Typical Spectra/Image cameras
How to Use Color Shade films
PLEASE NOTE: All Impossible films MUST be shielded from light during the first 5 minutes of development, and most critically in the first 30 seconds.
This means no shaking please, but straight into your pocket, box or bag, or upside-down on a flat surface. You can use an Impossible Frog Tongue in your Spectra/Image/1200 camera to greatly assist you in this important part of the process. Fans all over the world have developed many techniques that you can learn about with a simple web search.
It's important to also note that PZ 680 Color Shade develops slowly, revealing an image 10-15 minutes into development. In addition, it will continue to process for up to 24 hours, resulting in a higher contrast, more color-saturated final image a full day after exposure.
Generally, if your images appear too light, overexposed, low contrast, or excessively red - it's a result of not shielding the film fast enough. Also, please remember that Impossible films are used in vintage cameras of varying ages and degrees of wear. Be sure that you have a fully working camera before attempting to use Impossible films.
How to Further Enjoy Color Shade films
Color Shade chemistry allows for a wide variety of photo manipulations with tools, heat and other methods. Here we explain just two:
1. Manual Manipulation
You can also use any sort of blunt-tipped object to "draw" using the actual chemistry inside the frame. Traditional Polaroid artists perfected this technique in the 1970's to astounding effect. Experimenting with various implements, as well as time after exposure and application of temperature, will help you find the right combination to realize your artistic vision of the final image.
2. Emulsion Lifts
By removing the white frame on the film, you can separate the layers. By soaking the top layer in hot water, the emulsion will come loose and can be reapplied to watercolor paper or other surfaces. This technique was popular for certain Polaroid films of the past and now all new Impossible films open this opportunity for creative expression.
More Tips
- PZ 680 Color Shade is the first fresh film for Spectra/Image/1200 cameras since Polaroid ceased production in 2008.
- Film responds well to warming during first minutes of development. Holding it under your arm will shield from light and warm it!
- Many Spectra/Image/1200 cameras allow you to shield the film by holding the shutter button down and releasing in a bag.
- For best results and longest shelf life, we suggest you "pop it in the fridge" until use.
About Impossible
Since taking over the former Polaroid film factory in Enschede, Netherlands, in 2008, Impossible celebrates analog instant photography by passionately manufacturing various new instant films for vintage Polaroid cameras. The unique and exciting Impossible films push analog instant photography beyond all traditional limits and offer a new, broad range of possibilities, characteristics and results.
