Polaroid

[Former_Member]

All things polaroid....

[Former_Member]

If anyone ever has questions about the stuff, history, value, etc, shout me out!

[DragoninKnots]

I've acquired a 70's Polaroid camera, but I need film. Is the Impossible Project film good?

[Former_Member]

Colorbroken - great to know, thanks also for joining!

Dragoninknots - I have 70s one too, I used 600 film in the past - had to alter it a little to fit but it worked no problem. This was before it was discontinued but I've still to try the impossible stuff. Anyone tried it?

[bomobob]

If you have an old rollfilm Pola and you're not squeamish, you can bring it back to life.

[Former_Member]

DragoninKnots Yes but make sure you know which type of film you need before you buy. Also, you never know if the camera will actually work. I was sad when I bought my sister a polaroid camera and impossible film to find out that the camera I picked out didn't work and her photos came out all strange :(

[bomobob]

It also depends which type of film it takes. If it's a model that uses the peel-apart 100 film, Fuji makes it, and it's always been available in color and B&W.

[DragoninKnots]

Squeamish?

Oh no, Constructive! I know the camera worked 14 years ago. At the moment, it goes through the motions, but the film I have (it's been sitting in the camera itself) won't even develop.

Bomobob, no it's not the peel-apart. It's the stereotypical Polaroid (does that makes sense?).

[bomobob]

You probably mean 600 film then, the kind that shoots out of the camera and develops while you watch.
Impossible is making that again. You can also still find some on eBay, or you can break into my house.

The squeamish bit was in reference to much, much older Polas that used rollfilm, like this one:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/64495922/polaroid-800-land-camera-plus-extras

because you can do this to them:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bomobob/3277116110

[DragoninKnots]

Yeah, that stuff. *weighs the possibility*

I wouldn't use the term squeamish unless something's oozing ;)

[DavidOrndorf]

Bomobob - I have been interested in making a frankenpolaroid with a pack film back I have. How did you adjust the depth to get the focal plane sitting correctly and in focus? And what did you use to fuse the back on the polaroid? Thanks for any insights you might have.

[bomobob]

I was going to put together an html step-by-step, but life got in the way.
Knowing the original film plane location allows you to use spacers, if required, to get the new plane in the same...uh, plane. You can also adjust the infinity focus of the lens/bellows assembly instead.

The back is bonded to the body with JB Weld, which while made for metal, works well on some plastics as well. There's also a homemade gasket of thin double sided foam, which helped to keep the two pieces stuck together during the curing process.

[Former_Member]

i'm looking to get my hands on a vintage polaroid for instant film... any recommendations would be fantastic!

xoxo,
lesley

[bomobob]

Go to any thrift store. You should be able to find bins full of both 600 type, and 100 type as well.

[Frankenkitty]

There are replacement films for many of the older polaroid cameras that Fuji puts out. I haven't tried any of them yet, but I see other people using them. I'm told the film is a little different.

[bomobob]

Fuji has always made film for the 100 cameras, the peel-apart film. It's great for regular shooting, but for emulsion transfers, the formulation is totally different from Polaroid film, and it doesn't work that well. The results are much murkier.

[JudyStalus]

I still have a stash of Polaroid Time Zero film that I bought in bulk when I heard Polaroid was going to stop making it.
I just bought some of the film made by the Impossible Project but it was very expensive. Has anyone used it, any advice before I waste any?

[Frankenkitty]

I hope you have that stored in the fridge, Judy. It's possible that they batteries in the film are dead, but there are ways to change the film casing, which holds the battery and still use the film. I tried, but wasn't successful and yes, wasted a bunch of film... argh!

I'd say just put it in the camera, take a shot and adjust from there, whether with the light/dark ring or focus.

That was with some I bought on ebay. The tz I bought from impossible worked, but with some of the photos, I got these blotchy spots on them. This was taken with tz.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/59659189/rabbit-patch-8x8-metallic-fine-art

[Former_Member]

be careful with buying film at a thrift store, if it wasn't stored well. most likely it wont work the way you want it to

[bomobob]

When I mentioned the tons of Polas at thrift stores, I was referring to the cameras themselves...

[JudyStalus]

My old film is refrigerated, so far I have had no trouble with the batteries. If the color goes a little off all the better from my point of view.

[Frankenkitty]

Judy, I have a stockpile of viva type 80 peel apart and tons of 120 if you'd ever be interested in a trade for a box or two of that tz.

[Former_Member]

Polaroid necklace :)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/69223583/polaroid-camera-treasure-locket

[Former_Member]

Frankenkitty

I also have some NOS original polaroid TZ film with an expiration date of 08/05. Has been well stored and I have also received good feedback elsewhere from a buyer. Would be willing to trade for some of that type 80 film.

Really like your shop and will be adding you to my favs and circle soon.

All the best,
ion9

[Former_Member]

I snagged a 5pack of 600 film at my local value village thrift store. only $4 bucks! now I scour all the thrift store looking for them..some people just don't see the value in it!