New55, Instax WIDE, Polaroid 600 on 4X5

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JWMster

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So I'm wondering where we stand with the New55, InstaxWIDE and/or Polaroid 600 for shooting with a 4X5 camera? I've seen a hack to load Polaroid 600 into a 4X5 holder. I've looked at New55's sight (FamousFormat.com), and the InstaxWIDE option seems the lone holdout. Curious about the level of interest at current price points for these options and where we stand. Anyone have any insight? or is this a collective shrug and the thing to do is to put your iPHONE into a holder and take a shot (a la ALPA12C)? Nice to have options.
 

ic-racer

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I think the future is in Instax. I have been looking for a high quality Graflok instax back. I believe they are available, or at least there is a picture on the internet.

Screen Shot 2020-01-16 at 11.56.23 AM.png
 

adelorenzo

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So I'm wondering where we stand with the New55, InstaxWIDE and/or Polaroid 600 for shooting with a 4X5 camera? I've seen a hack to load Polaroid 600 into a 4X5 holder. I've looked at New55's sight (FamousFormat.com), and the InstaxWIDE option seems the lone holdout. Curious about the level of interest at current price points for these options and where we stand. Anyone have any insight? or is this a collective shrug and the thing to do is to put your iPHONE into a holder and take a shot (a la ALPA12C)? Nice to have options.

Mercury Camera makes a 4x5 back that uses Instax wide film.
https://mercurycamera.com/backs/mercury-instax-backs/
 

Andrew O'Neill

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Sam Hiser is making it. famousformat.com They also have a 400 speed version now.

Thank you. After watching the video of the guy in the field, I can see they still haven't solved the uneven spread from the pods.
 

Deleted member 88956

Sam Hiser was also involved from the very early stages of New55.
He was, but Crowley was the mouth of the project though. Just read some history on that new website. I personally didn't care much about that project and given what money they collected (some interesting things that happened within last few days of campaign that lead to meeting the goal, and years gone by with not that much to show. I'm not being negative, more like promises, hypes vs. facts. Any product of this kind, if it becomes fully useful and sustainable is always a good thing.

Did original kickstarter backers ever got their perks?
 

Mackinaw

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Sam Hiser is making it. famousformat.com They also have a 400 speed version now.

I tried the 400 speed stuff and was big-time disappointed. The instant prints were terrible and the speed of the film wa
Thank you. After watching the video of the guy in the field, I can see they still haven't solved the uneven spread from the pods.

I bought a box of the 400 speed stuff. I had no problem with the pods, but the negs were washed out and the prints were unusable. I shot three pics and threw the remaining, unused film in the trash.

Jim B.
 

adelorenzo

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I got all my film from the Kickstarter. As far as I know they fulfilled the entire order and they have been making and selling film ever since. From what I understand, they can sell every sheet of film they can slowly make with their handmade process. But they reached an impasse when it came to trying to automate production.

I know that New55 still has a lot of quality issues, but man oh man... The dream of Polaroid Type 55 is such a worthy thing to support. I've shot two boxes of the old stuff and I can't even put into words how amazing it is. If they can get anywhere close to the original I'd buy it by the truckload.
 

Deleted member 88956

I got all my film from the Kickstarter. As far as I know they fulfilled the entire order and they have been making and selling film ever since. From what I understand, they can sell every sheet of film they can slowly make with their handmade process. But they reached an impasse when it came to trying to automate production.

I know that New55 still has a lot of quality issues, but man oh man... The dream of Polaroid Type 55 is such a worthy thing to support. I've shot two boxes of the old stuff and I can't even put into words how amazing it is. If they can get anywhere close to the original I'd buy it by the truckload.
To me it is clear, without major player coming into this game, it is a futile attempt with no future. By now it looks like they were way over their heads when it started.

I agree it was a noble idea and original 55 was great (still have one box of the original waiting for its day in the arena).

Given the price point of New55, that I believe they claimed was close to breaking even? This is not sustainable, but it will go down into the history books.

Also, I actually have a problem with the naming of this film. It has nothing to do with original 55 outside of claims made. But I suppose you have got to draw sentiments for driving sales.
 

Renato Tonelli

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Some are under the impression that old film technology can be easily replicated, brought back with hard work and good intentions. 'Old' film technology is in fact very complex and very difficult to replicate. Look at how long it took Kodak to bring back Ektachrome - a technology they own to begin with.

I would love to use the New55 provided that it worked as well as what it is trying to replace.
 

xya

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I had some new55, but was largely disappointed. doc kaps got out of the impossible project and sold it, what is now polaroid original under the new owners. but he is into a new project for type 100 packs https://www.kickstarter.com/project...-analog-packfilm-re-invented?ref=project_link the kickstarter films are out, but I have not seen the results yet. while waiting, I got this http://www.oddcameras.com/graflex_pacemaker_crown_graphic_instax.htm works well. it's a diy thing + a lomo belair back and needs a matching focussing screen, just like the mercury back. as the lomo belair backs are rare, I would either go for the mercury or wait for the results of doc kap's.
 
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JWMster

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Ah... you guys are helping me resist a few temptations. Thanks!
 
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