Hey Mat, if I recall correctly, if you order from a European dealer, you don't have to pay VAT. They only hammer their EU customers! But you do have to pay shipping, and it takes longer. I ordered some Foma 5x7 from one or the other dealers there.

Matt, thank you for a great explanation of the various films available.

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Larry!

Thank you - you brought out several films of which I was not aware - cheers!

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

My favorite way to start a Friday. A cup of coffee and LFF. What a great review. I thought I had a good idea of what films were out there for LF but you opened me up to a few I hadn't heard of. Thanks for the shout out to J. Lane dry plates. I just got some and hope to expose a few plates soon. Thanks

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Michael, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of B&W films available and excited to try some Adox LF sometime soon.

Loved this, really informative.

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Madison, glad it was helpful!

Another great episode Mat!

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ian!

Great info, super video! Thanks Mat!

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

My pleasure, thanks Dave!

really informative and comprehensive video. thank you!

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome!

Really nive video. Good to get overview of the smaller less prominent alternatives...cheers

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I always recommend trying a film you may not have in 35 or 120, you may be pleasantly surprised how it looks in large format.

Great video! You covered all the options.

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

Hi Mat ! Thanks for this excellent and very informative video. We still have a great choice of BW film available, even if sometimes for the old "European" formats (like 9x12 cm, 13x 18 cm, 18x24 cm) there are less choices when one has to load the corresponding holders; that means closing myselgf in complete darkness in my darkroom and cutting modern films for these formats ;-). About the Foma films which you just mentioned as being probably produced by the same manufacturer as Arista, I want to tell that the FOMA range of films is not only very affordable but also offers a very high level of quality (rich silver emulsions, like Adox). I speak with the experience of 50 years of shooting, developing (and printing) BW analogue materials. As for every film/developer combination, once you optimize your process and stick to it for a certain type of photography, you get really amazing results ! Every week, I enjoy your LFF episode not because I learn so much but because the way you share your knowledge to educate newbies of LF and to un-stress them is excellent. Thanks again. I would not quit without saying how close I feel to all people in USA who react against racism and police violences. we photographers and artists have to use our art to fight against all kinds of inequity and discrimination. Peace & Light from France, jean

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Jean thank you so much for the comment! I regret not having shot more of the Adox films as they have an excellent track record with high quality, silver-rich emulsions. Thanks for your support and solidarity!

Have been shooting a lot of Shanghai GP3 100, love it.

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Great to hear!

@flipflopsLF

4 жыл бұрын

@@MatMarrash FYI - Just ordered my 2nd box of 100 sheets for $89. Can't beat the value proposition. However, waiting for international shipping is frustrating right now. This too will pass. :)

I'm a big fan of this series and of you, but I do have a suggestion regarding this video. Given the presumed audience that includes a lot of beginners and advanced beginners, a more helpful video (probably set of videos) would be to talk about the different types of film and when one might use them. Let me be specific. Take Ilford (or B&W in general). It's nice to know you can buy ortho, panchromatic, x-ray, blue ray and death ray B&W films. It would be even better to know what these different types bring to the table, i.e., when might I want to chose one vs the other. That would be true of the color films as well. Finally, this video would have been much more helpful if in the written notes you listed all the films you mentioned. (I know I could go through manually, stop and start the video as I write each down, but I assume you have already done that). It would be nice to copy & paste such a list for reference, or to just wave at my friends who seem to be amazed that you can still buy film :) I am grateful you are taking the time to do these videos. I hope my suggestions above are seen as a reflection of my appreciation and their usefulness.

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Hey Jim, thanks for the comments! I really like the idea of describing the "look" of films and usage for each. As for show notes, you got it! (see modified description).

@richardmoore8899

4 жыл бұрын

I'd have to agree. A good run through of some(most/all?) of the emulsions available but I'd certainly welcome more on the application side. Especially as it applies to be beginners and it seems to me that given the content then Matt is certainly appealing more to beginners with this series. I'd like more tips on which emulsions might be more forgiving of newbies and which ones to use for specific applications. I *know* that all films can be used in all applications but I probably wouldn't start in LF portrait with a more grainy emulsion but perhaps that's just me coming from 35mm and MF.

@jiml989

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I really appreciate your taking such quick action. Already sent your list to some friends with a link to your channel.

the Kodack/fuji film quick/ready-loads were just sheet film, in an envelope, you Still have to develop 'normally'-aka darkroom, but the advantage is in the weight of the envelope system, as compare many Double-darkslides (the technical name for 'standard' film holders) so all the weight is in the "holder" part, which is just a window frame with a lock to hold one side of the envelope, so it can open in front of the lens, a darkslide, and finally a 'release' lever so that the lock can be bypassed to remove the closed envelope from the holder; OF NOTE here the 545 and 545j/i, (not quite in memory yet), had a "process" lever, so this holder was NOT just a polaroid holder, it double-dutied as a Quickload holder too (setting the lever to load, placed the rollers apart, so they could be bypassed for quickload use{with the release lever to remove the envelope}).

Thank you Mat for this video ,Foma have in 100 ISO speed 4 3/4 x 6 1/2 format ,so no need to do a special order to provide your Toyo Field camera (4 3/4 x 6 1/2) with sheet film at an affordable price .

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info!

Thanks.

Hi Matt! Thank you so much for you videos. I saw you said Ektar 100 8x10 is discontinued; is this true? I can't seem to find any information on this, and BH + Adorama are still selling it (although it says more on the way, I've read it's special order only so it might take time to restock). Was hoping to get my hands on a box at some point!

Thanks Mat!

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

You bet!

Well done 👍

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

Matt, thank you!! Can you do a LF caffenol dev with Sodium Thiosulphate fix episode?

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Hey Jaime, cool suggestion! I still use simple "hypo" fix with my pyro developed film. May have to talk about it down the road.

one question, if you have 4x5 polaroid holder, that took the FP100-C film stock, can the New55 PN-100 replace this in the exact same holders, or those for Hasselblad V system holders(looks similar, but the holder had the slide lock for the back attachment system).

Even though I only shoot medium format, this large format series has become essential watching for me. One day, I'm going to get there. I just need to be able to develop and scan myself. In regards to no pan f in large format, I seem to recall ilford saying that the production process is too rough for pan f to be made in large format. Something to that effect, but I'm not sure.

@bodenedward403

2 жыл бұрын

sorry to be so offtopic but does someone know a method to get back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly forgot my password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me

@idrisskyler5726

2 жыл бұрын

@Boden Edward Instablaster :)

@bodenedward403

2 жыл бұрын

@Idris Skyler I really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

@bodenedward403

2 жыл бұрын

@Idris Skyler It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much, you really help me out!

@idrisskyler5726

2 жыл бұрын

@Boden Edward no problem :)

Arista EDU is made by Foma. Where that Ortho film is unknown to me I didn't know special offers for Fuji Pro 160 existed. I am not a LF photographer, but I love Fuji Pro 160 in medium format. Adox is owned by Fotoimpex. Usually the can cut special sizes quite fast, since the supplychain is really short. Fotoimpex lists almost any size of the Adox film.

@faustodonastorg4378

3 жыл бұрын

-.

@faustodonastorg4378

3 жыл бұрын

. - _

@faustodonastorg4378

3 жыл бұрын

._ .

@faustodonastorg4378

3 жыл бұрын

.

@faustodonastorg4378

3 жыл бұрын

._-.

Hi Matt. I really appreciate what you are doing with this series. I was curious about your comments regarding the discontinuation of Ektar and Velvia 50 in the 8x10 formats. Do you have any references that discuss this further? Thanks, Tony

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Hey Tony. I work for a camera dealer and Velvia 50 isn't a regularly stocked product and to my knowledge only available via special order via select Japanese dealers. Just checked the 2020 Kodak Alaris price list and Ektar 100 is showing up, this is cool news!

@tonysantophotography

4 жыл бұрын

Mat Marrash Thanks for the reply Mat! After watching your video I did purchase some Ektar 100 just in case. I usually get my Velvia 50 from Amazon.jp. Cheers! Tony

I just received a box of the Shanghi GP-3 via e-bay. Much cheaper than the other films here in Australia.

Velvia 50 is still available in 4x5 and 8x10, but only sold in Japan. Just bought a box from Amazon JP.

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the update, Velvia 50 in sheet sizes isn't for the faint of heart!

Thanks for the information! Who takes special orders on the Fuji NPS from the USA?

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Sean, there is a reseller on FB groups and forums "BS Kumar" that once per year will hold group buys of Fujifilm products.

how do you compose a photo on a 4x5 camera ground glass

Adorama and Ultra fine

I think you may have forgot Fujifilm Instax Wide that can be shot using the LomoGraflok 4×5 Instant Back. I find that pretty cool. Anyway, great show as always, keep it up!

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

That is true! Still can't wait to get my hands on one and get some large format instant running again!

@bitbonk

3 жыл бұрын

@@MatMarrash Be sure to make a show on it once you get your hands on one.

I love the idea of starting with a cheaper film like Arista to learn with before moving up to a pro film after all the kinks are worked out. That’s how I started, and I f*cked up plenty of sheets as I learned “the dance” and development and all the myriad other things that come with LF. Because of this, I’m not only more confident because I’ve shot a ton, but I also saved plenty of money on sheets of film predestined for the “lesson learned” category.

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment Jon. It sounds like you and I both learned through shooting a lot of film and working through the motions. It's a time commitment, but lots of fun!

@jgugala

4 жыл бұрын

@@MatMarrash For sure! That "dance" ensures you don't get everything set and then remove the darkslide with the aperture locked open (def. guilty as charged).

Hey Mat, thanks as always. LFF is such a great treat! I love that you are hitting so many of the noob questions. I would like to try the Shanghai but am worried about the shipping. Can you make prints with Film Washi or just paper negative? On another note, the other day a really great cloud formation was off in the east. I ran for my camera, set it up for a shot then paused to think about my metering. I wanted the clouds to still look white, so I used my phone meter and got them metered. Then thought I had to over expose them to get them whitish not middle gray. I took a reading and the contrast was less than 5 stops. I usually do Caffenol cL stand for 70 minutes so I did 80 minutes. I totally blew out the clouds. They are faint and might be there in a print if I can seriously underexposed them but I was bummed that I effed it up. What did I do wrong? Clouds add a lot to my rural landscape and I want to capture them but feel I am missing something...

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Hey Peter, shipping Shanghai films shouldn't be too big an issue, just longer wait times during Covid-19. Film Washi creates a paper negative, so it will be suitable for scanning or contact printing, not quite for enlarging. As for your clouds shot, there are a few variables that could be the culprit, but I would take a closer look at your phone's meter for accurate readings as well as what your effective film speeds are when doing stand development in Caffenol C. Perhaps the compensating effect of stand development will allow you use less exposure (rating ISO higher than box speed). If this is a film and developer you plan on using, I recommend taking a few sheets to do a test to find out where to rate the film for your workflow.

@Brackcycle

4 жыл бұрын

@@MatMarrash Hey Mat, so I am using FP4 and shoot my 4x5 at box speed. What should I try, 1/2 stop increments as a starting point? So 160 or so? Then 200? I have had pretty good luck with my phone so far but perhaps the spot meter feature at a distance isn't quite as accurate. I do like Caffenol CL and stand development is economical and is pretty easy. Do compensating developers in stand development give less control since (to my limited knowledge) they are all about exhausting themselves?

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

It's been a while since I've dabbled in stand and semi-stand development, but from what quick reading I did on Caffenol CL, it looks like the longer you let your film "cook" in stand development, the higher you can rate your ISO for exposure. If you have a preference for a certain developing time with Caffenol CL, try exposing a few sheets of FP4 on the same scene in 1/2 or full stop increments. Develop them the same an see which gives you the results that work best for you. Costs a little bit of film up front, but pays off if you plan on using that film for a while.

@Brackcycle

4 жыл бұрын

@@MatMarrash Thanks, I will try that and let you know.

@olafwDE

4 жыл бұрын

@@Brackcycle For cutting film cost on pure, dedicated testing: Just pull out your darkslide in increments like 25 or 33 per cent - it's similar to doing a test print in the darkroom.

Mat, Thank you for mentioning Arista-Edu film. I have used it exclusively for B&W for 20 years and never had a problem with it. Being a cheaper film I'm more likely to shoot more.

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Robert! Arista is a solid film stock and some of the reason for this video was to show that there is still some variety in LF.

Freestyle photo in Los Angeles sells Adox and ships.

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip!

Arista EDU is also the only current manufacturer of 2x3 film!

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

That's great news, thanks!

@uryevich

5 ай бұрын

Shanghai GP3 also cut a 2x3 format. I impressed that video is still actual over 3 years.

Catlabs 80 is Shanghai GP3, but is Atomic X also GP3? The box sure looks similar... Also, not large format, but Shanghai is re-introducing 220 film, which I'm super excited about. I haven't seen it on ebay yet-I asked Shanghai about ordering some to the US, they said sure, they're under $10/roll, but 100 roll MOQ; a little much for my personal use.

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment Forrest! I'm not sure if Atomic X was GP3 or not, but they did state the film stock they're using is factory rated at 100, so it very well could be. It's neat to see somebody supporting 220, there's a lot of marooned film backs out there that can be had for very little money nowadays.

Does Rollei/Maco actually make their own film or are they just rebranding stuff from Gevaert? Also, searching for new55 seems to lead to a blog post from 2017 where they announce that they are closing down business?

I use Fomapan 200 in my 4x5 with Rodinal developer. £1 a sheet.

@neilpiper9889

2 жыл бұрын

Next day delivery from Bristol Cameras

Great video! Sad to see that Ektar 100 isn’t available in 8x10 anymore.

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Update for the video coming, it IS available in 8x10!

@alimatthews1874

4 жыл бұрын

Mat Marrash excellent!

@stuartbaines2843

4 жыл бұрын

Thankyou for correcting your error

I shoot 4x5 and I am ok with the film choices. I do wish I could get Acros 100 in 4x5 and Velvia 50 easily. But 8x10 is really lacking some choices it seems.

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

It's definitely limiting in 8x10, but there are some films like Polaroid that one can still get that have their own neat look!

Mat, are all film holders interchangeable? Will all fit a Linhof Technika? Is there a difference in a $35 one or a $8 one?

@iNerdier

4 жыл бұрын

They are.

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Hey Robert, not all film holders are interchangeable. All modern, plastic and metal holders should work in your Linhof, but be careful with older wooden holders which may not conform to ANSI standards.

Can you load and develop the catlabs 4x5 80 under a red light?

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Hi there the Catlabs 80 is a lower speed film but it is panchromatic. This means no safelights for loading and developing. Happy shooting!

One size you didn’t mention was 2x3

Mat, I’m really enjoying LFF. How do I know if a 90mm needs a recessed lens board for my Technika III?

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Hey Robert, if memory serves, you shouldn't need a recessed lens board for a 90mm on your Linhof, but you'll want to drop the focusing bed to avoid having it show up in your photographs.

@robertlazenby9686

4 жыл бұрын

Ok thanks. You are a great source of info for us newbies. Keep up the good work !

I thought Velvia 50 is still available and being produced, just only out of Japan, like Amazon.co.jp?

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Hey Tim, that is right. Similar to the special orders one can do for Pro 160 in sheets, you can get Velvia 50. Not an actively stocked product, ready to ship on shelves.

where the heck do you get 8x10 E6 processed? Most labs don't do E6 these days

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Hey Garvin, I send my 8x10 E6 to two trusted labs, Praus Productions in Rochester, NY and The Darkroom in San Clemente, CA.

Good coverage if you'll forgive the pun. If as a beginner you were to use the cheaper films like X-Ray what might be cost be in terms of image quality ? Oh and you need to get your self a Central Camera t-shirt ! I don't know if they're doing it in conjunction with the GoFundMe or they always have them..

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Richard! Having plowed through some boxes of x-ray film back in the day, I can say that the biggest trade-off is the workflow for x-ray. It's a thinner, easier to scratch film that comes in orthochromatic and blue sensitive varieties which are relatively slow compared to modern films. Some x-ray films are double-coated, meaning the emulsion on both sides makes the negatives not preferable for darkroom enlargements. They scan pretty well and have decent sharpness!

What makes you say Ektar is discontinued in 8x10"? In stock at B&H, no discontinuation announcement

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for pointing this out, I've updated the list in the show notes!

Matt, why would ULF film be so expensive or even 8x10 for that matter. In my understanding, are they not giant sheets simply cut into smaller sizes? If that is true, then one would expect to see Kodak Portra 800, Ilford Delta 3200 etc in sizes greater than 120 and 35mm format, not so? I think there would be more ULF shooters if my theory was correct, and it wouldn't have to be so expensive.

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

In terms of cost per surface area, 8x10 and ULF aren't actually that expensive, but seem incredibly expensive as cost per shot is significantly higher. You're just using much, much more film emulsion per picture. In terms of emulsions making it to sheet film sizes, there is a different film base that is used for sheet films (slightly thicker than roll films), and it's not typical to see high speed emulsions coated on that thicker plastic base.

@craigfouche

4 жыл бұрын

@@MatMarrash that is true, saying that, I have found Rollei RPX 25 4x5 to be very thin compared to Kodak emulsions.

Great overview. One Instant seems very far from FP100C from the comparisons I have seen.

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

It's definitely not a direct replacement, but I personally like the softer, warmer look. P7 reagent is the same that could be found in 809, my all time favorite instant film!

@toulcaz31

4 жыл бұрын

Mat Marrash P7 film you mean (reagent is in the pod)? Actually I am curious to know what they will produce once that old stock of P7 film is gone.

so really loads available though ,, quite surprised about ektar .. though ... so basically if you want color nowadays its slide , all the way ... another thing I am quite surprised about that ektarchrome is the same price as ektar for 4*5 from my guys , analog wonderland , find that curious ... maybe its because ektar has ended .. and the price has increased ...

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

Ektar is still available in 4x5, just not larger sizes unless you do a large special order via Canham Cameras. The pricing for E100 is not too bad considering what it took to bring it back!

@gui4j

4 жыл бұрын

@@MatMarrash that's actually a relief ,, just 8*10 that is no longer then .. ! yer ektarchrome looks like freaking bargain .. compared to smaller formats ...

Do you have a 2022 video

@MatMarrash

2 жыл бұрын

Nothing yet, but the options continue to look strong for large format!

@Zetaphotography

4 ай бұрын

Back at your channel 2024 lol. Long time follower

maybe you can do a 2023 version

I saw ektar 100 is still available in 8x10 at b and h. But the price is yeesh

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Yup that was an error on my part, it's still around but quite pricey!

@ganzonomy

3 жыл бұрын

@@MatMarrash no worries. Your channel is awesome. Even as a medium format shooter, your channel is essential Friday viewing. Keep it up, and stay safe.

And adox??

@MatMarrash

4 жыл бұрын

They are very much covered in this video!

don't buy fpp's repackaged x-ray film, it's ten times more expensive than buying fujifilm x-ray film on ebay, which is available in blue or blue/green sensitive at a more practical 50-100 iso.

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Not everyone wants to go to the effort of cutting and potentially scratching film to make it work in 4x5" sizes. There are much more inexpensive options, but you'll never hear me on this channel tell someone not to buy something. Buying film is pretty much the only new thing photographers can purchase to keep it alive.

Yea Polaroid has 8x10 but no 4x5 and medium format Peel Apart film SHAME, and you see the 545 Polaroid backs going for a Song on Ebay, SHAME Imposible Project You guys are not Polaroid. Michael Caine said it best on the 3rd Austin Powers film, "Have to Deal with the DUTCH!"