kodak readyload 4x5, still available?

Hi everyone,
I have bought a SINAR F2 for a nice price, and it came with a Kodak readyload holder. I just phoned a local dealer (netherland), and he told me the whole readyload system is dated and its envelope films unavailable...
Is he right?
The readyload film, I'd like to use is the Kodak Portra NC...

Thanks for sharing....

The Readyload system is still in production. A few years ago Kodak switched from a dual sheet per packet system to one more resembling Fuji's with one sheet per packet. The older holder with a silver pressure plate is not usable with the current packets. You need either an old one with a black pressure plate, or one of the new style holders. This may be what your local dealer is refering to.

Paul Butzi has posted a good guide to various holder types here:

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

Sincerely,

Hany.

well, thanks for the reply,
I am not sure what holder I have... I thought is is the black plated one... But My dealer really said he does not have and cannot not get the film packages in what readyload form that may be. He only has the trad. sheets for trad. casettes...
Is their maybe a (european) website then, that HAS the ready load system, and the portra in paricular?

THANKS!

There is at least one dealer in Brussels that should have the system, IIRC the name is Fotoguy or something like that. Nord Photo in Germany stocks the entire range (www.nordphoto.de) as do Robert White in the UK (www.robertwhite.co.uk) and many others. Others who use these suppliers on a regular basis will chime in I assume.

Rest assured that they system is NOT dead. kodak, in fact, is pushing the Readyload system very hard to pros. BTW, you can also use Fuji Quickload films in the latest Kodak Readyload singlesheet holder. You can use both REadyloads and Quickloads in a Polaroid 545 series holder .... with a very slight loss in resolution due to less control over film flatness but I mean very slight loss and not one that is likely to be noticable in most cases.

game said:

The readyload film, I'd like to use is the Kodak Portra NC...

Click to expand...

You're out of luck on that...among Kodak color negative films only 160VC is available in Readyloads.

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/prof...eadyloadMain.jhtml?id=0.2.22.14.13.24.5&lc=en

Unfortunately only one Portra film on the current list. The problem with the silver pressure plate holder is that it could cause some reflection onto the film, which at the least reduces contrast, and at the worst would way over-expose the film. The black pressure plate is what you want. If you look at the front of the holder, and the work "Kodak" is in red, you probably have a black pressure plate holder. This is an easy check you can do when looking at used holders on EBAY.

The Fuji Quickload holder works fine with Kodak Readyload films. Just make sure not to get the film packet inserted backwards, or you could cause a jamb. If a film gets stuck, don't force it; expect the need to pull the holder apart.

I suggest when you get some film to waste one film packet. In daylight, with the holder out of the camera, try to install the film, move the packet sleeve, re-insert the packet sleeve, then press the release button and pull the complete packet out of the holder. Try it a few times, then it should seem easy.

There are some nice instructions on that Kodak link above. It is common for many camera stores and film places to not carry Kodak Readyloads, nor Fuji Quickloads. Many places do not want to carry these films because they cost more. Often these are used by professionals, who likely place large orders through mail order or internet.

You can also find these films in short dated, or recently expired unopened boxes on EBAY. The discount can be substantial over buying the films new. Even six months out of date is not a bad choice. Once you get use to using these, then consider buying new boxes of film.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
A G Studio

Ted Harris said:

Snip

Rest assured that they system is NOT dead. kodak, in fact, is pushing the Readyload system very hard to pros. BTW, you can also use Fuji Quickload films in the latest Kodak Readyload singlesheet holder. You can use both REadyloads and Quickloads in a Polaroid 545 series holder .... with a very slight loss in resolution due to less control over film flatness but I mean very slight loss and not one that is likely to be noticable in most cases.

Click to expand...

Ted,

If there is a very slight difference it must in most cases be very very slight. I have used Fuji Quickloads for many years in my 2 sheet Kodak Readyload III for years. Presently I do have the single sheet holder. I would say that stopping the lens down for most images that most large format shooters use will cover if there is less film flatness with the Kodak Readyload holder.

I have one image taken back in 1995 of Dead Horse Point State Park on Fuji Velvia 50 with a Heliopan Polarizer and Tiffen 812 warming filter taken about 8:30 AM. The image will easily print digitally on a LightJet to 40" x 50". We have printed this imageon a Chromira Machine 4 X (sold 2) to 30" x 37 1/2" several times placed in Cyro AR OP3 Acrylic. I have also sold this image 2 X in Museum Glass as 24" x 30" (and dozens and dozens in regular glass). Additionally I have an order for the 30" x 37 1/2" in Museum Glass. I have been told that the image looks like it was taken by an 8" X 10" and most people, photographers included say that it is the sharpest image in these sizes that they have seen. The image is either my 1st or 2nd largest money making image (until recently was certainly 2nd, I have not reviewed the sales lately).

If anyone is interested this is the link to the image:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Rich

Ted Harris said:

You can use both REadyloads and Quickloads in a Polaroid 545 series holder .... with a very slight loss in resolution due to less control over film flatness but I mean very slight loss and not one that is likely to be noticable in most cases.

Click to expand...

Ted..because of the polaroid holder? Thats it...I need to get the proper holder for my fuji film....!

The big question for me is when is Kodak going to put Tri-X or TMAX-400 in readyload packets so we can have something faster than TMAX-100?

I have both a Polaroid 545 and a Koday new-style single sheet Readyload holder. This thread has inspired me to try the 545 with Readyload film and perhaps the Readyload holder with Polaroid film (will it fit?).

This thread has inspired me to try the 545 with Readyload film

Click to expand...

Works fine, can't really tell there are issues with film flatness.

and perhaps the Readyload holder with Polaroid film (will it fit?).

Click to expand...

No, it will jam the holder.

The loss using the Polaroid holder is, IMO, so slight as to not be noticable for most applications. Others will disagree but, again, IMO, it works just fine for most applications and modest enlargement. The difference in the systems is tshe the Polaroid holders have no pressure plate while the Kodak and Fuji holders do.

You can't process Polaroid film in the other holders in adition to jamming them.

thanks uys, for the info and the links. Very helpfull!
good to know the whole system is still alive, cause it seemed a very convenient way of loading film to me.
Only why not have a portra NC? thats THE version most pro's use on roll film as far as I know...
game

ohyes, I Do have the old ersion of the holder... The siler plated one
Is that cause for concern?
Should I go and find myself a newer version?
Game

game said:

ohyes, I Do have the old version of the holder... The siler plated one
Is that cause for concern?
Should I go and find myself a newer version?
Game

Click to expand...

I picked up a black pressure plate version for under $US 20 off EBAY several months ago. However, if you want to use both Fuji and Kodak films, you might want to try finding a Fuji Quickload holder first; though they are much more expensive.

The newest Kodak Readload holder has a slightly curved film slot, and a large red release button. While this might be nice to have, the older version with the Kodak logo in red works fine for less expense.

While your images might turn out okay with the old silver pressure plate holder, you should plan on replacing that one. You could also try pulling it apart, then using flat black paint to change the pressure plate . . . but only attempt this if you think it seems simple. Everyone has a different level of mechanical ability, and it is possible to break a holder.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
Dead Link Removed