Fujifilm PA-45 Film Holder for 4x5 Instant Peel-Apart Pack Film

Comments about Fujifilm PA-45 Film Holder for 4x5 Instant Peel-Apart Pack Film:

The thing that is great about it and the thing that is not so great about it are the same thing. Aha. On one hand I like the 10-pack design so I don't have to remove the holder from the camera for each shot, but I really miss the ability from the old Producers product: to shoot only one shot and then change instant film type or just return your film to the refrigerator and clean your film holder. I don't like having to shoot a minimum of 10 shots from the same session, from the same instant film type. But I am so grateful that the company that produces this item took up the banner and continues to produce instant film! As far as B&H goes....the service was great.... packed/shipped very well and in a very timely manner. I commend B&H.

Comments about Fujifilm PA-45 Film Holder for 4x5 Instant Peel-Apart Pack Film:

Easy to load and use.

Comments about Fujifilm PA-45 Film Holder for 4x5 Instant Peel-Apart Pack Film:

Instructions have pictures, but otherwise text is all in Japanese. If you have used a similar Polaroid type product in the past you should be able to figure things out, but it would be nice to have an English set of instructions.

Comments about Fujifilm PA-45 Film Holder for 4x5 Instant Peel-Apart Pack Film:

Followed direction and it work perfectly

Comments about Fujifilm PA-45 Film Holder for 4x5 Instant Peel-Apart Pack Film:

4 stars because i've only had it for a short time, but so far so good.
Smooth movement on loading and removal of film.
The film's paper tab recessed once into the holder.
No apparent light leak on getting it back out.
A little plasticky, wouldn't want it to drop on anything hard.

Comments about Fujifilm PA-45 Film Holder for 4x5 Instant Peel-Apart Pack Film:

It works for me, especially since one's options are limited for a instant back and availability of instant film. It's been a workhorse so far... no major complaints.

Comments about Fujifilm PA-45 Film Holder for 4x5 Instant Peel-Apart Pack Film:

I use this in a 4 x 5 View Camera to show image exposures quickly and enable you to adjust them before sending expensive film off to develop. Its simple and easy to use just insert film and then place back into camera.

Comments about Fujifilm PA-45 Film Holder for 4x5 Instant Peel-Apart Pack Film:

I have given this three stars simply because it does what it is supposed to, but there is nothing to impress me-- something that would make me excitedly recommend it.

This back is built and very similarly used like a medium format back rather than like the old Polaroid 545 back with its single sheet film packets. To be honest, I prefer the old Polaroid holder. I have always found medium format backs (and the Fuji holder) a little fiddly.

Comments about Fujifilm PA-45 Film Holder for 4x5 Instant Peel-Apart Pack Film:

Great addition to my gear to use with my field camera. I can either use the instant film to test exposure settings, or even use the instant film to make old-fashioned art.

Comments about Fujifilm PA-45 Film Holder for 4x5 Instant Peel-Apart Pack Film:

There is no competition, so if you want to use instant film in this format, Fujifilm is your only option. Still, it's a good product. I use it to set up shots with a Toyo 45CF field camera and the holder works very well. For cons, I'm underwhelmed by the color film so far and I'm concerned about the rumored discontinuation of the B&W. Also, the tab system could be simpler.

Comments about Fujifilm PA-45 Film Holder for 4x5 Instant Peel-Apart Pack Film:

Having been a Polaroid 4x5 sheet film user for many years I was unsure of the Peel-apart holder in the field. Frankly, I prefer them. Lightweight, well designed and fool-proof. I only hope Fujifilm will continue making instant film. Film and holder are extraordinary.

Comments about Fujifilm PA-45 Film Holder for 4x5 Instant Peel-Apart Pack Film:

Polaroid's exit from the instant film world would pose something of a setback for the large format world, were it not for Fujifilm.
While it is true that large format photographers are a much more deliberate bunch than their small format cousins, and seem down-right glacial when contrasted with digital photographers, this does not mean that they are without the desire for feedback. In fact, light painting multiple long exposures is just the sort of advanced technique that requires a bit of practice to get right - and let's face it, waiting to get to the darkroom to see if you got it right can make one a tad bit anxious.
Instant film doesn't make it all better but it allows the deliberate photographer some degree of - ahem - instant gratification if you will.
The days of single sheet instant film seem to be fading into memory but pack film is still alive with Fujifilm and the PA-45 pack film holder is exactly the tool for the job. Slightly thinner than its Polaroid forerunner, it works well with virtually any 4x5 press/view camera, from the venerable Speed Graphic to the recent Shen Hao. Cameras with spring backs and graflok backs should have no problem whatsoever.
Fujifilm sells the FP-100C45 color pack film in the States but have recently discontinued selling the black and white. Likely as the last reserves of Polaroid 4x5 film vanish they'll reconsider as the market cries out for a replacement. It is important to be careful when buying film for this back that you make certain to buy the 4x5 film. Fujifilm sells a wider variety of instant pack film in the smaller format (3.25 x 4.25) with very similar names - but the smaller stuff will not fit in the PA-45 (curiously the Fujifilm pack holder for the smaller format is harder to get in the States - ah consistency).
If you haven't used a pack film holder before, buy an extra pack of film. You'll want to play with it a few times to get it figured out, pack film pull tabs are not the most intuitive system ever invented.
The PA-45 is very broadly compatibility, made of light-weight (though relatively strong) plastic, has few moving parts, is easy to clean and simple to use. If you want - or need - instant film for your large format camera the only game in town is Fujifilm and the PA-45 pack film holder is the culmination of Fujifilm's best efforts to preserve something of Polaroid's successful legacy.

Comments about Fujifilm PA-45 Film Holder for 4x5 Instant Peel-Apart Pack Film:

I use this with a 4x5 camera for passports. Very easy to use not to mention B&H was the only place I could get one! The instructions are great and I had no problems getting a perfect picture on the first attempt. I did not have to waste any film testing it, my first shot with it went out the door with a customer!

Comments about Fujifilm PA-45 Film Holder for 4x5 Instant Peel-Apart Pack Film:

I use this product with my Toyo 4x5 field Camera. I'm just learning how to use the camera so its indispensible in setting up the shot.