Guide to Using 4x5 Sheet Films - everythingretek.com

A Guide to Using Polaroid
4 x 5 Sheet Films

For people who work in a variety of ways.

Tips, techniques and inside information designed to help you
get consistently good results with Polaroid 4 x 5 sheet films.

s What’s inside
Sheet Film
5 w Processing tips relating to 4x5 w Film processing: How
x films and proper use of 545 fast to pull...and how to get
4 family of film holders it straight!

w Polaroid 4x5 films: The big w Type 55 P/N film:
picture Positive approaches to good
negative results (peeling
w The inside story abut 4x5 techniques; sodium sulfite
instant film solutions)

w The 3 critical keys to quality w Making sure your prints
images and images last a long time

w Storing, handling, loading w Picture problems

and processing Polaroid films and problem prevention

w If it’s hotter or colder than w Toll-free help and technical
75oF (24oC)... assistance

Polaroid 4x5 films:
The big picture

Please keep this booklet Polaroid 4x5 sheet films for Polaroid 4x5 sheet films
within reach of your use with the Model are available in two types:
Polaroid Model 545 545, 545i, and 545 Pro film instant and wet-process
film holder holders (E6) films. These 4x5 films
The information in this booklet are used in the Polaroid
is designed to help experienced Color Model 545 film holder.
and occasional users of Type 59, Polacolor ER, The Model 545 film holder
Polaroid 4x5 sheet films get (ISO 80/20o) is designed to fit most
good pictures... avoid some 4x5 field and view cameras;
common picture-taking Type 64, Polacolor Pro Tungsten microscope and oscilloscope
errors...perform a (ISO 64/19o) cameras; the Polaroid MP-4
few simple, routine, preven- camera; and the Polaroid
tive maintenance checks... and Type 79, Polacolor Pro 100 CU-5 4x5 camera. (See note
get expert assistance when (ISO 100/21o) below.)
needed.
This booklet covers — in Polacolor Pro 100 Note
quick reference form — much (International only) The image area of Polaroid
of the material contained (ISO 100/21o) 4x5 instant films used
in the instructions originally with the Model 545 film hold-
packed with the Polaroid Black & White er is off-center about 1/8 in.
Model 545 film holder. Please (3 mm) toward the thick end
consult those instructions Type 51, High Contrast of the holder. For extreme
when first learning to use the Positive/Negative accuracy with 4x5 cameras
film holder. (ISO 640/29o Positive/Daylight; making test shots is
Film Data Sheets covering ISO 400/27o Positive/Tungsten; recommended so that the
most Polaroid films used for ISO 80/20o Negative/Daylight; exact image area can be
business, technical, medical ISO 50/18o Negative/Tungsten) marked on the ground glass.
and professional applications On the Polaroid MP 4
are available at no charge on Type 52, Fine Grain camera this area is marked
the Web at www.polaroid.com. (ISO 400/27o) on the ground glass.

If you use Polaroid instant Type 53, Medium Contrast
pack films Coaterless (ISO 800/30o)
A similar booklet is available
to users of Polaroid 3 1/4 x 4 1/4, Type 54, PolaPan 100
4x5 and square-format pack Coaterless (ISO 100/21o)
films. To obtain a copy, call
Polaroid Technical Assistance Type 55, Positive/Negative
at the toll-free number given (ISO 50/18o)
on page 2.
Type 56, Sepia (ISO 400/27o)
1
Type 57, High Speed
(ISO 3000/36o)

Type 72, PolaPan 400
(ISO 400/27o)

Technical Assistance & Film The inside story about 4x5 instant films
Data Sheets
How the system works
For further information
about Polaroid 4x5 sheet films, Each Polaroid instant
or for information about other 4x5 sheet film “envelope”
Polaroid films, products, and contains all the elements
applications, needed to produce an instant
call toll-free from within picture. Inside, there is a
the U.S.A. at 800-225-1618 film assembly consisting of
Monday through Friday, a light-sensitive negative,
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time. a positive sheet, and a “pod”
Or, write to: containing the developer.
The rollers inside the
Technical Assistance Polaroid Model 545 film
Polaroid Corporation holder are used to break the
201 Burlington Rd. pod and spread the devel-
Bedford, MA 01730 oper between the exposed
negative and positive sheet.
For assistance outside the Clean rollers are important
U.S.A., consult your nearest in achieving a smooth, con-
Polaroid Office. sistent “spread”; they should
be inspected and cleaned reg-
Film Data Sheets covering ularly to assure high quality
most Polaroid films used for results. (See page 12.)
business, technical, medical
and professional applications Exposing and processing
are available at no charge on
the Web at www.polaroid.com. The positive sheet is with-
drawn during exposure, then
re-mated with the negative
inside the envelope before
processing.
Pulling the envelope drags
the film assembly — negative,
pod, and positive sheet —
between the rollers. The pod
bursts open and the
developer is spread between
the positive and negative.
It is important to pull the film
straight and at a steady,
moderate speed to cause the
developer to spread evenly.
(See page 3.)
Development begins
immediately, outside the film
holder. After the proper
processing time, the finished
picture is peeled away from
the negative. (See page 5 for
important tips about handling
developing pictures.)

2

The 3 critical keys to quality instant images

1one 2 3
Keep the processingtwo Pull the film straight
rollers in thethree Note the temperature...
film holder clean Always pull the film
and time development envelope straight out of the
Make it a habit to inspect film holder. The film
and clean the roller surfaces accurately should be pulled parallel to
regularly, and especially the film holder. If the
before each picture-taking You can take Polaroid camera is positioned so that
session. pictures at any temperature. it is difficult to pull straight,
But, processing time and remove the film holder,
Cleaning the rollers is easy. the temperature of the film if possible, for film pulling.
Use a soft, non-abrasive at the time of processing affect
cloth, moistened with water picture quality. Ideally, Pull at a steady, moderate
if necessary. Dry the Polaroid films should speed. Saying the word
rollers thoroughly before be processed at about 75oF “Polaroid” is a good way to
use. Do not use alcohol (24oC). If the temperature time the speed of the pull.
or other cleaning fluids, and is much higher or lower,
never scrape the rollers you may need to adjust pro-
with a hard object or with cessing times and/or
your fingernails. exposure settings for best
results. Make it a habit
The Model 545 film holder to check the Film Data Sheets
instruction book contains located on the Web at
details on locating and clean- www.polaroid.com for more
ing the rollers. If you need information.
further information, please
call us at the toll-free number
on page 2.

3

Storing, handling, loading and processing Polaroid films

Note the film When loading film
expiration date
Always use Polaroid film w Keep the film sealed in its
before the expiration tray until you are ready
date stamped on the package. to use. Tear open the tray
Outdated film may not along the printed arrow.
produce satisfactory results,
and is not covered by w Lift the film envelopes
the Polaroid film warranty. out of the film tray carefully
so the metal end caps don’t
Storage recommendations catch on other envelopes.
& cautions If you accidentally pull off an
w Store Polaroid film in a cool, end cap, discard that film
dry place. Unopened film may sheet. (See page 12.)
be refrigerated in its sealed
wrapper. Do not freeze film. w Always hold film envelopes
w Before opening film that by their edges to avoid
has been refrigerated, allow it damaging film surfaces or the
to reach room temperature. pod of developer inside.
This will take about 2 hours.
w Avoid leaving film or a w Set the control arm on
loaded film holder in direct the film holder to “L” before
sunlight, or in a hot, humid attempting to insert the
place, such as the trunk film envelope.
or glove compartment
of a car. High temperatures w Avoid loading the film back-
and humidity can affect wards (note the printing
picture quality. on the film envelope). Be sure
w Store unused Polaroid the envelope side marked
4x5 sheet film flat in a dry, “This side toward lens” faces
cool place. the lens. If the film is loaded
backwards, the envelope will
come all the way out of the
film holder when withdrawn
to make an exposure. (If this
happens, turn to page 13
for instructions.)

w Insert the film envelope
straight into the film holder,
being careful not to buckle
the envelope. Then, slowly
withdraw the envelope until
it stops.

4

Storing, handling, loading
and processing Polaroid films

Before making an Important When processing film
exposure If you have repeated trouble
engaging film envelopes, Instant films
w Make it a habit to test to be your film holder may need
sure the film has engaged adjustment. If your holder is w After making the exposure,
properly in the film holder. several years old or has been push the envelope all the way
subjected to heavy use, you in until the tabs are aligned
After inserting the film enve- may want to consider replac- with the edge of the film
lope, and withdrawing it ing it with an updated model. holder. Use moderate pres-
prior to making the exposure, Call us for further informa- sure, but don’t force it. If
gently run your finger and tion, toll-free: 800-225-1618, the envelope does not slide all
thumb over the area marked Monday through Friday, the way in, withdraw it a
“Do Not Press Here”, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time. little, and try again.
as shown. It should be flat.
w Move the film holder control
If you can feel the pod arm to “P” before pulling the
of developer, the film is not envelope out to start instant
engaged properly. Reinsert film processing.
the envelope and test again.
w Remember that you
If the film does not engage can remove an exposed sheet
in the holder properly, an all- of film without processing
black picture (no exposure) it, if temperature or other
may result. conditions make it desirable
to process the film later.
(See page 8.)

w Handle developing pictures
with care. Hold them only
at the tab end or lay them flat
on a table. Never wave or
bend the film while it is devel-
oping, and never touch the
image area, otherwise image
quality may be affected.

5

Questions? Problems? Call
us, toll-free:
800-225-1618

Many common instant picture-
taking problems are discussed
on pages 11 - 14. But...if you
can’t find a solution to a
problem you might be having,
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.

w At the end of the specified w Please note the “Caution”
development time, open statement printed on Polaroid
the envelope as shown. Then film packages:
hold the negative in place
while quickly lifting off the Caution
print. Peel the print away
from the negative rapidly and This process uses a caustic
smoothly to avoid causing paste. Avoid contact
streaks on the image area. with skin, eyes and mouth
(See special tips for using and keep away from
Type 55 Positive/Negative children and animals. If you
film on page 9.) get some paste on your
skin, wipe it off immediately
and wash with water to
avoid an alkali burn. If eye
or mouth contact occurs,
quickly wash the area with
plenty of water and see
a doctor. Keep discarded
materials away from
children, animals, clothing
and furniture.

w Please dispose of used nega-
tives and packaging properly.

6

If it’s hotter or colder than 75oF (24oC)....

You can take Polaroid instant Normal development
pictures at any temperature, Underdeveloped
but when processing Polaroid
films, you should be aware
of the temperature since it can
affect picture quality.

The developer in each sheet
of film is designed to work
best at about 75oF (24oC).
By minimizing temperature
variations when processing
pictures you will get more
consistent results.

At temperatures higher
or lower than 75oF (24oC), it
may be necessary to adjust
processing time and/or expo-
sure settings to achieve
optimum results. Always refer
to the Film Data Sheets
located on the Web at
www.polaroid.com for the
latest information about
adjusting processing times
according to temperature.

Overdeveloped

7

w At low temperatures, keep the If it’s very hot or cold,
film warm, under your coat process your film later
or in a heated car or room. When using Polaroid 4x5
Place developing film in a instant sheet films in hot
warm place, such as a heated or cold locations, remember
car or under your coat, being that you can remove the
careful not to bend or crush exposed film for processing
it. Or, wait until you are later, under more optimal
in a warm place before devel- conditions. Here’s how:
oping each picture. (Allow
film exposed to cold to warm 1
up to room temperature After exposure, reinsert the
before processing.) envelope all the way into
the film holder as you would
w At high temperatures, normally. Do not move the
keep your film in the shade, control arm to “P”.
or in an air-conditioned
car or room, or in a picnic 2
cooler, before exposure. Remove the film holder from
Wait until you have reached the camera.
a cool place before develop-
ing each picture. 3
Depress the film release
w Never wave developing film lever “R”.
back and forth in an attempt
to keep it warm or cool; 4
this could adversely affect Keep the lever depressed and
image quality. turn over the film holder.
Gently push the film envelope
out, as shown, until the metal
cap is visible.

5
Grasp the end of the envelope
and pull the film all the
way out of the film holder.
Mark exposed film enve-
lopes to prevent re-exposing
them by mistake.
To process the film, reinsert
the envelope all the way
into the film holder. Move the
control arm to “P”, and
pull the envelope all the way
out in the normal manner.

8

Film processing: How fast to pull... Type 55 P/N film:
and how to get it straight! Positive approaches to good negative results

To assure consistently First things first
well-processed images
Prepare an 18% sodium
Always pull the film straight sulfite clearing bath before
out of the film holder. The exposing the film. See
envelope should be pulled the instructions for mixing
parallel to the film holder. this solution on page 10.
Pulling at an angle—up or
down, or forward or back- Peeling techniques
ward—can cause marks and
streaks on pictures. After opening the film
(See page 11.) envelope at the end of the
development time, hold
If the camera is positioned down the negative with your
so that it is difficult to left thumb, as shown.
pull straight, or if film pulling
would disturb the camera Quickly peel away the print
set-up, remove the film and the thin paper mask. Pull
holder, if possible, for pulling. hard so the print and mask
separate completely from the
The speed at which negative. Remove the mask
you pull is very important from the print, and discard
the mask.
Pull at a steady, moderate
speed. Saying the word Hold the negative by the tab
“Polaroid” is a good way to end. (Don’t touch the damp
time the speed of the pull. face of the negative.)

Pulling too rapidly can cause Flex the perforation near
white specks in images and/or the metal clip, then tear
angle pull. Pulling too slowly, off the metal clip along the
or stopping or hesitating, perforation.
can cause streaks on pictures
(See page 11.) Please note the “Caution”
printed on Polaroid film
packages. (See page 6.)

Immerse negatives in an
18% sodium sulfite solution
immediately. Use film hang-
ers, such as Kodak #6 or 4A,
to keep negatives apart
in tanks, or clear negatives
individually in trays.

9

Sodium sulfite solutions After clearing, negatives If you are shooting on 800-225-1618
The negatives produced with should be washed in running location or do not
Type 55 Positive/Negative water for at least 5 minutes. have immediate access
black & white film must be (Negatives may remain in the to sodium sulfite
cleared of the residual sodium sulfite solution for
developer layer, if they are to up to 72 hours, if immediate Developed negatives
be saved and printed. It is washing is inconvenient.) may be safely stored in water
recommended that this be (at about 70oF, 21o C) for
done immediately—within 3 If you are in a hurry to print a few hours. While they are in
minutes—to prevent staining. a negative, wash the negative water, handle them carefully
Negatives should be for about 30 seconds before and do not attempt to rub off
immersed and agitated in an use, then wash thoroughly the developer layer. Treat
18% sodium sulfite solution again later. the negatives in sodium sulfite
for approximately 1 minute, as soon as possible.
being careful not to let them To avoid drying marks
come in contact with each after washing, dip negatives More about sodium sulfite
other. Occasionally, it may be in a wetting agent, such as
necessary to gently rub off Kodak Photo-Flo (diluted at Sodium sulfite powder is
the developer layer with your least 1:600), before hanging readily available from profes-
fingers or a damp sponge. up to air dry in a dust-free sional photographic dealers
Keep in mind that, at first, the area. Use film hangers or and chemical supply houses.
negative emulsion is soft wooden clothespins to hold
and can be damaged easily. the negatives while drying. Mix with water in the follow-
ing proportions:
After treating the negative in All solutions and wash water
the sodium sulfite solution, should be nearly the same Warm water
tear off the tab from the nega- temperature, ideally 65-75oF 2 Liters
tive along the perforation. (18-24oC). (70 fluid oz.)
Flex the perforation before-
hand to make it tear easily. When dry, negatives can be Sodium sulfite
retouched and printed using (anhydrous/desiccated)
conventional techniques. 440 grams
(16 oz. avdp.)
Don’t use fixers and
hardeners Be sure all of the sodium
sulfite is dissolved before
Polaroid does not recommend using. Store the solution in
the use of hardeners or com- brown, well-stoppered
mercial fixers, since the chem- bottles or in a tank with a
istry of these solutions may floating lid. Discard the
damage the negative emulsion. solution when it becomes
discolored.

The sodium sulfite solution
produces white, harmless
deposits if it is allowed to dry
on hands, clothes and other
surfaces. These can be cleaned
with water.

If you need further
information about pro-
cessing Polaroid
Positive/Negative films,
please call us, toll-free:
800-225-1618.

10

Making sure your prints andPreservation Picture problems & problem prevention
images last a long time
Prevention
w Always use your film before w Handle coaterless black &

the expiration date stamped white prints with care while

on the package. they are drying.

w Process exposed film w Avoid writing directly on Pictures with “missing”
promptly. prints. If necessary, write corners, and/or streaks and
only in the border area, marks, are usually the
w Be aware that development using a soft pencil, china result of pulling the envelope
time and the temperature of marker, or a felt-tip pen crookedly, at an angle, from
the film at the time of designed for use with the film holder. See page 9.
processing affect picture photographic materials.
quality. Ideally, Polaroid
films should be developed at w To preserve prints, protect
about 75oF (24oC). them from exposure to direct
sunlight, high heat and
w Allow color pictures to humidity, chemicals and
dry thoroughly before chemical vapors, and exces-
stacking them or touching sive or rough handling.
the image areas.
w For long term storage, use
w Black & white pictures seamless envelopes or
that require coating should sleeves made of acid-free
be print-coated immediately paper, cellulose acetate,
to protect them from polyethylene or polyester.
scratches and fading. Use Avoid using glassine
six to eight overlapping envelopes, PVC plastic,
strokes to fully coat each ordinary black album paper,
image. brown Kraft paper
and cardboard.

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

11

Problem: Black picture Problem: White picture Problem: Overexposed
(no picture) (fogged) pictures (too light)

A picture that is totally A picture that is totally white Pictures with faint, washed
black usually indicates that usually indicates that the film out images usually indicate
no exposure was made— was severely overexposed, or that the film was overexposed
no light reached the film. light-struck or “fogged”— — too much light reached
exposed to light outside of the the negative. Check the cam-
There are several possible film holder. era settings.
causes:
There are several possible Problem: Underexposed
Equipment problem causes: pictures (too dark)

Pictures with evenly w The camera shutter may Handling errors Pictures that are too dark
spaced spots or streaks are not be working. overall, or in which the main
usually caused by dirty w Withdrawing the film subject appears as a silhouette
rollers inside the film holder. w The flash may have failed envelope with the processing with little or no detail, usu-
Typically, the pattern is to fire, resulting in a severely lever at “L” while the ally indicate that the film was
repeated across the picture underexposed picture film holder is off the camera. underexposed—too little
surface because dirt or other (which may appear all black). light reached the negative.
particles are stuck to one or Check your flash unit w Removing the metal end cap Check the camera settings.
both rollers. The rollers and sync mechanism; allow from a film envelope, then
should be cleaned regularly sufficient recycle time replacing it, or other handling Problem: “Solarized” neg-
to prevent this problem. between flash exposures. mishaps which damage the ative (Type 55 P/N film)
film envelope.
Important notice for high Operator mistakes If type 55 P/N film
volume film users Operator mistake is processed for too short a
With some photographic sys- time, the negative may be
If your film holder is several tems occasional oversights An occasional oversight re-exposed to light when the
years old or has been subject- will result in a black picture: may result in white pictures. film envelope is opened.
ed to heavy use, you may For example, a wrong Always time development
want to consider replacing it w A black picture may result if exposure setting: lens aperture accurately and adjust
with an updated model to the film does not engage too large; shutter speed too the time according to the
ensure consistent, trouble-free properly in the film holder. slow; incorrect flash exposure temperature of the film
results. For further infor- (See page 5.) guide number; incorrect film at the time of processing.
mation, please call Polaroid speed setting (using ISO
Technical Assistance w Wrong exposure setting: lens 3000/36o black & white film
(See page 2). aperture too small; shutter in a camera system set
speed too fast; incorrect flash for ISO 80/20o color film).
exposure guide number;
incorrect film speed setting Equipment problem
(for example, using ISO
80/20o color film in a camera w The camera shutter may not
system set for ISO 3000/36o be working properly.
black & white film).
w The camera system has
developed a light leak, or
the film holder is not
mounted correctly.

12

If something jams in your film holder and you
can’t get it out

Problem: Envelope If a metal end cap or some To disassemble the
comes all the way out other part of a Polaroid
before exposure 4x5 film envelope becomes film holder
jammed inside your film
If the film envelope ever holder, you may be able to You will need a small screw-
comes all the way out free it, quickly and easily, by driver (to pry off the side
of the film holder when it is disassembling the holder— clips) and a large paper clip
withdrawn to make an if you’re willing to carefully (to hold a piece in place
exposure, that film sheet follow a few simple steps. during re-assembly).
will be “fogged”. 1
Please read all the way Move the control arm to “L”.
Remove the rest of the through these instructions 2
film assembly by following before you begin. Be sure Pry off the two side clips on
these procedures: that you can clearly the edges of the film holder.
identify the various parts of 3
1 the film holder and that Open the roller cover and
Open the hinged roller cover, you have the recommended swing the top roller out of
as shown. tools. While it’s easy to the way.
take the holder apart and fix 4
2 the jam, it’s important Lift off the aperture plate,
Disengage the top roller. that the holder be reassem- as shown. Be careful not to
bled correctly to assure lose the envelope latch
3 proper operation. mechanism (see next page).
Move the control arm to “P”. 5
If you do not wish to Any metal end cap or
4 fix the film holder other material that jammed
Pull the film negative yourself, or if you would in the holder should now
assembly out of the holder. be visible and easily removed.
like further information
about the steps involved,
please call us, toll-free:

800-225-1618, Monday
through Friday, 8 a.m. to
8 p.m., Eastern time.

13

To reassemble the 2 3
film holder Turn the aperture plate
Locate the envelope latch over and seat it properly in
1 mechanism—a thin strip of its groove on the holder.
Place the aperture plate on metal. Place it on top of Make sure the springs are
a flat surface with the springs the short ends of the springs, not twisted or caught.
facing up. as shown, and press it
down into the groove at the 4
top of the aperture plate. Re-attach the side clips.
Secure it in place with the Then, remove the paper clip.
large paper clip, as shown. Your film holder should
now function properly.

5
Before taking pictures,
inspect the rollers to be sure
they are clean.

14

Quick Tips How to get consistently good results with
Polaroid 4x5 sheet films

3 things you need to know

1 23

Keep processing Note temperature. Pull envelope straight,
rollers clean. Time accurately. at moderate speed.

Clean rollers regularly— Take Polaroid instant pic- Pull film straight out of
before each picture-taking tures at any temperature. film holder. Avoid camera
session. But...temperature of film positions that make
at time of processing pulling awkward. Remove
Use soft, non-abrasive affects instant picture and place film holder
cloth, moistened with quality. Instant films on flat surface for film
water. should be processed at pulling, if possible.
about 75oF (24oC). See
the Film Data Sheets on the Always pull at steady,
Web at www.polaroid.com moderate speed.
for latest time/temperature
processing information.

When loading film After taking each picture

1 4 1 4
Handle film envelopes by Test to be sure film Push envelope all the Time development of
edges to avoid pressure has engaged properly way in. instant film accurately,
on pod. in holder. according to information in
2 the Film Data Sheets at
2 Gently run finger and Move control arm to “P”. www.polaroid.com.
Move control arm to “L”. thumb over area marked
“Do Not Press Here”. 3 5
3 It should be flat. Pull envelope straight After specified
Insert envelope straight out of holder at moderate development time, open
into holder all the way. If not, reinsert envelope speed to start develop- envelope. Peel print
(Note printed instructions and test again. ment. rapidly and smoothly.
on envelope.) Then,
slowly withdraw it until Handle developing film Please note the “Caution”
it stops. only at tab end or lay flat printed on Polaroid film
on a table. Never wave, packages (see page 6).
bed or squeeze film.

To remove exposed After processing pictures 800-225-1 Q6uick1Tips8
film for processing later

1 3 4 w Let color pictures
After reinserting envelope, Keep lever depressed. Pull envelope out of and coaterless black &
do not move control Turn holder over and push film holder. white pictures dry
arm to “P”. Remove hold- envelope out, as shown, thoroughly before stack-
er from camera. until metal cap is visible. Mark exposed film ing or touching.
envelopes to prevent
2 re-exposure. w Black & white pictures
Depress lever “R”. requiring coating
To process, reinsert should be print-coated
envelope, move control immediately.
arm to “P”, pull film
straight out. w When using Polaroid
Type 55 Positive/Negative
film, prepare 18%
sodium sulfite clearing
bath before exposing
film. (See Film Data Sheets
at www.polaroid.com.)

Picture problems &
problem prevention

About storing film

w Use film before expiration
date on package.

w Do not freeze Polaroid
instant film. Store film in
cool, dry place. Keep
film in sealed package
until use.

Allow refrigerated film
to reach room temp-
erature before opening
(about 2 hours).

“Missing” corner, and/or Evenly spaced spots Small white specks are Keep film and camera
streaks and marks, or streaks indicate rollers often caused by pull- out of direct sunlight and
indicates film was pulled inside film holder ing envelope out of film hot, humid places.
crookedly, at angle, from are dirty. Clean rollers holder too rapidly.
film holder. regularly. Toll-free technical
Always pull film at moder- assistance
Always pull film straight. ate speed.

White Picture Possible causes: Black Picture For help or information,
call Polaroid Technical
White picture indicates w Withdrawing film enve- Black picture indicates Assistance toll-free from
film was severely over- lope with the processing no exposure was made– within U.S.A.
exposed, or light-struck lever at “L” while the film no light reached film. 800-225-1618
or “fogged”—exposed to holder is off camera. Monday through Friday,
light outside of envelope Possible causes: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.,
or film holder. w Removing metal end cap Eastern time.
from a film envelope. w Camera shutter not work-
ing; flash out of synch or PP1388-1
w Wrong exposure setting. failed to fire. “Polaroid” ®
Printed in U.S.A. 3/92
w Equipment problem. w Wrong exposure setting.

w Film did not engage
properly in film holder.

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.

PP1388 1B5563
“Polaroid”, “Polacolor”, “Polapan”
and “Polachrome”®
Printed in U.S.A. 3/92