Signs of life at the New 55 project

[TheFlyingCamera]

My only issue with a January first-release (if they actually make it, I get 20 sheets) is that roller processing outdoors is going to be ambient temperature dependent. I wonder how long I'll be needing to wait before peeling if it's, like, 20F/-7C outside...



Ken

You can always pull the packet without processing it (hold down the button without flipping the lever and you can remove the packet with the chemical pods intact) and then run the processing when you get indoors to somewhere with a nice 70F-ish temperature. IIRC the original Polaroid Type 55 was not recommended below about 65F.

 

[mgb74]

I've seen the 545 holders go for $50+, but found one at a swap meet type photo sale a month ago for $10.

That update looks good and looks like they're really working on all parts pretty hard. One question, if anyone knows - they mention they have sourced the film and that they're getting a decent deal, so people should use that vendor's 4x5 film more - but they don't say whose. Anyone know?

They also said " It turns out that the more primitive emulsions work the best" and "The makers of these emulsions were not quite sure if they should be named in New55 because the performance of the film is very different in our system".

Note that they also said "makers" and "vendors" (plural). I'm sure they are testing with multiple vendors so as not to be dependent on the fortunes of a single critical supplier. So my assumption is Foma and Adox.

 

[winger]

They also said " It turns out that the more primitive emulsions work the best" and "The makers of these emulsions were not quite sure if they should be named in New55 because the performance of the film is very different in our system".

Note that they also said "makers" and "vendors" (plural). I'm sure they are testing with multiple vendors so as not to be dependent on the fortunes of a single critical supplier. So my assumption is Foma and Adox.

Hmm, good points. Thanks!

 

[Ken Nadvornick]

Spare a thought for us down here, if it's 47C outside does that mean it will process in 3 seconds, or melt as it peels

At 47C/117F either it will melt, or you will. Best to keep the chocolate bars and lead ingots out of your lunch bag...



Ken

 

[David Grenet]

More info on their film source and something to buy (for those with deep pockets)

(From their email update)

Ashland, Massachusetts, April 20, 2015 -- New55 FILM announced today that it would offer a special "Yellow Dot" edition of a ready loaded non-instant film named 1SHOT(tm), to supporters of the New55 FILM Kickstarter effort.
...
The 1SHOT emulsion is a panchromatic 4X5 sheet film product first sourced by New55 FILM project CEO, Sam Hiser, who worked with and visited the Shenbei factory in China which manufactures X-ray, photographic, and roll films for industrial and consumer markets. Hiser negotiated the bulk production of New55 FILM-specific N105 for the Kickstarter effort. The emulsion is similar to that used in the old Polaroid Type 55 product which has been long discontinued. Over a series of tests done by the New55 FILM team and others, N105 was used and processed in both instant and non-instant developers, including monobaths, with good results.

 

[toro_mike]

More info on their film source and something to buy (for those with deep pockets)

(From their email update)

Already shows sold out. Wow.

 

[David Grenet]

The latest blog post says there'll be another batch available in the shop soon.

 

[Pioneer]

Well, not exactly what we were all promised but, since they already spent the money to get the distribution system up and running, it is nice to get something through the system...I think.

Although I am still confused why a distribution system was more important than the film itself. It seems to be a bit like the cart before the horse. I guess so that we could raise more money.

 

[mgb74]

Well, not exactly what we were all promised but, since they already spent the money to get the distribution system up and running, it is nice to get something through the system...I think.

Although I am still confused why a distribution system was more important than the film itself. It seems to be a bit like the cart before the horse. I guess so that we could raise more money.

I don't think that anyone contends that the distribution system is more important than the product, but without it there will be no product sold and no income generated. And they were pretty clear on their website that this is an effort to raise additional development funds needed for completion.

 

[Pioneer]

Oh I do understand the purpose of a distribution system. I still am unable to understand its importance at this point in the venture when we are still not close to having anything to ship through that system.

Now we have a different product, but not the one that was originally funded. I kind of wonder what funds are being used to produce these products?

Ah well, just random thoughts. Pay no mind.

 

[Dr Croubie]

Now we have a different product, but not the one that was originally funded. I kind of wonder what funds are being used to produce these products?

Ah well, just random thoughts. Pay no mind.

My 2c (from someone who couldn't contribute any cash):
We have something.
Something > Nothing.

 

[adelorenzo]

From what I can tell, they are simply combining what they already have (sleeves, clips and film) into a product for sale. The problem is the bits they don't have figured out yet like the receiver sheet. But don't just take my word for it, if you really want to know everything the New 55 blog is full of details.

 

[jcc]

Now we have a different product, but not the one that was originally funded. I kind of wonder what funds are being used to produce these products?

I wonder the same thing. I'm sure we'll eventually see the product that the original Kickstarter project was proposed for... Maybe in 2018, after a few more shirt designs, new developer, and blah blah blah are released to fund what was already funded.

 

[BobCrowley]

I wonder the same thing. I'm sure we'll eventually see the product that the original Kickstarter project was proposed for... Maybe in 2018, after a few more shirt designs, new developer, and blah blah blah are released to fund what was already funded.

I paid for it. In fact since 2010, when I started the project, I've paid for much of it - about half so far. If you read the Kickstarter page, you will learn that the goal is to create a manufacturing capability that was lost when Polaroid went under.

Thank-you for your support.

And if you missed out the original fundraise and still want to help revive manufacturing of 4x5 instant film, please go to this page and try out 1SHOT - with Atomic-X, ISO 100 pan sheet film inside. Atomic-X is a cubic-grained single layer film on a standard 4x5 film base packaged in a convenient, ready-loaded form, very similar to what Polaroid produced for Kodak prior to the closure of 2008.

Here is the link:

Dead Link Removed

http://new55.net

 

[Ektagraphic]

It looks like New55 has started production of the film at last, and now has it listed on their website, although not for sale yet...I would think a formal announcement will probably be along soon!

Dead Link Removed

 

[Ken Nadvornick]

Before everyone goes bonkers at the asking price and dismisses the product, I suspect the amount also incorporates a significant fundraising premium similar to their 1-Shot non-P/N product.

Ken

 

[Ektagraphic]

Yes, on that page they mention that the $85 price is for what is remaining of the stock from the initial run for those people who did not have a chance to back the Kickstarter/ a further continuation of fund-raising for the project.

 

[Peter de Groot]

Well the first film is out there. I have been playing with it yesterday. To bad that they ran into some problems with the podmachine which resulted in 3 photos with an uneven spread of the chemicals. However that has been solved now. New batches shouldn't have this. The photos do look good en the negatives even better. This is a scan of the positive:


I also made a little video on how to use the holder and film and what it looks like when fixing the film. When I have my negatives back home I will show these as well.
https://youtu.be/dCYbPM0sjMo

And if you are really that bored you can also check my really boring unboxing video....they they are supposed to be:
https://youtu.be/ijfQgnuKzyo

 

[Ektagraphic]

Thanks for sharing! Great videos!