4x5 Film

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peter_griffen

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Hi (first post). Can anyone confirm if the outer box of 4x5 sheet film is completely light tight?. I purchased a box of 4x5 film and it arrived damaged (got crushed in the post) - I opened the outer box to peek inside to make sure that it was all OK (the internal envelope was not touched at all), but now I am wondering if I fogged the film?
 
The (black opaque?) envelop should be all thats needed. though next time might be better to check for damage in a changing bag.
 
So long as the envelope was sealed too then you should be safe. A lot of 5x4 brands have an inner box too which helps. You should be able to take the envelope out and wave it around in the middle of the day if you wanted to, it will be safe.
 
Yep, as above. Should be fine so long as the envelope inside was untouched. For reference, I've sent film to peak-imaging in just the 3-part film boxes before and the results have been fine. It's fair to assume that the cardboard itself is light tight enough to withstand daylight.
 
I have not used any 5x4 film in a lot of years. However all film came in, alternate, double lidded boxes, which acted together as as a full light trap.
The film was then also wrapped and had black paper separating sheets between each film. later the wrapping was replaced with a folded but not sealed black plastic bag.
It is quite difficult to reach a situation where film is easily fogged.
Glass plates were pack differently, usually with the same triple box. each pair of plates was packed face to face with a narrow L shaped card separator inserted along two sides to keep them apart. each pair was then separated from the next with a paper divider. Usually and depending on make Each set of four plates (or more) was separately wrapped in black paper.

The Difficulty with Glass plates was knowing which was the emulsion side, there was several ways of doing this... the easiest being remembering which was the inside face of each pair.
Secondly the plate "backing" was rougher than the emulsion side. ( but not all plates were backed) and thirdly if you bit the edge of a plate the emulsion side stuck to your teeth.
Sheet film is far easier as the coded notching, when held top right, the emulsion is facing you.
 
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Thanks guys for the confirmation. I was quite surprised on how poorly packed the item was - the film/box was just put in a postal bag with a sticky label, and obviously the box got squashed during transit. Did contact the company and was told "it should be fine", not the point really - but could not be bothered to argue. I will buy elsewhere next time.
 
I would prefer to keep the name "out" for the moment - just incase there is an issue, and have to pursue a replacement/refund (I would not like the company to throw a wobbly incase they follow/read forums). Just say, its a well mentioned company that sells lots of films and consumables :)
 
peter_griffen said:
I would prefer to keep the name "out" for the moment - just incase there is an issue, and have to pursue a replacement/refund (I would not like the company to throw a wobbly incase they follow/read forums). Just say, its a well mentioned company that sells lots of films and consumables :)
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completely understand :)
 
The 3 part boxes are light tight with or without the black/silver bag inside which alone is light tight until it is damaged or opened.
 
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