[LargeFormat] Polaroid Film

[Grace, Schuyler]

Not to contradict the VHE (Very Highly Esteemed) Uncle Dick, but I
absolutely love Type 55 P/N.  It's convenient, has nice gradients and
contrast, and prints well.  Dick is correct about the costs, but I think
they are ~breakeven when you add in time in the darkroom and the cost of
chemistry, at least when it comes to B/W.  I don't really do much color,
except in the 8x10 format (which reminds me, does anyone know of a good US
source for used 8x10 Polaroid film holders?), so I can't comment on their
4x5 offerings.

With the Type 55 P/N, you need to figure out what EI to use to get a good
negative (your personal estimation of a good negative, that is), because the
standard rating results in a good Polaroid print and slightly mis-exposed
negative.  I understand this used to be much worse of a problem, but the two
are relatively close today.  The other drawback is that you can't experiment
with different chemistries, since the Polaroid film comes with its own,
self-contained pack.

Schuyler Grace

Phone:        480.693.3569
FAX:          480.693.7555
CO-MAIL:        52N-AWT


-----Original Message-----
From: rstein [mailto:rstein@bigpond.net.au]
Sent: Monday, February 04, 2002 4:08 PM
To: largeformat@f32.net
Subject: Re: [LargeFormat] Polaroid Film


Dear Achal,

     One of the first things you will learn is how much the Polaroid large
format film costs! You may change your mind and learn on cheaper B/W sheet
film....

     In any case, the 400 ASA stuff is way more use to learn from than the
3200 ASA stuff, presuming they still make it. The sepia film was lovely but
even more expensive and was only available round here for a limited time -
trying out the market.

    Colour is an option - I personally think the Fuji version of the
Polaroid gives truer colour but I am not sure if it is made in 4 x 5 sheet -
in any event you can use the true Polly stuff if you remember to make a note
of the room and film temperature and then let the sheet develop for the
appropriate time as per the chart on the pack.

    Back onto the costs - make me wonder why Polaroid have gotten into
trouble if the film is so dear.

     Uncle Dick



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