Polaroid 8x10 Processor Military Model

Alex Hawley · May 25, 2005

What do think of this? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3347&item=7519039124&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Would it be a deal or a flub? Wonder which film holder it would take?

David A. Goldfarb · May 25, 2005

Not sure which holder it takes, but the idea of a lawn-mower-style Polaroid processor is an interesting one. These things are kind of cumbersome for field use, though. The Calumet field processor is probably more practical. Given the external condition, I'd ask to see some pictures of the rollers before bidding, but on the other hand, if they don't really know how to use it, they could damage the rollers when they remove them.

Sean · May 26, 2005

looks like you're getting hooked on type55
I use 665 exclusively with my medium format and love the look. I clear them in the field. I'd love to go 8x10 but the expense is too high. Best success I have is extremely slow pulls through the rollers and 2mins dev time with a gentle peel. Not sure you can control the speed on those big processors, might not be an issue..

David A. Goldfarb · May 26, 2005

You can't control the speed on my 8x10" processor (the earlier model that takes the 81-05 holder/loader), but it does it very evenly, so I haven't had any problems.

Alas, there is no commercially available Type 55 in 8x10". Polaroid made some up for testing purposes, and it's shown up at shows, but last I heard, they had decided it wasn't economically feasible.

Sean · May 26, 2005

David A. Goldfarb said:
Alas, there is no commercially available Type 55 in 8x10". Polaroid made some up for testing purposes, and it's shown up at shows, but last I heard, they had decided it wasn't economically feasible.

Ah, was just looking into that. That's too bad..

rbarker · May 26, 2005

I'd agree that it's a bit clunky for field use. But, depending on how the spring works, it might be OK in a camper or SUV. (It's unclear if the rope tnesions a spring that is then released, or if it's direct drive, so to speak.

I'd love to see Type 55 manufactured in 8x10, too, but Type 804 is quite nice for one-of prints (or, big, expensive tests).

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

doughowk · May 26, 2005

I just got an 81-12 processor from eBay that looks the same as this one except for the modifications. I asked Polaroid tech support about it. They said it would take an 81-05 or 81-06 film holder, but with latter you need an 81-09 tray. The tray new costs about $110 & film holder new $175 (used for around $100). A member of our local alt photo process group uses a processor & Daylab with 809 film for emulsion lifts - very nice effect.

Frank Petronio · May 26, 2005

I'd like to know what government boondogle was so important that they need 8x10 Polaroids in the field? For what purpose could they have needed it?

Donald Qualls · May 26, 2005

Portraits of South Vietnamese government officials? Or Taliban chieftains, when the Soviets were still in country...

David A. Goldfarb · May 26, 2005

I wondered that myself. At first one thinks--well Polaroid is easier to deal with in the field than a darkroom--but then you've got to carry all those huge boxes of 8x10" Polaroid and store them flat and keep them at a reasonable temperature. CRT recording maybe, like from a radar screen? But then you would have electricity. Maybe Polaroid has enough resolution for some kinds of reconnaissance photography.

Frank Petronio · May 26, 2005

maybe aligning optical paths, like bombsights or something? Or radiation testing? (if the film is fogged, you're dead...). Which would mean there must be some 8x10 backs on some of these items.

Polaroid probably made some wierd films that respond to radiation for their research.

Alex Hawley · May 26, 2005

Thanks guys for the input. I should probably let this go, but the Devil may get under my skin. I was thinking it may be a starting point to piece together a Pola 8x10 rig over the next year or so.

David A. Goldfarb · May 26, 2005

I'd just wait for a setup with all the parts you need and in better condition. They are coming up all the time with digital increasingly serving the purpose of Polaroid and with fears that Polaroid will soon disappear. I bought mine here for around $150, and I've picked up two extra 81-05 holders for around $40 each.

Alex Hawley · May 26, 2005

Yeah, you proabably have the better idea David. Thanks.

Polaroid 8x10 Processor Military Model

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