How to Store Polaroid Film

These photos were damaged in storage.

When it hit the market in 1948, Polaroid instant film cameras were a major innovation in amateur photography. In 1986, the Polaroid Corporation defeated Kodak in a contestation over the instant film patent. The Polaroid Corporation ceased production of the cameras in February 2008, which sparked an unsuccessful protest of consumers who were still attached to the instant camera.

Things You'll Need

• Box

Instructions

1. Check the expiration date. You can get a sense of the timeframe for how long the film will stay "fresh." Though the date is not written in stone, you shouldn't risk photos that have sentimental or real value to you by not getting them developed before the date.

2. Keep the film in the camera as long as possible. The camera protects the film by sealing it, though you should finish the roll within a few months.

3. Find a cool, dark place to keep the film. Sometimes, photographers choose to store film in refrigerators or freezers, but you risk damage from corrosion or condensation by doing this. The film should be kept in a box to protect it from dust or exposure to light.

References

• Polaroid: Home
• Save Polaroid