A common question we get here at Stuyvesant Photo is about Polaroid film. Here's the gist:Polaroid is no longer really Polaroid but instead a licensed name. Polaroid no longer produces instant film for its cameras, which spanned nearly 60 years of instant photography.
Common types or styles of film included:
- Roll film (defunct)
- Pack film (still available)
- Integral film (see note)
Roll film came and went about 40 years ago, so we can skip that one.Pack film was a type of film that got pulled through two rollers and developed in a sealed envelope, which you then peeled apart after 1-2 minutes. You could get pack film in color or black and white, and it's still manufactured, not by Polaroid but by Fuji. You can purchase this film at Stuyvesant Photo, called Fuji FP-100C.
Integral film is much more common to recognize than the older types. When we usually think of Polaroid, we think of those black cameras with the flip-up flash. When you take the picture, the film pushes out the front and we wait for it to develop right before our eyes. The most common type of film for these cameras was 600 type, which you can confirm by opening the front of your camera (if it's not loaded) -- there should be a small sticker under the front lid that tells which type of film to use.The bad news is that this film type was discontinued last year by Polaroid, which means all the millions of cameras were rendered unusable. However, some pioneering people over in Europe bought the old factory and started producing their own variations of the film. You can purchase this film, as well as an SX-70 variation, from The Impossible Project.
(*One side note about Polaroid Integral cameras, including 600's, One-Step, Pronto, SX-70s and others: The battery for the camera is actually installed in the film pack. This means if you have a camera that has NO FILM PACK in it, then the camera will not turn on. This does mean, however, that the camera is probably still functional -- you just won't find out until you put fresh film in it.)
Another type of integral film that is currently available is called Instax, by Fuji. This is a new, current type of instant film that is very similar to Polaroid 600, but the print size is slightly wider and shorter, and requires a special camera. Both the camera and film are available through Stuyvesant Photo. This is essentially the only instant-print type of product out there, so if you have need for instant shots for events or fun, this is the way to go. See the shop for details.If you ever have questions about a crazy camera you found in the closet, or something you think might work but don't know how, always feel free to call or stop in the shop. We love a good mystery!
