Polaroid for a Super Speed Graphic...

[Carterofmars]

I have a Super Speed Graphic sitting in the closet collecting dust. I was recently watching a video online featuring a guy with a graphic press camera using a Polaroid back. The film was 55 which I've discovered is discontinued and what is left is super pricey. I'm interested in opinions/experiences with graphics and the use of the Polaroid backs. Where is the best place to get the film?

Thanks in advance for your insight.

 

[monochromejrnl]

Polaroid 4x5 instant film is expensive and hard to find (in date).

Fuji makes an instant film that is compatible with Polaroid 4x5 pack film holders. It's available in BW and Colour. The colour FP100C4 can be treated (with bleach) to create a negative.

I've done it and it works.

Details here:

http://new55project.blogspot.com/2010/04/fp-100c45-without-correction-or.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi8-_pXFnWY

Here is an example of a quick straight scan - excuse the dust and scratches...

B&H carries FP100C45 but I think Freestyle out west offers the lowest price.

 

[matt_s]

polaroid for 4x5

polaroid for 4x5

You don't have a whole lot of options. Polaroid type 55 (and type 54, 57, 59,51......) are not made anymore- the impossible project sells some 57 that has expired and you can try your luck at ebay. This film uses the polaroid 545 backs- these backs allow you to shoot and process single-sheet polaroid film.

To use polaroid pack film (the stuff that comes in 10 packs and you peel out one print at a time) you can use one of 4 different backs for two different sizes of film:

For the 4x5 pack film like Fuji FP-100C45 (and old polaroid stuff which I cannot remember the numbers) you use either the Fuji PA-45 back or the Polaroid 550 back. These backs are much thicker than the 545 backs- so not all spring backs can hold them (but graflex backs can clamp them well enough).

For the smaller instant pack film (Fuji FP-100C and polaroid type 100 stuff) you can use either the Fuji PA-145 or the Polaroid 405 back. Again, these two backs are thick, and may not fit into all cameras.

Good Luck.

Matt

 

[Frontman]

A Polaroid or Fuji PA 45 back is the way to go. They are a bit expensive, but are not too hard to find, and Fuji makes both color and black-and-white instant film which will work in them.

The Super Speed Graphic was the last of the Graflex 4x5 cameras, and will have no problem accepting the PA 45 back. There is a less expensive PA 145 back, but it is smaller than the PA 45, and does not produce full-size 4x5 images.

Be extra careful when loading and using these film backs, they are a little tricky to use, and the color instant film is quite expensive.