Mido 4x5 Film Holders

JADoss23 · Jun 26, 2022

I received some mido 4x5 film holders in a lot with a speed graphic. They come with the adapter as well. Was curious if anyone knew how to use them as they have no instructions and have never seen them before. Thanks!

wiltw · Jun 26, 2022

There were, to my knowledge, three versions of the Mido film holders...the first version held one piece of sheet film, and the second version was double-sided to hold two films. So an important question to your request is "WHICH version do you have?" The Mido is somewhat finicky to use.
there are THREE VERSIONS!

I have tried loading one type in the dark...forget it, even in the light! The salesman in the pro store couldn't either!
Another version was easier to load in the dark, but required greater handling of the film (not desireable).
The most recent version (in1999) is more like a conventional holder, but I have no experience with it at all, so no opinion.

I decided in favor of Quickload/Readyload, as I could provide these to labs for processing without extracting film from Mido before submitting film to the lab.

I found information about the inventor of the Mido product from 16 years ago, and it mentions contact information. Unknown as to current validity of this information, but Mr. Kumanomido did note in this thread that he was reviving the product to some degree, after a bout with health issues. Perhaps he might be able to provide written original instructions?!

Shin-ichi Kumanomido

816 Aldan

Olivette MO 63132

Phone: 314 567-5520

A recent web search by me discloses this information about Mr Kumanomido, who is now 80yo

7360 Pershing Ave #1W

Saint Louis, MO 63130

Saint Louis County

(314) 680-2914 - Wireless

Last reported Apr 2022

cjbecker · Jun 26, 2022

This is a real head scratcher for me. Really expected it too be an early 2000’s post. You have access to quick/ready loads?

wiltw · Jun 26, 2022

cjbecker said:
This is a real head scratcher for me. Really expected it too be an early 2000’s post. You have access to quick/ready loads?

The problem is that Kodak discontinued Readyload in 2008, and Fuji announced its discontinuation of Fuji 4×5″ Quickloads in 2009. So there were no longer ANY black and white films available in Quickload (Fuji) or Readyload (Kodak) format.

xkaes · Jun 26, 2022

I've used TWO types of MIDO film holders. I've never heard of the #1 type (above) that just has one sheet of film).

The other two types listed, I am familiar with. One, I'll call MODEL 2 is very thin, has one sheet of film on each side, and takes patience to load.

Type 3, as mentioned above is pretty conventional. I don't use them because the whole point of MIDO holders is to save size and weight.

BUT, there are TWO types of the MODEL 2. The ORIGINAL MODEL 2 looks exactly like the UPDATED MODEL 2, but the UPDATED MODEL 2 has a small change in the bottom of the sleeve to make the loading easier. But it still takes a bit of patience -- something most large format users are familiar with.

If you would like copy of the loading instructions I can find it and upload it -- it's just one 8x11 sheet of paper.

The big question is "Which Type do you have and how many holders". If you decide to dump them -- hopefully after trying to hold one -- you can get some good pocket change -- depending on the type, number, condition, etc.

JADoss23 · Jun 26, 2022

Do you need the easyload film to use or do you load your own sheets? I have quiet a few holders

Craig · Jul 4, 2022

Here is the instruction sheet for the holders I have.

xkaes · Jul 4, 2022

Thanks for posting this. Those are the instructions for the original version of the Model 2 Mido film holder (see previous messages).

These are the type I started out with, and they are the most difficult to load. By that I mean -- compared to the later version of the Model 2 Mido film holder. While I would not say either version is easy to load, once you get used to it, it's not that bad -- try reloading a 110 cassette or a Hit camera.

I opted to use the later version, but SWAPPED my stash of early holders -- for some newer ones -- with someone who preferred the earlier version!

Go figure! It all comes down to personal preferences.

Now what was the original question?

Oh, yeah.

If you have the early version of the Mido holder, the earlier instructions will work. If you have the later version, you'll need this -- you'll notice that it says these are "improved".

el_37 · Jul 5, 2022

wiltw said:
The problem is that Kodak discontinued Readyload in 2008, and Fuji announced its discontinuation of Fuji 4×5″ Quickloads in 2009. So there were no longer ANY black and white films available in Quickload (Fuji) or Readyload (Kodak) format.

Off topic- I remember really resisting using Ready/Quickloads at first, but once I realized what a time and weight/bulk saver they were on the jobs I was shooting back then on location- I was hooked.

Actually came across my old Readyload single sheet holder the other day- to bad it is basically useless now.

wiltw · Jul 5, 2022

el_37 said:
Off topic- I remember really resisting using Ready/Quickloads at first, but once I realized what a time and weight/bulk saver they were on the jobs I was shooting back then on location- I was hooked.

Actually came across my old Readyload single sheet holder the other day- to bad it is basically useless now.

The appeal to me for Readyload was to be able to shoot any number of films on a job, then take them all into a commercial lab without worry about first unloading film holders and then putting films into a light tight box for transport to the lab, and then getting that same box back when the films had been processed and they were picked up. Unfortunately the choice of emulsions was more limited than conventional sheet film packages, but my highest volume commercially used film was EPN which was available in Readyload.

DREW WILEY · Jul 7, 2022

I've been currently using the Type II Mido 4X5 holders - load just like regular holders, but are thinner, so need an extra clamshell adapter. I have a dozen of em plus two adapters, and don't ordinarily use them, but wanted to make sure all worked properly. Actually, one holder was set aside with a known defect. You have to be more careful than with ordinary holders. There is not a lot of saved weight, only about 30%, but they're only half the bulk, which is nice. I never did get along with the earlier vinyl sleeve Mido system, so sold that.

The first Fuji Quickloads were an adhesive envelope packed by Polaroid, which needed the roller of the 545 Polaroid holder. After Fuji came out with their improved Quickloads, I modified the holder in several way, including removing the rollers. That removed most of the weight; and my tweak worked a lot bettr than either Fuji's or Kodak's official holders. Kodak first came out with double-sheet sleeves which were unreliable, then a much better single sheet sleeve.
I was an avid backpacker and used a lot of Acros Quickloads and Kodak E100G Readyloads. A lot more convenient than a film changing tent.

CasperMarly · Jul 11, 2022

Have used the first type for a number of years and love the weight and space saving over normal cut film holders.
Very few mistakes in loading and shooting, from 110 degrees to 22 below (f) in the field.

I did practice loading and it took a bit but gently 'coving'the holder would let the corners fit right. After doing this loading got easier, mistakes disappeared.

Don't shoot 4x5 any longer - maybe I need to sell them? Get them into the hands of someone who will use them.

Richard Man · Jul 12, 2022

I just bought some off the auction site. Not sure which version. I guess I will find out.

I actually did some 4x5 scanning for Mr. Kumanomido late last year. Very good photographer. He said the holders are effectively hand-made -ish, and cost too much to make and sell!!

xkaes · Jul 12, 2022

CasperMarly said:
Don't shoot 4x5 any longer - maybe I need to sell them? Get them into the hands of someone who will use them.

You should definitely sell them -- even if you don't need the cash. BUT, you should determine if they are the first version or the second version of the Mido Holder -- I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT THE MIDO II HOLDERS.

The sheet (above) states that the second version is "NEW AND IMPROVED", and you need to know which you have.

If you have the instruction sheet that came with the holders, and it is the same as the one above, then you have the second version.

If you don't have the instruction sheet, you can compare your holders to this photo of the second version:

xkaes · Jul 12, 2022

Richard Man said:
I just bought some off the auction site. Not sure which version. I guess I will find out.

No need to guess. Just read what I posted above.

Richard Man · Jul 14, 2022

Alright, I got them in, and they are the second version. Looks very cleverly designed and save a lot of space, BUT the holder does not fit my Gibellini, so I'm going to sell them :-/ Look for them in the Classified, too bad for me :-/

xkaes · Jul 15, 2022

FYI, the problem you have encountered is not related to the two different versions of the early MIDO film holders -- because they use the same adapter/back.

Getting the first version won't help because it uses the same adapter/back.

It's surprising that it won't fit your camera though. Any idea why? It's made to be pretty universal.

A picture might help.

Richard Man · Jul 15, 2022

The knobs of the back standard got in the way

xkaes · Jul 15, 2022

I think I see the problem. Here is the TOKO adapter on my field camera.

Does the top part of the holder prevent it from sliding in all the way? I don't see the holder in your photo.

Richard Man · Jul 15, 2022

Yea, it might work if I switch the orientation, but now the holder is in a box to its future owner

xkaes · Jul 15, 2022

Proving once again, "You snooze, you lose".

You probably could have gotten more for your MIDO holders.

I don't need them. I've got a good stash.

Some people hate them. I love them -- but I'm a wilderness backpacker. What do I and my Tokos know about lightweight Large Format???????????????

Richard Man · Jul 15, 2022

It's OK. It should go to someone who can use them fully.

Mido 4x5 Film Holders

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