New film holders for the SP-445

[tim48v]

Just released new film holders for our SP-445 sheet film system. Details at:
https://shop.stearmanpress.com/blogs/news/sp-445-film-holders-rev-2

 

[faberryman]

In the blog, he suggests that if you don't want it, just slice it out.

 

[summicron1]

can i swap old for new? Although, after the learning curve, the old ones seem to be working ok.

 

[UtahFilmPhotography]

I used my SP-445 last night for the very first time. I'm a 4x5 newbie (summicron1 can vouch for me). The holders seem to work okay. I think the cutout to grip the corner of the film is a nice improvement. I did notice I was using the edge of my fingernail to pull the neg off and up from the film holder.

What I'm concerned with was the leaking from the caps. Anyone else have issues?

 

[tim48v]

The frames become too flexible if we remove to much material around the edges. We left the inside strip to make sure that two sheets never touched, even though we never saw a problem in testing. However, it's easier to remove it than to add it back in later!

Regarding Shaun's comments above; I think we answered this via private email; just do the old "squeeze play".

 

[UtahFilmPhotography]

Regarding Shaun's comments above; I think we answered this via private email; just do the old "squeeze play".

Yes! Thanks for your help Tim. Now to get out and shoot more 4x5.

 

[tim48v]

Interesting. Haven't seen that happen yet; we'll have to do some testing.

 

[ndavidson2]

Could someone explain "squeeze play"? I've had the same leaking cap issues since I received the Kickstarter, but just haven't got around to inquire about it.

 

[faberryman]

I used the new holders and didn't get any marks. I never used the old ones. If you do the "squeeze" there is very little if any leakage. Without doing so, you do get some leaks, but I always get a little leaking with my stainless steel tanks with 35mm and 120 so it's no big deal.

 

[Mike Bates]

I used my new SP-445 (with the new style holders) for the first time last night. It worked perfectly. No streaks. No marks. The negatives look great.

Without being overly aggressive, I can fill the tank in less than 10 seconds thanks to the vent. Dumping is even faster. When it's time for inversions, I grab the tank with my palm over the top and my thumb and fingers on either side. I rotate my wrist in two axes for each inversion. Not a drop of leakage.