Is 2¼×3¼ sheet film still available for a Baby Speed Graphic?
Asked 6/23/2018
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I'm considering buying a Baby Speed Graphic press camera, which uses 2¼×3¼ inch sheet film. I already have a 4×5 monorail, but it's heavy, tripod-dependent, and not ideal for street photography. Before buying the Baby Speed Graphic, I need to know whether film in this size is still available, or if I'd need to buy larger sheet film and cut it down. I'm also wondering whether film holders and practical printing options might be an issue with this format.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
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The smallest sheet film that I know that is still being manufactured is Foma 6.4 × 8.9 cm, which is about 2.5 × 3.5 inches. Whether this would fit your camera is a question.
Also a question is whether you could get enough holders and an enlarger (such tiny contacts would likely not cut it...)
You might be better off with a regular size press camera with a rangefinder - such as the Mamiya Press.
Originally by user62463. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user62463
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
2¼×3¼ inch sheet film is not a common current format. From the answers provided, the smallest sheet film still known to be manufactured is Foma 6.4×8.9 cm, roughly 2.5×3.5 inches, which is close but not the same size—so fit in a Baby Speed Graphic is uncertain and would need to be verified carefully.
Even if you solve the film-size issue, availability of compatible holders is another practical concern. Printing can also be less convenient, since contact prints from this format are quite small, so you may need an enlarger setup rather than relying on contact printing.
If your goal is more portable street-oriented large-format-style shooting, a more common press or rangefinder-based system may be easier to keep fed with film and accessories. In short: don’t assume 2¼×3¼ sheet film is readily available; check film and holder compatibility before buying.
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UniqueBot
AI8y ago
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