In lieu of a new digital camera, I'm thinking about springing for a new 3-1/4 x 4-1/4 Polaroid back for my Anniversary Speed Graphic with Graflok back. The new backs seem to cost about $90. I have several questions, and hope for some wisdom from the group.

First, I have been using an old Polaroid Model 500 back with some success, but at $3 per shot for color, it gets a bit pricey. It appears that the film for the smaller 3-1/4 x 4-1/4 back gets costs down to about $1 per shot.

Questions:
1) Does anyone know where I might locate an appropriate viewfinder mask? Should I try to make one?

2) How does the Fuji color instant print film stack up against the comparable Polaroid product? The Fuji prices for 3-1/4 x 4-1/4 film run about the same as Polaroid, but the 4 x 5 Fuji color instant film runs at about $4 per shot. (I could almost shoot 4 x 5 Kodak Portra, and have it C41 processed for that!)

3) Any general comments on the success of this approach?

The Polaroid "405" back takes the 3¼X4¼ film packs. I've had one for years, and it works well, though the darkslide disposition is a bit awkward (you pull the slide out the left side, and not all the way out).

The principal problem with it is that the image is not centered, but offset to the right. The back is supplied with a plastic mask for the focusing screen, so the offset does not much complicate its use on a view camera.

On a press camera that you propose to use with the optical finder, you'd need to devise an off-center mask. I've not measured the eccentricity, and I suppose it's possible that the front shift of a "Pacemaker" might compensate for it. If it would, you could use the open-frame finder.

The back does give you access to a nice range of film types, and (as you say) it's an economical approach to instant pictures.

...on second thought, the frame finder ploy wouldn't work unless you offset the rear sight in the same direction and to the same extent as the front shift. Of course, you'd need to mask the frame down to accommodate the smaller film size.

Some good inputs, t.r., and maybe they gave me an idea. What about the following process for making a viewfinder mask?

1) Scan the mask for the ground glass into Photoshop, and reduce the size to match the opening aperture of the view finder.

2) Make a computer file with several masks of the correct size on one page, and print the page on an ink jet printer with thick photo paper.

3) With scissors and an Exacto knife, cut the masks to shape, leaving a tab at the top to control insertion and removal from the viewfinder slot.

Just a thought. I think I'll order a 405 back and try it.

Does anyone have experience with the Fuji color instant film? My experience with the Polaroid version is that it tends towards a green/brown color cast.

If you're prepared to experiment, your procedure sounds practical. If you plan to make optical viewfinder masks out of paper, you might want to leave some extra margin at the top, and glue a strip of wood to the mask to make it easier to remove.

When you've made one that gives you accurate framing, it may be worthwhile to consider duplicating it in brass shim stock, or tinplate. I have a feeling that snaking a paper mask down into the slit atop the viewfinder bezel will tend to get old, if you have do it with any frequency.

I haven't shot a lot of Polaroid color pack film; we've mostly used "Type 59" packets (it makes a difference when there's a practical need, and the company is buying the film). I've been very pleased with the color, especially the saturated reds...

A lot of things affect color balance, and one man's meat is another man's poison. I'd be interested in learning more about the Fuji material; Fuji certainly knows a thing or two about color film!

A reply to a moldy-oldie item (mine): I ordered the 3-1/4 x 4-1/4 Polaroid back for my 4 x 5 Graflok back. It has worked well now for about 40 exposures.

I tried both Polaroid and Fuji film. Unfortunately, there isn't even a comparison. In my opion, the Fuji film out far out-performs the Polaroid product colorwise. Too bad, I was rooting for Polaroid.

I made my viewfinder mask (see above) from some "Epson Glossy Film" plastic stock. It seems to work well for light use around the house with a flash gun made from Pacemaker Speed Graphic flash clamps, plastic plumbing parts (think sink drain pipe), and a Vivitar 285 flash unit (patent pending, maybe).

Joe Koski

ebay sells them for $24-$60.

Hi Joe,

The fuji is the only instant print film that I use anylonger, we also used it extensivly in the studio I used to shoot in, we used it for many different things, including proofing, passport photos, and have even shot a quick year book photo on more than one occasion.

The colors are good and saturated, and for doing warm fall colors it is great...

Just a real good film..

Dave