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.
Compatibility table
| Film | Use it with | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| SX-70 | Most folding and box-type SX-70 cameras | Slower than 600 film and balanced for SX-70 cameras |
| 600 | Vintage 600 cameras and compatible modern i-Type cameras | The cartridge includes a battery |
| i-Type | Modern Polaroid i-Type cameras | No battery in the cartridge; not for unmodified vintage cameras |
| Go | Polaroid Go cameras | Smaller format and not interchangeable with full-size cartridges |
The camera model is more reliable than the camera's color or shape. Look for a model name near the film door, on the base, or inside the compartment, then match it with the manufacturer's compatibility information.
Why the battery matters
Many vintage Polaroid cameras receive power from a battery built into the film pack. 600 and SX-70 cartridges supply that power. i-Type film omits the battery because modern i-Type cameras have their own rechargeable power source. The film dimensions may look familiar, but an i-Type pack cannot power a standard vintage 600 or SX-70 camera.
Modern i-Type cameras can generally use 600 film because the cartridge fits and the camera already has its own power. You pay for a battery the camera does not need, but compatibility can be useful when a particular 600 edition is the only film available.
SX-70 versus 600 sensitivity
SX-70 film is roughly one quarter as sensitive as 600 film, a difference of about two stops. Cameras in each family are designed around that sensitivity. Loading 600 film into an unmodified SX-70 camera can lead to overexposure unless an appropriate neutral-density solution or camera modification is used.
There are exceptions in the folding-camera family: SLR 680 and SLR 690 models use 600 film. This is why checking the exact model matters more than assuming every folding Polaroid uses SX-70.
Polaroid Go is a separate format
Go film creates a smaller image and uses a smaller cartridge designed for the Polaroid Go system. It does not fit full-size SX-70, 600, or i-Type cameras. The smaller format is convenient for carrying and sharing, but accessories and albums must also match the Go dimensions.
Before buying film
- Find the exact camera model, not only the brand name.
- Open the film door and check for an old cartridge label.
- Confirm whether the camera has its own rechargeable battery.
- Check the production date and storage conditions of the film.
- Buy one pack first if the camera has not been tested recently.
Polaroid's official camera and film compatibility guide is the best final check for current models.
Storage and handling
Keep unopened packs cool and dry, but do not freeze them. Let refrigerated film reach room temperature before opening so condensation does not form. Insert the pack in subdued light, close the door, and allow the dark slide to eject.
After exposure, shield the photograph from strong light during the first stage of development and follow the timing on the package. Do not shake or bend the print. Temperature affects development speed and color, so very cold or hot conditions can produce results that differ from examples made at room temperature.
If the camera does not eject a picture
Check the battery logic first. A vintage camera with an i-Type pack has no cartridge power. With the correct pack, dirty battery contacts, an empty cartridge, a weak old pack, or a mechanical fault may be responsible. Avoid repeatedly pressing the shutter in bright light while the film door is open.
What to expect from an older camera
Correct film does not guarantee correct exposure. Ageing rollers, a weak motor, dirty contacts, a cloudy lens, or an inaccurate meter can affect the result. Clean the rollers according to the camera instructions and test one fresh pack before an important occasion. If several frames show the same exposure or transport fault, preserve the remaining pack and have the camera checked rather than using more film to diagnose it.
Related guides: Complete Guide to the Polaroid SX-70.
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