How to Work a Polaroid Camera

Polaroid Cameras are instant cameras that were discontinued in 2008, along with Polaroid film. Instant cameras owe most of their success to a scientist named Edwin Land, an American who not only started the Polaroid corporation. He also developed the first instant camera, the Land Polaroid Camera in 1947. Many artists still continue to use SX-70 Polaroid cameras with film that they purchase at yard sales or from the Internet. Although Polaroid photography is a dying art, it is still possible to get your hands on both Polaroid film and cameras by way of ebay and other Internet resources.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Polaroid camera
• Polaroid film (usually 600, but check your camera for more information)

1. Insert film pack. Although it is becoming more and more difficult, try to use a film pack that is not expired. If the film is expired, it may have irregular stains on the photo or not take a photo at all. Follow the instructions on your camera to determine which film you will need to use. Most Polaroid cameras take 600 film, but some of the older cameras may take Spectra, 500, Time Zero, or another type of Polaroid film.

2. Turn your camera on. A Polaroid camera will not turn on unless you insert a film cartridge. If you are using a flash, make sure the flash is turned on and operational. You may want to test the flash once or twice before taking a photo.

3. Set your exposure control settings, if available. SX-70 Polaroid cameras were released with manual instead of automatic settings. Play around with exposure settings to determine the best setting under any different light.

4. Point the camera at your subject. The subject should be well lit to make sure the photo doesn't come out too dark, even if you are using a flash.

5. Press the photo button, which should be a prominent button on the right top of the camera. If the photo took, a Polaroid picture will slide out of the front of the camera. Wait about one minute to see the full results of your photo.

Tips & Warnings

• SX-70 cameras can be altered to accept 600 film. Look on eBay for great deals on expired film.
• Do not shake a Polaroid picture. It may result in streaking. There is no guarantee that your picture will come out, even if you are using film that has not expired.

Resources

• AssociatedContent.com: Better Polaroid Photos
• Answers.Yahoo.com: Taking a Polaroid
• Polaroid.com: Polaroid Film and Cameras