Polachrome. Polachrome 35 mm. film can be shot and processed on the spot in a tiny processing machine that can be carried in a camera bag along with cameras. A speedy photographer can have 36 slides processed, mounted and ready to project in about 15 minutes. The Polaroid instant slide film can be used in all 35 mm. cameras.* How convenient! Unfortunately, as you may have guessed, it didn’t take off. Some possible reasons for this? Well, to be honest, it’s not the greatest film in the world. However, if you’re missing the original Polaroid colours but can only shoot 35mm having sold your 600 series camera in despair, there’s still hope!

The process

I’m not one of those guys who goes around studying MTF charts when looking for a lens. Likewise, I’m not really the guy to explain the actual chemical process that takes place when developing this stuff. I’ve seen it compared to Kodachrome in looks, and Autochrome in terms of output and processing. It works based on (surprise!) a propriety process using a chemical film cartridge in a special processor. Not surprisingly, it can’t be developed in Caffenol. However, Stephen Frizza (who I respect very much) claims to have developed it in Dektol. I can’t actually see this working, and the next poster debunks this through a brief explanation that’s expanded on here.

One thing to keep in mind though? The majority of this stuff is going to be long expired. My stash went out of date some time in 1993 and 1988 (I have two lots) and so the process doesn’t work as it’s supposed too. Mainly the film backing doesn’t come of easily. This is easily solved with a quick soak in water and a wipe with some clean fingers. Be careful though; this stuff scratches really easily.

Usage

Originally there was a variety of Polaroid instant slide film available. The only film I’ve been able to get hold of is Polachrome. Originally a 40ASA film, my stock seems to have held it’s speed somewhat, I tend to shoot it at EI25 anyway. The highlights tend to be controlled and rarely blow out, though this last roll was surprisingly low in contrast. I thought maybe it was the overcast weather we’ve been having – I was shooting wide open on the roll anyway, and I shot a few frames at EI12 just for comparison. They came out the same as the EI25 frames. Anyway, I read recently (the link has escaped my memory) that photographers of the time used to put the processing pack in the fridge for 10 minutes immediately before processing in order to increase contrast. Considering the roll I used had been sitting on my shelf waiting to be exposed for a while, this may explain the lack of contrast in these latest shots. The remainder of my stock is now back in cold storage.

While we’re on the subject of usage, it’s worthwhile mentioning that to complete the process properly, a photographer needed to have the Polaroid slide cutter and slide mounts. Sure, any old slide mounter will do, but the Polaroid version just completes the look of the thing. In fact, while the Polaroid instant 35mm film looks ok in the slide mounts, it looses quality since the image is acually made up tiny little lines. Skipping the technical details here (because that’s not really my thing), it’s best to keep things simple. I find that Polaroid colours and tones lens themselves to simple compositions. In fact, you didn’t even need a photographer! You could always use the Polaroid Palette Plus connected directly to a computer where your slide show was created. The Palette Plus was able to expose the Polaroid film within a special attachment. (I actually have one of these at home – if someone knows of the software I need I would be grateful.)

What else do you need to know?

Look, the Land List doesn’t recommend using film packs outdated by more than a year. I say go for it. Sure, the backing might not come off easily, you may get odd colour casts and you need the propriety processor. Speaking of which, you can find the instruction manual here (for free). Of course, you could always send it to me if you need it processed. Just email me.

If you’re interested reading more then thanks to the internet it’s possible. I would suggest you start with either of these articles since they have been the most helpful for me.

However, I am curious, does anyone actually remember a time when these slides were used? I recall slideshows from pre computer times, but I wasn’t aware of how they were created. I didn’t give it much thought really.

*26/07/85 Chicago Tribune http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1985-07-26/entertainment/8502190269_1_polaroid-slides-film