What back and film for instant B&W?

matti · Mar 25, 2010

It has been a long time without a dark room and the new much improved dark room is slowly being built. Since I can not find a reason to shoot any film without a dark room so far, the cameras have been put away for more than a year now and I really hate it. Even tried that non analog technology without much joy.

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But yesterday I came to think about instant film and listened to a podcast about Fuji films. Do they still sell instant B&W 4x5 film? Is that the best option? Can I buy a pack holder that will fit my Tachihara 4x5? I have found some on Ebay but am not sure that everything will fit together.

What I would like to do is transfer the prints to a paper, is there a book or webpage that describes this process with the Fuji instant films?

Thank you for any help in getting me away from my photographic celibate!

Captain Slack · Mar 25, 2010

Your options for instant 4x5 films are limited & somewhat expensive.

Only Fuji makes instant film for this format and only in packfilm. No one makes the single sheet film like the old Polaroid 54 anymore. To shoot with it, you'll need either an old Polaroid 550 back or the Fuji PA-45. Neither are exactly easy to find or cheap.

RalphLambrecht · Mar 25, 2010

Would you be interested in direct-positive paper instead?

matti · Mar 25, 2010

Sounds like a cool option. But I would need a darkroom at least as in a "dark room" to develop it, right? Does it fit in a normal film holder?

Hm... the more I think of it. It might be a really nice way to use my 8x10. It is slow, right? Would work great with that shutterless Petzval... I like the idea of just creating only one original. Can you recommend a positive paper?

RalphLambrecht · Mar 25, 2010

matti said:
Sounds like a cool option. But I would need a darkroom at least as in a "dark room" to develop it, right? Does it fit in a normal film holder?

Hm... the more I think of it. It might be a really nice way to use my 8x10. It is slow, right? Would work great with that shutterless Petzval... I like the idea of just creating only one original. Can you recommend a positive paper?

I think there is one made by Efke, and Ilford is about to announce a new one. Ilford's version will be around 3 ASA. Anyway, if that works for you, also remember the old Talbot method and consider paper negatives. I used Ilford MGIV-RC with great success in combination with a yellow filter. It's aso around 3 ASA.

vdonovan · Mar 25, 2010

Fuji 4x5 instant pack film is readily available in the US. While the choice is indeed limited it is good film and fun to work with. There is ISO 100 in color and black and white, and a really nicely-toned ISO 3000 in black and white that I love to work with.

I don't shoot 4x5 myself, so I don't know what pack film holder will work with your camera, but here is one on Freestyle:
http://www.freestylephoto.biz/02405056-Fujifilm-Instant-Film-4x5-Pack-Film-Holder?sc=24100
They might be able to answer your questions about what fits what.

Regarding using the images, you have a few choices. One is image transfer. Here a site with technique:
http://www.daylab.com/Fuji_Instructions/fuji_instructions.html

Scanning the negative of the 3000b gives a faux wet-plate look:

But lately I've come to appreciate the unique aspect of the instant image. Now I think of each one as a unique work of art. If I get one I like, I mount it in a frame, sign it and give it to someone. I've had two framed instant photos accepted into juried shows this year.

matti · Mar 25, 2010

RalphLambrecht said:
I think there is one made by Efke, and Ilford is about to announce a new one. Ilford's version will be around 3 ASA. Anyway, if that works for you, also remember the old Talbot method and consider paper negatives. I used Ilford MGIV-RC with great success in combination with a yellow filter. It's aso around 3 ASA.

Interesting that Ilford is announcing a positive paper as well. I hope it is fibre. This seems like a great thing to do with my kids also.
/matti

matti · Mar 25, 2010

I had no idea that there were negatives on these films. Is it the paper that is removed? What can it be used for? It really looks interesting!

vdonovan said:
Fuji 4x5 instant pack film is readily available in the US. While the choice is indeed limited it is good film and fun to work with. There is ISO 100 in color and black and white, and a really nicely-toned ISO 3000 in black and white that I love to work with.

I don't shoot 4x5 myself, so I don't know what pack film holder will work with your camera, but here is one on Freestyle:
http://www.freestylephoto.biz/02405056-Fujifilm-Instant-Film-4x5-Pack-Film-Holder?sc=24100
They might be able to answer your questions about what fits what.

Regarding using the images, you have a few choices. One is image transfer. Here a site with technique:
http://www.daylab.com/Fuji_Instructions/fuji_instructions.html

Scanning the negative of the 3000b gives a faux wet-plate look:

But lately I've come to appreciate the unique aspect of the instant image. Now I think of each one as a unique work of art. If I get one I like, I mount it in a frame, sign it and give it to someone. I've had two framed instant photos accepted into juried shows this year.

matti · Mar 26, 2010

Ordered a Fuji PA-45 and three packs of FP-100B45. Hope I got this right and that the PA-45 fits under the ground glass.
Do I need a special glue if I make emulsion lifts?

/matti

What back and film for instant B&W?

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