Tips on Polaroid Polachrome 35mm (CS-135)?

I have a Polaroid Processor that is new and has never gotten a work out so I was glad I found some Polachrome at an estate sale. (I also have some PolaBlue that I haven't tried yet.)

Any thoughts on how to shoot? I know with expired negative film, you over expose, same with Polachrome?

The problem is not the film, but likely the processing paste.

AgX said:

The problem is not the film, but likely the processing paste.

Click to expand...

Yeah, that's not something I can change/fix, so I'm really hoping it's fine.

I have a bunch of Polachrome, and so far I've only shot and processed one roll. My batch expired in Sept '89, and it came out decent. I don't recall what EI I used, but knowing me, it was probably shot at box speed (40 ASA).

I have the manual crank processor, and the only problem I had was with the black layer (I have no idea what to call it); it didn't come off fully in the processor, so I had to peel it off. If this happens, be very careful - it will peel the image off along with it. I didn't try to soak it or anything, and I wonder if that would have helped (post processing, pre-peel).

As for the look, I think it's cool. Kinda has a blue-chrome look to it. I don't have any scans, because I find reversal film just doesn't scan well, and scans never do them justice.

The "black layer" is the negative layer.

I love Polachrome! I have a stockpile of it. What I do for best results...

Shoot at around ISO 16-25..I usually do 25 but it depends how you're shooting.
Pre-prepare the chemical packet. I find that because they are old.. the chemicals can spit out the wrong direction when you break it. What I would suggest is figure out how to open the plastic box (its pretty easy) and take out the chemical pack. Then I tape the back end and use a razorblade to separate the spot where the chemicals are supposed to come out.. its the side with the longer flap. Sorry, this is confusing but makes sense if you take it apart. Make sure you just separate the two sides of the packet and don't cut into the packet by mistake. Reload it and close the box. Lastly, you can't over expose the film, so boost those wait times.

if you have questions let me know..

Thanks everyone. Loaded the camera and set it to 25 ISO. Going to try to shoot it today but the weather is blah. We'll see if I can try it before I try to sell the processor tomorrow.