Readyload: do you think is a good idea?

carsten · Oct 27, 2005

Do you think Kodak Readyload is still a good idea?

Here in Italy I cannot find Readyload films anymore, but I can order them overseas, no such a problem. I like the fact they are dustfree and light and you do not have to load films in uncomfortable situations.
But on the other hand they are quite big, longer than a normal holder, and they have some problems about film flatness and light leaks.

Do you think Kodak will soon discontinue its production?

JohnArs · Oct 27, 2005

Hi Carsten

You don't have to buy them overseas Robert White UK has them and also Wahl Trading in Liechtenstein has some and also www.photostudio13.ch
And as long as Kodak makes money they wil produce it and I think they still got the most money out of the films!
Otherways you can change to Fuji Quickloads!
Good luck!

David H. Bebbington · Oct 27, 2005

carsten said:
Do you think Kodak Readyload is still a good idea?

I was attracted by Readyloads and their potential for eliminating handling problems (fingerprints, dust, scratches). However, I gave up after a number of failures, which I put down to the fact that I shoot film slowly and had kept the film in the fridge (sealed in plastic bags against moisture and not frozen). I believe that refrigerated storage makes it more likely that the card envelope system will not function correctly.

I then pursued a policy of buying as many good used filmholders on e-bay as possible so that I had a total of 50 or more and could undertake a week's shoot without the need to reload slides in the field.

As regard availability of Readyloads, when I sold my stocks they went to a buyer in Portugual who was apparently having trouble getting supplies from his home market, so they could well be on their way out.

Note that the genuine Kodak holder has a pressure plate and offers much better film flatness than a Polaroid holder - note also the useful table on the Robert White website which describes compatibility tests between Kodak and Fuji films/holders and a Polaroid holder!

carsten · Oct 27, 2005

Thank you,
Good point David, the refrigeration is essential for my way of working. I like to store films in freezer (me too I seal them in black plastic bags). Maybe I have to increase the number of 4x5 holders.
John, thanks for the links.

Dave Parker · Oct 27, 2005

One thing to remember there are two versions of the Ready Load Holder, an early and a late model, the late model is much better than the early model, with far less failure rate...I like the Fuji Quickload system far better than either of the Kodak loaders..

Dave

jadphoto · Oct 27, 2005

Carsten,

I believe there are three, not two versions of the Kodak Ready Load holders. The first two versions took the two side Ready Loads and were very problematic. The latest uses the single sheet Kodak films and is reportedly more reliable.

I use Fuji Quick loads and I have never had a failure.

I recently sacrificed a sheet of Fuji Acros and placed it in a Polaroid 545 holder without placing it in a camera. When I pulled the envelope/dark slide the film was in the proper place but definetly not flat.

Joe D.

Dave Parker · Oct 27, 2005

jadphoto said:
Carsten,

I believe there are three, not two versions of the Kodak Ready Load holders. The first two versions took the two side Ready Loads and were very problematic. The latest uses the single sheet Kodak films and is reportedly more reliable.

That might be, I am only aware of the two seperate models, but knowing Kodak, that is entirely possible...

Dave

David A. Goldfarb · Oct 27, 2005

Check out the articles and reviews sections at www.butzi.net for some excellent info on pretty much all the available filmholder options for 4x5".

My preference is for Grafmatics.

JohnArs · Oct 27, 2005

David H B. and Carsten
I have the Readyloads and Quickloads also in the Freezer and never had a problem with them but I put them in the closed original Packs almost!
But I also have the latest version of the holders wich is very important!

carsten · Oct 28, 2005

David A. Goldfarb said:
Check out the articles and reviews sections at www.butzi.net for some excellent info on pretty much all the available filmholder options for 4x5".

My preference is for Grafmatics.

I have a couple of Grafmatics and I like them very much and I checked Butzi's site.
The only thing about Readyload is that is a clean system. You just have to push the "cartridge" in the holder and don't worry about loading, total darkness and so on. But I think I made up my mind and also moneywise I prefer to keep on shooting with Grafmatic, even if sometimes I have a light leak in the up and left corner, where is the film "bite".

jonw · Nov 2, 2005

I definitely support the concept of the Ready Load and the Fuji quick load. However, I hope you can learn from my mistakes. I purchased a used Fuji quick load and a used Ready Load. Neither have worked very well. I strongly recommend one purchases these items new or in the alternative test the loader first with a couple of sheets BEFORE you go to the field. Tonight, I figured out why my Ready Load was not working. I had to take it apart and create more "spring" so the film sheet will "hook" and "release" consistently. It now works, but it has to be taped shut. NEXT, the Fuji quick load. Hopefully it will be easier to repair. :}

roteague · Nov 3, 2005

I use Fuji QuickLoads almost exclusively, with the Fuji holder. That is the best way to go.

Readyload: do you think is a good idea?

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