Ask Fran: The Polaroid 330 Land Camera - Loading, Shooting, and Developing.
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- Опубликовано: 10 май 2013
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In this vlog I show how to load film, do some maintenance, focus, take a shot, and develop a photo using the Polaroid 330. I am also using Fuji FP-100C pack film. Enjoy!
Read the original article about my flash upgrade for the Polaroid 330 here - www.frantone.com/designwriting...
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I just picked one up today at a thrift store for $10. Now I've just gotta find some film and I can't wait to take pictures with it. I had no idea how it even worked and your video really helped ❤
I got a couple packs of this film in 2017 and put it in my fridge, a year after they announced its discontinuation in 2016. It costed £19.99 per pack which seemed incredibly expensive but I just had to experience such a film before they were all gone. But, yesterday, I sold both packs...I never got around to sourcing a camera, and it's so rare now that each pack is about £60 to £70, I figured I'd never be able to make the most of the film and someone else would make better use of it. I remember watching this video years ago, makes me kind of sad I'll never have the experience of it :( I already regret selling the film but I know I'd end up taking 10 crappy pics and feel bad for wasting the film. I didn't think £19.99 would end up seeming so cheap.
To think how far photography has come over the years. It's amazing.
Something worth noting: Peel-apart Film gives you a positive print and a scannable negative. Keep your negatives!
sweet! Thanks for telling me that, I just bought one of these, pretty excited.
Though it’s also worth noting, you have to carefully clean the backing off of the negative with bleach to make it scannable.
It’s a bit difficult to do right.
IIRC, ours was supplied with a 'cold developer' apparatus. It was composed of two thin curved aluminum plates. They were joined by a flexible hinge (think gaffer's tape).
This apparatus was to be pre-warmed in one's armpit (I'm not fabricating this !). The film, after exposure, was enclosed in this appliance. This was to accelerate the development in the Frozen North. We didn't use that camera much. Very little, actually. Costly.
Love this, getting a similar model cant wait to try it out. Thanks for the tutorial!
I have a box full of various land cameras. Some in better shape than others. Love the land and fuji film. Interesting video Fran.
I just purchased this camera. I appreciate this video
I worked in a photo shop in my youth and passport photos were taken with Polaroid cameras. Four photos on the same paper taken a couple of miliseconds or so apart. Fun days. Very nice feeling to see the photos develop in front of your eyes.
I remember dad getting a Polaroid camera in about 1980, and it had some cartridge for the film and a motor ejected it out the bottom. it developed right in front of you. Not sure what film type it was, but it had about 1o shots.
Super stuff! I NEVER cleaned the rollers on my Square Shooter 2... probably explains why I got white patches in the corner of the odd photo now and then. And I still have EVERY Polaroid Type 88 picture I ever took. The cameras were cheap back in the mid to late seventies but rarely could I afford the film. Only 8 shots so make each one count! Happy days!
Memories, but mostly of the later cameras and the magic of the film with a built in battery pack that was so useful for projects when the 10 shots were done. Haven't seen the instant film now for years, they were the mainstay for the ID card industry. All digital now.
Nice bit of kit. I like the fact that there are lots of little processes to do, keeps the fingers supple :-)
Thanks, Fran! I just bought a Land Camera and I am so excited to use it! It should be coming in the mail, any day, and your video was so helpful!
Until quite recently I used a Polaroid 'scope camera with a similar back to record waveforms from my Tektronix 547 oscilloscope. Yes, I still use that 'scope. Unfortunately as the film became hard to get, I modified the camera assembly to accept a digital SLR. Glad someone is still keeping a 330 working.
Thanks. Nice thorough job.
Well done Fran
I have developed peel-apart film manually -- Exposing a color slide onto it using a 35mm enlarger (and a hand-held light meter to set the timer).
After pulling the film you lay it on a glass sheet and use a rubber roller to spread the chemical goop and start development (all in pitch darkness until you're done with the roller bit).
It sounds harder than it is -- the hardest part is inserting a darkslide into the pack between images so you can turn the lights on again!
Thanks for the tutorial, I just bought one of these on a wild whim and a pack of the Fuji 100 speed film. I thought I should walk over to youtube for a tutorial and yours was absolutely perfect! Do you know of any resource for development times? I live in Louisiana so if I'm using this outdoors in the summer for example its going to be in the 90's. I would assume I should just reduce dev time by about half since its 20-25 degrees over but a chart would be awesome for a beginner if a good one exists.
Yeah,I too used to scavenge the batts. from used "Instamatic" film cartridges. My friends & family thought I was weird. Nice to know I'm not the only one!
Hi Fran. Please forgive being the recipient of my Polaroid mini rant. I HAD a large collection of Polaroids before melting snow flooded them out last year (330, 360, the various SX incarnations..even a Captiva and more). As an object, they were a novelty. As a camera, a hassle. As equipment, too expensive for the results and too high maintenance. And of course, the tabs, fixer sticks etc. that found their way into the environment..One company I worked for spent $700 a month on Polaroid film until we went digital in '98. I can see the attraction as retro is always in style (art deco is my standard) But just like vinyl, Polaroid instants had their day...Their drawbacks HAD to be accepted til something better came along and thankfully, it did. But you have a nice straightforward vid here and I hope it's found often by those whio need this info... thanks
Funny, I was just watching your custom PCB videos and just found this video. I see you're a film nerd too. :)
Yea - Polaroid 600 series film was discontinued for a while when the original Polaroid company shut down its film production, but public demand brought it back. It can be expensive, but several companies now make 600 series film.
Brings back fond memories of taking thousands of oscilloscope pictures with various Tek scope cameras. B&W too. ;-)
Gromits? I have had several dark rooms for printing and developed film since I was a kid. I worked as a photographer in the photo-chemical era.
Thanks for the video, was awesome :D
Thanks, Fran. Great tutorial :)
Thanks Fran, pretty neat and helpful video.
FANTASTIC VIDEO ! just purchased a 330 myself, i was wondering if you could give me al ist of film to go in it?
thanks fran!
Hi Fran, how long do these photos last before they start losing color and contrast? Are there different grades of film? Thanks!
how awesome! though i have to point out a couple of things, pull out the black paper with front cover open, pull it out by grabbing your camera on the left hand on its left side, an just pull it with steady motion, DO NOT WIGGLE!, the same with white tab, DO NOT WIGGLE! why are you throwing away negatives?? it is fun to process those... though FP100c (and FP100c silk) are way different than B/W FP3000b
This is cool! thanks for sharing, Fran :D
Do you have to clean the rollers each time you take a photo or each film pack that finishes?
Got a polaroid camera (says automatic 104 on the front, does not have the the focusing system, just a distance scale in the viewfinder) from a friend who found it in the attic of the old house he lives in. What a interesting piece of retro technology from a time when things were still done mechanically. I remember dreaming of one when I was a child in the seventies but they (and the film) were too expensive.
Don't know if this one would still work, the battery is a weird looking thing, never seen one like it before, and there's some corrosion. The shutter will still "cock" and "fire" and everything else seems to work too but don't know if it would actually expose anything without the battery? Also, I don't think film is available any more?
Thank you this video is extremely helpful 💕
Very interesting. That technology was before my time. What year was that new tech? Thanks for the demonstration.
That was excellent. I, so far, only have the SX-70, Spectra, and 600...which are the no peel Polaroids. Seeing the 330 in use is killer cool! Now I totally want a 330!
Thank you!! :D
Love Polaroid cameras
About the Polaroid Automatic 330 Land Camera: Is it possible to get an original 3volt battery or similar batteries for the camera?
Bent Falkenberg Yes. Radio Shack - either in store or online. I had to buy mine online because my local store is shutting down :(
The Polaroid print has a much higher contrast density and does not 'translate' to my HD video camera well - but rest assured the photo is vibrant and spectacular. Kodachrome slides do not translate to video without contrast compensation either.
Shaking does nothing - but if you write on the print while it is developing with a pencil you can make some wild art!
I have the 420 & I just got the 100 pl camera BUT the focus triggers 1-1 side to side are a tad stiff' to swing side to side but it moves enough to focus , CAN I ADD A TAD OF OIL ON THE HINGES TO MAKE THEM MOVE MORE FREELY?
What type of film does this camera use? i got this and two other older cameras for a dollar at a yard sale yesterday and would like to use this camera on an upcoming trip. and where do i get a battery and what type of battery? any information would be useful
what happens if I keep the edge mask on? I kind of like that grit to it and adds an additional frame for me.
I have never had that issue, but the mechanics are pretty specific so if the camera has been altered or if pieces are missing then it may not function properly. You can get another 330 for the cost of a few packs of film :-)
It is Apollo era technology - the 330 was made between 1969-1971. :-)
I am going on a trip to NY in 3 days, and my pack film just came in the mail. I have a Polaroid Land Camera Model 320, and I bought a new 3.5v battery for it. The battery terminal had corrosion on one end of it, and I spent about 3 hours today trying to deep clean it. I used white distilled vinegar, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and water. It looks very clean to me, at least all the blue corrosion is off. I try to test the shutter, but it won't open or do the "2 clicks." I tried taking a photo, and it was just plain white since the shutter didn;t open. Help!! I want to take this camera with me to NY!
+legacibella The aperture control is electro-mechanical and might not be functioning and could require repair.
What do you know about the 95 B ?? I just got one today. THANKS
Tim Holmes that uses roll film which hasn’t been made since the 80’s
nice video interesting but wot if your outside like in a park or country side how can you keep a an eye on the film time it seems a bit slow . anyway carry on .
where do you buy film for this camera?? my mom just bought me one and idk where to get film
Could you possibly put a link to where you buy your film for this camera?
+Boris S. You can buy it off Amazon
Thank you Fran!!
hey fran where i can get this camera? and i would like to now also where you can get the fuji fp-100 c pack film? thanks for comming answer! ;)
Hey, you could check on eBay if you want to, just make sure the person you're buying from has a good reputation :)
For a camera, check thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales. I've seen a few of this series (I used to have one from My stepfather who was a newspaper editor). I didn't think film was still around for them, maybe if I see a nice one at a thrift store I'll pick it up, the price on the film isn't bad really.
Hi Fran: A repeat of what others have said. Film what film, they make film for that? After watching, I Googled around and found film for the family heirloom Polaroid 340 and Ta-Da my 1974 vintage SX-70. Simple wonderful. And, I know I shouldn’t be watching your blog, but I will, as it is my pleasure too. Cheers, Mark
Now in 2021 its no longer made and hasnt been made for 2 years yet polaroid rereleases film for their other cameras it seems the land camera line has been forgoten.
I am just now re-reading my comment: "And, I know I shouldn’t be watching your blog, but I will, as it is my pleasure too." I have no idea what I meant or was trying to say with that(??).
fran, i almost feel like i put in my film backwards or something because the tabs look like they are pulling the "back" exposure.... I've wasted 5 shots or about $10 and im freaking out.... god help me.
I've tested mine without film and the shutter works it has 2 clicks, but once i loaded the film and removed the black strip protecting the film. I then proceeded to take a picture, and i heard the 2 clicks but i couldn't pull out the white tab with the "1" on it. Also my timer won't work at all in the back of the camera. Is there a way i can fix these two problems? thanks.
Where do you get the film for this type of camera?
What brand and type of film are you using. My grandson just picked up one for $5 at habitat for humanity. I want to buy him film for Christmas
Hi I've got a Polaroid 340 land camera and I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction to find the value of it???
about 20 bucks
loool
ebay
Vintage Polaroid 340 Land Camera w/ Case Flash Manual Coater and 8 Print Mounts
C $116.11 or Best Offer +C $52.91 shipping
“The film is readily available and relatively cheap” take me baaaaaack 😫
your azalea bush has a happy face! 😃
It would've been nice if you had shown us how to use the flash unit...
Can you use sx70 film with this?
what film did you use? I have a 300 color film (Polaroid), Will it work?
Does it worsen the image if you wait longer than the developer time?
+LazyScoutJace No! Unlike the original Polaroid film, Fujifilm self-terminates; which means after the required time, it stops developing so you can shoot a photo, pull it from the camera, and put it in a bag, and when you get home, peel it!
i want one so bad!
ahhh why no tutorial on how to close the bellows?!
cool :-)
Where do find the film for these
nice bush ;-)
How do you close the thing?
Why didn't you just use the timer built in on the back of the camera?
mrlionel1965 it's for taking pictures
R.I.P. FP-100C :(
It's still around !
Fuji has stopped producing it, what you see in the shop is what's left.
there's a type of film called new 55 film I'm not sure if it works on the land camera or not
Interesting stuff, but that looks like it's for a 4x5 camera and not a Polaroid.
but does it reminds you of the fp 100c
Do they still make the film, or is it new old stock? I assume it's not made any more, but it's sometimes surprising what a small factory in Mexico, Europe or China will pick up.
Which just brought this to mind. Have you seen it? A man making a vacuum tube. Pure artistry: youtu . be / gl-QMuUQhVM
Very interesting indeed. Pretty complicated though. I think your video camera did a better shot of the bush than the polaroid. I can remember times where even polaroids were much better than any good video camera. Good old times. Thanks for a look back in time.
You can get the film on Amazon here :)
www.amazon.com/FUJIFILM-FP-100C-Inches-Professional-Instant/dp/B0000ALLYO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400904877&sr=8-1&keywords=fujifilm+fp
It's really cool to work with these cool cameras, the imagery of a medium format is amazing. My favorite was 108-C which was 3000ASA. Only with a format contact print is something that fast possible without being too grainy. Anyway, I stumbled upon something that I wish I knew back then, negative reclamation. I'll share a vid that shows the "how to" on this. Thanks a lot Fran, now I'll have to get my model 100 out of storage!
=!= SRW
ruclips.net/video/ZrxlmYlwUio/видео.html
Fuji stopped making the film :/
I just love this woman 👍🌺
You are pulling apart the film incorrectly. You don't need to do the two steps as shown in your video (only one step is needed). If you intend to have the white boarder showing on the print when finished, there's no need to tear the white paper. All you do is pull the corner of the photo away from the rest of the development sheet. This video shows you the correct way to do it. ruclips.net/video/BIBtzYM3rUw/видео.html
Btw, the instructions printed in red on the paper you ripped actually explain this. ;-)
Now, if you wanted to have the a finished photo with a "grunge" boarder, you would do the first peel as shown in your video (or do the peel from the other end), and then leave the rest of the sheet intact. Like this. (shown at 1: 48) ruclips.net/video/j5Hotk3iZho/видео.html
Here's a photo that was left with some of the development paper attached for that "grunge" look. tinypic.com/view.php?pic=opwzuh&s=8#.VPKpG_nF8Uc
One last thing, don't throw away your negatives. Reclaim them so you can make extra prints later on with a scanner and printer. ruclips.net/video/YrurHRKxh9Q/видео.html
Btw, the 330 has a built in timer on the back. Why didn't you use that to time the development?
(Clearly this is evidence that I'm insane and should seek professional help - a NORMAL PERSON would just go on eBay and buy a Daylab!)