Is there a good compatibility list?

winger · Nov 30, 2014

I shoot Fuji 100C (and what I have left of the 3000B) in a 405 back on my 4x5. I frequently see cheap Polaroid cameras here and there and wonder if any will take the 100C. Sometimes it'd be nice to shoot with something easy and fast (and not needing a tripod, etc..). I've seen lists of Polaroid cameras, but not by what film they take. And definitely not by which take the Fuji film. Is there a fast way to know? And what about the short-lived and defunct Kodak instant cameras - what can they shoot?
Also, which ones (Kodak included) can shoot the Impossible films?
I'd love a concise list - all the things I've seen have lots of paragraphs to go through to find the info.

Ektagraphic · Nov 30, 2014

Check out The Land List here:Dead Link Removed The majority of the pack film cameras seem to take the current Fuji films. As far as I know, none of the Kodak cameras can take any of the current films. Impossible makes films for 600, SX-70, and Spectra type cameras. Best of luck!

winger · Nov 30, 2014

Thanks! Part of the issue is when you say "pack film cameras" - I've only used a Polaroid on a microscope - I don't know which ones are pack film cameras or how to know that when all I see is the number on a folded up camera. In that site you reference, he mentions that Fuji instant film exists, but is not sold in the USA (wrong) and that he has no clue which cameras it will fit in.

Truzi · Nov 30, 2014

I don't know if you tried this, but you can click on the "films" link at the top to get a basic idea of the films, then cross-reference with the cameras > pack-film link at the top of the home page (or vice versa).

To me, many of the Polaroid "pack-film" cameras, when unfolded, usually look like enormous Kodak 126 Instamatics (Dead Link Removed) with bellows.

I've not gone through that site a lot, but it seems the Packfilm subpage has pictures, well, thumbnails, while there are few elsewhere:
Dead Link Removed

Truzi · Nov 30, 2014

Sorry, on the Fuji 100c, are you talking the 4x5 film, or the 3 1/4 by 4 1/4? (I am guessing the latter.)

Caveat - this is all theoretical from my end:

Okay, from further reading, some wikipedia, and this site:
http://www.instantoptions.com/landlist/films/packfilm/660.php
it seems cameras that take the 100-series film (of which Fuji 100c will work) are the 100, 200, 300, and 400 series cameras, cameras that took 660-series film, and some others. Also, some that take the 80-series film _may_ also work with Fuji 100c. I've only read this, no experience.

As far as Kodak, I don't think they made cameras that would take the Polaroid film and it's Fuji counterpart, though I could be wrong.

I do know Kodak's own instant camera and film was more like Fuji Instax, but the size is different and will not fit. I have been given a Kodak "The Handle" instant camera that I want to modify to take Instax wide, so this is why I have learned a tiny bit.

StoneNYC · Dec 1, 2014

Should have asked me

Pack film is a pack of the "peel apart" type film that comes in a plastic casing (pack).

Integral film is the "shake it" kind.

Truzi · Dec 1, 2014

She already uses the peel-apart pack film, and needs a quick and easy way to identify what instant camera she can use it in.

I'd actually seen a $10 pack-film Polaroid at a flea market this summer, and passed on it for the same reason - at the time I didn't know if it could take the 100-series (and thus Fuji) film.

StoneNYC · Dec 1, 2014

Truzi said:
She already uses the peel-apart pack film, and needs a quick and easy way to identify what instant camera she can use it in.

I'd actually seen a $10 pack-film Polaroid at a flea market this summer, and passed on it for the same reason - at the time I didn't know if it could take the 100-series (and thus Fuji) film.

Oh hah

vdonovan · Dec 1, 2014

The Land List is extremely accurate and comprehensive. I've used it as a reference for many years to buy and sell Polaroid cameras.

Pack Film Cameras

All the cameras on this link will take 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 Fuji FP-100c, the sole remaining instant pack film in production: Dead Link Removed

All of those cameras have their pluses and minuses. Almost all use automatic exposure. Of the auto exposure cameras, it's generally thought that the 250,350,450 are the best, with glass lenses and an integrated viewfinder and rangefinder. The Automatic 100 (of which zillions were made), is the same camera but with the viewfinder and rangefinder separate.

The others are variations on these cameras with plastic bodies and/or plastic lenses, some without rangefinder focussing, etc.

It's easy to find these cameras at swap meets, etc, but the batteries are often corroded and must be replaced. They require a special battery that you can find online but not anywhere else. They cost about $10.

Polaroid made some fully manual pack film cameras. They are expensive and hard to find. They are detailed here: Dead Link Removed

Impossible Film Cameras

All cameras on this link can use Impossible SX-70 film: Dead Link Removed

Of those cameras, the SX-70 is really the best. There's not much point in shooting anything else.

All cameras on this link can use Impossible 600 film: Dead Link Removed
These cameras are mostly junk, with plastic lenses, no focus control.

All cameras on this link can use Impossible Spectra film: Dead Link Removed
Spectra cameras are quite fun, with a larger image, good optics, and auto focussing. The Spectra and the Spectra Pro are the way to go.

No Kodak cameras can use Fuji pack film or Impossible film.

AgX · Dec 1, 2014

Truzi said:
As far as Kodak, I don't think they made cameras that would take the Polaroid film and it's Fuji counterpart, though I could be wrong.

I do know Kodak's own instant camera and film was more like Fuji Instax, but the size is different and will not fit.

You are right.

The Kodak films were basically different from the Polaroid film and for basic reasons could not be used in Polaroid cameras and vice versa.

The Instax films basically are the same as the Kodak ones, though formats differ.

winger · Dec 1, 2014

Truzi said:
She already uses the peel-apart pack film, and needs a quick and easy way to identify what instant camera she can use it in.

I'd actually seen a $10 pack-film Polaroid at a flea market this summer, and passed on it for the same reason - at the time I didn't know if it could take the 100-series (and thus Fuji) film.

Exactly!
Stone - I know the difference between the films, it's knowing what camera is before me that I didn't know.

Vince - THANK YOU! That's exactly what I needed for concise info. I might even print it to stick in my purse for when I'm out shopping.

vdonovan · Dec 1, 2014

Glad I could help. Glass Key Photo here in San Francisco is a good honest source for quality refurbished Polaroid cameras. Dead Link Removed If you can't find something locally, you might contact them. I know they usually have the 250s and the Automatic 100s.

Theo Sulphate · Dec 1, 2014

StoneNYC said:
Integral film is the "shake it" kind.

Polaroid once had an advertising campaign to get people to stop shaking the integral film - it's not necessary and may even be harmful. Some entertainer (Michael Jackson?) started it all with crazy lyrics in a song.

Later edit: found the story here, http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/ptech/02/17/polaroid.warns.reut/

AgX · Dec 1, 2014

This shaking of integral film is something I only come to know via Apug.

Truzi · Dec 1, 2014

When I was a child older family members used to shake Polaroids. Later I learned they weren't even using the type that supposedly needed to be shaken.

When I took my Kodak Handle to work with some compatible Fuji film (which is no longer made), my 20-something coworker shook the photos... and he is a pro photographer (who switched to digital). It was kind of funny.

nanc6 · Dec 23, 2014

Kodak lost a patent infringement action to Polaroid (http://articles.latimes.com/1990-10-13/business/fi-1997_1_instant-photography) and could no longer manufacturer the film for its Kodak instant film cameras. Owners of the Kodak camera were given coupons good for the purchase of other Kodak products.

winger · Apr 15, 2015

Finally back in PA - and I found that the old Polaroid camera I have is a 440. The film pack (Fuji FP100C) seems to fit in the camera, so I guess it's worth a try when I have time.

vdonovan · Apr 15, 2015

winger said:
Finally back in PA - and I found that the old Polaroid camera I have is a 440. The film pack (Fuji FP100C) seems to fit in the camera, so I guess it's worth a try when I have time.

That's a plastic-bodied version of the Automatic 100. Don't forget to check the battery, it won't work properly without a battery.

winger · Apr 15, 2015

Thanks, Vince!

bvy · Apr 17, 2015

You're back! (In PA.)

M Carter · Apr 18, 2015

There are several videos out there showing how to convert a land camera to take 3 AA batteries. Just needs a cheap battery holder from Radio Shack or on line. I've done this to both of mine, pretty handy.

winger · Apr 18, 2015

bvy said:
You're back! (In PA.)

Yup! YAY! Holler if you want to go shooting and don't mind a small tagalong (who wants me to put film in his camera, too).

Is there a good compatibility list?

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