Polaroid Film at Good Price?

[Larky]

Hello.

So, my mate bought me a Polaroid today, well old school and funky.

So I need film, but can't find any for less than the price of a lung. Is it really £30 for 20 shots? I could buy a slab of granite and pay an army of sculptors to chisel the scene for less.

Does anyone know where I can get Polaroid, even out of date but kind of working, film for a good price?

Take care.

Andrew.

[ishpop]

I also need to get some for my Hasselblad Polaplus back... Just been scanning Ebay...

[rogue_designer]

Depends on *which* polaroid you have. Some films are easier to track down than others.

[whickus]

if you keep your eyes open, you might find 600 film and some packfilms on clearance at various stores trying to get rid of their stock. other than that, polapremium.com is probably your best bet for "reasonable" prices. ebay auctions usually end way too high, unless you find an auction that no one knows about.

[Larky]

I have a funky rockin' (can you tell I've had wine?) Polaroid 636. It's about the size of a small car!

Just noticed this has been moved, thanks to the mod. I didn't see the Polaroid bit.

I have seen a shed load of 1997 film on eBay dirt cheap, how useless would this be do we think?

[charjohncarter]

That camera uses, I think, the same film that is used in the SX-70. It is no longer able to be sourced new. So the INTERNET (out of date film) is the only place, and the color will probably be 'funky rockin',' so you are in luck.

[DRabbit]

Don't think so... I think the 636 uses standard 600 film. You can get it on ebay if you buy in bulk (5 or more packs) for about $1.00-$2.00 per shot. It is going to get harder and harder to get though unless The-Impossible-Project(.com) succeeds ;)

I recently got into Polaroids myself and actually prefer the pack-film types... and the film is easier to get. Any pack-film style cam can use the widely available Fuji FP-100C, FP-100B or FP-3000B film, and it's cheaper.

Have fun with it... I've been enjoying mine...

http://www.dangrabbit.com/photography/albums/packfilm/012_oldfieldlighthouse.jpg

[BTMarcais]

Yep, best bet is to go w/ one of the pack film cameras, since fuji makes film for those still. Polaroid isn't making anything, and the last production run for the 600 expires this fall. Prices are only going up on the polaroid films right now, since supplies are just plain running out...

(I use a 405 back and 550 back on my 4x5, which take the 2 different fuji packfilm sizes)

-Brian

[Larky]

Hello. Yeah, the 636 uses 600. I found some at a Boots store and it's great fun, makes everything look like it's come from the 70's. What is this pack film you speak of?

[Baldadash]

I use Fuji FP-100B BW pack film as a replacement for Polaroid 690 color in my homemade pinhole cameras made from old Has PolaPlus backs I picked up on the bay cheap. The Fuji BW is extremely sharp, but costs about $1usd a shot.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3300/3277868164_b6cc1e2e78.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/3277867910_4bbf47d799.jpg?v=0

[Baldadash]

John, coincidently I just sold 2 packs of SX-70 Time Zero film on the bay for almost $80usd. It was something my wife had purchased about four years ago. It was dated 02/06. I believe they stopped making that film
03/06. I found it in a box in our bedroom closet. Maybe I should do spring cleaning more often.

[DRabbit]

Pack film (like Fuji FP-100C or 100B) is used in Polaroid Land Cameras, like this (model 350):

http://polaroids.theskeltons.org/img/350.jpg

or in Polaroid backs (made specifically for certain types of camera):

http://www.jerkwithacamera.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/mamiya.jpg

The Land Cameras can be had real cheap on ebay (other than the 180 or 195 model). I got a 101 for like $10. I got the 350 for like $25. The 250/350/360/450 cams have glass lenses, and one-window viewfinder-rangefinder design (Zeiss). In other words, they are little nicer than the 100, 101, etc.

One of the best websites for info is here: http://polaroids.theskeltons.org/

It's fun! I'd love to get into backs, but since I know nothing about medium format, I decided to keep it simple and go with the Land Cams... for now ;)

[vdonovan]

I too am a big fan of the Fuji pack films (especially the B&W) and cheapie Land Cameras. Challenging and fun.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/3369054525_b22a9f4948.jpg

[charjohncarter]

Well, if we are talking packfilm now, I have two PF cameras; Polaroid Automatic 100, and the Polaroid Colorpack II. They have different lenses: one glass and one plastic. But alas, they seem to be the same. One very major plus; women love the way they look when photographed with these cameras. They like it so much that I bought one on Ebay and grafted the lenses to a lens cap for my 6x7. This is with the old '67 beater but the couple liked the photo:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3214175940_e4e05ec063.jpg?v=0

[DRabbit]

I'm excited to see so many polaroid fans! I was beginning to feel a little lonely with my recent polaroid interest (yes, I'm a member of a flikr polaroid group, but they are veRRRRYYYY slow).

So who has the knowledge to teach me more about pack-film backs? ;)

BTW, nice photos Vince and CJC.

[vdonovan]

Thanks!

I bought a pack film back for my Bronica SQ-A on ebay for $12. It's not that useful, however, because the image on the print is only 6cm x 6cm! Duh! Why didn't I think of that? I only use it for portrait sessions to give the subject a quick souvenir.

As others have said above, the folding Polaroid Land cameras give a full size image, are practically free, and a lot of fun to use. I like using the "portrait attachment" that came with many cameras.

Here is another excellent website that will tell you which screwball Polaroid camera you just bought at a garage sale for $5 and what it can do and can't do:
http://www.rwhirled.com/landlist/landhome.htm

There are some gotchas to using these cameras. The batteries can be hard to find but you can hack them to use AAAs. Here is a polaroid hacking website:
http://option8.110mb.com/polaroid/index.html

There are better quality rangefinders that will give you a full image, namely the Polaroid 185, 600SE and the Mamiya Universal Press. (The 600SE and Mamiya Universal are *almost* the same camera). These cameras cost substantially more than $5, but are still a bargain for what you get.

[charjohncarter]

I'm excited to see so many polaroid fans! I was beginning to feel a little lonely with my recent polaroid interest (yes, I'm a member of a flikr polaroid group, but they are veRRRRYYYY slow).

So who has the knowledge to teach me more about pack-film backs? ;)

BTW, nice photos Vince and CJC.

Well, I'm no expert even though I've used Polaroid since 1964. But never shoot the main subject if it is in the shade and you have some/any bright sunlight in the view of the meter. I had to tweak one of my light meters by putting a neutral density piece of plastic over the meter to 'adjust' the light meter. And #3, clean your rollers after every pack of film. If you start to see that the horizontal edges are not filling with developer, rub the edges after taking the pack film from the camera at the vertical edges. Expect high contrast with Fuji pack film, but don't complain they are the only ones left. God bless them. Here are two from 1964:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/3118804153_a380f08e9f.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/3094699616_917b41560c.jpg?v=0

[DRabbit]

Vince... I've got those two sites bookmarked already -- it's part of the reason I decided on the 350. I'd love a 180, but one recently sold for $828 (not kidding) on ebay, so the price is a little high right now. Sure make the $25 I spent on the 350 seem like a bargain! ;)

I know about the batteries, but luckily they last very long time and there are still some vendors on the net that sell them (Found mine through Amazon believe it or not). On the Option8 site I think there's also instructions for converting to more standard batteries.

Another great site is www.Polanoid.net

CJC, like the photos! Here's another one I shot recently...

http://www.dangrabbit.com/photography/albums/packfilm/007_chucksonthebeachbw.jpg

There's just something really cool about these old polaroids... they sure do draw interest from others -- "what the hell is that??" LOL! I got a folding SX-70 too that's already been converted for 600 film, but I use that one much more sparingly since the $600 film is harder to get and pricier. It's a bizarre little camera though.

http://www.dangrabbit.com/photography/albums/integral/007_godfencedin.jpg

[vdonovan]

Thanks again. It's true the cameras are a crowd pleaser. Some photos from Jerome, AZ below. I couldn't go two steps without people stopping to talk about the camera.

I also have a Polaroid Big Shot that I take to parties. Unfortunately I have no scans from the Big Shot because people want to keep the pictures for themselves!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/3369904400_4705e68b1c_b.jpg

[DRabbit]

Never heard of the Big Shot... I just looked it up... what a wacky camera! I bet that one REALLY draws a crowd!

Really digging those AZ shots... I like the 3000B film (sneakers above were taken with it). Hey, I see in your signature you have a Fuji Instax... how do you like it? I was tossing around the idea of the Diana+ with Instax back, but I think it's a little pricey for what it is.

[shadowfox]

Thanks again. It's true the cameras are a crowd pleaser. Some photos from Jerome, AZ below. I couldn't go two steps without people stopping to talk about the camera.

I also have a Polaroid Big Shot that I take to parties. Unfortunately I have no scans from the Big Shot because people want to keep the pictures for themselves!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/3369904400_4705e68b1c_b.jpg

Vince, I like the way you store your prints, is that just glue between the print and the notebook?

[shadowfox]

Well, if we are talking packfilm now, I have two PF cameras; Polaroid Automatic 100, and the Polaroid Colorpack II. They have different lenses: one glass and one plastic. But alas, they seem to be the same. One very major plus; women love the way they look when photographed with these cameras. They like it so much that I bought one on Ebay and grafted the lenses to a lens cap for my 6x7. This is with the old '67 beater but the couple liked the photo:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3214175940_e4e05ec063.jpg?v=0

John, that's a lovely photo. Is that the 667?

[vdonovan]

Will: thanks. The prints are just scotch-taped into a notebook of acid free sketch paper. I want it to be crude and simple.

John: I agree, that's a helluva portrait. You've got all the elements working for you: light, tone, subjects, energy. Imagine how much *less* powerful this picture would be in color!

[charjohncarter]

Thanks vdonovan and Will, black and white for close portraits when I'm doing them, on this one I used my Automatic 100 with the portrait attachment. It was FujiFP100b. It really makes skin creamy. Next time you are doing a portrait take a Polaroid along and see how it holds up.

[K14]

Never heard of the Big Shot... I just looked it up... what a wacky camera! I bet that one REALLY draws a crowd!

Really digging those AZ shots... I like the 3000B film (sneakers above were taken with it). Hey, I see in your signature you have a Fuji Instax... how do you like it? I was tossing around the idea of the Diana+ with Instax back, but I think it's a little pricey for what it is.

I also thought of getting the Diana Instax back. Yes too pricey and too small for prints (credit card size). The film is also a little pricey. I sure miss the instant 4x5's I used to do with my Anniversary Graphic. I shot my last batch of Polacolor film during Christmas. I should pick up one of the instant pack cameras, maybe those days are not gone forever. Good thread!

[DRabbit]

K14 - Yeah, it's kinda a shame about the Diana and it's back. There's also a polaroid back for the Holga but that's kinda pricey too, and while it can use the Fuji Pack film, it's means to use T80 series film. If I had money to throw away I might try it, but I think I'll stick with my $25 Land Cam for now ;)

[Larky]

I'm looking into a Land Cam too, can't find any in the UK though. The ones I've found in the USA are the lesser models, and I'm a snob, so that just won't do (stamps feet).

I may just get a large format beast and try finding stuff for that. :)

[charjohncarter]

Try to find an Automatic 100, glass lens, rangefinder, and you can find a portrait attachment (that works with the RF). If you want to be really snobby get a Automatic 195 or its cousins.

[DRabbit]

Try to find an Automatic 100, glass lens, rangefinder, and you can find a portrait attachment (that works with the RF). If you want to be really snobby get a Automatic 195 or its cousins.

100 (101, 102, 103 etc.) have glass lens, rangefinder focus and separate viewfinder.

250/350/360/450 all have glass lens, rangefinder focus and viewfinder in one window.

All above can be had for $30 or less through ebay.

180 is the "best" with the ability to really control aperture. However, they get quite pricey. $400-$800 isn't unheard of.

[BTMarcais]

I used to have a 180, it was a great camera to use. And the Zeiss finder that's on it is pretty useful (the framelines move not only to compensate for parallax, but also for the changing angle of view of the lens at different focus points!)

Traded it for a Zeiss Super Ikonta A ...AND a B+J 5x7 camera.

Now I walk around w/ my Speed Graphic and either the 405 or 550 backs... After a day of that though, I definitely miss how small the 180 was (in comparison at least).

[Larky]

So if I find a 100, which film would it take?

[charjohncarter]

Larky, my two Polaroids take 'packfilm' which is either Fuji: FP3000b, FP100c or FP100c, at least I think those are the numbers. I had a SX-70 which used 600 series film, but I couldn't get it anymore so I sent it off to a friend on Flickr. I think she has run out of film too.

[DRabbit]

CharJohn: You can get 600 film on ebay, but it isn't exactly cheap.

Larky: As for the pack cameras... the 100, 101, 102 (etc.) and 250, 350, 360, 450 and 180 all take the same film. 100 series film. The easiest to get is the Fuji FP-3000b (b&W, high speed), FP100C (color) and FP100B (B&W).

Since you helped me so much with deciding to develop film myself (and I've been practicing with the reels!), ask me all the questions you want on Polaroid :)

[vdonovan]

This guy has consistently good prices for the Fuji pack films:
http://www.justfilmsf.com/menu.asp?id=5N2H8NFCUH

[imajypsee]

for $149.00 with free shipping, which is a good price on eBay. My SLR 680SE is still making nice pix so I just can't stop myself :p

http://www.pbase.com/jypsee/image/109652910/small.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/jypsee/image/109652910)


Larky, my two Polaroids take 'packfilm' which is either Fuji: FP3000b, FP100c or FP100c, at least I think those are the numbers. I had a SX-70 which used 600 series film, but I couldn't get it anymore so I sent it off to a friend on Flickr. I think she has run out of film too.

Mary in SW Florida, USA

[Brian Sweeney]

I just sent my Trusty Sonar SX70se, modified for 600, to someone on Flickr who has film. Bought it new in 1985. The Modified SX70 can use the 1.5x Telephoto lens, something that cannot be used on the SLR680 and SLR690, unless you break the "focus-tab" off of it.

[vdonovan]

for $149.00 with free shipping, which is a good price on eBay. My SLR 680SE is still making nice pix so I just can't stop myself :p

http://www.pbase.com/jypsee/image/109652910/small.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/jypsee/image/109652910)




Mary in SW Florida, USA

That is a lovely image.

[imajypsee]

Thanks, Vince; it's an homage to Kertesz and a sort of double entendre to how he worked in his last days.

And, Brian, you mean you sent the camera off because you don't have film for it?

Mary in SW Florida, USA