instantphoto.eu Polaroid 8 x 10 Instant Film Processor
This
is
special gear, the Polaroid 8 x 10 Instant Film Processor. 8x10 film is
still made from time to time. It is quite expensive, but it has never
been cheap. Polaroid mainly made cameras
and film for the pack 100 format and the bigger 4x5 inch Film for
professionals. For the 4x5 format they made 2 types of film, 550 type
pack film, similar to the 100 film, just bigger, and type 50 single
sheet film, which was sold in packs of 20. For the latter a single
sheet 4x5 back that fitted all 4x5 Graflok cameras was available.
Processing was still made in the holder, but a bit more complicated
than just pulling the strap out of the back. Polaroid also made some
portrait cameras for either size.
For professional artistic use they made
even bigger film, 8x10 inch size (20x25cm). They relied on the artist's
existing 8x10 cameras and just made the backs for this film and a
motorized processor. Polaroid film needs precise rollers to crack a pod
of developing chemicals, then distribute the chemicals evenly between
the negative and the receiving sheet for the positive by laminating
these 2 sheets. Once the chemicals have done their work, negative and
positive are separated. For the 8x10 size they built massive rollers
and motorized them for an even speed and force.
Negative and positive sheet are separate for this film. The negative
sits in a light-tight pouch to enable daylight loading. They made backs
that fit standard 8x10 cameras. You put the negative and its pouch into
the holder, hook a strip attached to the negative to the holder, close
it and then cautiosly retract the pouch. There are videos howto on
Youtube and other platforms.
There are 2 types of holders. The older 81-05 holder does not need a
loading tray. You can insert the receiving positive sheet directly into
the holder before processing, there is a slit to insert it in front of
the dark slide. It needs a bit of patience, but works well. The leader
of the positive has to be well attached to the leader of the negative.
You have to insert the holder face down into the processor (take care
to eventually straighten the leaders), push the button and the rollers
will grab the leaders and then laminate negative and positive. The
81-06 holder has no room for the positive sheet. You have to attach the
loading tray to the processor. The positive sheet is inserted into the
bottom of the tray and the negative holder above it. If you push the
button, both are grabbed and laminated.
Some pictures:
An older American 120v unit,
closed. It has a DIY metal handle sticking out to the left to operate
it manually. Some units were dilivered with a plastic handle, seen the
forces necessary to operate it, the handle can break. This one is
solid. But most units were not delivered with the manual possibility.
Unit open.
The massive rollers can easily be taken out for cleaning. Timer and operating button towards the front.
Ready to receive a holder.
A 220v European model. You can store the cable at the bottom.
Processor open.
Timer with second and minute choice, it's either or. There were x-ray holders, maybe these need more time
Loading tray attached.
81-06 holder inserted.
An 81-05 holder. If you look very closely, you see that there is room
to insert the positive sheet in front of the slide. Insertion from the
top, in front of the blue tabs.
Seen from the other side, no number indicated. Later versions have a flat surface like the 81-06 holders.
Darh slide drawn, it stops automatically.
Holder
open, it opens from the top. Slide the pouch with the negative between
the blue lines and hook the top part of the pouch to the orangy flap
and close the holder. The pouch is only drawn just before you insert
the holder into your camera.
An 81-06 holder. It opens sideways. If you press the blue buttons, it springs open.
Seen from the other side.
Dark slde drawn. It doesn't stop, if you see the blue line, it's fine.
Holder open. Slide the pouch with the negative
between the blue lines and hook the top part of the pouch to the orangy
flap and close the holder. The pouch is only drawn just before you
insert the holder into your camera.
This is a highly sophisticated system to produce perfect results.
You have to shoot your photos and bring them home to see these results.
Calumet made a manual field processor, which is sought after at an
astronomic price. In my opinion its rollers are not the quality of the
Polaroid rollers. So in case of I would bring a Polaroid pocessor with
a handle. It weighs more, but seen an 8x10 equipment it does not make a
major difference.
