Using Expired Polaroid 669 Film - Gavin Lyons Photography

Wow I managed to pick up 8 packs of 667 Polaroid pack film which had expired way in 1998. So without hesitating a guess I reckon that’s about twenty year ago when it came off the production line.

A Wee History on Polaroid

This is peel apart film before the advent of Polaroid Integral film. Integral film is what most people remember and know as the picture that zips out magically from the camera. While peel apart you need to pull out by hand from the camera. This is the stuff I’m talkin’ about on this blog post. A blast from the time so to speak …

Both Integral and peel apart film are sadly no longer manufactured by Fuji or Polaroid. Except for Fuji Instax which isn’t compatible with any Polaroid camera . It doesn’t really count in my book. Which leaves just the Impossible Project that is now producing Integral Film from SX and 600 series Polaroid cameras. I’ve seen good stuff done on it, but I do love the excitement of peel apart. Plus you can do more stuff with it. Like for example lifts and transfers but that’s for another blog post.

In fact actually Integral film was first produced in 1972 and my favourite, peel apart in 1963 by Polaroid. There’s even an older Polaroid roll type film which was invented 1947 by Edwin Land. Hence the name Land Camera. Oh did I forget to mention he also invented the 3D movie back in 1939. Clever guy huh?

Land Camera Setup with 669 Expired Film

Breathing New Life into Land Cameras

So back to the present, where these old neglected Polaroid Land Camera still exist. Their vinyl bellows and quirky viewfinder still need love or at least film to live. They are very much starting to rely on out dated film. While there may well be stock of Fuji peel apart to be had. These packs will start to expire next year in 2018. Now is definitely the time to buy that fridge for film and start hoarding!

Onto the seriously expired film, “what is going on with this film!” I have to ask myself. It lacks the red color, sometimes bit of the picture are missing. It really is a surprise to see what you get. There’s streaks and gooey brown stuff sometimes left on the prints. But it’s awesome when you get it right.

I’ve been experimenting with the packs over a couple of weeks. I keep the stock in cool storage in the keller. I must admit so far it’s quite additive using this stuff! – I hope I don’t ran out soon!

Winter selection on expired Polaroid 669

The above Winter selection images where taken with my Automatic 330 Land Camera in very cool conditions, -10 to -20 degree C

Tips for using expired film packs

I’m passing on the knowledge of what I’ve learned. Putting together some tips from the experience shooting with expired Polaroid film over the last few weeks.

Develop longer than 1 minute, try 2 mins even 3 mins
Change the Polaroid’s dark to light control. For very expired film make it close to full ‘lighten’. Adjust for taste!
In cold weather use the cold plate and develop at least 5 mins
Leaving the paper surround on the final print can add quite an interesting look to the image. But this is a matter of personal choice.
Avoid touching the chemical residue. It’s quite toxic and corrosive.
Clean your rollers every time after replacing your film pack. Super important.