While browsing a photographer's website, I saw the most beautiful large format images taken on Ilford FP4. I've never used FP4, so I'd like to try it. Following the photographer's suggested link, I see that for large format it is sold in 5x4 sheets only. Well, I have a Speed Graphic - which is obviously of 4x5 landscape orientation, so I will need a Graflok adaptor to accomodate the 5x4 film holders. My problem: I can find neither the adaptor nor the film holders!! For a moment, I thought I could simply turn the film 90-degrees -but that won't work since the film wouldn't fit in the 5x4 holder and I obviously can't insert the 4x5 film holder at the top of my Graflok back - film holders can enter only from the side. If I insert it in the side, then the film will be cropped.
I suppose if I had some kind of fancy Toyo View or Linhof with a trick rotating back which would let me rotate the orientation and still insert from the side, that would solve the problem. Clearly that's what most people who use 5x4 have. But there must be some people like me who could use an adaptor from 5x4 to 4x5 (and the film holders!!!) - so why can't I find them?!? People must be hoarding them to keep the price up. Despicable!
I suppose if I had some kind of fancy Toyo View or Linhof with a trick rotating back which would let me rotate the orientation and still insert from the side, that would solve the problem. Clearly that's what most people who use 5x4 have. But there must be some people like me who could use an adaptor from 5x4 to 4x5 (and the film holders!!!) - so why can't I find them?!? People must be hoarding them to keep the price up. Despicable!