Polaroid Backs

[bobwysiwyg]

Trying to get my arms around what 4x5 cam to get for my first foray into view cameras. In doing some research I noticed that some take a Polaroid back. I'm assuming this is for "trial shots?" In any event, I'm curious, are these backs for Polaroid packs of B&W film, or is there a single sheet variety they use?

[PHOTOTONE]

All 4x5 cameras can "take" a polaroid-style instant film back. They insert into the camera just like a conventional film holder. Alas, Polaroid has discontinued all film production. Fuji DOES make 4x5 instant film in 10 sheet pack-film format. These products can be used in certain Polaroid film backs, as well as Fuji makes an instant-film back. Some older wooden cameras may not have enough "room" under the ground glass to insert a pack-back. While, probably the bulk of 4x5 instant film is used for testing exposure and composition, Polaroid DID make a b/w instant film that had a useable negative (Type 55), which many people loved for its near grainless image with beautiful tonality. You will find polaroid backs for individual 4x5 sheets as well as pack-film. Fuji only makes pack film. Polaroid made both individual sheets and at one time pack-film.

[wildbill]

Try a search here or on google. Single sheet films are no longer made. Fuji makes two pack films, one for medium format and the model 405 polaroid holder/fuji pa-145 and 4x5 pack film for the pa-45 holder, both made to fit 4x5 graflock style backs. The smaller 405 holder is easy to come by on ebay, the larger polaroid 450/fuji pa-45 aren't and when they are they go for about double what they were new. The smaller polaroid type 669 and fuji brand pack films are about $10-13/per pack of 10. The fuji 4x5 is about $27-35/per pack of 10. Not cheap for a bit larger frame.
vinny

[keithwms]

Yep, you might get a Fuji PA45 and buy some Fuji pack film; now and then there are some used ones at megaperls webshop.

Note that if all you plan to do is quickly check your metering with the pack film, then you might just get the back that will allow you to shoot [much less expensive] smaller Fuji pack film.

[bobwysiwyg]

Thank you both for such a quick reply. I at least have a better understanding now.

[snallan]

For anyone in the UK interested in the Fuji PA45 film holders, Silverprint have started bringing these in to the country. They currently have stock at around £160 each.

[Christopher Walrath]

You can get 545 Polaroid holders on eBay for a dime a dozen these days (about a forty dollar US dime) since the decent of Polaroid into the abyss of 'We Quit'.

[bobwysiwyg]

I can see the usefulness of the Polaroid backs, but seems like it could drive up one's per pic cost pretty quickly if used often. Might be fun to play with, but sounds like film isn't very available anymore.

[PHOTOTONE]

I can see the usefulness of the Polaroid backs, but seems like it could drive up one's per pic cost pretty quickly if used often. Might be fun to play with, but sounds like film isn't very available anymore.

You are right, Polaroid films are not available anymore. Fuji instant pack-films ARE available. The cost per "pic" is insignificant if you are testing in the context of a paying job, as you pass along to the client the cost.

[bobwysiwyg]

The cost per "pic" is insignificant if you are testing in the context of a paying job, as you pass along to the client the cost.

No fool would ever pay for my pictures. But that's OK, I do it for me.