A Day Shooting Large Format: Fomapan 100 & Portra 160
Back in September 2024, I picked up my first 4x5 camera—a Graflex Speed Graphic with a 135mm lens, six film holders, 6x9 and 6x7 roll film backs, and Polaroid backs—all for just $500. The guy selling it was getting out of 4x5 entirely and just wanted it gone. The focal plane shutter didn’t work, and the rangefinder wasn’t coupled, but honestly? The camera still functioned fine, and for that price, I couldn’t pass it up.
Fast forward six months, and I’d only taken it out about six times. I started wondering if I should just sell it—I liked the idea of shooting large format, but I wasn’t sure I saw myself actually doing it long-term. Then, last month, I came across a deal I couldn’t ignore: two boxes of fresh Fomapan 100 for $100 and two boxes of Portra 160 for $80. Suddenly, I was excited again. Having a decent stash of film made 4x5 feel less intimidating—like I could shoot without stressing over the cost of every single sheet.
The folks I bought it from assured me it had been fridge-stored its entire life, so I had high hopes. But, of course, I still had to test it out. So, on a cold Sunday morning in March, I loaded up a couple of film holders and headed out to explore.
First Thoughts on Fomapan 100
Man, Fomapan 100 surprised me. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I didn’t think it would be this good. The shadow detail is impressive, the sharpness is solid, and it has that smooth, classic look I love in black-and-white film. At ISO 100, the grain is minimal—it’s clean, it’s sharp, and it just works.
I’ve got over 90 sheets left, so I’m really excited to keep experimenting. Might try some portraits next to see how it handles skin tones.
Testing Portra 160
I only shot two sheets of Portra 160, which feels like a lot when you’re dealing with color 4x5. It’s expensive, and every time I load a sheet, I feel like I have to really make it count. But luckily, the negatives came out great, and I know this batch is solid. Portra 160 has a reputation for its colors and sharpness, and it definitely delivered. I’m still hesitant to burn through too much of it too fast, but I’ve got a good amount left, and with spring and summer coming up, I know I’ll put it to good use.
Where I’m At with 4x5
I’m still figuring out my workflow with this camera—every time I take it out, I refine my process a little more. But I’m feeling excited about it in a way I wasn’t before. Large format forces me to slow down, to be more intentional, and I think there’s something really special about that.
There’s definitely more 4x5 in my future. Now it’s just about figuring out what I want to shoot next.
Watch a video of the trip here