Before the emergence of digital photography, Polaroid 4X5 instant film was used by large-format photographers as a tool for previewing lighting quality and composition before film processing occurred. Although Polaroid discontinued professional-grade instant film, companies such as Fuji and assorted professional camera stores continue to offer and stock 4X5 instant film alternatives. Irregardless, information on obsolete Polaroid film remains useful to photographers who want to make practical or creative use of instant film. The study of identify old Polaroid film also provides insight on the factors and conditions that influence the look of film.
Types
Polaroid instant film emulsions capture images with several distinct looks. A sepia-toned film is available, along with a black-and-white and full color variety. Some 4X5 Polaroid instant films create the look of a low, medium or high contrast image. In addition, different types of this film produce a grainy or fine-grained look, which is the result of the instant film's speed.
Speeds
Polaroid film speeds vary from slow to fast. Available instant film speeds include ISO 50, 80, 100, 400, 640 and 800. Polaroid color film speeds are slower than black and white varieties. The fastest color instant film offered by Polaroid is ISO 100, which has an inherently finer grain than some of Polaroid's faster black-and-white film options. These various speeds of Polaroid instant film accommodate several distinct types of lighting conditions.
Options
There are Polaroid 4X5 instant films designed for use under tungsten lights and daylight conditions. Low lighting conditions can be accommodated with Polaroid instant black and white film. Several varieties of Polaroid 4X5 instant film also enable a photographer to evaluate how the image will look as a negative or a positive image. These options and specifics are commonly indicated on each sheet of Polaroid 4X5 instant film, although it is.
Appearance
Identify a sheet of Polaroid film by its markings and characteristics. Each sheet resembles an envelope because the film contains all of the chemicals necessary to produce the instant image. Look for the words "Do Not Press Here," as these words indicate the presence of its chemical pod. Also, 4X5 Polaroid instant film sheets feature directional arrows, which indicate load the film into a film holder. Tabs for pulling the film sheets out of 4X5 camera film holders will be visible, too.
Tags: Polaroid instant, instant film, Polaroid instant film, instant film, Polaroid film, film speeds, black white
