Panatomic x and the death of P55

Shangheye · Jun 20, 2008

If the Polaroid 55 film is Panatomic X (licensed from kodak or whatever) can Ilford for example not take control of that part of the discontinued Polaroid business, even if the actual instant film part is lost (I would happily develop it at home)? The film has a very distinctive feel, and Ilford don't today have such a slow speed film in their portfolio. I for one would buy it. Any views? K

2F/2F · Jun 20, 2008

Before getting too depressed, I would give a try to a few of the sub-100-speed sheet films available from Freestyle. I love the Efke, myself. Pan-X is different, for sure (though I have only ever shot it in 35mm, and outdated), but you can get pretty close.

Michel Hardy-Vallée · Jun 20, 2008

AFAIK, PN 55 was NOT Panatomic-X.

Ilford already has PanF+, and they recently evaluated whether a Delta 25 would be a viable product. It turned out not to be a winner, and they did not go ahead with it. You should find a couple of interesting post by Simon Galley about it.

jimgalli · Jun 20, 2008

....or you could buy a lifetime supply and be done with it. At half a buck a foot your 4X5's will be costing you about 17 cents.

I have a bunch of this in my freezer and would agree, there really isn't anything else close. Microscopic grain and a contrast range that can sometimes make you wonder how you'll ever get it all in a print. It's perfect for Pt / Pd.

This is difficult to work with in 4X5 though. It is 4 mil thickness and it's a p*i*t*a to load. A whole new personality on 5X7 though where it becomes very nice to use. The curl holds it flat against the back of the film holders. I have about 1500 feet upstairs in the freezer. My hedge against a filmless future.

sun of sand · Jun 20, 2008

that is a great deal but the pain of cutting it and then the pain of 1G just for film that you could never hope to use up in less than 10 years
That's like adopting an expensive pet

SOMEONE needs to cut some up and sell in 200 sheet boxes

David A. Goldfarb · Jun 20, 2008

Type 55 was not exactly Panatomic-X, but it was probably very similar. I've discussed a few references that suggest this in another thread.

That said, part of the Type 55 look is the monobath process, not just the film. Try monobath processing with other low to medium speed panchromatic films like Efke PL100, FP4+, Pan-F, or maybe Neopan, and you'll get something in the ballpark.

keithwms · Jun 20, 2008

Well if anybody wants to join me on a bulk purchase, I'll pay half, you pay half, we'll split it....

keithwms · Jun 20, 2008

P.S. Alright, now Tom Hoskinson and I have a monopoly on panatomic x, muahaha.....

P.P.S. Okay, where am I going to fit this in my fridge?

P.P.P.S. Oh, it's not a monopoly, there is one roll left. Somebody else buy it and join our cartel....

Photo Engineer · Jun 20, 2008

Anyone want the formula for Panatomic X?

PE

Photo Engineer · Jun 20, 2008

Actually, based on numbers, less that 0.1% of APUG members are interested in making emulsions so I'm safe and so is the formula. again.

PE

keithwms · Jun 20, 2008

Ron, weren't you going to send me some of your formula to run an SEM or TEM?

Photo Engineer · Jun 20, 2008

Keith;

I found a source easily available. I'm making a rounded octahedron, pretty monodisperse at about 1.0 microns. If I can, I'll send you some though.

PE

keithwms · Jun 20, 2008

So you figured out how to make them lie flat? Sounds good.

Frank Szabo · Jun 21, 2008

jimgalli said:
....or you could buy a lifetime supply and be done with it. At half a buck a foot your 4X5's will be costing you about 17 cents.

I have a bunch of this in my freezer and would agree, there really isn't anything else close. Microscopic grain and a contrast range that can sometimes make you wonder how you'll ever get it all in a print. It's perfect for Pt / Pd.

This is difficult to work with in 4X5 though. It is 4 mil thickness and it's a p*i*t*a to load. A whole new personality on 5X7 though where it becomes very nice to use. The curl holds it flat against the back of the film holders. I have about 1500 feet upstairs in the freezer. My hedge against a filmless future.

Jim:

Why don't you rig an autowinder for one of those old Gowland over/unders? [grin]

jimgalli · Jun 21, 2008

Frank Szabo said:
Jim:

Why don't you rig an autowinder for one of those old Gowland over/unders? [grin]

.....easy does it.....

Panatomic x and the death of P55

Shangheye

2F/2F

Michel Hardy-Vallée

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jimgalli

sun of sand

David A. Goldfarb

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keithwms

keithwms

Photo Engineer

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keithwms

Photo Engineer

keithwms

Frank Szabo

jimgalli

Panatomic x and the death of P55

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