Polaroid back for Sinar F2

[bluefin]

I just purchased a LF system and would like to use a polaroid back. There seem to be several options and I have no clue what would be the best choice for my needs.

Although I shoot a lot with a DSLR and used to use a completely manual Hasselblad, my skill sets with manual exposure are not good enough for me to have any confidence that I nailed the shot with my Sinar F2 4x5.

Any recommendations would be much appreciated.........Mark

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

The Polaroid 545 and its various flavors are the ones to look for. Some folks swear by the older 545 which is all metal. It is heavier, though, which is an issue if you're shooting in the field. There is a newer 545i, and a 545 Pro. I think the Pro is the newest version, with a built-in timer that automatically calculates development time adjusted for ambient temperature. All will work- the timer on the Pro is a nice convenience factor, but it does cost more.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Also, before you do anything important, you'll want to compare results between Polaroid and the film you normally use. Even if the two films have the same box speed, for instance, reciprocity error will likely be very different. If you're in the studio using strobes, it won't be much of an issue, but if you use speeds even as slow as 1/2 sec. you might see color shifts or variances in exposure in the Polaroid, while there might be no correction required with a slide film like Provia 100F.

 

[bluefin]

Also, before you do anything important, you'll want to compare results between Polaroid and the film you normally use. Even if the two films have the same box speed, for instance, reciprocity error will likely be very different. If you're in the studio using strobes, it won't be much of an issue, but if you use speeds even as slow as 1/2 sec. you might see color shifts or variances in exposure in the Polaroid, while there might be no correction required with a slide film like Provia 100F.

Thanks David...Your reply brings up the issue of should I even bother with instant film because I often shoot at smaller f stops and therefore slower shutter speeds in dark or shady forests. I just might be better off bracketing important shots until I get the hang of it. Even though bracketing is expensive, the Polaroid solution isn't exactly cheap.

Thanks again for your help......Mark

 

[Roger Hicks]

Consider 'shoot two -- hold one'. Process the first; push or pull the second to get exactly what you want.

Cheers,

Roger

 

[bluefin]

Consider 'shoot two -- hold one'. Process the first; push or pull the second to get exactly what you want.

Cheers,

Roger

Excellent advice.......Thank you