[LargeFormat] Type 55 Polaroid and Panatomic X?

[Rich Lahrson]

Hi Clive!

     I've got a 1000 ft. by 5 inch spool of the Panatomic-X aerial film I got
for
a few dollars on eBay a few years ago.  I had a 3 1/4 by 4 1/4 inch Graflex
SLR and cut some film for it.  But it was too big a hassle, so I sold the
Graflex.

     I'm setting up an old Elwood 5x7 enlarger, it still needs an aristo
light for it.
I'm returning to large format and have decided on the 5x7 format.  It will be

easy to cut the Pan-X film, just one cut.

    I decided on the 5x7 format because I've got the film and would like to
try new, to me, developers like pyro.  The 5x7 format is large enough for
contact finished prints, unlike 4x5 which, to me, seems too small.  The 5x7
format will therefore provide the potential to try papers like Azo and
Amidol,
stuff I've not had a chance to try.

     I'm waiting for an 11x14 Versalab archival washer to arrrive, the last
major
piece of hardware needed for my apartment converted darkroom.  I'm single,
and except for my cat, don't have to bother with others in that space.  The
door to hallway closes and the safelights are installed and the electircal
stuff.
I've still got to get the plastic screens set-up for drying prints.

     As well as the Elwood, I've got a small Durst M600 set-up so I can
hopefully use both at the same time.

    I'm looking at 5x7 size cameras, but will take my time to decide.

    I've just joined this list and find it very knowledgable and useful.

                                              Cheers,

                                                               Rich Lahrson
                                                               Berkeley,
California

tripspud@transbay.net

Clive Warren wrote:

> Have just emerged from a pile of paperwork that had accumulated
> during the preparation for and taking part in the Spring Workshop.
> Polaroid film played a big part in the workshop and the two
> additional holders I ordered for the workshop have just arrived form
> the US :-) Robert and I had three between us so there we were covered
> along with those that people brought with them.
>
> Robert introduced me to the delights of Type 55 Polaroid film and I
> have been quite impressed by the quality of the negs. After speaking
> with Robert this evening, he informs me that he has read somewhere
> that the film stock is Panatomic X. This is a film that I was
> seriously considering a while ago when someone was selling bulk rolls
> of 5" - it was the lack of a suitable option for shipping that
> stopped me going for it. None of the carriers could guarantee that
> the film would not be scanned as it would be in the aircraft hold.
>
> I was under the impression that Panatomic X was withdrawn some time
> ago. The bulk roll version is probably not the easiest film to use
> for 4x5 as it is on a very light (probably Estar) base and has a
> tendency to curl. Intended for aerial photography. I can see why it
> would be good for Polaroid though. Seems strange that they would use
> a Kodak film rather than develop their own, but why reinvent the
> wheel if there is a suitable emulsion already available......
>
> As far as I can remember, Panatomic is a 25ASA film - perhaps someone
> who used to use it can confirm. It may also have been available on a
> thicker base at some point.
>
> Anyone have other sources or experience to confirm the Panatomic X story?
>
> Cheers,
>         Clive
>
> _______________________________________________
> LargeFormat mailing list
> LargeFormat@f32.net
> http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/largeformat