Worth getting polariod back?

[DEADMETAL]

Hi, just wanna ask is it worth getting a polariod back for my MF? And also how much does the film cost on average? And how many choices I have?

[melvinchen]

Hmm...its an unusual question to ask on the MF forum.

The answer is usually quite obvious.

1. Are you shooting on a digital back? If yes, then its quite pointless, unless you are using your MF to shoot instant photos for people.

2. If you're shooting film and you're a professional, then its a given that you would be expected to shoot polaroid test shots (I mean you will almost definitely need to, for your own testing).

3. If you're not a professional and not using a digital back, then it depends on whether you like keeping polaroid instants or giveaway instant photos to your friends, or whether you have spare cash to buy a polaroid back. Or if you're still learning MF, polaroids can help you make near-instant adjustments as you learn and explore, instead of waiting for your roll of film to be developed.

"Worth" or not is subjective to your own application. There're not many choices, MF is not a mass consumer kinda thing...usually your camera manufacturer only makes one model of polaroid back.

[xbeano]

Originally Posted by DEADMETAL Hi, just wanna ask is it worth getting a polariod back for my MF? And also how much does the film cost on average? And how many choices I have?

Polaroid has stopped production of most of its instant photo products. You may want to consider if the products you want are still available.

http://www.polaroid.com/ifilm/en/index.html

[DEADMETAL]

First off, I'm not a pro, I'm learning on how to use a MF, I came from film camera, what I need to know actually is the price of those instant films vs roll films, waiting to develop the photos might be an issue but still at the end of the day, if a pack of 20 instant photos were to cost $40 bucks I definitely won't touch it. Is there so place where I can check the price of instant photos in this forum? I have try searching but can't find any, maybe the way I search is wrong, any advice? Thanks for the previous 2 advice!

[Reim1o]

Fuji still produces some polaroid equivalents. Fuji's FP100C will work in Polaroid 405 holders (smaller pack size) and apparently 550 holders (4x5 pack size).

I think it's a waste to use polaroid just for testing the exposure. Most ppl just carry a lightmeter or compact/dslr to get the correct exposure setting. Its still good for fun though

[catchlights]

the Fuji FP100 is still available, 10 sheets per pack, but I have not being shooting with them many many years, the last known price is $19per pack, we buy in bulk.

We shoot slide film only, and shoot a lot of test prints on the set, before shooting it on film, this is to confirm composition, let the client confirm the layout, so we don't need to waste time and film.

depends on what medium format you are using, if you are using interchangeable back SLR, the polariod back won't be that expensive.

if you are shooting for casual, intend to shoot many subjects on each roll, I suggest you just shoot with film direct, changing the film back for shooting instant film, will cause you alot of money and time.

[Yatlapball]

Don't even have an option to "shoot many subjects on each roll". When each roll for me is only 10 exposures

[clubgrit]

IMHO, no it is not ... unless you just want to try ... it will also not make use of the full size of the Polaroid print. YMMV.

In my case, I no longer use one for my Hasselblad, I don't need it outdoors. In the studio, I just use a dslr to check the effects of the lighting ... I do play around with the Polaroid back, but very rarely.

I share the sentiments of reim1o ...

I do use Polaroids extensively on my Polaroid 600SE camera which is meant for shooting Polaroids - i.e. use the full size of the Polaroid, either Type 100 or 4x5. I can also use MF and LF film on it.

Fuji seems to be the most dedicated and strongest film maker, still makes polaroid film. Polaroid Co. already does not, and the original Polaroids cost a lot. Samples of pricing here, for example. On eBay, people fight for these.

http://www.polapremium.com/shop/film/type100

Originally Posted by DEADMETAL Hi, just wanna ask is it worth getting a polariod back for my MF? And also how much does the film cost on average? And how many choices I have?

.

[catchlights]

Originally Posted by Yatlapball Don't even have an option to "shoot many subjects on each roll". When each roll for me is only 10 exposures

what I meant is shoot one test print first and change to roll film back to shoot one exposure for the same subject, and change to Polaroid back again to shoot test print for next subject and change to roll film back again, and again and again and again....

anyway, count as cost per frame, instant print is much higher then slide film.

[Yatlapball]

clubgrit's idea of using the dslr is quite good though. hmmm...

[Yatlapball]

Originally Posted by catchlights what I meant is shoot one test print first and change to roll film back to shoot one exposure for the same subject, and change to Polaroid back again to shoot test print for next subject and change to roll film back again, and again and again and again.... anyway, count as cost per frame, instant print is much higher then slide film.

overall included in the package charge to client mah but i can really see why in commercial applications digital has replaced film...

[wootsk]

Went OP recently, heard from the lady that they found a source for polaroid 600 film and they are trying to work out on some of the "stuff" (Dunno what is it as she don't want to disclose too much) with the supplier .Not very sure when will be selling and the cost of the film, will go sls this sat if free to check out. But I suppose that it should be third party as op have good link with alot of third party stuff especially for china

for OP

[wootsk]

Went OP again, they will haven't confirm the films. But they ask me for order how many, cause they will order it, so it won't be stocked up in the shop. Thus I am asking who want to order polaroid 600 films please PM me.