Why can't I find these stupid adapters!?! Is somebody hoarding them?

[Theo Sulphate]

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!

 

[pdeeh]

Nothing to do with your adapter problem, but just to correct a possible misapprehension:
Ilford FP4 isn't sold in only 5x4 for LF, you can get 8x10 and 9x12cm as stock sizes too.
And of course you can get it in 135 and 120.
And in the yearly ULF run, pretty much any other size you wish, if you're willing to wait (and pay)

 

[Ian Grant]

Nothing to do with your adapter problem, but just to correct a possible misapprehension:
Ilford FP4 isn't sold in only 5x4 for LF, you can get 8x10 and 9x12cm as stock sizes too.
And of course you can get it in 135 and 120.
And in the yearly ULF run, pretty much any other size you wish, if you're willing to wait (and pay)

He could buy some 10x8 FP4 and cut it down to 5x4 just for today

Ian

 

[locutus]

It took me a minute to remember its April first....

 

[BrianShaw]

Har Har Har. I read that three times, each time wondering if you have gone mad. Now hat I know you have I say Har Har Har.

 

[pdeeh]

oh bollocks

 

[Kevin Caulfield]

Haha. I realised, but only after a couple of sentences. Well played.

 

[lxdude]

 

[paul_c5x4]

If you were wanting to shoot fresh FP4, I'm afraid you are some 25 years too late. FP4 was introduced in May 1968 and its replacement (FP4 Plus) was launched at Photokina in 1990. Should you want to try the old FP4 film, I have an out of date box sitting in the fridge - Although if you are planning on shooting landscapes with it, you might need to stand on your head to do so as I've been storing the box upside down.

 

[removed account4]

i had a 5x4 adapter but i traded it a few years ago for a a special back that i use all the time.
seems i was sold broken ground glass that makes everything upside down.

 

[rbultman]

The 'P' in FP4 stands for portrait. That stuff is plentiful. Ilford also makes FL4, which is for landscape work and is indeed 4x5. It is not promoted on their site and is really kind of secret. Most dealers that still stock film keep it behind the counter. Good luck finding some. I'm on my last box.

Regards,
Rob

 

[mdarnton]

It's a common misconception that 4x5 film won't fit 5x4 holders. You can do it, but all of your prints will be turned 90 degrees sideways. That's OK in space where there's no up or down but not so good in a normal house where people would have to twist their heads to look at your photos.

 

[bdial]

There are reasons some of us like square formats.

 

[Kyle M.]

Yes people are hoarding them, they're also hoarding the optical adapters that increase the image circle of lenses so you can use them on LF cameras. I can't find one anywhere and I really wanna use my Pentax 110 lenses on my 8x10.

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

No problem!! Just send me your 5x4 holders plus US$100 per holder for the expertise and labor and I'll convert as many as you want to 4x5. With my special secret techniques you won't need an adapter.

 

[removed account4]

Yes people are hoarding them, they're also hoarding the optical adapters that increase the image circle of lenses so you can use them on LF cameras. I can't find one anywhere and I really wanna use my Pentax 110 lenses on my 8x10.

kyle m -

i had one for a while but sold on eBay along with the reverser that allowed me to use a LF glass on my auto110
they worked OK but it was kind of a PITA to focus the auto 110 lenses unless its the pan focus 24mm, the
throat that goes between the 110 and the big glass, is sort of weak and even though you hold the lens , not the camera
to frame/focus &c ( and there is a lens tripod mount collar included ) the design is prone to light leak issues from time to time.
send me a PM and i will forward the guy who bought it from me's email address. he might be getting sick of it because he never
was able to find the pan focus .. and he's about 4'8" tall and his arms aren't the longest, and even with the bino-viewer attachment its not ez.

 

[Barlow]

One of the side effects of using 5x4 film too frequently is the uncontrollable urge to drive on the wrong side of the road, which can be very dangerous here in the US. I suggest that you stick to 4x5 for your own safety.

 

[RSalles]

The 'P' in FP4 stands for portrait. That stuff is plentiful. Ilford also makes FL4, which is for landscape work and is indeed 4x5. It is not promoted on their site and is really kind of secret. Most dealers that still stock film keep it behind the counter. Good luck finding some. I'm on my last box.

Regards,
Rob

Crazy,

Cheers,

 

[scheimfluger_77]

One of the side effects of using 5x4 film too frequently is the uncontrollable urge to drive on the wrong side of the road, ...

That, the nagging need to misspell "...ize" words, and use of the Cambrigde comma.

 

[Sirius Glass]

To use 5"x4" film in a 4"x5" camera you need a film stretcher and then under develop the remaining long side to compress the tonal scale. Ansel Adams did that with Minor White cheering him on. But first you must conduct tests on many boxes of 5"x4" film since we all know that exhaustive testing is necessary for successful photography.

 

[paul_c5x4]

One of the side effects of using 5x4 film too frequently is the uncontrollable urge to drive on the wrong side of the road, which can be very dangerous here in the US.

But the look of absolute fear on the faces of drivers coming the other way is peachy. Like rabbits in the headlights, they don't know where to go.

Driving on the left, especially in California, can be quite an entertaining experience