4x5 and 8x10 film, for those without a darkroom

[groovyone]

Is there much point in attempting to use this film if you cannot develop it yourself? I do not have any space in my house for a darkroom type setup, so that will have to wait until the next house. I would love to try a large format camera, but I am worried it wouldn't get any use because of difficulties getting the film developed.

So, is there anywhere in Houston that does it, or is it more effort than it is worth and I should try MF 120 film first?

I looked briefly at aquiring an 8x10 Polaroid, but I guess the Impossible Project has not gotten to the larger film yet.

[crackhead]

AZ Photo can handle 4x5 for $3 per sheet (E6/C41; $3.20 for B+W). Push process is $1.25 per sheet. I would call them up to ask if they can handle 8x10.

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Keith,

If you're going to shoot 4x5" black and white film then it's fairly easy and straightforward to develop the film yourself, at home, using a light tent and the Combi-plan tank:
Developing 4X5 Sheet Film: An Alternative Method

Head on over to the Large Format Photography group for any info related to developing that kind of film. A lot of the LF guys there are on TPF but it's easier to get the info you need on that site.

Wil

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

I would rather send my color film to a lab that does this quite often vs one that doesn't handle that many sheets doesn't matter where they are (I would try to stay inside the US).

[chris00nj]

I toyed with the idea of getting a 4x5 camera, but developing seemed to be only the first hurdle. I don't have a darkroom, but I have a changing bag that I use to load a Patterson tank for developing 35mm and 120. I'd need a new developing tank.

Scanning the next step. If you want to scan, you may have to upgrade your scanner. I think mininum scanner that you can get is the Espon V700 which is $600.

By your OP, you sound like you haven't tried MF yet. I would try that first. The accessible of cameras will be much greater, film is easier to find and have processed, and scanning is easier.

[venchka]

Piece of cake.
Harrison Changing Tent
Jobo drum & reel
Uniroller motor base.

Dark not required.

[KJ Smith]

Here is the last discussion.

Do not get a Combi-tank.

They use to much chemistry. I think they hold 35oz.
My Jobo uses ~8oz.

If you have questions you can ask here. There is plenty of help.

Just don't call us retards...

[groovyone]

Thanks all for the great input. I somehow imagined something much more space consuming for developing. As for the scanner I have a Canoscan 8800F that seems to do pretty well.

[KJ Smith]

Originally Posted by groovyone

Thanks all for the great input. I somehow imagined something much more space consuming for developing.

That throws a lot of people.

When I was doing 35 or MF, I would wait for night and get in a dark closet. A rolled towel at the bottom will usually be good enough.

But the Harrison changing tent makes it much nicer. It rolls up and does not take much space.

Everything else can be done in the kitchen sink. It can all be stored easily.

That is the big reason I like liquid concentrate that I can dilute to working strength as needed.

[wclavey]

+1 for what Kevin & Wayne say... I just created a temporary dark room last summer for making 4x5 contact prints... but I have been developing & scanning 4x5 for 5 years now. I can't even afford the Harrison changing tent - - I use a Freestyle large changing bag with a wire frame stuck in it (*significantly* cheaper than the Harrison tent - - wish I could afford one...), but go with the best your budget will allow.

Discover the Zen of spotting 4x5 scans...

[tropicpine]

Wayne: Does your changing bag frame collapse or is it fixed? If it does collapse I would like to see a few pics of it.

[KJ Smith]

Originally Posted by tropicpine

Wayne: Does your changing bag frame collapse or is it fixed? If it does collapse I would like to see a few pics of it.

Changing tent.

They set up and break down very easily.

[venchka]

Originally Posted by tropicpine

Wayne: Does your changing bag frame collapse or is it fixed? If it does collapse I would like to see a few pics of it.

The Harrison tents are constructed just like...........TENTS! Backpacking tents to be exact. Segmented curved aluminum poles through sleeves in the top of the tent. The whole contraption rolls & folds and fits in a carrying bag.

[wclavey]

Mine folds up pretty well too... the frame I use inside my changing bag to make the tent space is a collapsible wire wine glass rack from the container store - - it folds flat, but you can erect it inside the tent and it make quite a bit of space... the cheapskates hack for a Harrison changing tent...

[TXFZ1]

Sweet coolers, got beer?

David