Polaroido

[Jonathan Allen]

i am going to buy a Polaroid camera but wanted some advise before I do.

1. I want a fully manual one that will use the whole of the film and not just the square format or at least have the option.

2. Is peel apart film going to be a problem in the near future as I can't make heads or tails of it online if it's going to discontinued or other companies are going to make it. I wouldn't mind shooting with 4x5 and that seems to be a bigger problem.

3. Not to sure weather to use a medium format or large format camera. I guess it's all down to the future in the making of the films as my wife won't be to impressed if the camera ends up as just an ornament.

 

[Pete Askew]

Actually quite a tricky question. At the moment The Impossible Project make instant film for SX-70 and 600/Spectrum cameras. This is capsule film and the final image is about 75mm x 75mm. It is possible to mount a back for this film onto a Mamiya Press style camera and probably others - I'm in the process of doing the former. They also make 10"x8" capsule film but you need a 10x8 camera and a Polaroid processor / holder and the film ain't cheap!

Fuji make FP-100c material and that can be used in a number of cameras including some converted Polaroid models. It produces colour images that are 3.25" x 4.25". They used to make a 5"x4" version but discontinued it last year although you can find it (and old Polaroid stock) on eBay. This is a peel-apart film.

There is also a start-up developing a new Type 55 5"x4" film for Polaroid holders. I am awaiting it keenly and, along with Hamish here on RPF, backed the project. I have just bought a few boxes of their 1Shot sheets and hope to report back on them soon (OK, not instant, but convenient) and some of the early batches of PN. This will fit the 545-type holders and so can be used on any 5x4 camera with a 'Graflex' back. This would seem the option that ticks the boxes for you best.

https://www.the-impossible-project.com
http://www.fujifilm.com/products/instant_photo/films/fp_100c/
http://new55project.blogspot.co.uk
http://www.realphotographersforum.com/forum/threads/did-someone-mention-beer.18975/#post-146707

 

[Jonathan Allen]

Thank you for the great info,Pete. What type of camera would you recommend for the last option that ticks all the boxes

When you say the 1shot sheets aren't instant, do they have to be developed in some way?

 

[Pete Askew]

Yes, the one shot needs developing as per normal B&W film. New55 also sell a one-shot developer/fixer (R3 Monolith) that might be attractive though. If you keep an eye on their website they should have some more instant film for sale soon. Almost any 5x4 would work and the choice is huge. A later SpeedGraphic might be an attractive option. Toyo cameras offer quite good value for money. You'll also need a 545 holder.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Toyo-View...150mm-f-5-6-/191645013891?hash=item2c9eeed783

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/POLAROID-545i-4X5-FILM-HOLDER-/281775040078?hash=item419b19e64e

 

[Jonathan Allen]

When you say instant film, does that mean Polaroid type. Also does a Polaroid Pathfinder Land Camera 120 have a back for Polaroid?
Sorry for my questions. I can take a OK image but lack the technicals knowledge.

 

[Pete Askew]

Yes, I mean Polaroid type film. The film for the Pathfinder is no longer made but I think there are people making conversions of these cameras to take the Fuji film and 5x4 film.

 

[Jonathan Allen]

Thanks Pete. Is it possible to do some Image transfer work with the new55 film . I can't seem to find a how to on line.

 

[Pete Askew]

I don't see why not although it is only B&W. I guess immersing the positive in hot water would lift the emulsion in the same way as the old Type 55 etc films.

 

[Brian Moore]

Addressing question #2 specifically, only Fuji makes peel-apart film, Jonathan. Also, the only stuff they currently make is the color film, FP100c, that Pete mentioned to above. Will it be a problem in the future,...? I'm guessing probably. It was a big disappointment (and I daresay largely surprising) to Polaroid Land Camera users when Fuji discontinued their B&W peel-apart films. Contemporaneously they have been gradually whittling down their other film offerings. I think they'll continue making film of one variety or another for a long time, but with their apparent desire to shed unprofitable emulsions and film types, I feel that it's just a matter of time before the last peel-apart film, the color FP100c, goes the way of the Dodo Bird. I hope it is later rather than sooner. On the bright side, usable pack film cameras (the 100 through 400 series Land Cameras) can be found quite cheaply (with a couple of exceptions, the 180 & 195 I think they are) and with the color film still available for them I wouldn't hesitate to invest a little bit of money for some fun shooting. (Although Pete had previously mentioned the issue of the New55 Project I never got a chance to look into it so I know nothing about it. I'm intrigued now though.) By the way, Pete's right that the Pathfinder you mentioned can be converted to use peel-apart film. However, the 180/195 that I alluded to were, I believe, the later, peel-apart equivalent of the Pathfinder in that they were equipped with high end lenses and manual operation.

 

[Jonathan Allen]

Thanks for the info, Pete and Brian.
I hope I make a good choice with my purchase. I'll keep going over your info and hopefully get the best camera for my needs.