Instant Film Choices for Large Format - LomoGraflok, Polaroid, and more! - Large Format Friday
Вставка
- Опубліковано 13 лип 2024
- I LOVE instant film. Today, I want to talk about the good, the bad, and the not-so-standard options there are for working with instant film in large format. A lot of the options are getting scarce and/or out of date, but I take you through what's on the market as of 2022. Featured film stocks include: Polaroid & Fujifilm Peel-Apart film, New55, One Instant, Instax Wide via Lomography LomoGraflok, and more!
Photographers making an appearance in this episode:
Tariq Tarey - / tariqtarey
Michael Raso - / filmphotographyproject
The Film Photography Podcast - filmphotographyproject.com
--------------------------------------
Become an LFF Sustaining Member HERE: marrash.com/memberships
Support the Channel here: marrash.com/donate
-------------------------------------
Questions? Send me an email: largeformatquestions@gmail.com
Content by Mat Marrash: www.matmarrash.com
#largeformat #filmphotography #fujifilm #polaroid #lomography
00:00 Instant Films
01:11 The Bad News
03:00 Hopeful News
04:50 LomoGraflok
06:18 Instax Wide on 4x5
08:28 Polaroid 8x10
09:25 Not Quite Instant
10:46 What Do We Do? - Навчання та стиль
Extra points on this episode for that Fujifilm rant! 🤣❤️🤣
And here I was thinking I'd gone a bit too far! >__
Aw yeah. This episode feels tailor made for me.
Next time I'll add in a "Jesse, if you're watching this..." rant!
No way! I was researching my instant film options the past 2 days and now you bring out this video. That is so cool. Thanks Mat!
We LF shooters somehow end up on the same wavelength often. ;)
Oh man Type 55, I managed to get a couple of boxes of the stuff when it was relatively inexpensive and quickly learned why, didn’t get too many working sheets. As for the Graflok…I’m now intrigued!
Your appeal to Fuji is a cry from the heart of all photographers, I am with you! Thank you ))
"...Just stop taking away our films..." Love it. How many times have I thought the exact same thing.... Love your channel!
Excellent presentation Matt. Thank you for continuing advocating for film photography 👏👏👏
Thanks Li! :D
I purchased the Lomography Graflok Instant film back. It is a great unit. With my Tachihara, I don’t need to remove anything, just slide the unit in and take the shot. It is great for proofing a composition before using sheet film. I just stop down 2-3 stops to compensate for the higher speed of instax.
Aha, yes! Tariq and I discovered when testing in the studio with his Wista 4x5 that the Lomograflok squeezes in, even without a Graflok back!
I got a Lomograflok about three weeks ago but haven't had the chance to get outside with it because of the weather. My motive in getting one was primarily the ability to test and experiment in the field with Imagon soft focus lenses and get the different aperture discs and exposure settings dialed in before committing to larger sheets of film. Having looked at all the example photos made with the back, I definitely see a lot of artistic potential in the film in certain shooting situations and I look forward to shooting it often. Now someone needs to come up with a proper carrying case for the Lomograflok because I think there is a market for it if it can fit the back, a couple of packs of fresh film and a holding pocket for maybe 25-50 exposed sheets.
Thanks Gregg, I would be very much for a carry solution! The other big accessory I'm looking for at the moment is a viewfinder mask for the Crown Graphic to make rangefinder shooting a little easier. Re-seating the infinity stops worked, all that's left is something to help the composition.
I too came to applaud the rant 😆🤣😂
Thank you for making a video on instant film, I've been a fan of this medium for 6 years and tried a lot of cameras and now I'm super excited to be able to shoot Instax Wide on my Intrepid!
Haven't seen Michael Raso in a while so his little cameo was nice :)
Mike is the best; it's a film-tastic time every time we hang out at FPP HQ!
Hey ! Do you have an IG where I can see the results of your Fuji Instax pictures ? I want to try to with a Graflex Crown but…the quality of the paper stop me 😬😅. 🙋🏽♂️
Love the rant to Fuji. It's what we all feel..
Trying to film this entire piece with normal LFF composure didn't feel right for how limited our Fujifilm options currently are.
I have a Tachihara 4x5 camera and thought it would not work with LomoGraflok. Your video shows it also works! Cannot believe I can still have instant film to shot Q.Q. Thank you for sharing!.
Good job MaT keep going , cheers
I totally love the Lomo Graflock back ... I ended up actually not using not on my 4x5, I bought a Cameradactyl Rex that is setup for the back and uses Polaroid 600 SE lenses (there is also a version for Mamiya lenses) ... feels like REALLY using a Polaroid camera with cool results!!!
Been getting into instant recently so this is an exciting watch
I really hope Fuji sees this.
I felt the pain in your plea to fujifilm... I felt that in my heart!
Best one yet. Agree agree on Fuji rant. My heart is broken by Fuji
Great passionate episode Mat! Though I'm presently focusing on paper negatives with 4x5 i have another series that I did a lot of work in over the winter using two Instax mini film lined up side-by-side and secured in my homemade pinhole cameras. My concept was a stereo image but one that left some whim to what it became meaning depending on the angle, light, luck and my calculations for the pinhole exposure would have some variance in the two frames. I loaded via changing bag from an Instax cart to the pinhole, once exposed back into the cart then used an Instax mini camera to run them through the process. I initially tried using a range of manual processing in the blind with the most successful using a Brayer painting roller. But I finally gave in for second hand Instax camera for processing doing the above. Though interested in the paper neg work at present I still plan to pub a photo book of this Instax project. Example from my Lomo page, www.lomography.com/homes/jimgoodinmusic/photos/26313881
Wish we could have the Type55 P/N Polaroid again. That was my favorite. Had I known they would kill it, I would have shot more of it when it was around.
Type 55 is an amazing film stock, miss it every time I load up a 4x5! ;__;
With the Instax, it's pretty neat how much resolution the film actually has. When I started using it, I didn't realize that the framing mask was too thin, so I was wondering why the pictures felt softer compared to when I was shooting on sheet film. Once I started using my 65mm lens instead of my longer lenses, everything was just out of focus in a bad way. Now as long as I pull in my front standard 0.75 mm or push my rear standard forward 0.75 mm I get sharp focus. I'm getting a ground glass back made specifically to be used with the Lomograflok back because I want to be able to shoot it quickly and be confident that what I'm seeing on the ground glass is what I'm getting especially since I often use movements. The distance from the front of the back to the film plane is exactly 25 mm which I believe I also saw in the specs when it was first released. I'm really glad I can use Instax on my camera, it makes for a fun thing for people who want a quick and fun portrait they can just take home with them
Hey ! Do you have an IG where I can see the results of your Fuji Instax pictures ? I want to try to with a Graflex Crown but…the quality of the paper stop me 😬😅. 🙋🏽♂️
@@maxiortelli5015 I don't have results on insta yet because I am still figuring out how to scan the pictures properly. On my scanner, I can't seem to get clear scans because my scanner seems to miss focus. I might have to rig up something with a copy stand, a scanning mask, and a reflective light setup to get better scans of it. The Fuji Instax materials are really quite sharp, and you can see this with your eye as well as a loupe. It's pretty good stuff
The Lomograflok spacer definitely required shims to get proper focus with my Crown Graphic. I had a thicker one 3d printed that’s pretty spot on. It’s scratched the black paint on the frame of the camera though.
Hey ! Do you have an IG where I can see the results of your Fuji Instax pictures ? I want to try to with a Graflex Crown but…the quality of the paper stop me 😬😅. 🙋🏽♂️
Thanks for the status check, very helpful. Will look into the Instax holder as it looks like ok for wooden field cameras. Note, JLane/Chromatographica have double-sided 4x5 dry plate holders, I got early so not sure current price but I highly doubt it's hundreds of dollars, I mentioned this to Jason. Don't know if these hold Zebra plates. There's a youtube video on adapting old pack film holders to hold one 4x5 dry glass plate. I did it, so anyone could! Btw Jason is working on dry plates on black glass that can give an ambrotype effect.
ohhhhh such a great LomoGraflok review, thank you Mat!
Thanks Birgit, I still think there may be a deep-dive video coming, as I've got a lot more to say about this cool product!
@@MatMarrash oh that's a great idea :-)
good video Mat, and you mentioned the lomograflok back :-)) ; but one question, which cameras do these backs fit into, for instance Linhof technika 3/4 series, or do you know of options to use reducing adaptors from 5x7" to 4x5"? as for some the gape of them is too small to fit these inside, so 'graffloc' bars must be used, but for say the 5x7" linhof tech iii 's this is a different fitting, a single metal slide back, so would be nice to have a "reducing" back, like reducing lens boards!, to adapt these fantastic solutions to other format cameras; or for instance to add the lomograflok to a mamiya press, or mamiya universal 6x9 press MF camera.
great video, have had some comments about this from another youtuber, and one more thing, YES, you can use Li-on batteries in this 😏 so no need to go to the grocery store and buy out their stock of AA's .
the rant about Fujifilm was so funny, I have bough my fist mirrorless and the fact that she looks like film and have film simulation is really ironic.
Rant aside, I love my their mirrorless cameras for their color and aesthetic. I've got a few gripes on the video side of things, but rather than spend more money I'll just buy more film. ;)
I have four or five packs of old peel-apart film, Polaroid branded and Fuji (along with 405 and 550 Graflok mount pack film backs; I also have a 500 back, the original single-sheet Polaroid back that was replaced by the 545, that worked last time I tried it). Since the newest of those film packs were purchased around 2005-2006, I have little hope for them, but I guess I should at least open them and give them a try rather than just throw them out.
I went so far as to purchase a Graflok mount conversion from 20th Century Camera for my Anniversary Speed Graphic in order to be able to use the LomoGraflok (as well as Grafmatics); I could probably have gotten a Pacemaker generation Crown for less than twice the cost of the conversion back, but then I'd have to find space for ANOTHER 4x5 press camera. Instax film is excellent stuff -- my only complaint is about it's very poor reciprocity characteristics (exposures much over 1/10 second start to require 3x per stop instead of 2x). I do love the fact that Instax Wide costs only a few cents per frame more than color 120 film on the roll, and never mind the cost of processing that 120 -- for a final print, Instax Wide is actually *cheaper* than 120 (though it doesn't offer enlargements).
And one of the Excellent!! things about the LomoGraflok is that if you have a press camera (like a Speed Graphic) with the rangefinder calibrated for your lens, all you have to do is set back the front standard by the thickness of the focusing insert and your rangefinder will work exactly the same. Make up a mask for your tubular viewfinder, and you can use your Speed Graphic the way it wast intended -- but with instant film, for cost per frame comparable to the cheapest 4x5 B&W sheet film (that isn't X-ray you cut yourself).
one good solution too, would be to have one instant made to fit say a 70 mm film back, ie, loaded into these cartridges, save an old system, and make it usable again, including linhof cameras, like the aero technika, and the 56x72 super rollex backs.
Pleaseeeeee do an in depth how to with the og Polaroid back and the 55!!!! PLEASEEEEEE I just came upon a bunch and want to know how the heck to use it.
No dedicated videos right now, but there's a lot of good info in the lighting video with Tariq here: ua-cam.com/video/J6uCqHlQ_k0/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared&t=1250 Link starts right where the Type 55 shots begin.
My Lomograflok back works beautifully on my Crown Graphic, it's so nice to see what Instant film can really look like on a more professional and controllable camera !
Absolutely Larry! Fujifilm Instax is great stuff and it still amazes me they never made a more pro camera for Instax Wide. At least we're almost to a 4x5 instant again.
Hey ! Do you have an IG where I can see the results of your Fuji Instax pictures ? I want to try to with a Graflex Crown but…the quality of the paper stop me 😬😅. 🙋🏽♂️
I'm a big fan of Harman Direct Positive. I've shot it in 4x5, 5x7, and 11x14 all to great delight.
It's a great paper product that I wish Ilford Harman promoted way more!
From my student days in the 80's I have a Polaroid back. From what I understand there's no more chance to use it today?
For a noob to LF like me, I loved the idea of instant large format, but the cost was definitely prohibitive. Harman Direct positive, which I really love, was about as close as I could get before the Lomography back. Also, "I promise I won't call Velvia Velveeta anymore" 😂😂
Man, I was so frustrated when I found out the 4 packs of 669 I bought with a large bundle of expired films were all dried up and rusted on those metal holders.. I never had luck with old polaroids , but good experience so far with Fp100 series
:( It's the worst feeling ever! My attitude towards products like the LomoGraflok has improved as the condition of expired Polaroid gets worse and worse.
i got camera, and our Marfa Film Shop, not yet help me get my speed graflex goin. i used in college 70s will double check with this info. i still want old school sheet film. shoot n develop in the field tent.
Where is a place I can get lenses for 4x5 Camera
I want fuji to bring peel apart back
Hi, Mat do you fix greens in RA4 revers by UF filter? If it posible? My greens look brown other color are ok) fuji archive paper....
Hi! I’m trying too with RA4 reversal..do you have and IG page to share trics:)?
Really surprised you say the holders are expensive in the US. I keep getting them with boxes of expired film and I can barely even give them away on eBay. Easily had for less than £10 here.
Fp100c45 was discontinued earlier, I believe 2011.
I miss Polaroid type 55. I love the neg after it's cleared. It prints beautifully. I bought some expired Polaroid and the chemical pods are dried out and the film isn't usable. :(
;( It's the worst feeling ever, more so when it's a 4x5 or 8x10 peel-apart!
It looks like that lomograflok back fits in the back of the Wista Field DX spring back? I shoot a Wista DX and wrote it off due to the spring back. Perhaps I need one now...
So while it's not advertised to, I've confirmed with Wista and Tachihara owners that YES it does work!
@@MatMarrash “not advertised to, but works anyway” sounds like something of a motto for large format 😂. Thanks for the info!
I learned from this video that the LomoGraflok can fit in a spring back 🤔
So far only tested in Wista and Tachihara, please don't break your spring back on my account!
@@MatMarrash fair enough. I have a tachihara so I may give it a shot
My heart hurts for the large format film community 😭
Sometimes you feel like you're past the the heartbreak, then another unexpected announcement hit. ;__;
Waiting for the makers to ride in and save the day. They're already working in micrometer resolution with 3d printers and playing in the pharma arena so it isn't much of a jump. Diy emulsion is doable if we want it bad enough
I see boutique film runs for small order groups ala Keith Canham and Ilford ULF becoming the standard years from now.
When do we raise some funds to dub that Fuji video sequence in Japanese? 🙂
>__
I just got a 10 pack of readyload Tmax100 for free and excited to shoot it! Also Lost light Art also makes dry plate holders that are more affordable.
Dust-free readyloads + one of the best modern films out there?! Awesome!
The Lomo back is too thick if they came up with a latched graphlok version I might try it.
I guess your portrait shots were good 👍
Peel apart 8x10 please 👌
The Lomo back is literally a graflok back though...? It's in the name, lmao... LomoGRAFLOK
It is a Graflok back ! You use the spacer under the glass, focus, take out the spacer, remove the ground glass, put on the Lomograflok back, turn it on and shoot !
@04:29 there is no need for a processor for One Instant? u just need a back in which a type 100 film did work in.
@mat marrash by the way u can use a 3d printed adapter and then shoot in the lomo graflok also instax square
Yeah I was referring to the Polaroid 550 or Fujifilm 4x5 back, they're getting up there in price!
@@MatMarrash i c, i did miss that, thx
Hi - I was interested in the Lomograflok but didn't have a 4x5 camera with a graflok back. But I see in your video that you and Tariq were using it with a Wista field camera, which I do have. How well does that work? I don't want to break my Wista (love it!) but would be cool to be able to shoot instant with it!
Hey Michael thanks for the comment. If you have a Wista 4x5 wooden field camera, it likely has the spring strength to support it. The back should just barely fit in, but be careful. If this is going to be a regular occurrence, I'd recommend looking into a ground glass made out of plexi!
@@MatMarrash Thanks for the suggestion - I got my lomograflok today and it does indeed fit in nicely. Screwed up a bunch of shots (the usual - leaving the lens open, etc. And then thinking the pack was empty when it still had two shots) Trying not to think of the expense. LOL But fun!
unfortunately LF instant film is not a thing anymore. the stuff we have today are either too expensive or not worth. this is only my opinion as an hobbyist photographer, not a pro not an artist.
i had the unplasant experiance to deal with sam hiser, famous format and new 55. they did and they will take your order and your money but then suddenly they become completely unreachable. liars, scammers and cheats unfortunately.
I ordered a bottle of FF monobath developer for dry glass plates around a year ago. After months of promises that a new batch was coming, I gave up. $25-ish lost
Fujifilm??? They still alive? I thought they died years ago!
Worth considering street box cameras of different forms (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street_box_camera). They are a lot of fun and they are large format! Love the outside of that building.
thank you twink zach snyder
Sorry guys, I don’t see it. I’ve been taking pictures for over 55 years and never saw it as more than a toy to use at family get togethers. Never liked the colors.
Check out the work of Paolo Roversi one of the world's top fashion photographers. He shot mostly on 10/8 Polaroid, his work is stunning. Not really comparable to the 'toy' cameras you are referring to.
@@jeremyfielding2333 Just shows that in the right hands any camera can get great pictures. I still don’t like the colors. This is just me but,when I see something I want to take a picture of I want it to look like the subject I’m taking the picture of, just me.