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How to replace polaroid now plus film?

Published in Polaroid Film Replacement 4 mins read

Replacing the film in your Polaroid Now+ camera is a straightforward process crucial for continuing your instant photography journey. It involves carefully removing the exhausted film pack and inserting a new one correctly, ensuring you're always ready to capture the next moment.

A Quick Guide to Replacing Your Polaroid Now+ Film

To effectively replace your film, you'll first remove the old pack, then proceed with the simple steps for inserting a fresh one.

Removing an Empty Film Pack

Before you can insert a new film pack, you'll need to remove the one that's already in the camera, especially if it's empty.

  • Turn Off Camera: Always ensure your Polaroid Now+ camera is powered off before opening the film compartment to prevent any accidental operations.
  • Open Film Door: Locate and gently open the film door, usually found on the front bottom of the camera.
  • Pull the Tab: If you left the film pack's tab protruding when you last loaded it (as recommended!), simply gently pull this tab to slide the empty film pack out of the camera.
  • Dispose: Safely dispose of the used film pack.

Inserting a New Polaroid Now+ Film Pack

Proper insertion of a new film pack is vital for the camera to function correctly and to ensure the quality of your instant photos. Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Open the Film Eject Door: To begin, press the film eject door on your Polaroid Now+ camera. This action will open the compartment where the film pack is inserted.
  2. Insert the Film Pack Correctly: Take your new Polaroid i-Type film pack. Carefully insert the pack with the darkslide facing up and the tab facing toward you. The darkslide is the black protective sheet that covers the fresh film, and it should always be visible on top as you insert the pack.
  3. Leave the Tab Accessible: As you push the film pack into the compartment, make sure to leave that tab (the one you used to remove the old pack) accessible and protruding slightly from the camera. You will need this tab later to easily remove the empty film pack when it's finished.
  4. Automatic Darkslide Ejection: Once the film pack is fully inserted and the film door is closed, your camera will automatically eject the darkslide. This is a normal part of the process, indicating the camera is ready to shoot.
  5. Handle the Film Shield: When your film pack ejects the darkslide, you might notice a clear plastic shield. Carefully lift the film shield and let it roll back in. This shield is crucial for protecting your developing photos from light exposure as they emerge from the camera. Do not pull it out or force it.

Essential Tips for Polaroid Film Handling

To ensure the best possible results from your Polaroid Now+ and its film, keep these practical insights in mind:

  • Light Sensitivity is Key: Polaroid film is extremely sensitive to light, especially during the first few moments after a photo is ejected. Always place your developing photo face down or immediately in a dark place (like a pocket or an opaque box) to protect it from light exposure during its crucial development phase.
  • Optimal Temperature: For ideal photo development, maintain an ambient temperature between 55-82°F (13-28°C). Extreme hot or cold conditions can significantly impact the quality and color accuracy of your instant prints.
  • Use Fresh Film: Always check the expiration date on your film pack. Using fresh, unexpired film ensures optimal chemical performance and consistent, vibrant results.
  • Clean Rollers Regularly: Inside the film door, you'll find the film rollers. Periodically clean these rollers with a soft, damp cloth. Dust or residue on the rollers can leave unwanted lines or blemishes on your developing photos.
  • Avoid Shaking Photos: A common misconception is that shaking a Polaroid photo helps it develop faster. In reality, shaking can disrupt the internal chemical layers, potentially damaging the image and affecting its quality. Let your photos develop undisturbed.

Polaroid Now+ Film Compatibility

The Polaroid Now+ primarily uses Polaroid i-Type film. This film is designed specifically for modern Polaroid cameras like the Now, Now+, OneStep+, and OneStep 2, and it does not contain a battery within the pack (as the camera itself is rechargeable).

Feature Description
Film Type i-Type Film (Color or Black & White) – specifically designed for modern Polaroid cameras.
Photos per Pack Each film pack typically contains 8 instant photos.
Battery i-Type film packs do not contain a battery; the camera powers itself.
Development Time Generally, photos develop within 10-15 minutes for color and 5-10 minutes for black & white.
Compatibility Polaroid Now, Polaroid Now+, Polaroid OneStep+, Polaroid OneStep 2. (Not compatible with vintage cameras).