Reloading sheet film in the field

BrianPhotog · May 21, 2007

So I just got my first LF in the post today (a Crown Graphic) along with a couple of filmholders.

Just a quick first question: If I want to change film in the filmholders in the field, where can I store the exposed sheets? Suggestions?

Nick Zentena · May 21, 2007

Spare film box but you need a dark place or a changing bag to unload.

Jim Jones · May 21, 2007

Old film holders are cheap. Reloading them in the field is a hassle. Unless you must travel lightly, have a day's worth of film already loaded.

David A. Goldfarb · May 21, 2007

Since the original title of the thread was "Changing Lensboards in the Field" (not something that usually requires much discussion), I've edited to reflect the question.

As the others have mentioned, the way to do this, if you must, is to use a changing tent or a dark place like a closet, if you have access to one and put the exposed film into an empty film box. Changing bags are an option, but a tent is less likely to transfer dust to the film.

BBarlow690 · May 21, 2007

A changing bag can be less of a dust problem if you put things inside a clean plastic waste can bag first, and do your changing work as much as possible inside the plastic bag inside the changing bag.

I agree that it's much better to have enough holders. In the field you have better things to do than change holders. Like making pictures! Keep a sharp eye and take your time acquiring them cheap.

You can store your exposed film in the original film box underneath the packages of unexposed film. Use the little 4x5 cardboard pieces to pad and separate the used film. Useful until you have acquired enough empty film boxes.

bennoj · May 21, 2007

Perhaps not helpful when you're starting out, but my solution has been to use Quickloads and Grafmatic backs (I have accumulated 8) and therefore avoid the problem.

Tom Hoskinson · May 21, 2007

David A. Goldfarb said:
Since the original title of the thread was "Changing Lensboards in the Field" (not something that usually requires much discussion), I've edited to reflect the question.

As the others have mentioned, the way to do this, if you must, is to use a changing tent or a dark place like a closet, if you have access to one and put the exposed film into an empty film box. Changing bags are an option, but a tent is less likely to transfer dust to the film.

When I must load holders in the field, I use a tent. I avoid plastic bags because they are great static electricity generators, thus dust magnets.

Ian Grant · May 23, 2007

The colonies / new world have long fangled devious ways, back here in Europe, I just go into a pub, local bar and ask if I can use the cellar. Never had a problem, I sit in the dark and load and unload my darkslides.

Have to admit I've onlly been doing it for 20+ years, so expect problems.

Seriously explain what you need and 99% of times people will ablige

Ian

BrianPhotog · May 23, 2007

Ian Grant said:
The colonies / new world have long fangled devious ways, back here in Europe, I just go into a pub, local bar and ask if I can use the cellar. Never had a problem, I sit in the dark and load and unload my darkslides.

Have to admit I've onlly been doing it for 20+ years, so expect problems.

Seriously explain what you need and 99% of times people will ablige

Ian

...and 1% of the time they'll think you're a nut job and call the cops

Thanks for the help guys. The reason I asked was because my Graflex only came with 2 filmholders. I've ordered a half dozen more, but they won't arrive in the post for a couple of weeks and I really wanted to practice my LF kung fu a little this weekend. A tent is a little much, especially since it's 4x5. If it were 8x10, sure...that's for the next time I can save up a little money

I think I'll bring a darkbag along and see how it goes.

KenS · May 23, 2007

BrianPhotog said:
Just a quick first question: If I want to change film in the filmholders in the field, where can I store the exposed sheets? Suggestions?

Brian,

Many moons ago, I built a changing box similar to the one that was marketed by Sinar but could not afford to buy. If you or anyone else would like some .jpgs of what I have (with measurements) I would be pleased to send them if contacted by e-mail (to 'all' and any) since my last attempts at uploading images from my old mac were somewhat of a disaster. I found the 'box', while being considerably less portable, at least made reloading on the trunk of the car an H***l of a lot easier than a changing bag. Just gimme a day or so to get .jpgs made and organised.

Ken

wclavey · May 23, 2007

I have always used a changing bag for loading and unloading all my film, including 4x5... the large one from Freestyle, most recently. With 4x5, I found that having the bag lay all over what I was working on to be problematic. But then I found, at the Container Store, a collapsible metal shelf... basically a flat surface on top with legs on each end that fold under it when not in use... so it folds flat. I put that rack into the changing bag, along with the 4x5 holders and film box and then snap the legs into place... et voila! instant tent - - with the benefit of an additional higher level flat surface on which to place the loaded holders to keep the lower work space clear - - and for only a few dollars more than the original cost of the changing bag.

I hope my explanation is clear - - I don't have a digital camera I could take a picture with. But here is a link to the folding shelves catalog entry - - I'm sure there are many other things like it.

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Reloading sheet film in the field

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