If you have experience with vintage polaroids...

Adam Moore · Jan 27, 2011

I've been experimenting with using my sx-70 to shoot in all sorts of unusual lighting without flash, and I've been looking for ways to get more vibrant colors. Don't get me wrong, I really am fond of what I've got so far, but one thing I haven't successfully done is pick up so,e real living colors. With nothing but the little light wheel and my viewfinder to work with, got any suggestions? Exposure time? Look for particular lighting?

For instance: check out my gallery. The one with the cat was really exciting for me, but keep in mind the bed was actually blue! How could I make that pop out? Second, thhe shot of the storefront was, in reality, all bright red lanterns.

Derrel · Jan 27, 2011

Do you have a hinged, metal "cold weather clip", into which you can put the print while it is developing out? Higher temperatures while developing are one possible option you should look at. Hair dryer, forced air heating vent, sterno stick,etc.

Adam Moore · Jan 28, 2011

I don't have such a thing, I use a little cardboard box! I never took that approach, but I'll try it. The film is not supposed to be temperature sensitive according to the manufacturer, but I know for sure that it takes a much longer time to develop in cold weather.

What about this: I'm going to take a crack at a shot that involves a lit candle in front of somebody's face. I'd rather not have the candle completely wash out everything else in the shot. Thoughts?

Derrel · Jan 29, 2011

My main old Polaroids were the 320 and the 104. Here's a URL showing the aluminum Cold Clip Polaroid 320 Land Camera with Cold Clip from hodgepodgelodge on Ruby Lane

The Cold Clip was to be warmed under the armpit, and a freshly-shot sheet of film was to be developed inside its two warm cocooning sheets of pre-warmed metal goodness...I only got an SX-70 very,very late, like 1995 or so, and have not used it much. Perhaps SX-70 film really is much less temperature sensitive than the older pack films were.

Adam Moore · Jan 29, 2011

Yea, keep in mind I'm referring to impossible's analog film, not the original, so there may be some differences too. I will have to look into that cold clip but for now my biggest need is a flash. Looking into the original polatronic.