Fuji to cease Quickload film packs

[Malcolm_Stewart]

According to this item in the BJP Fuji are to cease the supply of film in Quickload packs.

"Fujifilm will cease manufacturing the 4x5 film holders from April 2010, though stocks are expected to last until the end of the year in the UK. Designed for use 'where carrying many double-dark slides could be either inconvenient or impossible', they hold the 4x5 film in light-tight envelopes that can be loaded into a special holder in daylight."

Sad but not that unexpected - it's only last autumn that I managed to get hold of a suitable Polaroid 550 holder, and I've been too busy on other matters to get round to using it!

[huwevans]

Does the 550 have a pressure plate built into it? The 545 models didn't, and I'd really recommend not using them for Quick/Ready-loads. The film doesn't sit even remotely flat. Whereas, OTOH, in my old cheapo Kodak holder the flatness is excellent. (It's also much lighter and more compact than the Polaroid back.)

Anyway, I'd definitely suggest sacrificing a sheet of film to check flatness in daylight before risking it with some real shooting.

[Malcolm_Stewart]

Thanks for the warning.

I've looked at my 550 holder: the film pack takes up all the space between the back and where the film lies, and the film appears to be pressed forwards by films awaiting exposure and processing. Looks as though the pressure will decrease as I get towards the last film.

What I bought is this, Fuji Instant Color.

I got reasonable results with some instant Polaroid in the 545 holder some years ago, but by far, my best results were on Provia 100 sheet film in a standard Fidelity DDS.

[huwevans]

Ah - that's the multi-pack jobby then. Sorry - I think we may be talking at cross-purposes. The BJP article is referring to single-sheet Quickloads, similar to the Polaroid type you would have used in the 545, though not instant, obviously.

I used to shoot Provia in Quickloads - still got some in the fridge, I think - but I haven't done for a good few years now, so I probably shan't miss them too much. (I especially shan't miss the price!)

[Zou]

Whilst the concept always seemed good, the price has prevented me buying into the system. Fidelity DDSs are far cheaper, and I can't see myself needing to take more pictures than the capacity my DDSs give me. Plus I can use cheaper film.

What I would like to see is an affordable Fuji international fit holder for multipack films - appropriate Polaroid ones are far too dear, even well used.

[Malcolm_Stewart]

...What I would like to see is an affordable Fuji international fit holder for multipack films - appropriate Polaroid ones are far too dear, even well used.

I was lucky - I paid £35 post paid for the Polaroid 550 pack holder last October. A pro was clearing redundant gear, and advertised it on the web, and Google found it for me. Seems in near mint condition - particularly as I've now cleaned the rollers. Whether it will work properly. and deliver the tabs to the right slot, I've yet to discover.

[huwevans]

Whilst the concept always seemed good, the price has prevented me buying into the system. Fidelity DDSs are far cheaper, and I can't see myself needing to take more pictures than the capacity my DDSs give me.

That's the thing - Quickloads really only start to make sense (for me, at least) when you think in terms of carrying a lot of film. Then the saving in weight and bulk can be quite appreciable, and may swing it. Also if you're shooting away from home for any time - reloading DDSs in a changing tent on the table in a holiday cottage night after night, for instance, rapidly loses its appeal!

These days I shoot only monochrome in LF, so there isn't an option for Quick- or Readyloads anyway.

[Zou]

I paid £35 post paid for the Polaroid 550 pack holder last October

Jammy indeed!