Author Topic: The Story Behind NEW 55 (Read 11716 times)

Michael Raso · « **on:** February 07, 2015, 03:53:38 PM »

Film Photography Podcast Corespondent Viviane Li interviews Sam Hiser and Bob Crowley from New 55 Film. New55 FILM is a new instant 4x5 film that produces a superb negative, and a positive print too.

http://youtu.be/0QOa3ESEWBE

Sam,Bob and their team are making New 55 film from scratch and have raised funds via Kickstarter so that their planned film product can become a reality!

The New 55 Kickstarter Campaign concluded May 5, 2014 and the above linked interview aired on FPP 102 - May 1, 2014

Ezzie · « **Reply #1 on:** February 16, 2015, 01:49:35 PM »

I'm in for just 10 sheets, but none the less I have very high hopes for New55. I followed the blog long before they went to Kickstart it. Very impressed with Bob and co's commitment and dedication to the project.

hookstrapped · « **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2015, 02:37:57 PM »

so this film is single sheet that needs a 545 Polaroid Land film holder?

Late Developer · « **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2015, 05:04:16 PM »

Quote from: hookstrapped on February 16, 2015, 02:37:57 PM

so this film is single sheet that needs a 545 Polaroid Land film holder?

As far as I'm aware, yes. I've just had an MPP Mk VIII 5x4 restored and got a lens for it. I'll get my hands on the Polaroid holder shortly. Can't wait until theystart making the new55 available.

Option 8 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 17, 2015, 04:49:32 AM »

New55 is a replacement for Polaroid Type 55.

This was a single sheet 4x5 film that typically came in 10-20 sheet boxes.

Each sheet is just that, one shot. This is not like packfilm, FP100C type, where you get 10 shots and then reload. You load this every shot, every time.

The back(s) which take this film are the:

#545
#545i (lighter more plastic version)
#545pro (has development timer built in)

personally, I stick with the #545i because its slightly lighter than the standard #545 and the pro isnt worth the price for how "rare" they seem to be.

The #545 and #545i are so ubiquitous, you will have NO trouble finding them for years to come. Do not over pay because the one you missed today will be just like the next one tomorrow!

hookstrapped · « **Reply #5 on:** February 17, 2015, 10:36:41 AM »

Quote from: Option 8 on February 17, 2015, 04:49:32 AM

New55 is a replacement for Polaroid Type 55.

This was a single sheet 4x5 film that typically came in 10-20 sheet boxes.

Each sheet is just that, one shot. This is not like packfilm, FP100C type, where you get 10 shots and then reload. You load this every shot, every time.

The back(s) which take this film are the:

#545
#545i (lighter more plastic version)
#545pro (has development timer built in)

personally, I stick with the #545i because its slightly lighter than the standard #545 and the pro isnt worth the price for how "rare" they seem to be.

The #545 and #545i are so ubiquitous, you will have NO trouble finding them for years to come. Do not over pay because the one you missed today will be just like the next one tomorrow!

Thanks for the tip! Do you think it's worth getting a few holders so you can have them preloaded?

moominsean · « **Reply #6 on:** February 17, 2015, 12:49:40 PM »

Quote from: hookstrapped on February 17, 2015, 10:36:41 AM

Quote from: Option 8 on February 17, 2015, 04:49:32 AM
New55 is a replacement for Polaroid Type 55.

This was a single sheet 4x5 film that typically came in 10-20 sheet boxes.

Each sheet is just that, one shot. This is not like packfilm, FP100C type, where you get 10 shots and then reload. You load this every shot, every time.

The back(s) which take this film are the:

#545
#545i (lighter more plastic version)
#545pro (has development timer built in)

personally, I stick with the #545i because its slightly lighter than the standard #545 and the pro isnt worth the price for how "rare" they seem to be.

The #545 and #545i are so ubiquitous, you will have NO trouble finding them for years to come. Do not over pay because the one you missed today will be just like the next one tomorrow!

Thanks for the tip! Do you think it's worth getting a few holders so you can have them preloaded?

You don't need to preload like regular 4x5 film. each film sheet has a paper "wrapping" that gets temporarily pulled back while taking the shot. It's not as complicated as it sounds, but you just load each sheet before your shot. It's still Polaroid so each sheet gets developed in it's own packet using pods that get spread between the neg/print, just like peel-apart.

Francois · « **Reply #7 on:** February 17, 2015, 02:03:30 PM »

You really just need one. The only reason I have two is that I found them at the bottom of a box of wires I got at a company sale. So now I have one for spare parts in case I need to repair one... But since they're essentially bombproof, I doubt that will be needed.

hookstrapped · « **Reply #8 on:** February 17, 2015, 04:20:40 PM »

Cool. Thanks

Bryan · « **Reply #9 on:** February 17, 2015, 07:01:53 PM »

A quote from New 55

Quote

The only holder that will work with New55 is the 545 series. The metal 545 is very robust, and the plastic 545i and 545i Pro backs work also. The 500 holder will NOT work. It was discontinued by Polaroid decades ago and the dimensions are different. No matter which holder you use, it is necessary for you to know how to take apart your holder, clean it, and reassemble it.

I have a few of the metal 545 holders and they are quite sturdy. I have never seen the 545i in person but if weight is an issue that may be the way to go. They both can break so you would be better off getting one that has seen less use. It's easy to recognize wear on them from heavy use.

original_ann · « **Reply #10 on:** February 24, 2015, 10:02:01 PM »

I ordered 4 boxes of New55 and cannot wait!! As far as holders, my personal favorite is the 545i. I have 2 545's, 2 545i's and 1 pro. The 'i' has 2 clips and I find it to be more reliable because of that (perhaps more important with old polaroid sheet stock, since sometimes the envelopes get sticky?).

hookstrapped · « **Reply #11 on:** February 24, 2015, 11:53:23 PM »

my 545 holder arrived today

I want the film NOW

Adam Doe · « **Reply #12 on:** February 25, 2015, 12:14:57 AM »

I'm in for a couple of boxes and a t-shirt. I'm really looking forward to shooting New55.

jharr · « **Reply #13 on:** February 25, 2015, 12:18:15 AM »

I have a box coming as a kickstarter reward. I hate to buy a 545 just for one box, in case I don't like it. Maybe I can bum one from one of you with multiples just so I can see if I want to make a habit of New 55.

Of course, that's assuming that they actually reach production and the rewards go out.

original_ann · « **Reply #14 on:** February 25, 2015, 12:44:54 AM »

jharr, you will not be sorry! They're quite cheap on the 'bay!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polaroid-Land-4x5-Film-Holder-545-Auction/371263574655?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131003132420%26meid%3Df27e7b8dec864a2684a6759c9a7df0e0%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D141581221033&rt=nc

6cmsquare · « **Reply #15 on:** February 25, 2015, 05:07:42 AM »

After watching all the youtube videos and creeping around on their Facebook for a while, I went on that auction site and picked up a 545 back too, $19. Does anyone know what the projected cost-per-shot will be for this stuff ? -I'm trying to figure out how excited/broke I'm going to be when it gets released.

Late Developer · « **Reply #16 on:** February 25, 2015, 01:11:05 PM »

Quote from: 6cmsquare on February 25, 2015, 05:07:42 AM

After watching all the youtube videos and creeping around on their Facebook for a while, I went on that auction site and picked up a 545 back too, $19. Does anyone know what the projected cost-per-shot will be for this stuff ? -I'm trying to figure out how excited/broke I'm going to be when it gets released.

I don't know the figures but I doubt it will be cheap. I'm thinking it'll be at least double the cost, per sheet, of 5x4 film. However, for me, it be a very low volume thing - as was TiP film; but I get the impression that this stuff will actually be worth the time, effort and money.

Chalky · « **Reply #17 on:** February 25, 2015, 01:34:04 PM »

I think their website says the target price is $6 per shot.

I guess that is OK if you send your 4x5 film for processing at the moment, can't be that much different. Plus you get a pos and neg.

Can't wait to try it.

jharr · « **Reply #18 on:** February 27, 2015, 06:18:40 PM »

Quote from: original_ann on February 25, 2015, 12:44:54 AM

jharr, you will not be sorry! They're quite cheap on the 'bay!

Ok, I went ahead and got one from robertscameras. They have a bunch for ~$20 incl shipping.

I guess $6/shot is fair considering you get a print and a neg. It is nice that they both have the same nominal iso. I never used 'old' 55, but I gather that you had to expose either for the print or the negative, but couldn't get both from one shot. Now I'm starting to get a little bit excited about this. I hope it really happens!

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #19 on:** February 27, 2015, 08:57:57 PM »

I still have some sheets of Type 55 left. Looks like I can now start using them again, safe in the knowledge that they aren't the last of this format that I'll ever have in my possession. The stress of owning the last few was blocking me from using them.

New 55 is a great story all round.

Francois · « **Reply #20 on:** February 27, 2015, 11:17:26 PM »

I just hope yours aren't dried-up...

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #21 on:** February 27, 2015, 11:58:34 PM »

I get them checked regularly, but thanks for your concern.

original_ann · « **Reply #22 on:** February 28, 2015, 01:15:58 AM »

Ok, I went ahead and got one from robertscameras. They have a bunch for ~$20 incl shipping.

I guess $6/shot is fair considering you get a print and a neg. It is nice that they both have the same nominal iso. I never used 'old' 55, but I gather that you had to expose either for the print or the negative, but couldn't get both from one shot. Now I'm starting to get a little bit excited about this. I hope it really happens!
[/quote]

Whooohooo! Good on ya!

original_ann · « **Reply #23 on:** February 28, 2015, 01:29:27 AM »

Quote from: Ed Wenn on February 27, 2015, 08:57:57 PM

I still have some sheets of Type 55 left. Looks like I can now start using them again, safe in the knowledge that they aren't the last of this format that I'll ever have in my possession. The stress of owning the last few was blocking me from using them.

Right there with ya. haha!

Skorj · « **Reply #24 on:** February 28, 2015, 10:23:11 AM »

As I use my recently gifted 40 packs of expired 665, I am really getting back into my old P/N work. I sold the 545 back I made for my 600SE though, but otherwise New 55 sounds very attractive. Looking forward to seeing some results from users here, and perhaps a critique on the process & film itself. From what I've seen though, the results look really attractive - artifacts and all.

Thinking about it now though too, perhaps the Goose should pass on 55 as its not full frame, and it seems a waste to not use as such. Any suggestions for a viable wide-angle capable machine that can accommodate full-frame 545? Pity, as it is full-frame capable for integral 600 without modifications, so it would have been good to have just the one lens & camera system - notably as I love the otherwise very versatile wide capabilities of the 600SE. Skj.

Francois · « **Reply #25 on:** February 28, 2015, 01:56:42 PM »

Think graflex... Or linhof...that's full frame and can accomodate a wide lens.
Just make sure you get the proper focusing cams for it.

Skorj · « **Reply #26 on:** March 01, 2015, 12:08:28 AM »

The Linhof are pretty nice! Affordable too... Old Graflex perhaps as well. Thanks!

moominsean · « **Reply #27 on:** March 01, 2015, 03:30:04 AM »

Quote from: Skorj on March 01, 2015, 12:08:28 AM

The Linhof are pretty nice! Affordable too... Old Graflex perhaps as well. Thanks!

I use a Crown Graphic...have had a couple different cameras. Easy to use, nice results, full frame...maybe not as pretty to look at as the Linhof.

Remember Cory's military Crown with the Aero Ektar lens a few years back?

Skorj · « **Reply #28 on:** March 01, 2015, 07:57:03 AM »

Quote from: moominsean on March 01, 2015, 03:30:04 AM

Remember Cory's military Crown with the Aero Ektar lens a few years back?

Hai! That was some beast of a machine though. Nice stuff though...

Francois · « **Reply #29 on:** March 01, 2015, 02:46:02 PM »

Or if you want full frame and lightweight, you can always get a polaroid pathfinder modified for 4x5...
I'm thinking Littman or that guy in Australia who mods them.... I can't remember his name but I can look.

Option 8 · « **Reply #30 on:** March 01, 2015, 11:25:02 PM »

Sadly Razzle died last year.

http://www.apug.org/forums/forum245/135500-passing-dean-jones-razzle-converted-4x5-polaroid-cameras.html

Littman...if you do one ounce of research on "him", youll stay far away. And, theyre very ugly machines to boot. IMO of course.

Ezzie · « **Reply #31 on:** March 02, 2015, 05:44:29 PM »

I did not know that Dean had passed away, a big shame. Guillermo Littman however, that is another matter, there are hundreds of pages of his threats to sue everybody, left, right and centre, if they dare so much as convert a 110/120 to 4x5. Funny how someone can patent an idea 30 years after it has become common knowledge.

Option 8 · « **Reply #32 on:** March 02, 2015, 05:48:39 PM »

He fell off the face of the Earth AFAIK, but his "work" still pops up occasionally. Disgusting pieces of trash when you realize they are Four Designs packfilm conversions with a 4x5 back glued poorly to it. How clean and professional for only $4000.

(hey skorj, are my messages getting thru? my PMs arent getting replies?)

Francois · « **Reply #33 on:** March 02, 2015, 10:52:51 PM »

You might want to check out this
http://www.polaconv.com/

The guy custom prints an adapter back to fit the Polaroids. I don't know how well they work but they don't seem to be the type of butchery that some others do.

Skorj · « **Reply #34 on:** March 02, 2015, 11:39:32 PM »

Quote from: Ezzie on March 02, 2015, 05:44:29 PM

... there are hundreds of pages of his threats to sue everybody, left, right and centre, if they dare so much as convert a 110/120 to 4x5. Funny how someone can patent an idea 30 years after it has become common knowledge.

Indeed! Someone threatened to sue me for publishing and / or converting a Pathfinder to pack-film too: http://www.filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=2083.0. Converting a Pathfinder is perhaps a viable option for New 55 as well though... as your work here http://www.filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=5588.0 looks good too!

Quote from: Francois on March 02, 2015, 10:52:51 PM

You might want to check out this
http://www.polaconv.com/

The guy custom prints an adapter back to fit the Polaroids. I don't know how well they work but they don't seem to be the type of butchery that some others do.

Looks pretty neat. Pathfinders are pretty cheap these days in Japan, so more research needed! Thanks for the URL. Skj.

Option 8 · « **Reply #35 on:** March 02, 2015, 11:58:11 PM »

Glad I never once got the Littman harassment. Ever. I think he kinda gave up right before I started converting 4x5 Polaroids.

Diane Peterson · « **Reply #36 on:** March 03, 2015, 04:52:37 PM »

I have the 545i so eager for the film! Does anyone know when it may be available?

Option 8 · « **Reply #37 on:** March 03, 2015, 04:57:39 PM »

Whenever they are ready.

Supposed to be Q1 of 2015, but dont hold your breath just yet.

Late Developer · « **Reply #38 on:** February 22, 2016, 01:05:50 PM »

I received a "Major Announcement" from New 55 this morning. The headline reads:

Hand coating of New 55PN has been suspended. Thank you to all the members of the New55 FILM team who toiled day after day to assemble and box the film packets and fulfill the Kickstarter rewards (now about 60% fulfilled).

Over 150,000 individual sheets have been cpated by hand using the Meyer rodcoating method which we employed one sheet at a time. This process had involved a relay team of two people; a coater and a processing person to man the tunnel.

The New55 team wants to thank all supporters who used and made great photographs with this new, artisanal instant film and expressed their support in many ways.

Atomic-X, R5, Monobath Developer and 1SHOT Ready Loaded Sheet Film and 545 refurbished loaders will remain available in the Shop while the manufacturing team turns its attention for a few days to the new approach to coating the receiver sheet.

Thank you for supporting the creation of the industrial capacity to manufacture a new 4x5 instant black and white positive-negative film.

This does not sound like good news to me. Anyone heard anything more than this? I may be reading too much into this but it leaves me wanting to ask more questions than it provides answers for....."suspended"?

Urban Hafner · « **Reply #39 on:** February 22, 2016, 01:28:04 PM »

The started building their own coating machine a while ago. Maybe it's ready for its first production run now?

Francois · « **Reply #40 on:** February 22, 2016, 01:36:09 PM »

Either that or they're really bad at communications...
They say the kickstarter orders are 60% done and they are stopping coating?
I just hope they don't let all those people down. That would be a big blow.

Adam Doe · « **Reply #41 on:** February 22, 2016, 01:43:49 PM »

I had to read the announcement a couple of times until this bit popped out at me:

Atomic-X, R5 MONOBATH DEVELOPER, 1SHOT Ready Loaded Sheet Film, and 545 refurbished holders will remain available in the Shop while the manufacturing team turns its attention for a few days to the new approach to coating the receiver sheet.

Late Developer · « **Reply #42 on:** February 22, 2016, 01:50:44 PM »

Quote from: Francois on February 22, 2016, 01:36:09 PM

Either that or they're really bad at communications...
They say the kickstarter orders are 60% done and they are stopping coating?
I just hope they don't let all those people down. That would be a big blow.

I'm hoping it's the fact that they are bad at communicating the message. If they're stopping production altogether, there will be an "excrement / oscillating object interface" of biblical proportions.

With a bit of luck, the message should have said:

"We've built a quicker and more effective way of producing this wonderful film, so we're having to suspend production, temporarily, until such point as we have the new-fangled gizmo up and running. Oh, and once it is set up, we'll be sending out the remainder of the Kickstarter commitment first and the film will also be a lot cheaper due to the improved efficiency / mechanisation".

Here's hoping.....

Chalky · « **Reply #43 on:** February 22, 2016, 03:14:43 PM »

been following them on facebook, i'm hoping this is because the coater they built is up and running...

jharr · « **Reply #44 on:** February 22, 2016, 04:19:18 PM »

Wouldn't you test the coating machine in parallel with your manual process, then transition smoothly from one to the other? Why stop production? I used to think this project was plagued with bad luck, but the more I watch it, the more I think it is just bad decisions.

Chalky · « **Reply #45 on:** February 24, 2016, 01:17:44 PM »

I'm taking this as a positive thing... http://new55project.blogspot.co.uk/

Urban Hafner · « **Reply #46 on:** February 24, 2016, 01:29:39 PM »

I just received a Kickstarter update. It explains this a bit more in detail:

Production of New55 PN “Generation 2” film has started after suspension of hand coating processes forced a temporary production halt. The shut down resulted in a shortage of New55 PN film products and delays in shipments. Hand coating of the “receiver sheet” which has consumed over 50% of available labor and resources, has been suspended. Machine coating using a prototype in-house coater has started. Hand assembly of film packs will continue, possibly at a slightly increased rate. The transition period is necessary, as parallel operation of both hand coating and machine coating is not feasible due to limited staff availability, and will continue over the near term until the new methods are qualified.

Late Developer · « **Reply #47 on:** February 24, 2016, 02:59:26 PM »

The latest press release seems to confirm that this is a temporary hiatus - which is clearly good news. Let's hope they're soon in the full swing of production.....