

Just ordered 200 sheets of paper... and need to figure out how to explain to my kids that no, they can't immediately see the photo I've just taken!

PS: They LOVED being my countdown timers for the Polaroid peel apart development.

 

[Kevin Caulfield]

Another welcome back, Niko. Nice to see you here again.

 

[Marco Gilardetti]

Hello Niko, glad to hear from you again! I still remember how you "saved" my techpan roll by presenting me a little bottle of Technidol! Unfortunately, both of those are really gone for good.

Forte, the paper brand of which I have sent you some photos in return, is also gone. Some good folks at Adox say they are trying to make it again, we'll see.

Ilford is rocking (or so it seems). That's really good news indeed.

I am also using Foma materials, which have become easier to get lately. Interesing old-style stuff which I enjoy a lot.

Have a nice afternoon!

 

[Jeff Kubach]

Welcome back Nico!

Jeff

 

[Black Dog]

Great to have you back with us-I'm really getting into Foma as life's too short to mourn Forte!

 

[Christopher Walrath]

The Fujis are supposed to work w/ a Pola 550 back. I'm new since you were here. But welcome back just the same.

 

[gandolfi]

hi Nico - welcome back - you have been missed....

I still have some pol 665 left (sadly no typr55) - and actually I also have 35mm/MF and 4x5 tec.pan left.....

Need to try those tec pan soon...

 

[NikoSperi]

Ciao Emil!

hi Nico - welcome back - you have been missed....

I still have some pol 665 left (sadly no typr55) - and actually I also have 35mm/MF and 4x5 tec.pan left.....

Need to try those tec pan soon...

Got some TechPan left in all sizes?
So do I my friend, so do I...