Re-New Member - Large Format Questions

I was a very active member a decade ago (wow, time flies). Mostly medium format, etc, etc.... So, wanting to get back into things and originally, I was looking into 4x5 (or other LF) pinhole. Either dedicated or converted. In the process, I found a Polaroid Miniportrait 253 for $30, local. Thought it would be an interesting toy. In researching, I found that 4x5 instant film is a thing of the past. While looking for other backs, I found and I found and I found more and more and more......

So, I want to make large negatives. I would love to have something that makes LF instant film possible. Would love it I could make or buy a body cap to turn it into a pinhole. Maybe I am wanting too much. I guess in the end, I don't have a good handle on what is available in films and what will soon be replaced or discontinued. Am I in denial? Is this all just so niche that I may have to own two or three things to do different things?

Ilford make a direct positive paper which can be used in pinhole cameras. You then can just develop it. No neg involved at all.

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/products/product.asp?n=65&t=Photographic+Papers

get the pdf data sheet from under fact sheets.

AND

Ilford sell a 4x5 and 8x10 camera designed by Mike Walker. he may even be manufacturing them for Harman.

http://www.walkercameras.com/pinhole_cameras.html

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/products/product.asp?n=81&t=ILFORD+CAMERAS
http://www.ilfordphoto.com/products/product.asp?n=85&t=ILFORD+CAMERAS

You could shoot paper negatives and contact print them. Its not instant but its faster than film and pretty cheap. Its not hard to make a large format pinhole, just make (or take an existing) appropriate lens board for a large format camera and attach a pinhole aperture (tin, aluminum, etc). The only large format instant film I'm aware of is Impossible, and since I can't afford it I've never bothered to learn anything much else about it except its a work in progress.

Oh yeah, forgot about the positive paper. Its a bit more expensive than printing paper negatives, but saves a step.

Is the Fuji 3.25 x 4.25 still in production? I was looking at a Polaroid 600se system that out of the box, uses that format. At the end of the day, instant film is for the novelty and the occasional emulsion transfer project, etc. I love the darkroom and printing is my passion (or used to be) and that's my end goal. It would just be nice to do multiple things.

Do not forget the NEW55 project, 4X5 instant film. This may be the very item you are seeking? 4X5 instant film lives again.
http://www.new55.net/

Welcome to APUG

Also check out http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/

RobC said:

Ilford make a direct positive paper which can be used in pinhole cameras. You then can just develop it. No neg involved at all.

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/products/product.asp?n=65&t=Photographic+Papers

get the pdf data sheet from under fact sheets.

AND

Ilford sell a 4x5 and 8x10 camera designed by Mike Walker. he may even be manufacturing them for Harman.

http://www.walkercameras.com/pinhole_cameras.html

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/products/product.asp?n=81&t=ILFORD+CAMERAS
http://www.ilfordphoto.com/products/product.asp?n=85&t=ILFORD+CAMERAS

Click to expand...

There's also this:

http://galaxy-paper.com/