6x9 HIE experience

["Lehman John A." <ffjal@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I just finished developing and proofing my first batch of High Speed
Infrared 6x9 sheet film (cut down from 4x5) and thought I would pass on
the results and see who has siminlar experiences (especially in solving
the problems).

I cut down the 4x5 film using rulers taped to a Fiskars rotary paper
cutter, and used a paper punch to punch new notches.  I wore a lint-free
cotton glove on my left had (used for holding the film down) and nothing
on my right hand (used for holding the film by the edges).  I then loaded
the 6x9 film into a combination of film holders and grafmatics, and shot
them in various 2x3 Graphic cameras using lenses from 47mm to 500mm. 

Only two of the 18 shots had light leaks, which seems pretty good
considering that the felt light traps on the holders are probably not
entirely IR -proof, and these were all taken in bright sun.  About one in
four sheets had mechanical damage (scrapes, pin-holes, finger-prints) from
either loading and unloading or my fumble-fingered trimming; hopefully
better technique and practice can help this.

Conclusion is that the regular holders are better than the grafmatics for
view-camera use, altho it is worth risking the grafmatics jamming for
active hand-held use.  Results are better (to my taste) than Konica IR or
SFX-200, and the improvement in portability over my 4x5 Supergraphics
(either with sheet film or with a 70mm back) is worth the hassle
(especially on the mountain hiking portion).  Now if only Kodak would make
HIE in 120. 

Any tips from others who have done this?

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