
Film Data Sheet
T-55 (Positive/Negative)
4 x 5 Black & White Sheet Film
Description
Extremely high-resolution positive/negative film for finely
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10.2 x 12.7 cm
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detailed black and white prints (and negatives). Medium-speed
and contrast, produces instant print and negative.
Key Applications
• Proofing
• Scientific imaging
• Advertising and magazine photography
• SEM or microscope imaging
• Copystand photography
• Fine-art photography
• Any application requiring a negative for additional prints
Film Speed
ISO 50/DIN 18
Format
4 x 5 in. (10.2 x 12.7 cm)
Sheet Film
Image Area
1
3
/2 x 41/2
Finish
Glossy
Exposures per Unit
20 exposures per box
Development Time
20-25 seconds at 700F
This film uses a small amount of
caustic paste. If any paste appears,
avoid contact with skin, eyes and
mouth and keep away from children
and animals. If you get some
paste on your skin, wipe it off
immediately, then wash with
water to avoid an alkali burn. If eye
contact occurs, quickly wash the
area with plenty of water and see a
doctor. Keep discarded materials
away from children, animals,
clothing and furniture.
in. (9 x 11.4 cm)
Caution
Compatible Hardware
• Any instrument or camera equipped with a Model
545/545i Film Holder
• MP-4+ Camera
Special Treatment
Requires print coating the positive and clearing the negative. To
clear the negative for reuse, immerse it in a sodium sulfite clearing
bath immediately after development. Sodium sulfite powder is
readily available from professional photographic supply dealers
and chemical supply houses.
Mix in the following proportions:
Warm water: 2 liter or 70 fl. oz.
Sodium sulfite powder: 440 grams or 16 oz. (weight)
(anhydrous/desiccated)
Slowly add the powder to the water; stir continuously until all
powder is dissolved. Allow to cool to approximately 700F(210C)
before using. Store the solution in brown, well-stoppered
bottles or in a tank with a floating lid.
To prevent scratches:
Negative scratch resistance can be improved by treating the
processed negative (after clearing in water and sodium sulfite)
in a solution of Kodak Rapid Fix with Hardener (parts A & B)
for two minutes. This solution should be made up and used in
accordance with Kodak’s recommended mix procedures,
chemical caution statements, wash times and temperatures.
Limited Warranty
See information on the film box.
“Polaroid” is a registered trademark of Polaroid Corporation, Waltham, MA 02451 USA.
All other product names may be the property of their respective owners.

Film Data Sheet
Technical Data
T-55 (Positive/negative)
Instant B&W Peel-Apart Film
The information below represents the typical performance of Polaroid’s T-55 black and white film.
Specific film lots may vary .
o
Recommended
speed (ISO)
Recommended
processing time
and
temperature
Resolution
(1000:1)
Contrast
Spectral
sensitivity
50 / 18
20-25 sec. at
o
70
F/21oC
20 - 25 line
pairs/mm
(print)
160 - 180 line
pairs/mm
(negative)
Medium
Panchromatic
Characteristic H&D curve for normal,
hot and cold development
3
2
Pos.
55oF/1
70oF/21
95oF/3
Processing time and temperature
For best results process at temperatures
above 60oF(16oC).
o
F
Time in
o
C
seconds
Exposure
Adjustment
75+ 24+ 20 sec. None
70 21 20 sec. None
65 18 35 sec. None
55 13 50 sec. None
50 10 60 sec. None
Characteristic H&D curve for normal,
over and under development
3
H&D Curves @
2
Sample Density
1
0
-3
o
70
F/21oC
.
Pos
-2 -1
Relative Log Exposure
15 sec.
23 sec.
90 sec.
Ne
Sample Density
1
0
-2 -1-3
Relative Log Exposure
At 70o F/21o C: D-Max = 1.65(P) D-Min = .01(P) Slope = 1.35(P)
1.55(N) .18(N) 1.65(N)
D-Max:
The density value for the film’s darkest black.
D-Min:
The lowest density value that a film exhibits. In prints, the whiteness of the
.
brightest highlight, relative to the unprocessed print.
Slope:
The positive ratio of the log E increments of the straight line region of the
curve, as determined by the 1/4-3/4 increment method. The slope of an H&D curve
indicates the overall contrast of a film: low contrast slopes less than 1.10; medium
0
contrast slopes from 1.10 to 1.70; high contrast slopes greater than 1.70.

Film Data Sheet
Technical Data
T-55 (Positive/negative)
Instant B&W Peel-Apart Film
Reciprocity law failure
A wide range of shutter speeds can be used without loss of film speed.
For longer exposure times, some exposure compensation is suggested.
Reciprocity Law Failure
0.5
0.0
-0.5
-1.0
-1.5
-2.0
-2.5
Speed Change (f-stops )
-3.0
-3.5
.001" .01" .1" 1" 10" 100"
Exposure Time (seconds)
Processing the reusable negative
In order to remove the reagent layer and the anti-halation dyes, the
processed negative needs to be washed in an 18% sodium sulfite solution.
The salts within the solution minimize swelling in the negative’s gelatin
layer that would be caused by washing in water only. Swelling can cause
reticulation which would remain after the negative dries.
To prevent scratches:
Negative scratch resistance can be improved by treating the processed
negative (after clearing in water and sodium sulfite) in a solution of
Kodak Rapid Fix with Hardener (parts A & B) for two minutes. This
solution should be made up and used in accordance with Kodak’s
recommended mix procedures, chemical caution statements, wash times
and temperatures.
Ingredients
Warm Water
Sodium sulfite
(anhydrous)
Metric
2.0 liters
440 grams
U.S.
70 fl. oz.
16 oz. (avdp)
Modulation Transfer Function
100
80
60
40
% Modulation
20
0
Spatial Frequency (cycles/mm
Spectral Sensitivity
1000
100
10
Spectral Sensitivity
1
0
350
Wavelength (nm)
Speed variation relative to color temperature
134
2
650600550500450400 700
Filter Factors
Light source at
o
3200
K - Tungsten
Light source at
o
5500
K - Daylight
Filter no. 6 8 15 25 47 58
Aperture
adjustment
(f-stops)
Filter factor
(exposure
multiplier)
Aperture
adjustment
(f-stops)
Filter factor
(exposure
multiplier)
1/3 2/3 1 2 1/3 4 3
1.3 1.6 2 6.3 16 8
2/3 1 1 1/3 3 1/2 3 3
1.6 2 2.5 11.2 8 8
3200oK4800oK5500oK6500oK7500oK 10,000oK
-1/3 stop - 50 - - -1/3 stop
Reciprocity:
The ability of the film to respond in a constant manner
to a constant exposure (light intensity x time). Reciprocity failure
occurs during very long or very short exposures, requiring the
photographer to increase exposure.
Spectral Sensitivity:
Shows the equivalent energy needed at each
wavelength in order to activate the emulsion so that it produces a
neutral density of .75.

Type 55
Polaroid Positive/Negative
Black & White Instant Pack Film
First prepare the negative-clearing solution
Do this before the film is exposed and developed. Immediately after
development (within 3 minutes) the negative must be immersed in
an 18% sodium sulfite clearing bath.
Preparation of the 18% sodium sulfite solution
Sodium sulfite powder is readily available from professional
photographic supply dealers and chemical supply houses.
Mix in the following proportion:
- Warm water 2 liters 70 oz. (fluid)
- Sodium sulfite powder 440 grams 16 oz. (avdp.)
(anhydrous/desiccated)
Slowly add the powder to the water; stir continuously until all
powder is dissolved. Allow the solution to cool to approx. 70°F
(21°C) before using. Store the solution in brown, well-stoppered
bottles or in a tank with a floating lid.
Loading, exposing and processing film
See instructions supplied with your camera or film holder for
detailed information.
Important:
negative, separating the negative and preparing it for printing
should be done in dim light. If that is not possible, extend the
development time. (Such extended development will improve the
minimum density areas of the negative and assist in negative
clearing, but may reduce the quality of the accompaning Polaroid print.)
For best results in the minimum density areas of the
Separating the negative and print:
At the end of the full recommended development time, peel the print
away from the negative using a swift unhesitating motion. Be careful
not to touch or scratch the image surface of the negative or the print.
Coat the print immediately (see Coating and care of prints.)
Temperature is important
Pictures may be exposed at any temperature, but the temperature of
the film during development is important. Below 65°F (18°C),
develop longer, as shown in the chart. At the lower temperatures,
the speed of the negative will be reduced. Thus, a correctly exposed
positive may be accompanied by a negative that is too thin. To get
the best possible negative at these temperatures, give more
exposure, so that you get a positive that is somewhat lighter than
normal. Development below 50°F (10°C) is not recommended.
Temperature Processing time
65°F+ 18°C+ 35 sec.
60°F 15°C 40 sec.
50°F 10°C 60 sec.
Preparation of the negative for printing
Important: To avoid film damage, all solutions and wash water
should be nearly the same temperature, ideally 65–75°F (18–24°C),
when in use.
Clear negative: Immerse negative in sulfite solution and agitate
gently for 30–60 seconds or longer, if desired. The solution can be
used in trays (with emulsion side up), or in deep film tanks. Put each
negative through individually or use clip-type film hangers such as
the Kodak #6 hanger. Insert each negative carefully and keep the
negatives from touching each other. Remove tabs and back coat
material. Negative must be cleared of backcoat dyes and residual
layer. Negative may remain in solution up to 72 hours.
Note:
Do not use conventional fixer as a substitute for sodium sulfite
as it will not remove the opacity layer from the negative. For
information on treatment of the negative in the field, contact the
Polaroid office nearest you.
Temporary storage in water:
sodium sulfite, you can safely store developed negatives in water
(about 70°F/21°C) for a short time. While negatives are in water,
handle them carefully and do not attempt to rub off the developer
layer. As soon as you can do so, treat the negatives in a sodium
sulfite bath in the normal way.
Wash negative:
30 seconds will do; rewash later for permanence. Avoid scratching
the negatives, by keeping them away from each other and from the
sides of the container. Excessive washing may weaken the emulsion.
Wash for 5 minutes in running water. For urgent use,
Dip negative in wetting agent:
agent (such as Kodak Photo-Flo diluted at least 1:600). Follow
manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Dry negative:
hangers, clothespins, etc. Do not dry with excessive heat. Avoid
dusty areas.
Hang up with commercially available film clips,
Printing and retouching:
necessary, and enlarged by conventional techniques.
Coating and care of prints
Prints must be coated immediately after development to protect
them against scratching and fading. Use the print coater packed in
the plastic tube. Keep freshly coated prints separate from each other
until they are thoroughly dry. Keep the coater fluid away from skin,
clothing, furniture.
If you do not have immediate access to
To avoid drying marks, use a wetting
When dry, the negative can be retouched, if