Topic: Expired Polaroid 990 film, likelyhood of usability?

[mcduff]

I have been offered a big pile of expired Polaroid 990 film expired in '09!! How big of a pile? About 200 shots.

The issue is I do not have a Spectra camera so I would need to grab one from somewhere. I know they are not expensive but I before doing so I want to get some help from those with some experience shooting old Polaroid stock: Is there a good chance that it is still usable?

I know there are no guarantees but I would not mind some guesses before I bring yet another camera into the house?

If it is worth it, are there any issues I should look out for in the spectra cameras?

Thanks...
don

[Francois]

Well, if they were properly stored, it shouldn't be much of a problem. That's only 5 years out of date.

One thing you could do is open a pack in a dark bag, remove the protection card and the first sheet and then re-insert the protection card. That way you could have a feel for the pod's dryness level without wasting a full pack. You can also use a rolling pin to check how the chemistry spreads around the envelope.

If it's still good, you should expect some brown tone images with a bit of color.

[Bryan]

You can have my Spectra for the price of shipping, which is likely more than it's worth, but at least you will know it works. 


Polaroid Spectra System by bac1967, on Flickr

This is a photo I took last year on TIP film with the flash.


Vera kissing Riley by bac1967, on Flickr

[mcduff]

Thanks Byran! I might take you up on the offer! The first thing I gotta do is to ensure this guy comes through with donating me his film  I will keep you posted

Thanks again for the offer

[Chalky]

990 is one of the few polaroid films I have not shot with, but 2009 was the last batch of polaroid film made, so it'll work, if its anything like 1200/spectra film it may have a slight yellow cast... good luck if you go with it...

[zapsnaps]

Buy the film! I'm using far older stock, with mixed results to be honest, but if it's at a good price, I'd certainly take the risk.

[tkmedia]

reminds me I still have some image film in the fridge from the last prod year unopened....