What Is 400 ISO Color Camera Film?
Polaroid film comes in many types and speeds to meet your specific needs, and 400 ISO color film is a type of 35mm or instant film meant for Polaroid cameras. This type comes as film sheets that come in a pack that you load into your camera. The sheets are housed inside a cartridge for instant use, or they come in the rolls that you insert into a 35mm camera.
Which Cameras Is This Film Compatible With?
When you purchase any kind of film, whether it's color or black and white film, you have to be sure that you purchase the type that corresponds to your equipment. By doing so, you not only know that it fits but also that it produces the pictures that are the right size for your device. When you're buying 400 ISO color instant film, you probably have one of a few types of cameras.
- For 35mm use, this type of film works with model 210FF. This is a traditional point-and-shoot type of camera with a silver body. It has a built-in flash that runs on batteries, and after you've finished the roll of photos, you have to get them developed.
- The 2400FF 35mm model takes 400 ISO film and has a flash as well. This point-and-shoot model offers a large viewfinder, and you can attach a wrist strap to keep your camera nearby for when the perfect photo op comes up.
- A vintage instant camera that takes this type of film, the Polaroid Polapan or Land model uses instant film sheets and features flashbulbs instead of a built-in flash.
What Does 400 ISO Refer To?
Anytime you see the acronym "ISO," it refers to the speed of the film.
- ISO denotes how sensitive the film is to light.
- A higher ISO number means that it's more sensitive, meaning you should use higher speeds in lower light. Higher speeds are also recommended for action shots, such as sports photography.
- Lower numbers are generally recommended for multipurpose use and everyday lighting or for outdoor daytime lighting.
How Do You Purchase and Store Color Film?
Since most of these types of color film are vintage versions, it's likely assumed that the expiration date came and went many years ago; however, when purchased and stored properly, vintage film is still not only usable but creates successful and colorful images when used with the correct cameras.
- You can buy instant film in sealed packs, but you'll want to keep the packs sealed until you're ready to load your camera.
- Rolls typically come in tubes with a cap on them. You shouldn't uncap or open the rolls until you're preparing to use the film.
- Many pro photographers store 35mm film in the refrigerator to keep it fresh, but you can store any type of photo color film in a cool, dry location away from sunlight and extreme temperatures.