The Impossible Project's PX 600 film isn't perfect. It may not always develop the way you'd expect them to, and each exposure is an experiment.
But what flaws the PX film is also what makes it perfect.
Using PX film is like shaking Edwin Land's hand. And watching it develop is miraculous -- it's simply astonishing that it even exists.
When The Impossible inspected their new Polaroid plant most of the machinery was destroyed, and the chemical components used to develop film, missing.
But with the help of former Polaroid employees, Ilford (the best of the best in b&w film), and truckloads of ambition, they succeeded. A new chapter was added to the Polaroid legacy when The PX 100 Silver Shade First Flush Film was born just last year. Since then they've released a handful of new Silver Shade films each an improvement built upon the other.
The PX 600 is a monochrome film optimized for use with 600 series Polaroid cameras. Developed prints of both have a milky iridescence that ranges from black and white to sepia. Because of the film's high sensitivity to temperature, humidity, and light it picks up eerie shadows, dreamy figures and whimsical lines. You'll find that the PX 600 is more stable than the previous PX 100 -- prints are cleaner and have more predictable exposure.
But the films' unpredictability reveals beauty in the simplest of subjects. A true throwback to Mr. Land's first peel-apart instant film prototype.
With the new PX 600 Black Frame film you'll find even sharper tones - not to mention a slick black frame to show them off in. It is by far the most stable of the Silver Shade films. Sure to woo you with warm, silky pictures that come out of the camera feeling like they were made by a darkroom pro.
For more info the PX 600 film head to the PX 100/600 Flickr Group, or The Impossible Project.
(Mucho thanks to the lovies on Flickr: barney909, Jessica Reinhardt, and Violet_3) for letting us show off their PX 100 shots!
The Impossible Project's latest release is The PX 680 Color Shade Film.
Their first color packs were slightly unstable, but with their new 600 edition they've worked out the kinks and are bringing finer, bolder, and more vibrant colors to the plate. With this film you'll be getting an entirely new range of tones!
If you already own a 600 Series Polaroid camera, you're in luck as with its monochrome predecessor, the PX 600 Silver Shade, the PX 680 is optimized to be used in 600 Series cameras.
As with most Impossible films, this color film is experimental. It's sensitive to temperature, light, and can take up to 3 days before the exposure settles. It will show variances in color balance, saturation and contrast.
But the film's experimental nature is what's to love about it - every shot is an adventure in exposure, not to mention you'll be helping Impossible pioneer future versions of their films (like an Oregon Trail of analog film!).
Because the film is still extremely sensitive 10 seconds after it ejects from your camera, it's suggested to cover the photo immediately. Keep it away from light for up to 2 minutes while it develops. This is the part that'll take you back to printing in the dark-room - waiting for your photo to develop in anticipation!
For help shooting with your PX 680 Color Shade film, head to the Impossible Project site. For more photos of the PX 680 Color Shade film, check out PX 680 Flickr Group.