Quickload holders...should I carry spare(s)?

EdR · Nov 6, 2006

Hi all,

I am just starting out in LF photography and putting together an equipment wish list (so apologies for the naive question - warning: there may be more on the way...!).

Should I carry a spare quickload holder(s)? They look pretty basic and robust (and taking multiple holders kind of defeats the object, yes?), but has anyone had a failure in the field? Trying to keep weight/bulk and expense to a minimum, but I would n't want to be caught out having just hiked halfway up a Munro.

Cheers,
Ed

Steve Hamley · Nov 6, 2006

IMO, you should have a spare, but not carry it with you. Losing a hike, however involved, isn't like losing a 2-week trip. Polaroid makes a 545 holder that's heavier than the Fuji or Kodak, but will use all three brands of packet film. That's what I use.

Steve

naturephoto1 · Nov 6, 2006

Hi Ed,

Steve is correct that the Polaroid 545, 545i, etc. holders will accept Polaroid, Kodak Readyload, and Fuji Quickload film. Unfortunately it does not have a pressure plate and is not normally considered to hold the film as flat as the Readyload or the Quickload holders (which have pressure plates). Anything can break, but I have never caried a spare Readyload holder with me on a trip. However, if you are gone for a long trip in a remote area you may want to consider to pack a spare.

I do not recommend dropping a Readyload or Quickload or for that matter any of the Polaroid holders on pavement. Either should provide many many years of usage. They are both readily available from large photo stores.

Rich

EdR · Nov 6, 2006

Thanks guys, especially for the valuable insight on pavements, plastic and gravity

roteague · Nov 6, 2006

I've only had to replace a QuickLoad holder once; after a period of about 8 years. They are pretty robust, assuming you take care of them. On the other hand, once they break, they are generally unusable, so having a spare at home isn't a bad idea (you may not be able to get a replacement right away.

HerrBremerhaven · Nov 6, 2006

I carry a Kodak Readyload, and a Fuji Quickload, holder; the idea being that one will serve as a back-up for the other. However, if you only use Fuji Quickload films, you probably want the second holder to be a Quickload system. There are also many people who hae experienced some troubles (jambs) using one film system in the holder of the other company, so perhaps consider it a last resort.

As others mentioned, the Polaroid 545 holder is an alternative. It is larger and heavier than either the Fuji or Kodak holders. As a third back-up, consider getting a roll film holder, though that would be a smaller cropped view.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
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Kirk Gittings · Nov 9, 2006

After having a Fuji holder jamb on me and then dissasembling it and not being able to get it back together again in the field, I always keep a spare in the car or with me on a long hike.

And to agree with the above comment on Polaroid holders, they are pretty bomb proof, but clearly do not hold the film as flat as the Fuji and Kodak. It is an easy test which I have done, with older Polaroid holders, maybe the new ones are better.

harleygsb · Nov 9, 2006

I carry a spare in my camper. If I am on a week long road trip, I try to minimize the points of failure that could prevent taking pictures. I have never had occasion to use it and hope that does not change.

Quickload holders...should I carry spare(s)?

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