Pack film for a 4x5 camera?

[M Carter]

I'd really like to shoot the remaining pack films in my 4x5 cambo; I know there's backs for this, but they're $200 and up it seems.

Has anyone succeeded in adapting, say, an MF back to slide into a 4x5? I know it won't use the whole image area and you'd need to mark the ground glass... wonder if it's been done. Google doesn't return anything, too many hits for discontinued 4x5 products.

I've adapted a couple 100 land cameras for modern batteries, but i'd like the control and movements of a 4x5... unless there's a pack-film camera solution to look for (tilt, manual controls, and a PC socket for starters...)

 

[StoneNYC]

I'd really like to shoot the remaining pack films in my 4x5 cambo; I know there's backs for this, but they're $200 and up it seems.

Has anyone succeeded in adapting, say, an MF back to slide into a 4x5? I know it won't use the whole image area and you'd need to mark the ground glass... wonder if it's been done. Google doesn't return anything, too many hits for discontinued 4x5 products.

I've adapted a couple 100 land cameras for modern batteries, but i'd like the control and movements of a 4x5... unless there's a pack-film camera solution to look for (tilt, manual controls, and a PC socket for starters...)

The MF pack film backs don't take 4x5 pack film they take a smaller pack film.

There are plenty of people on here, including a few who will probably give you one for free or trade for some of your film.

Since they don't make it any more the value for those backs is certainly not $200 anymore.

Just post a WTB post in the classifieds


~Stone

Mamiya: 7 II, RZ67 Pro II / Canon: 1V, AE-1, 5DmkII / Kodak: No 1 Pocket Autographic, No 1A Pocket Autographic | Sent w/ iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[StoneNYC]

Oops I read your post wrong... Sorry about that. I have an extra NPC Polaroid pack film back that takes the Fuji100 film that is the smaller kind, not the 4x5 size.

I can give it to you cheap, I took the back off, so it's just the plastic part but will work great for Halcking a 4x5 setup


~Stone

Mamiya: 7 II, RZ67 Pro II / Canon: 1V, AE-1, 5DmkII / Kodak: No 1 Pocket Autographic, No 1A Pocket Autographic | Sent w/ iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Marc B.]

Just to clarify, there are two sizes of Fuji pack film that can be used/adapted for use on view cameras.
The two sizes of film use different size backs.

3.25 X 4.25 Fuji pack is still [freshly] produced: 100 ASA color is FP100C, and 3200 ASA b&w is FP3000B.
These films use Fuji PA-145, or Polaroid 405 backs. These backs can be purchased used for $40-$75 USD.
The pack film for these backs cost $6.50-$9.00 per ten (10) shot pack. Less then a dollar a shot.

*** Production of 4 X 5 Fuji pack film ceased over a year ago. These were FP10045c and FP300045b. ***
*** Instant pack film can't be frozen for long term storage; the cellophane(?) developing pods can rupture if frozen. ***

The film backs for 4 X 5 pack film are Fuji's PA-45 or Polaroid's 550.
Yes, these backs have routinely sold at over $150 USD.
When produced, 4 X 5 pack film cost $26-$35 USD per ten (10) shot pack. Three dollars a shot.

Who knows where the price of 4 X 5 pack film film will go now. This is a different scenario then when Polaroid ended production. Polaroid ended 'all' production, 'all' sizes.
Fuji only discontinued one size (4 X 5), then thinned the herd of available emulsions/film speed in the smaller size.

Hope that helps,

Marc

PS: Oops...Many posts above while I was typing.

 

[EASmithV]

Just to clarify, there are two sizes of Fuji pack film that can be used/adapted for use on view cameras.
The two sizes of film use different size backs.

3.25 X 4.25 Fuji pack is still [freshly] produced: 100 ASA color is FP100C, and 3200 ASA b&w is FP3000B.
These films use Fuji PA-145, or Polaroid 405 backs. These backs can be purchased used for $40-$75 USD.
The pack film for these backs cost $6.50-$9.00 per ten (10) shot pack. Less then a dollar a shot.

*** Production of 4 X 5 Fuji pack film ceased over a year ago. These were FP10045c and FP300045b. ***
*** Instant pack film can't be frozen for long term storage; the cellophane(?) developing pods can rupture if frozen. ***

The film backs for 4 X 5 pack film are Fuji's PA-45 or Polaroid's 550.
Yes, these backs have routinely sold at over $150 USD.
When produced, 4 X 5 pack film cost $26-$35 USD per ten (10) shot pack. Three dollars a shot.

Who knows where the price of 4 X 5 pack film film will go now. This is a different scenario then when Polaroid ended production. Polaroid ended 'all' production, 'all' sizes.
Fuji only discontinued one size (4 X 5), then thinned the herd of available emulsions/film speed in the smaller size.

Hope that helps,

Marc

PS: Oops...Many posts above while I was typing.

i'd be very interested for you to reveal the source of the PA-145 for fresh film for that price

 

[Marc B.]

i'd be very interested for you to reveal the source of the PA-145 for fresh film for that price

Patience! Where were you four days ago?
A quick [advanced] search on the auction site shows two backs (a pair), just sold for $50 USD each, w/$8 shipping.
I bought one, not too long ago right here in the APUG classifieds for $55 USD. (Can't remember the shipping cost).

From a completed *Bay Auction-25FEB w/only one bidder: Item # 200900867284

*Note: To be specific, these were the 'Polaroid' 550 backs, not the 'Fuji' PA-145 backs. At this particular, point-and-time,
(regarding instant pack film photography equipment), the difference between the two backs is basically moot.
They both get the job done!

Marc

 

[EASmithV]

Patience! Where were you four days ago?
A quick [advanced] search on the auction site shows two backs (a pair), just sold for $50 USD each, w/$8 shipping.
I bought one, not too long ago right here in the APUG classifieds for $55 USD. (Can't remember the shipping cost).

From a completed *Bay Auction-25FEB w/only one bidder: Item # 200900867284

*Note: To be specific, these were the 'Polaroid' 550 backs, not the 'Fuji' PA-145 backs. At this particular, point-and-time,
(regarding instant pack film photography equipment), the difference between the two backs is basically moot.
They both get the job done!

Marc

not entirely, since only one form of instant peel apart is made

 

[Marc B.]

not entirely, since only one form of instant peel apart is made

You don't seem to understand.
Fuji 3.25 X 4.25, pack-film, works equally well in either the Polaroid or Fuji backs.

The same goes for using the current 3.25 X 4.25 [Fuji pack] in Polaroid 100-200-300-400 series
'Land Cameras,' and in all of the Polaroid, 'pack-film' backs used with MF cameras...to this day.
Especially more so, since 2008 - Polaroid's last bankruptcy.

Marc

 

[EASmithV]

wait,
you mean you can use the 3.25 x 4.25 films interchangable in either the 4x5 or 3x4 back?

 

[limnidytis]

Get a 405 back - it uses the 3.23x4.25 film - it will crop the 4x5 image some, but the film is cheap.

 

[EdSawyer]

Some misinformation in here. 405 or pa145 backs are $200 and up. Film is still made for those. Pa45 or 550 backs are $100 or less. Film no longer made but still available on secondary market at $65-80 for a 10pack.

 

[EASmithV]

That's what I thought. Neither way is as cheap as it was made to sound earlier in the thread.

 

[removed account4]

I'd really like to shoot the remaining pack films in my 4x5 cambo; I know there's backs for this, but they're $200 and up it seems.

Has anyone succeeded in adapting, say, an MF back to slide into a 4x5? I know it won't use the whole image area and you'd need to mark the ground glass... wonder if it's been done. Google doesn't return anything, too many hits for discontinued 4x5 products.

I've adapted a couple 100 land cameras for modern batteries, but i'd like the control and movements of a 4x5... unless there's a pack-film camera solution to look for (tilt, manual controls, and a PC socket for starters...)

there are 2 different types of pack film ...
one is a stack of film and tabs that went into pack film adapters ..
the sheets were thin, like roll film and haven't been made in a long time ..
and then there is instant film ...

which film is it you have ?

thanks

 

[StoneNYC]

there are 2 different types of pack film ...
one is a stack of film and tabs that went into pack film adapters ..
the sheets were thin, like roll film and haven't been made in a long time ..
and then there is instant film ...

which film is it you have ?

thanks

Are you talking readyloads?

 

[Marc B.]

Are you talking readyloads?

He's probably not.

Read the 2nd, and/or 3rd entries in this Wiki page link.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_holder

 

[removed account4]

im talking about this stuff

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

and the film pack adapters look like this

http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=pack+film+adapter&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

 

[M Carter]

To clarify -

I want to use the currently manufactured type-100 pack films (I'm thinking that's the two Fuji's, fp3000 and fc100 if memory serves) in a 4x5 view camera;

I have a classic polaroid 4x5 holder with nothing available on the market to feed it (other than dwindling old stock).

For pack film, I have the fiber-optics forschers on my Nikons, I have a pack film back for my Mamiya. I have two Polaroid Land 100's. Those all take pack film.

I was wondering if anyone has had any luck modifying a pack film back for a 4x5 view camera, if there's any existing knowledge or is it fairly no-brainer?

There are usually several backs on ebay that will do just what I want; they're $200 and up. If it's been tried and (for some reason that hasn't occurred to me) is a dead end, I'll look into one of those. But used polaroid backs for pack film are plentiful out there.

I know fuji did something along the lines of a "4x5 pack film" but that died fairly young. Supposedly Impossible Project is experimenting with bringing back the classic pos-neg film (and won't that be a glorious day???) But for now, for all practical purposes - non-experimental work where repeatable results from current products are available - we're down to two emulsions for peel apart.

Polaroid types & nomenclatures have confused plenty of shooters - but sadly, it's all pretty simple these days...

 

[StoneNYC]

To clarify -

I want to use the currently manufactured type-100 pack films (I'm thinking that's the two Fuji's, fp3000 and fc100 if memory serves) in a 4x5 view camera;

I have a classic polaroid 4x5 holder with nothing available on the market to feed it (other than dwindling old stock).

For pack film, I have the fiber-optics forschers on my Nikons, I have a pack film back for my Mamiya. I have two Polaroid Land 100's. Those all take pack film.

I was wondering if anyone has had any luck modifying a pack film back for a 4x5 view camera, if there's any existing knowledge or is it fairly no-brainer?

There are usually several backs on ebay that will do just what I want; they're $200 and up. If it's been tried and (for some reason that hasn't occurred to me) is a dead end, I'll look into one of those. But used polaroid backs for pack film are plentiful out there.

I know fuji did something along the lines of a "4x5 pack film" but that died fairly young. Supposedly Impossible Project is experimenting with bringing back the classic pos-neg film (and won't that be a glorious day???) But for now, for all practical purposes - non-experimental work where repeatable results from current products are available - we're down to two emulsions for peel apart.

Polaroid types & nomenclatures have confused plenty of shooters - but sadly, it's all pretty simple these days...

Just FYI impossible will NOT be making the current pack film size (the Fuji100fc or whatever it is) I've spooked with them, the machine that made them had been disassembled before they were able to purchase it and R&D into a new one is unprofitable so they won't ever do it (unless Fuji discontinued their stock and sells the machine to TIP).

The "55project" or whatever they are called in Boston, MA, USA are working on a NEW type pos/neg that's supposedly much better than the original and I've seen a few examples, they are still ironing out the kinks.

They are LOOSLEY affiliated with TIP but only because I assume TIP will be the distributor. And may use the type 55 projects info to come out with 8x10 stuff since they have the machining for that size.

The type 55 project I BELIEVE is using 4x5 pack film sizes if memory serves...

Also "type55 project" is not the exact name, I forget what it is but it's some variation of that wording...

Personally I'm looking for a 4x5 pack film holder just in preparation in case the type 55 project is a success


~Stone

Mamiya: 7 II, RZ67 Pro II / Canon: 1V, AE-1, 5DmkII / Kodak: No 1 Pocket Autographic, No 1A Pocket Autographic | Sent w/ iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[xya]

the project is here http://new55project.blogspot.fr/ afaik they are working on single sheets, which would be the 545 holder. and they are only working on b+w film at the moment.

 

[winger]

A Polaroid 405 holder recently sold for $138.49 on ebay. That may not be cheap, but it's less then $200. There are some with asking bids of $195, but not sold. The 405 will hold the currently made Fuji peel apart films (fp100c and fp3000b/w). I'd guess if you're patient you can find one under $150.

 

[Fixcinater]

I'm late to the party, but I've done exactly what you are wanting to do and it cost me $25 and I've shot multiple packs with the system so I know it works. Only one potential snag, however.

I sourced a "Graflex Pack Film Adapter" which was $6 on eBay. With a rotary tool (Dremel, in my case), I cut off all of the pack film bits, including the latching back door. The only bits left were the dark slide and the surrounding frame that interfaced with the GRAFLEX style back on my Speed Graphic. Not a spring back, not a Graflock. Next, I took the CB-103 (AKA Type 100 back, AKA pack film back as you call it) and with the normal 6 screws, attached it to that Pack Film Adapter's framework just like they get attached to the Forschers/Mamiya style attachment.

I needed to do this to get something to work with the Graflex RB style back as the PA-145 and 405s are made for Graflocks and won't work, plus I'm cheap and refuse to spend that much money on something I can do myself with a little time. I know they made "Graflex Pack Film Adapters" with the right interlock for a Graflock style back, but I'm not sure what the model number is, nor if they are exactly the same, so there is your (potential) snag.

I haven't needed to get super precise with the focus depth (I know it is off a bit but it is easily compensated for), but you might find it bothersome and need to do some fine tuning.

See attached image for the final product. It's not fancy but I don't need it to be, but you could make it look as professional as you like. Would be happy to help if possible, let us know if you get something to work!!!