Loading the Camera

The Photographs on this page show a Model 450 automatic folding pack camera, but all Polaroid packfilm cameras operate in a similar manner.

Here is a back view of the Model 450 I’ll be using for this demonstration.
First, open the back of the camera by pushing on the latch at the bottom of the camera.
Then Pull the door open
Open the back of the camera all the way.
Open the film box and carefully remove the new film pack from its protective envelope (film pack is shown unwrapped in the photo below). Do not press against the front of the film pack– try to handle it only by its sides.
Load the pack by sliding it into the camera as illustrated, and push down on the end (the ‘open’ end with the tabs) to make sure it seats fully in the back of the camera.
Make sure that none of the white tabs get caught underneath the film pack. They should all (with the black tab on top) fall naturally in a neat stack near the slot in the side of the camera.
Close the back of the camera, making sure that it latches securely. The black tab should be sticking out of the front tab slot. This black piece of paper acts as a light shield to protect your new pack of film during loading.
Hold the camera securely in your left hand, and pull the black tab with your right hand as shown. Pull the tab
Now the first white tab should be visible sticking out of the tab slot. [The number '1' on the tab indicates that you are ready to take the first picture in the pack]