Polaroid Type 52 - How to?

[CGross]

My 4x5 LF system arrived this week and since I am still a little ways from being able to develop and print negatives and I can't wait to use the camera, I picked up a lonely box of Polaroid Type 52 at a local shop.

I am basically brand new to LF and Polaroid. Can anyone offer some guidance on using / processing / coating Type 52 film?

I have the manual for the 545i back but no instructions on using this film. Any assistance would be of tremendous help.

Trying to stay warm in Cincinnati!!!
Cody

 

[glbeas]

Since you have the manual you should have no problems with loading and processing the film. Just be sure the side with the crosshair is facing the lens. Use the EI printed on the box as a rough guide to setting the exposure, reciprocity will surely be a factor in some of your exposure considering you are shooting LF. Be sure and make allowances for bellows factor to, it's bit me on the butt a time or two! Coat the film after exposure with the little coaters to keep the print from turning funny colors, unless you want to try toning them. In that case don't be afraid to try anything, it's there for you to have fun with.

 

[CGross]

Thanks Gary. The process was a little easier than I was imagining. That was after I got over the fact that I would have to burn some film to figure it out. I took some indoor shots since the wind was blowing me over outside and it was 25 degrees!!!

I gotta say, that LF is going to be a long term affair for me.

 

[Anscojohn]

[Trying to stay warm in Cincinnati!!!
Cody[/QUOTE]

******
you are in a great pkace to photograph once the weather warms. I think Zinnenetti is one of the most photogenic cities in the country. I was a grad student there in the 1970s. Great neighborhoods. Is Finley Market still there?

 

[CGross]

Yep, Finley Market is still there. The city is trying to revitalize that area. Over the Rhine is a really neat place but has not been a safe place for a while. Hopefully that will change.
Since getting back into Photography, I have really began seeing this area differently and I think you are right. There's lot's here to point a camera at!!!

 

[BrianShaw]

Gary probably gave you as much info as you really need... but if you want more check out www.polaroid.com -- they have a lot of info available, everything from the basic "how-to" to specific details of your particular film. It has been a while since I've used T-52 but I recall an instruction sheet in the box - is this a thing of the past? One thing Gary didn't mention, though - if the film is out of date, don't expect much... it doesn't keep well.

 

[CGross]

Thanks Brian. I was able to find some good info on polaroid.com. The film is definately expired...Dec 01. But the price was right and it seems to be ok. After about 6 sheets, I finally had one that wasn't half bad. Played with the exposure until the 20 sec dev time listed on the sheets rendered a pretty good photo...for a first time LF'er!!
Definately neat film.

 

[Will S]

Be sure and see Dead Link Removed if you are interested in polaroids.

Best,

Will

 

[PHOTOTONE]

It's not that the "film" component of Polaroid doesn't keep well, it is the activator/developer gel pod that does not keep well, as it can dry out over time, even though it is sealed until you pull the film out in the processing step.

 

[CGross]

Be sure and see Dead Link Removed if you are interested in polaroids.

Will, thanks for the link. I googled, but never found this one.