Polaroid 600

InstantISO 640

Characteristics

  • Grain: medium
  • Contrast: medium
  • Latitude: narrow
  • Formats available: instant
Polaroid 600
Image: Sgroey — CC BY-SA 4.0

Polaroid 600 Film is the mass-market integral instant film for Polaroid 600-series cameras — manufactured by Polaroid (the post-2017 brand) since the 2010 relaunch. Polaroid 600 produces 79×79mm prints in the same physical pack format as SX-70 film but at higher ISO (640 vs SX-70's 160) for general-purpose snapshot use.

Key features

  • ISO 640 rated (the original Polaroid Corporation 1981 formulation; modern Polaroid Originals formulation matches)
  • 79×79mm pack with the iconic Polaroid white border
  • Color integral instant film; B&W variant also available
  • Compatible with original Polaroid 600 cameras (1981-2003) AND modern Polaroid Now/OneStep cameras
  • NOT compatible with SX-70 cameras (the higher ISO would overexpose)
  • Current production by Polaroid

Workflow

  • Insert pack into 600-compatible camera
  • Expose; print ejects
  • Shield from light during first 30 seconds of development
  • 15-30 minute full development time (slower than original 1980s formulation)

Practical notes

  • 600 cameras are more common on the used market than SX-70 (mass-market product); 600 film is the practical choice for most modern Polaroid users
  • Higher cost per print than Fujifilm Instax ($2-3 vs $1)
  • The 600 vs SX-70 incompatibility is a frequent buyer mistake
  • Cold storage extends shelf life

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