Chosen Solution

I’ve seen many people be able to take photos sideways, turning their camera to get a “landscape mode” type of photo that views horizontally instead of vertically. However, when I try to take a photo this way my film always comes out blank. What do I do? I really want to be able to take my photos sideways. Thanks.

Hi @ng330 , Are you turning the camera counter-clockwise to take a picture in the landscape ‘mode’? If so, are you sure that you’re not covering up the flash unit or the IR Blaster (see image) with your hand (fingers?) when holding the camera?

(click on image to enlarge for better viewing)

Hi Nicole, From the information I gather, it sounds like your photos are becoming over-exposed (coming out white). I can think of three possible issues, from likely to unlikely:

  1. Something is wrong with the shutter and when you tilt your camera sideways, it lets light in. Or, when it’s sideways, the shutter doesn’t close. When you run out of film, open the camera and take the expended cartridge out. Try taking a landscape photo with the back open (it won’t hurt your camera). Try it a few times. Try the process on different exposure settings (outdoor, indoor, Hi-Key). Every time, you should see a tiny hole open and close quickly in the camera where the film pack would sit. If the hole remains open, your shutter is getting stuck.
  2. The film pack is dodgy. Replacing the film pack would resolve this.
  3. Somehow, the rollers aren’t squeezing the polaroid when it comes out sideways, preventing proper film development. You can try taking a landscape photo, and quickly turning the camera straight as the photo comes out.