Polaroid film packs may share the same rainbow, but they are not the same key. The correct pack depends on the camera, its power source and the film sensitivity it was designed to expose.
Quick answer: SX-70 is for most folding SX-70 cameras, 600 for battery-powered vintage 600 cameras, i-Type for modern rechargeable cameras, and Go only for Polaroid Go.
The four everyday formats
- SX-70 film has a battery and needs much more light than 600 film.
- 600 film has a battery and powers vintage 600-series cameras.
- i-Type has no battery because modern cameras supply their own power.
- Go is a smaller format and does not fit classic-size cameras.
What is cross-compatible?
Modern i-Type cameras can generally shoot 600 film. Vintage 600 cameras cannot normally shoot i-Type because the cartridge has no battery.
SX-70, 600 and i-Type make the same classic-size photograph, but SX-70 film is roughly one-quarter as sensitive as 600 film. Using 600 film in an unmodified SX-70 normally causes overexposure unless the light is reduced with the correct neutral-density solution.
The simplest identification method
- Open the film door and read the format sticker.
- Look for “600” in the name of a vintage box camera.
- Treat every Go camera as Go-only.
- If the camera is a folding SLR, check the exact model: SX-70 uses SX-70, while SLR 680/690 uses 600.
FAQ
Can i-Type film power a vintage camera?
No. It has no battery inside the pack.
Can a Polaroid Now use 600 film?
Yes, current i-Type cameras generally accept both i-Type and 600 film.
Are classic and Go photos the same size?
No. Go photographs are much smaller and need Go-specific albums or sleeves.
Need help in Berlin?
Bring your camera, an empty cartridge label or a photo of the model name to Berlin Photo Studio in Wedding. We can help you identify the format, choose film and understand unexpected results.
Sources: Polaroid film compatibility, film storage, and photo dimensions.
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