Moving to 4x5

Roger Cole

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I shoot "Fujiroid" some. Be aware that the 4x5 Fuji instant films have been discontinued though some is still available. Plus the cost is about three times that of the 3.25x4.25. I find that size close enough to be very useful. The Polaroid 405 back is the one you want - not sure about an equivalent Fuji back but there probably is one.
 

Rafal Lukawiecki

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In addition to AAs books, which got me started in LF years ago, come to think about it, I also found two other books useful: Leslie Stroebel's "View Camera Basics" and Steve Simmons "Using the View Camera". I also enjoyed browsing Jack Dykinga's "Large Format Nature Photography", though most of the key info is in the first two books.

Needless to say, Ralph Lambrecht and Chris Woodhouse's "Way Beyond Monochrome" 2nd edition is a great compendium of all the other things one finds useful when using a view (or any other) camera. I go back to it all the time.

Regarding the availability of Jobo equipment, new (not 2nd hand) Expert Drums, and CPA-2 and CPP-2 processors, with parts, can be bought in EU from Dead Link Removed, I corresponded with Klaus-Dieter Seynsche there for info about those.
 

welly

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I've started processing my sheets in trays. Used to use a Paterson Orbital and then a Jobo CPA2. I can't imagine not using trays again.
 

PKM-25

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I must have blew through 60 sheets of 4x5 before I employed most of the rigorous dust control tips offered here and cut out the BS and bought a 3010 Expert Drum for my previously unused & donated Jobo CPP2. Unless I am running a couple rolls of 35 or 120, I use the Jobo for everything. No dislodged Rollei IR, no streaks, no pitting, no BS.

With good black and white 4x5 sheet film costing between $1-2 per sheet, I need 100% consistency and the only way I have gotten that is with an Expert Drum. But it was the nasty dust issues that had me seriously thinking of dumping the format. Ruthless control methods have helped out quite a bit and I now feel that I get the pro results I need.

Mod54 has an updated version of their popular Paterson tank insert available that has improvements in regards to both loading and build quality. I have one left and while I think they are a great solution to those of us who have no way of tray souping, the problem I ran into was films with really thin base material like Rollei IR 400 coming dislodged and getting ruined. They also use 2-4X more chemistry than other methods.
 
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Sirius Glass

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The Jobo 3010 Expert Drum is worth much more than the cost.
 

TareqPhoto

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A friend brought me Mod54 processor as i told him, he travels to London or UK more often or alot because he is from Liverpool, so when he was there last 2 weeks he ordered it for me to be shipped free to his place there, and just today i've got it from him, he is my best friend, and now i have something to use to shoot more LF, i hate trays method and BTZS is nice but i feel it is similar to trays and spinning in trays is not so lovely action, HP Combi Plan, well, i have a feeling it may do the job but will see some issues, i keep it for backup or emergency.
 

Dennis S

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OK just to let you know I have had none to very little knowledge about LF cameras. Film...Loads of experience so that part I have that covered. I have an opportunity to get a 4" x 5" camera. It is the Press King. It was made in Canada so I suppose there is not a lot of them circulating. I have been wanting to make the step to LF for some time. The lens on the camera is not that spectacular but I think I can use it until I can upgrade to better glass. I have included a few pictures for the back of the camera. What I was wondering is there a film holder that would work on this camera ? Maybe it is one of those that are rarer than hens teeth ? It is a RB so that kind of helps for positioning etc. The GG has a chip in the corner but I can live with that until better times and $$$$. The bellows look fine. Would this be a wise purchase or just a obsolete door stop not worth restoring. Pre-Thanks for your comments Dennis
 

MattKing

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Hi Dennis:

This APUG thread has a little info: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)
 

Sirius Glass

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Check www.graflex.org and www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/
 

Dennis S

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MattKing

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Dennis:

Post a "Want-To-Buy" ad for 4x5 film holders here on APUG - I bet you will get some offers.
 
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