Today I exposed a grade 2 RC paper negative in my Polaroid Model 800 camera, of a contrasty morning backyard scene. I rated the Arista paper at ISO 12, and I used the camera's "EV10" setting, which is f/8.8 at 1/12 sec.; my meter recommended about f/8, so the exposure was pretty close. I load the paper negative, one at a time, in my darkroom; or a changing bag could be used. I cut the paper to 4x5 size, which fits nicely in the camera's film gate.
After processing, I trimmed the image down to its borders, so it would fit inside the Polaroid 240 Print Copier's print holder. Then, through a series of experiments, I made the print shown here. For using Arista grade 2 RC paper with this print copier, I rated the paper at ISO 1.6, metered the lens of the copier with the lamps turned on, then added one full stop of exposure, which amounted to 1 minute 20 seconds with the camera lens set to its "EV14" position (which is f/12.5) on bulb.
I had no control of contrast, as I was using this grade 2 paper, so its a bit soft for me. And I'm not sure if the focus is off, or if the copier's lens is of a marginal design. I'll have to fix a ground glass to the rear of the camera and see where optimal focus is at; the manual recommends setting the camera focus to its 3.5 feet position. There's also a bit of uneven exposure, perhaps dirt on the internal windows for the lamps. I've made no attempt at cleaning the copier, I'm using it as I purchased it.
The paper negative from the Polaroid 800 camera itself is very sharp; perhaps I'll scan and post it for comparison.
Polaroid800_240_Print001a by
Joe Van Cleave, on Flickr
~Joe