Polaroid Land roll film cameras were class instruments of their time, often comparable to some of the best non-professional cameras on the market in the 1940s and 1950s. These type cameras, unlike their successors that used pack film, make great convertibles to 120 film. That's about the only way you still can use them since no Polaroid roll film has been made in decades. Fortunately, 120 film is readily available and still used by pros.
Instructions
1. Use an empty 120 take-up spool to align your film chamber conversion pieces. A 120 spool is approximately an inch shorter than a Polaroid roll film spool. Take the first cork and screw in the first screw directly in the center of the top of the cork. It should protrude a 1/4-inch. Do the same with the second cork and screw. Place the 120 take-up spool between the two corks with the screws entering the holes of the spool at either end.
2. Place your modified film holder into the left film chamber. Make certain it fits snugly, but still moves freely. When you are ready to shoot, you will load the 120 film in this chamber fitted with the cork-and-screw combinations. The spool must be able to turn as you wind the knob on the other end. If it does not, trip the two corks a bit with a hobby knife.
3. Assemble a third cork-and-screw combination for the top of the take-up spool. It should work exactly as the other film spool. You only will use this on the top of the take-up spool.
4. Cut a hole in the fourth cork to allow passage of the 120 film knob. You may need to extend the spool catch on the knob to get through the cork and into the take-up spool. Do this with a piece of PVC pipe measured to fit. Cut it with a hacksaw or finer saw if possible. Carefully cut off the turning piece of the wind knob, insert the pipe and glue the turning nut to the top of this. Glue the pipe to the wind knob.
5. Remove the original wind knob and replace it with the 120 wind knob. Hold it in place and stuck through into the camera. Place the cork over it. Place the take-up spool with the top cork-and-screw piece already affixed over this wind knob.
6. Load the 120 film into the left film chamber with corks and screws in place. Pull the paper leader across the lens opening and tuck it into one of the slots on the take-up spool. Use the modified wind knob to roll the 120 film onto the take-up spool, making certain it is secure before closing the camera back. Estimate the wind amount for the first film frame and shoot your first image.
Tags: take-up spool, wind knob, film chamber, cork screw, corks with, film spool, into left