8X10 cut film holder

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I recently made the big jump to LF (8X10). I would like to know what is the best way to put, in the carry or suitcase bag, cut film holder : horizontal or vertical (for the flatness of film), and also how to stock exposed film before processing .

-- Luc Regnier (regnierlucky@aol.com), September 04, 2001

Answers

You will find there are as many ways as their are photographers who use this film size. I use a Dell notebook computer case to carry 9 loaded film holders, filters & lenses in the field. It works just fine. Some of the rolling computer carts are better if you are where you can use the wheels.

-- Dan Smith (shooter@brigham.net), September 04, 2001.

There are lots of different ways of carrying the holders. Probably the most common way is in the same pack that you use for the camera and accessories. Any way that works for you is fine. The most important thing, I think, is to keep the holders in a zip lock bag and remove them only for film loading, making the photograph, and processing the film. The 2 gallon zip lock bag will hold several holders though you may want to just carry one holder per bag. I keep the holders upside down in my back pack (i.e. top of dark slide facing down) to minimize light striking the top of the holder when the bag is open. I'm not sure horizontal or vertical has any effect on the flatness of the film. By "stock" exposed film before processing, I assume you mean "store" exposed film. I just leave exposed film in the holders and zip lock bags and put them out of the light in a cabinet. However, I seldom wait more than a week or so to process the film. If you're thinking of longer term storage possibly something more sophisticated would be called for.

-- Brian Ellis (bellis60@earthlink.net), September 04, 2001.

Hi Luc,

In addition to Dan and Brian's good advice, here's my two cents. I use a second-hand Tenba CC14 case (see more info at: http://www02.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class? FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___103976___TECC14___REG___CatI D=0___SID=E8F520EF9E0). I load the case with 12 Hoffmann all metal film holders, two boxes of film, and my dark cloth. The metal film holders are much better than those plastic ones, they don't trap much dust (The plastic holders trap dust like crazy). So I don't use zip- loc bags. They are more expensive than plastic ones. Hoffmann sells for about $85.00 each new and a minimal of six is required. Cheers,

-- Geoffrey Chen (DB45TEK@AOL.COM), September 04, 2001.


OH my! Never never never use Zip Lock bags. They are made of non- cunductive plastic and will build up static charge and eventually collect large amounts of dust. The best thing for storing cut film holders is the conductive bags used for storing electronic PCB boards. They will not hold static charge and will not collect dust.

-- Stephen Willard (willard@peakpeak.com), September 05, 2001.

Interesting idea, where do you get the PCB Bags Stephen?

-- Dave (davedb@hotmail.com), September 05, 2001.


Thank you for your answers . Hi Geoffrey, where did you get yr Hoffman holders ? Is that metal holder carries 2 sheets ? What about weight ?

-- Luc Regnier (regnierlucky@aol.com), September 06, 2001.

Luc,

You can buy them new directly from Murray Hoffmann. His company is somewhere in Long Island, New York. I was there once, but don't recall the name of that tiny town. A really nice guy to deal with. A very good listener, too. When he's talking, he wouldn't stop. His phone number and address are advertised in the View Camera magazine. Check Ebay for used ones. Those holders are heavier than plastic ones, but worth every penny. Yes, they are double sided. Laterly, I've been dreamed about 8x10 QuickLoad 8x10 single packets. You can pick up some PCB bags from your local computer stores and computer show venders. Cheers,

-- Geoffrey Chen (DB45TEK@AOL.COM), September 07, 2001.


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