Impossible 4514 Colour Instant Film for Polaroid 600 Series Cameras and Impossible I-1, Black

Like so many Polaroid fans, I mourned the day when they announced production of instant film for their cameras (primarily 600 and 1200 film) would end (2008). Digital was beginning to eat into the market for sure. That said, unlike 35mm or other film that required to be 'processed' - Polaroid's beauty was that it was instant. Out popped the picture and within minutes a fully developed image could be shared amongst friends and family. There was just something the Polaroid experience and fun of the cameras that made them great - even watching the image develop.I kept both my 600 and 1200 Polaroid cameras and was excited by the Impossible Project. Like Vinyl records, which many wrote off as having no future following the advent of CD's and digital downloads, there is a market out there for the non-digital.I held off for a while until "Impossible" came up with a more stable product. Indeed this is close to the original Polaroid film. I took my Polaroid camera installed with Impossible Colour Film to a Christmas Party recently. Children (used to mobile phones etc.) loved it. Adults were coming up to me and telling me how they used to have a Polaroid camera and asking how they could get a hold of one and the film (many thought Polaroid must be back in the business when they saw me taking pictures).I've opted for a balanced 3 stars. Yes Impossible have re-created Polaroid 600 and 1200 film - however if you think that you can just take a picture and leave the film for 5 minutes to develop (wave it in the air....whatever) like Polaroid film - no you can't. The film takes up to 30 minutes to develop and you need to place it immediately in a dark place (your pocket for example). For me anyway, that takes away part of the 'magical' experience of the legacy Polaroid experience - indeed the 'instant'. If you follow the instructions provided by Impossible you will get as good an image as Polaroid film. However it takes away a lot of the shine from the product and certainly the fun.I have no idea (obviously) what the Polaroid film secret formula was and I'm sure Impossible would love to know. All credit to them, they are developing this technology from scratch however surely - almost a decade after Polaroid ceased producing their film - someone somewhere must know the recipe!I also took a star off because Impossible only supply 8 films compared to 10 from Polaroid and given the price I'd like to see 10, not 8, films included.

The impossible project film is the only option if you want polaroids photos. Yes, it's expensive, but the money goes to supporting recreating the product from scratch, and there's no other competition. If you don't want to pay £17, don't buy it. You won't find it cheaper. If you want actual polaroid film it'll be considerably more expensive and expired.I never used polaroid cameras 'back in the day'. I bought a camera recently because I wanted to take photos for art, so I can't compare it to genuine polaroid film. My understanding, however, is that Impossible film is a lot more finicky. Because of the nature of the product, every batch of film is slightly different, Impossible are constantly readjusting the formula trying to improve it. Personally I consider this a plus, it makes me feel like part of something bigger. For others this'll just be the risk of something that doesn't work.Over the last few months I've had my polaroid camera I've used 3 cartridges of film - that's 24 photos. Some came out wrong because of the camera - catching glares or not focusing properly - others had slight marks and smudges but even then I don't think this is because of the film. Of my 24 photographs only one came out improperly because of the film.If you use this film. Read the instructions carefully, do your research first, and take care with the photo. For example, you need to put the photo in a dark area for 30 minutes, darker, in my experience. Some say this takes away from the instant photo aspect - I love waiting with my friends for the revealing of the photograph. The packet of film contains shooting tips and instructions inside - follow them, and your photo will probably come out well.Modern polaroid photographs are a fickle medium, they are an art form, don't buy them expecting every piece to be perfect. Suck up the price and have fun with them, and if a photo doesn't come out great... forget it, there's still the memory!PS. When you receive your film, check the production date on the back. If it's more than a year old it's expired and much more likely to have errors, ask for a new one. Film ordered from Impossible will always be in date and is guaranteed to be properly kept, but places such as Amazon or other sellers may not be so diligent. Film I've ordered have had as much as a 6 month production difference between them, be careful!

I'm using this film in my 1993 Polaroid 600 One Shot Flash, with very good results.Yes it's expensive, but it's understandable, and the only option we have if we want to use our over-sized clunky retro cameras. ;)One star deducted as it's not as easy to use as the old Polaroid versions, waiting for 30 minutes in the dark etc; kinda loses some of the magic, but thanks to Impossible for keeping the cameras alive!

Gutted because never experienced this problem before. For some reason both films in the order were seriously degraded despite being in date. I've never experienced this problem before so just thought the first cartridge was a one off, but it appears the whole batch are poor quality.

I grew up with Polaroid film so I was disappointed when it stopped. The Impossible Black and White Instant Film is the best quality product they have. The photos have a sharpness to them and they have a nice contrast to them. I use them on my original Polaroid camera and they work well.

For any true photography enthusiasts having a Polaroid is a must. Developing process can take a bit depending on the weather conditions, but the photos are priceless.

I found the colours on this film to be dull and washed out and the general quality of the exposures to fall short of the original manufacturers product.Used in my school photography club I found the results to be disappointing.

I love these! They come out great on my camera. Even though they are very expensive for only 8 pictures, it's so worth it.