How to Put Film in a Polaroid Camera

Polaroid instant cameras were once a staple for photo lovers worldwide but, with the advent of digital photography, have since become more of a novelty item. If you are lucky enough to find a Polaroid 600 and precious film to go with it, you will surely catch those special moments that no other cameras can. Once you do find your Polaroid and film, loading your film properly into the camera is the only thing between you and some beautiful photographs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Polaroid 600 One-Step Instant Camera
• Polaroid 600 Film cartridge (10 photos)

1. 

   Purchase or salvage a Polaroid 600 camera and film from eBay or Amazon.

2. 

   Find the thumb latch on the front-left side of the Polaroid 600 camera.

3. 

   Push the thumb latch forward to open the film chamber. The chamber door should open downward, exposing the chamber slot.

4. 

   Open the sealed film cartridge from its package. Cartridges hold 10 shots each and power the Polaroid 600 camera when inserted. A black cover on the top keep light from destroying the film inside from overexposure.

5. 

   Insert the film cartridge into the chamber with the pull tab facing outward.
   The cartridge should fit perfectly. If it does not, the camera chamber may be warped (or the film cartridge you are using is not for the Polaroid 600).

6. 

   Push the cartridge in evenly and slide it in gently. Close the chamber door shut.
   Film cartridges power the camera. As soon as you load and shut the chamber door, the top black cover of the cartridge will automatically eject out of the film slot.

Tips & Warnings

• Polaroid 600 analog instant cameras have limited adjustability. Exposure and focus can be adjusted using slide controls in the front of the camera. Macro shots are best if about 6 inches away. Some 600 cameras come with a built-in flash, which work great with night time or indoor shots. Instant development of the film take about two minutes to fully develop and may have inconsistencies in color saturation, light leaks and vignetting, traits that make the Polaroid 600 the great toy camera it is. These analog instant cameras can be found for relatively cheap at thrift stores or flea markets for less than $5. Instant film, however, is more expensive and harder to find ever since Polaroid ceased producing them in 2006 But they can still be ordered on eBay and Amazon for a steep price ($140 average for a 10 pack of 10 shots).
• Cameras without film cartridges will not power up. Only when a cartridge is present will it work. Polaroid ceased producing instant film for these cameras, making them expensive and hard to find. Not only that, the last batch of Polaroid 600 film have an expiration date of August 2009. Refrigeration of film may extend its life a bit longer.