Cameras Need TLC Too! FPP Polaroid 225 Camera Giveaway!

blog by Michael Raso

This Polaroid 225 Automatic “Pack Film” Land Camera (pictured above) was purchased on e-bay. It’s a “classic” folding instant film camera that was built in 1968. Even though Polaroid Corporation stopped producing film in 2008, Fujifilm still makes both color and BW film for this camera.

The e-bayer who sold it to me claimed to be the original owner and advertised it as the Polaroid Countdown 70! What arrived was a grimy, abused Polaroid 225 Land Camera in desperate need of some care. The original battery was corrosion free and still holding a charge. With some "spit and polish" I was able to clean it up and give it a spin.

It was originally planned as a FPP give-away camera. Now that I’m confident it’s operational, I’m offering it up. It's hardly brand new but is “the” perfect camera for a curious film shooter who has never shot with a Polaroid Pack camera.

So, if you don’t already own a Polaroid Pack camera and would like to own this “starter” camera, send me an e-mail at FilmPhotographyPodcast (AT) gmail.com

Make sure you e-mail me your name, address and tell me a little about yourself and your film photography. Deadline for e-mail entries is 9am est Friday, April 22, 2011. You will be notified by e-mail if you win!

Here are images taken with the Polaroid 225 camera!







The Polaroid 225 camera uses both Fujifilm FP-100c (color) or FP-3000b (BW) film.

Miss this giveaway? No worries…the Film Photography Project (FPP) gives away film and film cameras monthly. Tune into the show!

Stream, Download, iTunes or Zune
http://filmphotographypodcast.com/

Podcast Powered By Podbean

What’s FPP?
The Film Photography Project seeks to inform, engage and inspire amateur and professional photographers working in the traditional film medium. Launched by Film Photography Podcast founder Michael Raso in 2010, FPP provides a forum for photographers from around the globe to share their creative output, challenges and product reviews, while promoting the viability of vintage cameras and film through frequent give-aways and exchange programs. In addition to the Film Photography Podcast, the Film Photography Project network of imprints includes the FPP Flickr Page, YouTube Channel, Facebook Group, Twitter Account, newsletter and the Film Photography Project Store.

Film Photography Pod Cast
Film Photography on Flickr
Film Photography YouTube Channel
Film Photography Facebook Group
Film Photography Twitter Account

All images © Michael Raso / Film Photography Project

Polaroid Instant Photography - The 1969 Colorpack II

Guest Blog by Rob Runn, UK

A couple of months ago I sent Film Photography Podcast host Michael Raso a question. I was confused about the different films available for instant cameras. I understood the Integral Instant Films - like Polaroid 600 / SX-70 and the Fujifilm Instax but I couldn't grasp what Michael was using when he mentioned Pack Film, and "Crack and Peel" materials.



Michael replied to my email in a most generous way - he was going to send me a Polaroid Colorpack II camera, complete with some film, all the way from America, so I could try out the Pack Film Experience. I was amazed to say the least, and I couldn't wait to get started!

A package arrived a few days later, and I feverishly opened it up, and I couldn't believe what was inside:



Michael had sent me a Polaroid Colorpack II loaded with black and white film, a spare pack of colour film, a couple of packs of flash-cubes, instructions and the case. Brilliant!

The first mystery had been explained. Fujifilm still make the film that goes into cameras like the Polaroid Colorpack II. They do the FP-100C color film , and the FP-3000B black and white film. This is called "pack film" or "crack and peel" film. Instead of being in one piece, like SX-70 or 600 film, these films consist of two parts, which are separated after exposure, leaving a print and a negative.



The Polaroid Colorpack II isn't difficult to use, but it's no point and shoot! Focusing is done by estimating the distance to your subject, then you turn the lens to the correct setting. Turn a dial on the front of the camera to lighten or darken the image, compose, then press the shutter release.

You then pull the film out of the camera, and wait the set amounts for the film to process, which is usually about 30 seconds. Then you peel apart the film, and you get your print. You can then use the backing paper to do a Polaroid Transfer - just press it against a piece of paper and you get an interesting looking image. Two photos for the price of one!



Shooting photographs with this type of camera is a real joy. It has all the analogue experience of using a film camera - zone focussing, with a limited number of shots, but with the extra organic twist of pulling the film out of the camera and peeling it apart. It likes no other photography I've done, and I love it!



If you want to have a go with a Colorpack II, make sure any models you buy have a clean battery compartment, and the rollers look like they're in reasonable condition. You can buy the film online easily, and cheap enough if you look around on a site like e-bay.com.

I hope this short post and video have inspired you to have a go at pack-film photography, and bring these great old Polaroid Cameras back to life!


Cheers, Rob.

Rob Nunn is a Film Photography Podcast listener, contributor and host of his own SCL Photo Podcast and blog. Visit him at http://www.robnunnphoto.com/

Resources on-line:

Polaroid Colortpack II on Camerapedia
http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Polaroid_Colorpack_2

Jim's Polaroid Page
http://polaroids.theskeltons.org/film.htm

The Land List
http://www.rwhirled.com/landlist/landdcam-pack.htm



About The Film Photography Podcast
Launched in October of 2009, the Film Photography Podcast is a 90 minute, bi-weekly Internet radio program, exploring a wide range of topics relevant to the experienced and aspiring photographer using film as a medium. Hosts Michael Raso and Duane Polcou enthusiastically dissect and debate the pros-and-cons of film formats, do-it-yourself techniques, digital technologies, and vintage and contemporary cameras and accessories in a thorough, informative and casual manner. Regular features include Camera tests and reviews, “book of the month”, interviews, a listener-generated Q&A, and film-related giveaways.

Produced in the United States, the Film Photography Podcast is broadcast around the globe via iTunes and direct stream from http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com