4x5 Film

4x5 film is a flat sheet that measures 4 by 5 inches (about 10 by 12.5 cm). Each sheet is one photo. It is a large format film, much bigger than a 35mm frame, so it gives very fine detail. You load the sheets into holders and shoot them in a large format camera.

Mostly yes. Standard 4x5 holders fit most 4x5 cameras, including view cameras and press cameras with a Graflok-style back. Check before you buy, because some older cameras use their own holders. A holder carries two sheets, one on each side. Load it in the dark, and check the seals.

4x5 film is developed one sheet at a time, in a tray or tank, in full darkness. Our Brooklyn lab develops 4x5 sheet film, so you can drop exposed sheets off at 855 Grand Street or mail them in. Our 10-sheet box of Kodak Portra 400 4x5 is C-41, the same process as color roll film.

The big negative holds far more detail and gives smooth tones, so you can print large. A view camera can also tilt and shift the lens to correct perspective. The drawbacks are cost and speed. On our shelf right now, a 10-sheet box of Portra 400 costs $84.