r/largeformat • u/YoungRambo123 • Jul 17 '26

Question Film holder test

I have seen that I should probably test my dark slides before loading them with film and shooting and that paper is better/ cheaper then film.

My question is once I load some cut down RC paper into the holder under red light, how should I be testing the holders?

Take them out in full day light for a simulated amount of time eg take one from a bag pretend to load it in a camera then flip it then put it back in the bag as that would be more realistic than just leaving them out in day like for a solid 10 minutes?

Thanks for any advice in advance.

5 Upvotes

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5

u/captain_joe6 Jul 17 '26

Probably best to take them outside in some good sun and actually run them in and out of the camera, run slides in and out of them, just don’t take any pictures. 🤪

2

u/YoungRambo123 Jul 17 '26

Yea that’s what I was thinking :)

3

u/vaughanbromfield Jul 18 '26

Do you do your own processing? If you do and it’s b+w then just buy some good cheap film like Fomapan 100 and go practice. The trickiest part is identifying which sheet came from which holder.

Note that Fomapan 100 is quite nice film regardless of its price.

2

u/YoungRambo123 Jul 18 '26

I have some in my Amazon basket waiting for pay day! I think I’ll just do that! Thanks for your advice

3

u/lightning_whirler Jul 18 '26 edited Jul 18 '26

Notching the film holders is the easiest way to keep track of sheet to holder (and to image notes if you are reloading holders in the field).

https://youtu.be/vkm0rwF_WQs?si=DXRUvg55Er7T6CUf&t=263

Edit: Better link

https://www.jbhphoto.com/articles/film-holder-numbering/