Re-New Member - Large Format Questions

[b166er]

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?

 

[RobC]

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

 

[Wayne]

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.

 

[Wayne]

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

 

[b166er]

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.

 

[jacaquarie]

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/

 

[Sirius Glass]

Welcome to APUG

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

 

[480sparky]

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

There's also this:

http://galaxy-paper.com/