General Use...
Primary these holders were made for Polaroid type films and will take any 2 digit type of film. These films are from the Peel-apart type and are ready to process immediately. Type 55 - type 79 - type 63 and more However the following will work perfect in these #500 holders: Both Fuji Quickloads and Kodak Readyloads can be used in the Polaroid 500 holder. There are a variety of E-6, C-41 and standard black and white films available in these formats and I won't attempt to list them here. Quickloads and Readyloads are *exposed* the same way as standard Polaroid materials. They aren't *processed* the same way as Polaroids because they aren't instant films, so you need to remove them from the Polaroid 500 by using the small silver release lever on the end instead of the big "LOAD/PROCESS" switch. Also, the paper stops on Quickloads and Readyloads will work with the Polaroid 500 holder, so you don't have to worry about pulling the sleeve all of the way out. NOTE: Kodak single sheet Readyloads work just fine in Polaroid holders. I suspect that this is why they discontinued the double sheet format for Readyloads. Comprehensive info on availability, how to use etc..
Pulling the "DarkSlide".
Maximum pull of DarkSlide Polaroid Land film holder 500 with loaded sheet. Note de circle with the cross, looks like a target, actually this is the center of the Negativ.
Polaroid Land film holder 500 with loaded sheet and the Dark Slide pulled out. Note de circle with the cross, pull film out till this sign is barely out of the holder.
Mehanical Problem!
If a "Dark Slide" envelope comes out of the holder when withdrawing for exposure, the packet was inserted backwards. This was true with the original film package type 53 (1958), now this is also possible if you pull too far, even if you inserted the film properly. Due through modifications on the white strip on the newer type films. To remove the negative and the metal cap still in the holder:
Remove the holder from the camera; make sure the processing arm is in the "Load" position. Open the cover by shifting the slide bar.
Release the metal cap by pushing the release lever, then inch the negative along the focal plane with your fingers until the end of the negative reaches the rubber roller.
With your thumbs, turn the rubber roller until the free end of the negative has passed trough the roller. Before the metal cap has passed all the way... out of the focal plane, hold down the release lever again, grasp the free end of the negative with your other hand and withdraw the negative and the metal cap from the holder.
If the packet should tear free from the metal cap, leaving the cap inside the holder; Reinsert an empty ;dark Slide" envelope into the holder just as though you were loading a fresh packet. Push it all the way in to catch the cap.Hold the release lever down and withdraw the envelope with the cap attached.. Need some luck with this, if it comes out like this!
How to clean rollers.
Remove the holder from the camera. Open the roller assembly by moving the slide bar to the "open" position. Swing the processing arm so that it is perpendicular to the 1/4" spring loading shaft
Grasp the holder so that the thumbs are on both ends of the 1/4" spring loading shaft and the forefingers are against the lower processing roller. With the thumbs press down on the shaft ends and twist counter clockwise until the tips swing out from under the roller yokes.
As you lift the holder, the bottom roller assembly swings out for easy cleaning. Use a water-dampened cloth to clean both rollers, as well as the rubber roller if necessary. To replace the rollers, reverse the procedure.
Sometimes it is necessary to fix some problems yourself. First pry off the side clips holding the assembly together; start with the narrow side -- This can usually be done with your fingers but may need a little help prying with a nail file or wood stick. Once the side clips are removed the assembly falls into numerous parts -- the film pod tab which may have been stuck in the assembly will fall out at this stage. No further work may be needed and you can re-assemble immediatly if that was all that was wrong. The catch which grabs the tab at the end of the film packet can be worn. Its engagement with the clip on the end of the packet can be improved by studying the progress in the picture. Try this when the packet won't "latch" and allow the film to be uncovered for exposure. Trust your judgement to reassemble... or call me!

	Img Tutorial 1024/768
	Overview of Filmholders for 4x5"
	Processing 8x10 Polaroid