If your Polaroid camera has an old cartridge that you’d like to preserve, remove the film in a completely dark room and place the cartridge in a container that protects it from any light exposure.
If a dark slide does not come out of the camera, it likely means that there’s a problem with your film or camera. If you’ve purchased new film, you might have a problem with the camera itself. Test with another cartridge to determine the problem. You may want to save this dark slide, as you can use it as a cover to protect your photos during their exposure time after they emerge from the camera.
If you can’t see your flashbar on a 600-series Polaroid OneStep camera, that means you have a model that requires you to flip it up. Polaroid SX-70 Land cameras do not have an on/off button. These cameras are ready to use as soon as your film is loaded. [4] X Research source
If you’re shooting with Impossible Project SX-70 film, move the switch toward the darker side. This film has higher light sensitivity, which will make images appear over-exposed if the switch remains in the middle of the slider.
You may need to experiment with distance when taking photographs with Polaroid cameras. Some models may produce better images at a distance of about 10 feet (3. 04 m). Some models may not work at distances above 10 feet (3. 04 m), so be patient and get ready to test out your camera. Some models may include a closeup setting that is supposed to allow you take pictures of subjects located under 4 feet (1. 22 m) away from you. Unfortunately, these settings generally don’t work very well. Ignore them, and adhere to the 4-foot (1. 22-m) rule. [6] X Research source
The Impossible Project recommends waiting 10 minutes for black-and-white film and 30 for color film.
If you can, shoot in a room with plenty of windows to benefit from natural light even when indoors.
You can purchase refurbished Polaroid 600 OneStep cameras online at the Impossible Project. This will provide you with a camera that has been inspected and tested by a team of repair technicians. For less expensive but potentially faulty cameras, look online or at garage sales. Because Polaroid produced so many of these cameras, there are a variety of ways to find them used. Be aware that this may result in a broken piece of equipment. Many customers now buy Fujifilm instax cameras, which are a type of instant camera not produced by Polaroid. These newer options are extremely easy to use, and they produce durable instant prints. They require their own Fuji instax film that’s compatible with a variety of cameras that come in different sizes and colors. [17] X Research source
You’ll need to attach the flashbar to the top of the camera. The camera should include the optional flashbar when you purchase it.
Be sure that you’re purchasing the correct film for your camera. 600-series cameras require 600-type film, while SX-70 cameras need SX-70-type film. SX-70 cameras can use 600-type film if you install a Neutral Density filter on your film cartridges. You’ll need to purchase these filters separately from your film. They’re available at the Impossible Project.
The film cartridges contain Polaroid OneStep cameras’ “batteries,” so if the film doesn’t work, neither will the camera.
