Is Arista EDU the only 2.25 x 3.25 film left?

Kirks518 · Oct 19, 2016

From what I can figure, it looks like Arista EDU is the only film still being made in 2.25" x 3.25" sheet format. Or will Ilford FP4 fit in a 2x3 holder? Ilford says it's 2.5" x 3.5". I have a Busch Pressman, and it looks like I have one, maybe 2 choices for film. Any color out there?

DREW WILEY · Oct 19, 2016

Better question: Did color film EVER exist in that sheet size ??? If so, why ???

Kirks518 · Oct 19, 2016

Wasn't planning on shooting color, but it would nice to know I could if I wanted to.

Prof_Pixel · Oct 19, 2016

DREW WILEY said:
Better question: Did color film EVER exist in that sheet size ??? If so, why ???

Back around 1960 I used to shoot (and process) Ektachrome and Ektacolor sheet film in the 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 size using my 23 Speed Graphic. I have no idea when they were discontinued in that size.

bsdunek · Oct 19, 2016

Freestyle lists Ilford FP4 and HP5 in 3.25 X 3.25. I haven't purchased any as I have a freezer with other old brands in that size.

Pioneer · Oct 19, 2016

I think that Ilford makes that size in both HP5+ and FP4+ during their annual film run for unusual LF sizes. BHPhoto may have ordered some so they would have it on hand throughout the year.

I would also expect that if Arista EDU Ultra is available in the size then Foma may be as well since they are made in the same factory.

Kirks518 · Oct 19, 2016

bsdunek said:
Freestyle lists Ilford FP4 and HP5 in 3.25 X 3.25. I haven't purchased any as I have a freezer with other old brands in that size.

I see that too, but on Ilford's website, they say it's 2.5" x 3.5".

Is 2-1/4 x 3-1/4 (2.25 x 3.25) actually measured out to 2.5x3.5?

OptiKen · Oct 20, 2016

P.S. 120 color cuts down nicely to fit that holder

juan · Oct 20, 2016

Kirks518 said:
I see that too, but on Ilford's website, they say it's 2.5" x 3.5".

Is 2-1/4 x 3-1/4 (2.25 x 3.25) actually measured out to 2.5x3.5?

No, they are not the same. 2.5 x 3.5 is/was sold in the U.K not in the US.
Freestyle, as just one example, lists Arista EDU 100 and 400 as well as Ilford FP4 and HP5 in 2.25 x 3.25. Check your favorite sales outlet.

Kirks518 · Oct 20, 2016

I know that Freestyle lists Ilford's FP4 in 2.25x3.25, but Ilford does not say it's available in that size, only in 2.5x3.5, here - http://www.ilfordphoto.com/products/productlist.asp?n=6&t=Black+&+White+Films

Adorama lists it as 2.5x3.5, and B+H doesn't offer it.

So is it 2.25 x 3.25 as Freestyle says, or is it 2.5x3.5 like Ilford and Adorama says?

fdonadio · Oct 20, 2016

OptiKen said:
P.S. 120 color cuts down nicely to fit that holder

And B&W should work too...

Cheers,
Flavio

Ian Grant · Oct 20, 2016

My Busch Pressmann can use Graflex 120 roll film backs. That gives a widdr choice of possible films.

Ian

fdonadio · Oct 20, 2016

Hasselblad makes scissors for cutting roll film into 6x6 sheets for the cut film holder/back. There should be something similar for cutting into 2.25 x 3.25 (6x8 cm, approximately.)

Kirks518 · Oct 20, 2016

fdonadio said:
Hasselblad makes scissors for cutting roll film into 6x6 sheets for the cut film holder/back. There should be something similar for cutting into 2.25 x 3.25 (6x8 cm, approximately.)

At first I didn't know if you were serious, but lo and behold Hasselblad really does make scissors! Cool.

peter k. · Oct 20, 2016

Yes, a roll film adapter would be allot easier, if you can get one for your Busch Pressman.
A note on this my Speed 2x3 has a Graflex 120 roll film back, but also accepts the RB67 roll film backs. There interchangeable between the two camera's, so it might be something to check into.

I have cut down color roll film to fit my 2x3 film holder for a quick test.
An other solution is from one sheet of 4x5 film, you can get two 2.25 x 3.25. Be sure to clip the edge of the second one, so you have a notch to inform you which side is the emulsion.
From 4x5, I also cut sheets down to fit the 9x12 or the 3x4, for use in two other of my camera's.

Kirks518 · Oct 20, 2016

I have a boat-load of RB backs. I'll see if I can get them to work on the Busch. Any modification needed?

peter k. · Oct 20, 2016

No!
The RB's went real easy on the 2x3 Speed, but have to be careful in getting the Graflex 120 roll film back set correctly on the RB.

Ian Grant · Oct 20, 2016

Kirks518 said:
I have a boat-load of RB backs. I'll see if I can get them to work on the Busch. Any modification needed?

Not with mine but if yours has a spring back they won't work.

Ian

fdonadio · Oct 20, 2016

Kirks518 said:
At first I didn't know if you were serious, but lo and behold Hasselblad really does make scissors! Cool.

After I had already posted, I thought my choice of words was not the best. Maybe they don't (or didn't, as I don't believe they're still selling that) *make* it, but they sure did sell this product.

Not long ago, a kit comprised of a back, a handful of holders and the scissors was sold on APUG's classifieds.

Cheers,
Flavio

Dan Fromm · Oct 20, 2016

Kirks518 said:
I have a boat-load of RB backs. I'll see if I can get them to work on the Busch. Any modification needed?

I believe so. The 2x3 Pressman has a spring back, not a Graflok back. RB and Graflex' own roll holders are too thick to fit in a spring back. The preferred roll holder for 2x3 press cameras with spring backs -- the Pressman isn't the only one, even 2x3 Graphics were delivered with spring backs -- is the Adapt-A-Roll 620. This is an insertion type roll holder that will feed film on a 120 spool but must take up on a 620 spool. I have 2x3 Graphics with Graflok backs and Graflex roll holders that fit them, prefer AAR 620s.

DREW WILEY · Oct 20, 2016

Roll film is quite thin and needs to be tensioned between rollers to stay flat. Filmholders ideally need the thicker base typical of sheet films. And the
film plane itself should be engineered accordingly. All this sounds awfully arcane because rollfilm holders have been around a long time. But if it were me and I had to go this route, I'd just set up a jig and cut down 4x5 sheet film. Otherwise, Ilford does provide factory cuts this size from time to time.

AgX · Oct 20, 2016

One could cut oneself the next size (or even bigger) down to 2.25x3.25.
One also can order custom cut film at Wephota, without having to wait for Ilfordphoto to come with an offer.

Kirks518 · Oct 20, 2016

Well, I solved the 2.5 x 3.5 vs 2.25 x 3.25 question.

One of the film holders I acquired had a sheet in it. The holders are marked 2.25 x 3.25, but the sheet of film measured out to 2.5 x 3.5. So I now have 3 selections to choose from; FP4, HP5+, Arista EDU 100 & 400.

While I'm waiting for my order from Freestyle, I'm going to cut down some sheets of 4x5, or maybe some 120, and play with it this weekend.

RSalles · Oct 21, 2016

fdonadio said:
And B&W should work too...

Cheers,
Flavio

Problem is the film curling - I wasn't able to get rid off...
I prefer to cut myself a lot of 4x5 in 2 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 size than expect the "one time per year" that film size offer,

Flavio, sent you a PVT msg, did you get it?

Cheers,

Renato

fdonadio · Oct 21, 2016

RSalles said:
Flavio, sent you a PVT msg, did you get it?

No message in my inbox. Strange...

Is Arista EDU the only 2.25 x 3.25 film left?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency