Common Picture Problems

Spots or Bars in Picture CAUSE: Dirty film rollers. Go to previous page to view a sketch on cleaning the film rollers. Any repeating pattern is always due to dirty film rollers, and this is the most common picture fault.
Rectangular Pattern in Picture CAUSE: Undetached white tab pulls through the film rollers when you pull the film. Pull the white tab completely out. It will break off and come free. Check out Pulling the Film for full instructions. On a four lens camera, this pattern will run from top to bottom. The rectangular area will be a yellow-orange color on color film.
Dark Band in Picture CAUSE: White tab pulled before taking the pictures. Pull the white tab only after taking all the pictures on a sheet of film. See Pulling the Film. On a four lens camera, this effect would appear at the top of the picture.
U-Shaped Pattern in Picture CAUSE: Film defect - not enough developer in film pod. If this defect is at opposite end, it is due to improper film loading. The white tabs are caught between the film pack and camera back. See Loading the Film. On a six or two lens camera, this U-shaped mark will appear on the left side if it is due to improper film loading. It will appear on the right side if it is defective film.
Missing Corner in Picture CAUSE: Film was pulled at an angle. Defect can be at either side. Pull the film straight out. Pulling the film to the left or right on a four lens camera will cause this problem. Pulling the film at an upward or downward angle on a two or six lens camera will give the same defect.
Streaks and Marks on Picture CAUSE: Film was pulled at an angle. Pulling the film towards you as you pull it will cause this problem. To correct, pull the film out straight.
White Specs in Picture CAUSE: Film pulled too fast. Pull the film out in one continuos motion at a moderate speed. This could also be caused by pulling the film too slowly, or the film could be defective.
Yellow Area on Picture CAUSE: White tab was not pulled straight. On a six or two lens camera, this defect will be on the top or bottom. When the white tab is not pulled straight, the negative and positive do not come together aligned. If you see this defect, open the film back, and remove and clean the film rollers immediately. Do to the misalignment, there is usually edge leakage of the film chemicals onto the film rollers. If you open the film back, and leave the film pack in place you will not lose any film. If you do remove the film pack, you will only lose the first sheet. There is a slight chance that it is defective film causing this problem.
Hazy Fogged Picture CAUSE: Film was exposed to light prior to taking picture. If you must open the film door with film in the camera, leave the film pack in place to prevent fogging a sheet of film.
Picture Too Light CAUSE: Too much light. Set the Light - Dark control to a lesser number. For color films, start with the Light - Dark control set at 13. Pressing Boost before taking the picture will over expose a picture if no boost is needed. Boost is normally used to increase the light just for the next picture. Instant films are sensitive to heat. If the film is very warm, it requires less light. Try to use film at room temperature for consistant results. The directions included with the film give suggested compensation guides for film at various temperatures. The development time also changes based on the film temperature. Use the TS-1 Power Timer Desk Stand to properly time the film.
Picture Too Dark CAUSE: Light - Dark control set at too low a number. Start at 13 for color film. The temperature of the film at the time of use also affects film characteristics. Cold film will require more light. For consistant results, try to always use the film at room temperature.
Reddish and Mottled Picture CAUSE: Underdeveloped picture. Develop the film for the proper amount of time. Read the instructions that come with the film. Type 669 needs 60 seconds development time at 75 degrees. It needs more time at cooler temperatures. Purchase the TS-1 Power Timer Desk Stand to always properly develope your pictures.
Totally White Picture CAUSE: Film exposed to light. If you remove a film pack from the camera, the first sheet will appear totally white. If you are using Polaroid Type 667 black and white film, the Light - Dark control is set too high. The control should be set at 2-4 for this film. We do not recommend the use of Type 667 Black & White Film. Use Type 664 (Polapan Pro 100) black and white film for best results if you want black and white photographs.
Totally Black Picture CAUSE: Not enough or no light reached film. Light - Dark control should be set at about 13 for most films as a starting point. Also could be caused by a defective strobe.
Greenish colored Picture CAUSE: High temperature. The film was stored at too high a temperature, or is at too high a temperature for use. If only the background is green, it is most likely due to the fact that there are several feet between the background and the subject. For best results stand or sit the subject up against a solid colored non-reflective background. Special backdrops are available for this purpose, in a variety of colors.
Blue and Dark Picture CAUSE: Film is too cold for use. If you have kept the film refrigerated prior to use, allow it to come up to room temperature before taking pictures. Read the film instructions to see if you are using the film within the recommended operating temperature range.
Green and Dark Picture CAUSE: Outdated film. Look at the expiration date on the film pack. If you just bought it, take it back and demand fresh film.