How to Convert an Old Polaroid to Take Modern Film

Because older Polaroid cameras are calibrated to accept film that may no longer be available, enthusiasts sometimes seek to convert the old camera's body to take newer instant film stocks. You can avoid the expense of having the job done professionally if you learn to convert an old Polaroid camera to take modern film.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hand file
• Heavy-duty tool for cutting metal (a hacksaw or motorized hobby saw)
• Pliers
• Screwdriver set with appropriate head(s)
• Safety glasses
• Drill
• Aluminum sheet metal
• Work gloves
• Proper film back for modern film
• Metal-bonding epoxy or light-tight adhesive filler

1. Remove the back from the newer Polaroid model that is the basis of your conversion. Staying as close to the back of the camera as you can, remove the back from the body with your cutting tool. File it down so any jagged parts square up with the film plane, and clean any debris and dust out of the removed film back.

2. Remove any hinge pins from the camera you want to convert to accept new film. The hinge pins are generally found on the sides of the camera body, close to the strap. You may need your pliers to grasp the pins and pull them out.

3. Take the loosened camera back off the camera you want to convert.

4. Remove the screws securing your old camera film holder. Taking care not to damage the spring pins, gently separate the old film holder from the camera body. Keep any parts (screws or pins) you remove from your old camera handy for possible later use.

5. Fashion your aluminum sheet metal to fit the space formerly occupied by your old film holder on the camera you're converting. Drill holes in the sheet metal representing the same positions as the screws you just removed (that held the old film holder in place).

6. Put the hinge pins back in and screw the sheet metal in place to hold them tight.

7. Hold your new camera back up against the camera you're converting. Notice where the tabs don't line up. Cut your old camera body off so that it lines up with your new film back, using your cutting tool. Expect that this step will be difficult, requiring a steady hand and a great deal of patience.

8. Fasten the new back to your older camera using the epoxy or light-tight industrial-strength adhesive. As an alternative, if you cam find a drill and screw set small enough to do the job, you can attach the new back by drilling holes through it and the old body and affixing it using screws.

9. Adjust your camera's focus calibrations to the specifications of the new film back. Mount the camera on a tripod, set the focus to infinity and point the camera at a large object in the distance. Adjust your old camera's front standard until the object is in focus, then secure the new, proper position with screws.

10. Perform any cosmetic adjustments to make your converted camera look better.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice your conversion on a throwaway old Polaroid before attempting a functional transformation of a camera you intend to keep.
• You will make permanent alterations to the camera body when you convert an old Polaroid camera to take modern film. This process is not recommended for valuable vintage Polaroid cameras.
• Always observe proper safety techniques when working with tools. Use adhesives only in a well-ventilated area.