Polachrome

[Kirks518]

I picked up a bunch of Polachrome Instant 35mm slide film just because I thought the whole process is/was cool. Got the processor and slide cutter (which is useful for more then just the Polaroid stuff), and 12 rolls with the processor packs.

Shot the first roll yesterday, and developed it. I was pumped to find the film was still good, and the processing went well. The only thing that didn't go as hoped, was the black backing didn't come off at all. Not a problem, as I was expecting it to not come off very well, and had researched ways to get it off. Tried the masking tape, and that worked quite well, except if actually pulled off the image from 2 frames. Next time I'll try washing it off (didn't want to wait for it to dry).

Can anyone tell me at what point in the processing the black backing comes off? If I waited longer then the 60 second processing time, would that help? Or would cranking slower help? I think the second winding (after the 60 second processing time) is supposed to remove it, but I'm not sure. Any advice on 'helping' with the removal?

 

[BrianShaw]

To me that would be a sign that the processing disnt go so well. But it sure could have been worse

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

I tried that stuff a gazillion years ago when it was still being manufactured. I didn't know about the black backing. No wonder my slides were all super-dark.

 

[Prof_Pixel]

I tried that stuff a gazillion years ago when it was still being manufactured. I didn't know about the black backing. No wonder my slides were all super-dark.

It's 'super dark' because it's an additive color material and 'throws away' 2/3 of the white light used to illuminate it on viewing.

 

[BrianShaw]

When the stuff was fresh that would happen on the edges. Mostly from not rewinding fast enough or smoothly. Letkowitz' manual suggests using tape to remove it but cautions to keep the tape away from the image area.

 

[M Carter]

I still have 2 rolls of polagraph in the fridge. Though my experience says the stuff died pretty young. Even when it was on the market, if it got a year or so old it could be drying up.

One of my absolute favorite films ever though. Nothing like it.