A Guide to Using Polaroid 4 x 5 Sheet Films
For people who work in a variety of ways.
Tips, techniques and inside information designed to help you get consistently good results with Polaroid 4 x 5 sheet films.
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What’s inside
ωProcessing tips relating to 4x5 films and proper use of 545 family of film holders
ωPolaroid 4x5 films: The big picture
ωThe inside story abut 4x5 instant film
ωThe 3 critical keys to quality images
ωStoring, handling, loading and processing Polaroid films
ωIf it’s hotter or colder than 75oF (24oC)...
ωFilm processing: How
fast to pull...and how to get it straight!
ωType 55 P/N film:
Positive approaches to good negative results (peeling techniques; sodium sulfite solutions)
ωMaking sure your prints and images last a long time
ωPicture problems
and problem prevention
ωToll-free help and technical assistance
Please keep this booklet within reach of your Polaroid Model 545
film holder
The information in this booklet is designed to help experienced and occasional users of Polaroid 4x5 sheet films get good pictures... avoid some common picture-taking errors...perform a
few simple, routine, preventive maintenance checks... and get expert assistance when needed.
This booklet covers — in quick reference form — much of the material contained
in the instructions originally packed with the Polaroid Model 545 film holder. Please consult those instructions when first learning to use the film holder.
Film Data Sheets covering most Polaroid films used for business, technical, medical and professional applications are available at no charge on the Web at www.polaroid.com.
If you use Polaroid instant pack films
A similar booklet is available to users of Polaroid 3 1/4 x 4 1/4, 4x5 and square-format pack films. To obtain a copy, call Polaroid Technical Assistance at the toll-free number given on page 2.
Polaroid 4x5 sheet films for use with the Model
545, 545i, and 545 Pro film holders
Color
Type 59, Polacolor ER, (ISO 80/20o)
Type 64, Polacolor Pro Tungsten (ISO 64/19o)
Type 79, Polacolor Pro 100 (ISO 100/21o)
Polacolor Pro 100 (International only) (ISO 100/21o)
Black & White
Type 51, High Contrast
Positive/Negative
(ISO 640/29o Positive/Daylight;
ISO 400/27o Positive/Tungsten;
ISO 80/20o Negative/Daylight;
ISO 50/18o Negative/Tungsten)
Type 52, Fine Grain (ISO 400/27o)
Type 53, Medium Contrast
Coaterless (ISO 800/30o)
Type 54, PolaPan 100
Coaterless (ISO 100/21o)
Type 55, Positive/Negative (ISO 50/18o)
Type 56, Sepia (ISO 400/27o)
Type 57, High Speed (ISO 3000/36o)
Type 72, PolaPan 400 (ISO 400/27o)
Polaroid 4x5 films: The big picture
Polaroid 4x5 sheet films are available in two types: instant and wet-process (E6) films. These 4x5 films are used in the Polaroid Model 545 film holder.
The Model 545 film holder is designed to fit most
4x5 field and view cameras; microscope and oscilloscope cameras; the Polaroid MP-4 camera; and the Polaroid CU-5 4x5 camera. (See note below.)
Note
The image area of Polaroid 4x5 instant films used
with the Model 545 film holder is off-center about 1/8 in. (3 mm) toward the thick end of the holder. For extreme accuracy with 4x5 cameras making test shots is recommended so that the exact image area can be marked on the ground glass. On the Polaroid MP 4 camera this area is marked on the ground glass.
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Technical Assistance & Film
Data Sheets
For further information
about Polaroid 4x5 sheet films, or for information about other Polaroid films, products, and applications,
call toll-free from within the U.S.A. at 800-225-1618
Monday through Friday,
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time. Or, write to:
Technical Assistance
Polaroid Corporation
201 Burlington Rd.
Bedford, MA 01730
For assistance outside the U.S.A., consult your nearest Polaroid Office.
Film Data Sheets covering most Polaroid films used for business, technical, medical and professional applications are available at no charge on the Web at www.polaroid.com.
The inside story about 4x5 instant films
How the system works
Each Polaroid instant 4x5 sheet film “envelope” contains all the elements
needed to produce an instant picture. Inside, there is a film assembly consisting of a light-sensitive negative,
a positive sheet, and a “pod” containing the developer.
The rollers inside the Polaroid Model 545 film holder are used to break the pod and spread the developer between the exposed negative and positive sheet. Clean rollers are important in achieving a smooth, consistent “spread”; they should be inspected and cleaned regularly to assure high quality results. (See page 12.)
Exposing and processing
The positive sheet is withdrawn during exposure, then re-mated with the negative inside the envelope before processing.
Pulling the envelope drags the film assembly — negative, pod, and positive sheet — between the rollers. The pod bursts open and the developer is spread between the positive and negative.
It is important to pull the film straight and at a steady, moderate speed to cause the developer to spread evenly. (See page 3.)
Development begins immediately, outside the film holder. After the proper processing time, the finished picture is peeled away from the negative. (See page 5 for important tips about handling developing pictures.)
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The 3 critical keys to quality instant images
1 oneKeep the processing
rollers in the film holder clean
Make it a habit to inspect and clean the roller surfaces regularly, and especially before each picture-taking session.
Cleaning the rollers is easy. Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth, moistened with water if necessary. Dry the rollers thoroughly before use. Do not use alcohol
or other cleaning fluids, and never scrape the rollers with a hard object or with your fingernails.
The Model 545 film holder instruction book contains details on locating and cleaning the rollers. If you need further information, please call us at the toll-free number on page 2.
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twoNote the temperature...
and time development accurately
You can take Polaroid pictures at any temperature. But, processing time and the temperature of the film
at the time of processing affect picture quality. Ideally, Polaroid films should
be processed at about 75oF (24oC). If the temperature is much higher or lower, you may need to adjust processing times and/or exposure settings for best results. Make it a habit
to check the Film Data Sheets located on the Web at www.polaroid.com for more information.
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threePull the film straight
Always pull the film envelope straight out of the film holder. The film should be pulled parallel to the film holder. If the camera is positioned so that it is difficult to pull straight, remove the film holder,
if possible, for film pulling.
Pull at a steady, moderate speed. Saying the word “Polaroid” is a good way to time the speed of the pull.
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Storing, handling, loading and processing Polaroid films
Note the film expiration date
Always use Polaroid film before the expiration
date stamped on the package. Outdated film may not produce satisfactory results, and is not covered by
the Polaroid film warranty.
Storage recommendations
& cautions
ωStore Polaroid film in a cool, dry place. Unopened film may be refrigerated in its sealed wrapper. Do not freeze film.
ωBefore opening film that
has been refrigerated, allow it to reach room temperature. This will take about 2 hours.
ωAvoid leaving film or a loaded film holder in direct sunlight, or in a hot, humid place, such as the trunk
or glove compartment
of a car. High temperatures and humidity can affect picture quality.
ωStore unused Polaroid 4x5 sheet film flat in a dry, cool place.
When loading film
ωKeep the film sealed in its tray until you are ready to use. Tear open the tray along the printed arrow.
ωLift the film envelopes
out of the film tray carefully so the metal end caps don’t catch on other envelopes.
If you accidentally pull off an end cap, discard that film sheet. (See page 12.)
ωAlways hold film envelopes by their edges to avoid damaging film surfaces or the pod of developer inside.
ωSet the control arm on
the film holder to “L” before attempting to insert the film envelope.
ωAvoid loading the film backwards (note the printing
on the film envelope). Be sure the envelope side marked “This side toward lens” faces the lens. If the film is loaded backwards, the envelope will come all the way out of the film holder when withdrawn to make an exposure. (If this happens, turn to page 13
for instructions.)
ωInsert the film envelope straight into the film holder, being careful not to buckle the envelope. Then, slowly withdraw the envelope until it stops.
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Storing, handling, loading and processing Polaroid films
Before making an exposure
ωMake it a habit to test to be sure the film has engaged properly in the film holder.
After inserting the film envelope, and withdrawing it prior to making the exposure, gently run your finger and thumb over the area marked “Do Not Press Here”,
as shown. It should be flat.
If you can feel the pod
of developer, the film is not engaged properly. Reinsert the envelope and test again.
If the film does not engage in the holder properly, an allblack picture (no exposure) may result.
Important
If you have repeated trouble engaging film envelopes, your film holder may need adjustment. If your holder is several years old or has been subjected to heavy use, you may want to consider replacing it with an updated model. Call us for further information, toll-free: 800-225-1618, Monday through Friday,
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time.
When processing film
Instant films
ωAfter making the exposure, push the envelope all the way in until the tabs are aligned with the edge of the film holder. Use moderate pressure, but don’t force it. If the envelope does not slide all the way in, withdraw it a little, and try again.
ωMove the film holder control arm to “P” before pulling the envelope out to start instant film processing.
ωRemember that you
can remove an exposed sheet of film without processing it, if temperature or other conditions make it desirable to process the film later. (See page 8.)
ωHandle developing pictures with care. Hold them only at the tab end or lay them flat on a table. Never wave or
bend the film while it is developing, and never touch the image area, otherwise image quality may be affected.
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