this post was submitted on 25 Dec 2025
7 points (100.0% liked)

instant photo's

112 readers
1 users here now

Post here your instant photo's (polaroid or Instax). Any kind of instant photo's are welcome.

Or have a question about a camera?

Found something in a thrift store or put a new skin on your sx-70? Why not show it here.

rules

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

I picked up a Polaroid Impulse SE from a thrift shop and am looking forward to using it, unfortunately all of my camera experience is squarely on mobile phones. Any tips for a beginner looking to take decent pictures?

Thanks.

top 3 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] accideath@feddit.org 5 points 1 month ago
  1. Polaroid cameras love light. If you’re not taking a picture outside on a bright day, always use the flash.
  2. only buy one pack of film at first. Polaroid film is stupidly expensive (like >2€ per picture) and as long as you haven’t confirmed that the camera works properly, it‘s not worth investing more.
  3. Don’t shake it „like a polaroid“. This’ll negatively impact your photo. Instead just protect the picture from light for the first few minutes and let it develop by itself.
  4. modern Polaroid film cassettes only hold 8 pictures. The camera will count down from 10, though. Keep that in mind.
  5. You‘ll need Polaroid 600 film for that camera. Not SX-70 film (wrong sensitivity) and not i-Type film (no integrated battery).
  6. always store fresh film cool (fridge or freezer), if you’re planning on storing it longer. It will go bad after a time.
  7. for the same reason, don’t keep the film unused in the camera for a long time. Also, avoid opening the film door, while you still have pictures left.

Also, it looks like there’s a piece missing at the front of the camera. I’m not sure, if it’s just a decorative cover or if it’s actually a piece of the mechanism, like the rollers. Before you buy any film, try to confirm all parts are there by looking at pictures of that camera or by showing me/us sone more.

[–] rayf@lemmy.zip 2 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

I have the same model. You can buy pola 600 color classic to start. There's a timer to make autoportrait. It's located on top with the clock icon. An auto flash that is necessary in interior because there's not so much aperture. You can 'disable' the flash by putting cardboard on the light. Aperture can be managed with the slider under the lenses. I don't know what to say... I started with this camera when pola was ceased. At this time, it was Impossible Project that made films. Now, impossible project bought Polaroid brand and produce under the classic name. To 'start' it, you need the film. The film contain the battery. You insert the film. Then you press the flash/light part to open it. Don't hesitate to pull the flash to help it reach the full opening if it seem stuck
You should see red dot light when it's OK. The left part (if you look from the front, as seen is your picture), is the flash that you need to open by pushing on the top. Middle, the lens. The right side is the aperture part. The 'shoot' button is located on the back side right. On the back left part, you should have the 'viewfinder' Sorry for my English, not my main language. Don't hesitate if you have questions

[–] lurch@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 month ago

don't put the finger in front of the lens. well, except if you want a pic of your finger, of course