A Guide to Using Polaroid Instant Pack Films

For people who want fast results

Tips, techniques and inside information designed to help you get consistently good results with Polaroid instant pack films

What’s inside

w Polaroid Pack films — w Tab pulling: How fast? The Inside Story ...and how to get it straight! w Formats & Applications Instant Pack Films w Making sure your prints & w The 3 critical keys to images last a long time quality images w Picture problems and w Avoiding common problem prevention mistakes w Toll-free help and w Storing and handling technical assistance Polaroid films

w If it’s hotter or colder than 75oF (24oC)... Polaroid instant pack films — The inside story

Please keep this booklet near your camera system. The information in this booklet is designed to help experienced and occasional users of Polaroid pack films get good pictures...solve some common picture-taking errors...perform a few simple, routine, preventive maintenance checks... and get expert assistance when needed. This booklet covers in quick reference form much of the material con- tained in the instructions originally packed with your Polaroid equipment. Please consult those instructions when first learning to use the camera system. Users also should regularly Each pack of Polaroid review the film tip sheet instant film contains all the packed with Polaroid films, elements needed to produce since ongoing improve- instant pictures. Inside, for ments may change technical each picture, there is a film characteristics, especially assembly consisting of a light- time and temperature pro- sensitive negative, a positive cessing guidelines. sheet, a pod containing the developer, and tabs, which are pulled to activate the developing process. The rollers inside the camera or film holder are used to break the pod and spread the developer between the exposed negative and positive sheet. Clean rollers are important in achieving a smooth, consistent spread; they should be inspected and cleaned regularly to assure high quality results. (See page 3.) A similar booklet is available to users of Polaroid Model 545 film holders and 4x5 sheet films. To obtain a copy, call Polaroid Technical Assistance at the toll-free number given on page 2.

1 After an exposure is made, Film Data Sheets & pulling the white tab Technical Assistance all the way out moves the exposed negative from For further information the focal plane behind the about Polaroid pack films, lens to a position facing or for information about the positive sheet. other Polaroid films, Simultaneously, the larger products, and applications, tab of the film assembly call toll free from within is positioned between the the U.S.A. at 800-225-1618, rollers, and sticks out Monday through Friday, of the camera or film holder 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern where it can be grasped. time. Or, write to: Technical Assistance Polaroid Corporation 201 Burlington Rd. Bedford, MA 01730 For assistance outside the U.S.A., consult your nearest Polaroid office. Film Data Sheets covering most Polaroid films used for business, technical, medical and professional applications are available at no charge on the Web at www.polaroid.com.

Pulling the large tab drags the film assembly negative, pod, and positive sheet through the rollers. The pod bursts open and the developer is spread between the positive and negative. It is important to pull the tabs straight and at a steady, moderate speed to ensure the developer is spread evenly. (See page 3.) Development begins immediately, outside the camera or film holder. After the proper development time, the fin- ished picture is peeled away from the negative. (See page 7 for important tips about handling developing pictures.)

2 Formats & Applications The 3 critical keys to quality images

There are three Polaroid 4 x 5 1 2

Pack Film formats: 1 5 Image area: 3 /2 x 4 /8 in. Keep the processing Note the temperature... (8.9 x 11.7 cm) rollers in the camera or and time development 1 1 3 /4 x 4 /4 10 pictures per pack film holder clean. accurately. 7 3 Image area: 2 /8 x 3 /4 in. These films are used in Inspect and clean the roller You can take Polaroid (7.3 x 9.5cm) cameras and instruments that surfaces regularly. It is pictures at any temperature. 10 pictures per pack accept the Polaroid Model recommended that you check But, processing time and These films are used in many 550 film holder, including the rollers each time you load the temperature of the film most professional view a pack of film, and before at the time of processing different Polaroid handheld one cameras, such as ProPack cameras, scanning electron each picture-taking session. affect picture quality. Ideally, microscopes, the Polaroid Polaroid films should be and 600SE. They are also Cleaning the rollers is easy. MP 4 and CU-5 Photo- processed at about 70-75oF used with Polaroid Use a soft, non-abrasive two Miniportrait cameras for graphic Systems, and (21-24oC). If the temperature Polaroid Miniportrait cloth, moistened with water is much higher or lower, making instant passport and if necessary. other document photos; the cameras, and many other you may need to adjust pro- Polaroid MP 4, CU-5 and OEM systems. Dry the rollers thoroughly cessing times and/or exposure DS-34 Photographic before use. Do not use settings for best results. Systems; the Polaroid alcohol or other cleaning flu- Make it a habit to check the Palette System; and Polaroid ids, and never scrape the tip sheet packed with ID Systems. They also are Square-format rollers with a hard object or Polaroid films for the latest 1 3 time/temperature processing used in cameras and instru- (3 /4 x 3 /8 in.) with your fingernails. ments manufactured Image area: 2 3/ x 2 7/ in. information. 4 8 Also clean the tab slot on or modified by OEMs to (7 x 7.3 cm) the camera or film holder. accept the Polaroid Model 10 pictures per pack 3 405 film holder or other Use a damp cloth or cotton swab to clean the area. 3 1/ x 4 1/ camera backs. These films are used in Pull the film tabs straight 4 4 Polaroid square format pack Your instruction book Always pull both film tabs film cameras and OEM contains details on locating straight out of the camera photographic systems and cleaning the rollers in or film holder. Since the designed to accept a square- your Polaroid equipment. film should be pulled parallel format camera back. If you need further informa- to the camera back, avoid tion, please call us toll-free camera positions that make at 800-225-1618. tab pulling awkward. If you are using a removable film holder, insert the dark slide, then remove the holder and place it on a flat surface for tab pulling, whenever possible. Pull at a steady, moderate speed. Saying the word Polaroid is a good way to time the speed of the pull. three

1 1 3 /4 x 4 /4

4 x 5 Square-format

3 Avoiding common mistakes

Heres a brief list of w Check the camera exposure reminders to help you avoid settings. frustrating moments and unsatisfactory results. If you set the camera for color film (ISO 80/20o), but are w Dont pull the black safety using high speed black and cover out of a film pack white film (ISO3000/36o), before loading the pack into your pictures will be overex- the camera or film holder. posed (too light). If you do, at least one exposure will be lost. If you set the camera for high speed black and white film But if you do... (ISO3000/36o), but are using color film (ISO 80/20o), your ...load the film anyway and pictures will be underexposed pull the film tabs for the first (too dark). picture. It will be a totally white image, but the rest of w Pull the film tabs straight the pack should be fine. and in the proper sequence. w If you are using a removable Pull the white tab after film holder, remember making the exposure, then to pull the holders dark side the other tab. Never pull before making an exposure... a white tab before taking the picture. ...and push it back after making the exposure before w If you pull a white tab and removing the holder no other tab appears, dont for off-camera processing. pull another white tab. (See page 9.) w If your camera has a lens cap, dont forget to w Never wave developing remove it! film back and forth in an attempt to keep it warm w If your system has an or cool; this could adversely electronic shutter powered affect image quality. by batteries, be sure the Be careful not to bend or batteries are fresh and squeeze developing film. installed correctly. Dead batteries mean the shutter Questions? Problems? wont work, no exposure Call us, toll-free: will be made, and youll 800-225-1618 end up with a totally black Many common picture- picture (see page 10). taking problems are discussed on pages 8 - 10. But...if you can’t find a solution to a problem you are experiencing, or if you have a question, or need information, please call us. Chances are we can help.

The call is toll-free, and we can be reached Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time. 800-225-1618 4 Storing and handling Polaroid films If it’s hotter or colder than 70-75oF (21-24oC)...

Note the film Storage recommenda- Read the “Caution” notice You can take Polaroid expiration date tions & cautions pictures at any temperature, w Please note the Caution but when processing Polaroid Always use Polaroid film w Store Polaroid film in a Notice printed on films, you should be aware before the expiration cool, dry place. Unopened Polaroid film packages. of the temperature since it can date stamped on the package. film may be refrigerated in Heres what it says: affect picture quality. Outdated film may not its sealed wrapper. Do not produce satisfactory results, freeze film. This process uses a caustic The developer in each and it is not covered by paste. Avoid contact with sheet of film is designed to w Before opening film that skin, eyes and mouth and the Polaroid film warranty. work best at about 70-75oF has been refrigerated, keep away from children and (21-24oC). By minimizing allow it to reach room tem- animals. If you get some paste tem-perature variations when perature. This will take on your skin, wipe it off processing pictures you will about 2 hours. immediately and wash with get more consistent results. water to avoid an alkali burn. w Avoid leaving film or If eye or mouth contact At temperatures higher or a loaded camera in direct occurs, quickly wash the area lower than 70-75oF, it may be sunlight, or in a hot, humid with plenty of water and see a necessary to adjust processing place, such as the trunk doctor. Keep discarded mate- times and/or exposure or glove compartment of a rials away from children, ani- settings to achieve optimum car. High temperatures mals, clothing and furniture. results. and humidity can affect picture quality. w Please dispose of used nega- w At low temperatures, keep tives and packaging properly. the film warm, under your coat or in a heated car or When loading film... room. Place developing film in a warm place, such as w Handle film packs by their a heated car or under your edges to avoid damaging coat, being careful not film surfaces or the pod of to bend or crush it. Or, wait developer inside. until you are in a warm w Keep the film in its wrapper place before developing until you are ready to use it. each picture. (Allow film Tear open the film wrapper exposed to cold to along the printed arrow. warm up to room temperature before processing.) w Place the film pack in the camera or film holder w At high temperatures, so it fits into place. Check to keep your film in the shade, be sure that the white or in an air-conditioned tabs are not tucked under car or room, or in a picnic the pack. cooler, before exposure. Wait until you have reached w After securely closing the a cool place before develop- back of the camera, or after ing each picture. attaching the film holder securely to the camera with w Never wave developing the film holder dark slide film back and forth in an closed, pull the black tab of attempt to keep it warm the safety cover all the or cool; this could adversely way out, as shown. Now you affect image quality. are ready to take pictures.

5 Tab pulling: How fast?...and how to get it straight!

To assure consistently well-processed images: Always pull the film straight out of the camera or film holder. The film should be pulled parallel to the camera back or holder. Pulling at an angle can cause missing corners and/or marks and streaks on pictures. (See page 8.) If you are using a removable Normal development film holder, and the camera is positioned so that it is difficult to reach the tabs comfortably, or if tab pulling would disturb the camera set-up, remove the film holder, if possible, for tab pulling. (Dont forget to reinsert the dark slide first!)

The speed at which you pull is very important. Pull at a steady, moderate speed. Saying the word Underdeveloped Polaroid is a good way to time the speed of the pull. Pulling too rapidly can cause white specks in images and/or angle pull. Pulling too slowly, or stopping or hesitating, can cause streaks on pictures. (See page 8.)

Overdeveloped

6 Making sure your prints and images last a long time

w Always use your film before the expiration date stamped on the package. w Avoid leaving a partially- used film pack in the camera or film holder for a long period of time. w Process exposed film promptly. Be aware that development time and the temperature of the film affect picture w Black & white pictures w Dont store prints face to quality. Ideally, Polaroid that require coating should be face or with conventionally- films should be developed print-coated immediately to processed prints. at about 70-75oF (21-24oC). protect them from scratching and fading. Use six to w For long term storage, use eight overlapping strokes to seamless envelopes or sleeves fully coat each image. made of acid-free paper, cellulose acetate, polyethylene w When using Polaroid or polyester. Avoid using Type 665 Positive/Negative glassine envelopes, PVC film, prepare an 18% plastic, ordinary black album sodium sulfite clearing bath paper, brown Kraft paper w Handle developing pictures before exposing the film. and cardboard. with care. Hold them See the instructions packed only at the tab end or lay with the film for mixing them flat on a table. information. Treat Type Never wave or bend the film 665 negatives immediately Please read the Polaroid while it is developing, after development. film “Caution Notice” and never touch the image w Avoid writing directly on Please note the Caution area, otherwise image prints. If necessary, write only Notice printed on Polaroid quality may be affected. in the border area, using a film packages. (See page 5.) w At the end of the specified soft pencil, china marker, or development time, peel a felt-tip pen designed for use the negative away from the with photographic materials. print, as shown. Do this w To preserve prints, protect rapidly and smoothly them from exposure to to avoid causing streaks on direct sunlight, high heat and the image area. humidity, chemicals and w Allow color pictures to chemical vapors, and rough dry thoroughly before or excessive handling. stacking them or touching the image area. Preservation

7 Picture problems & problem prevention

Problem: White specks Pictures with small white specks in the image area are often caused by pulling the film out of the camera or film holder too rapidly. Pulling too fast may also cause a mottled appearance in color photographs. Always pull both film tabs at a moderate speed. Saying the word Polaroid is a good way to time the speed of pulling.

Problem: Missing corner Pictures with missing corners, and/or streaks and marks, are usually the result of pulling the film crookedly, at an angle, from the camera or film holder. Problem: Rectangular Always pull both film tabs area in print straight out of the camera. Pull at a moderate speed. A picture that looks like this Saying the word Polaroid is caused by NOT pulling is a good way to time the the white tab all the way out speed of pulling. of the camera. The long, rectangular area is an impres- Since it is important to sion made by the white tab pull the tabs parallel to the on the developing picture. camera back, users of imaging systems with Always pull the white removable film holders may tab straight and all the way find it convenient to out of the camera or remove the holder and place film holder before pulling it flat on a table for film the other film tab. processing. Prevention

8 Problem: Film jam For example, if you pull Inspect and clean the roller a white tab and no other tab surfaces regularly. It is If the film jammed inside appears, then pull another recommended that you check the camera or film holder, white tab, the problem will the rollers each time you and you were unable to only get worse, and more film load a pack of film. get any pictures, dirt on the will jam. If you try another processing rollers and/or tab pack of film, the same prob- slot may have blocked the lem may occur, if you have film tabs from coming out. not cleaned the rollers inside the camera or film holder.

Here’s how to avoid losing an entire pack of film if you pull a white tab and another tab fails Problem: Evenly spaced to appear: marks on picture 1 Pictures with evenly spaced Do not pull another white tab. spots or streaks are usually caused by dirty rollers inside 2 the camera back or film Carefully open the back of holder. Typically, the pattern the camera or film holder just is repeated across the picture enough so that you can surface because dirt or other place a finger on the edge of particles are stuck to one the film pack inside. Hold or both rollers. The rollers the pack in position and open should be cleaned regularly the back all the way. to prevent this problem. (You can open the camera or film holder without spoiling Important notice for high additional film, provided volume film users you do so away from bright If your camera or film light, and do not move the holder is several years old, film pack.) it may be advisable to replace the rollers. Polaroid 3 recommends that the rollers Gently remove any crumpled be cleaned every 3-5 packs of film tabs and discard them. film. If the user experiences non-uniform coverage, 4 separation of positive or Inspect and clean the rollers negative, contact Polaroid thoroughly. Clean the tab Technical Assistance. slot, too.

5 Unfold the top white tab so it sticks out, as shown. Close the camera back securely. Resume picture taking.

9 Problem: Black picture Problem: White picture Problem: Overexposed Underexposed pictures (no picture) (fogged) pictures (too light) (too dark) A picture that is totally A picture that is totally white Pictures with faint, washed Pictures that are too dark black usually indicates that usually indicates that the film out images usually indicate overall, or in which the no exposure was made was severely overexposed, that the film was overexposed main subject appears as a no light reached the film. or light-struck or fogged too much light reached silhouette with little or exposed to light outside of the the negative. no detail, usually indicate There are several possible camera or film holder. that the film was underex- causes: There are several possible posed too little light There are several possible causes: reached the negative. Equipment problem causes: Wrong exposure setting There are several possible w The camera shutter may causes: not be working. If the camera Handling errors w Lens aperture too large; is powered by batteries, w Removing the black safety shutter speed too slow; incor- dead batteries may prevent cover before loading the film rect flash exposure guide Wrong exposure setting the shutter from opening. into the camera or film number; incorrect film speed w Lens aperture too small; Check that the batteries are holder. Doing this exposes setting (for example, using shutter speed too fast; incor- fresh. Batteries should be the first pictures negative to ISO 3000/36o black & white rect flash exposure guide changed at least once a year. light (fogging it), and film in a camera system number; incorrect film speed the first picture processed set for ISO 80/20o color setting (for example, camera w The flash may have failed to will be white. (Subsequent film). system set for ISO 3000/36o fire, resulting in a severely pictures should be fine.) black & white film when using underexposed picture (which w A background that is much ISO 80/20o color film). may appear all black). Check w Reloading a partially-used darker than the main subject your flash unit batteries; film pack. If the film pack may cause inaccurate w A background that is much allow sufficient recycle time has been exposed to light, the exposure readings, and the lighter or brighter between flash exposures. first picture processed will be main subject to be overex- than the main subject may white. posed, or too light. Exposure cause inaccurate exposure Operator mistake settings must be adjusted to readings, and the main w Removing the dark slide of compensate for this. See subject to be underexposed, w With some photographic the film holder while it is off your camera system or too dark. Exposure systems occasional, common, the camera system. Doing this instruction. settings must be adjusted to oversights will result in a exposes a negative to light. compensate for this. See your black picture: Reinsert the dark slide, then w If the background is camera system instructions. process the picture (which will too light or washed out, w Not removing the dark be white). Subsequent pictures exposure settings must w If the background is too slide or the lens cap during should be fine. be adjusted to compensate dark, exposure settings must the exposure. for this, or background be adjusted to compensate w Wrong exposure setting: Operator mistake lighting may have to be for this, or additional lens aperture too small; shut- adjusted, if possible. background lighting may An occasional, common, be required. ter speed too fast; incorrect oversight may result in white flash exposure guide number; pictures. For example, a Equipment problem incorrect film speed setting wrong exposure setting: lens w The camera shutter may not Equipment problem (for example, using ISO aperture too large; shutter be working properly. w The camera shutter may not o 80/20 color film in a camera speed too slow; incorrect be working properly. o system set for ISO 3000/36 flash exposure guide number; w The camera system has black & white film). incorrect film speed setting developed a light leak, or the film holder was (using ISO 3000/36o black & white film in a camera system not mounted correctly. set for ISO 80/20o color film).

Equipment problem w The camera shutter may not be working properly. w The camera system has developed a light leak, or the film holder was not mounted correctly.

10 w w humid places. of directsunlight andhot, Keep filmandcamera out 2 hours). before opening(about to reachroomtemperature Allow refrigeratedfilm wrapper untiluse. place. Keepfilminsealed film. Storefilmincool,dry Do notfreezePolaroid date onpackage Use filmbeforeexpiration QuickAbout storingfilm... Tips w w w all thewayout. camera, pullsafetycover or attachingfilmholderto After closingcameraback, under pack. white tabsarenottucked After loading,checkthat arrow. wrapper alongprinted edges only. Tear openfilm Handle filmpacksby When loadingfilm... to know... 3 thingsyouneed Polaroid instantpackfilms How togetconsistentlygoodresultswith on cameraorfilmholder. water. Also, cleantabslot cloth, moistenedwith Use soft,non-abrasive session. before eachpicture-taking before loadingfilm... Clean rollersregularly— clean. Keep processingrollers 1 w w w processing information. latest time/temperature www.polaroid.com for Sheets ontheWebat tomer Servicefordetails.) www.polaroid.com Cus- Film DataSheetsat speed orfilmtype.(See Set cameraforcorrectfilm settings. Check cameraexposure Time accurately. Note temperature. 2 or squeeze. and forth.Donot bend wave filmpackback tab orlayitdown. Never Hold developingfilmby white tab.(Seenextpage.) tab, don’tpullanother when youpullwhite If noothertabappears speed. tabs straight,atmoderate Pull othertab.both 2 Pull whitetab. 1 After takingeachpicture... Before takingpictures... at about70-75 films shouldbeprocessed picture quality. Polaroid of processingaffects temperature offilmattime any temperature.But... Take Polaroidpicturesat 24 o C). SeetheFilmData o F (21- moderate speed. Pull filmtabsstraight,at 3 moderate speed. Always pullatsteady, for tabpullingifpossible. film holderonflatsurface awkward. Placeremovable that maketabpulling Avoid camerapositions out ofcameraorfilmholder. Pull bothfilmtabsstraight smoothly. shown. Peelrapidlyand away fromprint,as ment time,peelnegative After specifieddevelop- 4 affects picturequality. Sheets. Temperature offilm information inFilmData accurately accordingto Time development 3 Polaroid w w w pictures... After developing Film jam remedies Other problems& or filmholder.) will jaminsidecamera tab (otherwisemorefilm NOT pullanotherwhite no othertabappears.DO After pullingwhitetab, tip sheet.) exposing film.(Seefilm sulfite cleaningbathbefore prepare 18%sodium 665 Positive/Negativefilm, When usingPolaroidtype immediately. should beprint-coated requiring coating Black &whitepictures ing ortouching. thoroughly beforestack- Let colorpicturesdry taking. back. Resumepicture it sticksout.Closecamera Unfold topwhitetabso 4 Clean tabslot,too. Clean rollersthoroughly. 3 film tab(s)anddiscard. Gently removecrumpled 2 the way. position. Openbackall pack insidetoholditin finger onedgeoffilm or filmholderandplace Open backofcamera 1 Here’s whattodo: film tabsstraight. holder. Always pullboth from cameraorfilm pulled crookedly, atangle, indicates filmtabswere streaks andmarks, “Missing” corner, and/or problem prevention Picture problems& w w w rollers regularly. holder aredirty. Clean inside camerabackorfilm streaks indicaterollers Evenly spacedspotsor film. removed before loading Black safetycover Wrong exposuresetting. (Check fordeadbatteries.) ing; flashfailedtofire. Camera shutternotwork- Possible causes: or filmholder. to lightoutsideofcamera or “fogged”—exposed exposed, orlight-struck film wasseverelyover- White pictureindicates White picture Possible causes: light reachedfilm. exposure wasmade—no Black pictureindicatesno Black picture w w w w Camera lightleak. Wrong exposuresetting. securely mountingholder. off camera,orbefore removed whileholderwas Film holderdarkslide film holder. removed fromcameraor Partially-used filmpack Eastern time. Friday, 8a.m.to p.m., Monday through 800-225-1618 within U.S.A.: Assistance tollfreefrom call Polaroid Technical For helporinformation, Assistance Toll-free Technical tabs atmoderatespeed. Always pullbothfilm or filmholdertoorapidly. film outofcamera often causedbypulling Small whitespecksare

Quick Tips 800-225-1618 Toll-free help and technical assistance

Information about — and assistance with using — Polaroid products is available to all Polaroid customers. And it’s as close as your telephone.

Call us toll-free: 800-225-1618.

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time

We recommend that you call us if you encounter any difficulties with film or your photographic system. You may also contact Polaroid through the Web at www.polaroid.com.

PP1389 1B5564 “Polaroid” and “Polacolor” ® Printed in U.S.A. 2/92