This is a cartridge and back for Polaroid pack film cameras models 100-455 which enables it to shoot 35mm x 10.cm panorama.

This project is a little involved as it involves gears with close tolerances, and can be a little tricky getting it setup and working. It may also be subject to small tweaks and improvements as time goes by.

Print everything with supports, although some of the smaller gears with slots in them may print better without supports if the support material is difficult to remove. I used PETG with 3 top/bottom layers for light tightness and 25% infill.

Remove the hinge and replace the door on the Polaroid camera. Light can enter between the top edge of the cartridge and the body of the camera, so attach some thin black craft foam to the edge so it seals against the cartridge body when inserted.

The drive gear drops into the upper right slot in the cartridge, with the thumb gear mounted with a screw or pin through the holes in the cartridge. File the left roller smooth, especially where the end pins engage the pressure plate and snap it into place. Insert the upper pin of the right roller into the right side of the pressure plate, then insert the 13 tooth small gear shaft through the hole in the counter box, pressing it into place. You may want to be sure it inserts well before installing it. Mount the exposure indicator above the counter gear with a pin, being sure it engages OK and doesn't jump gears or bind. If it is not aligned correctly, raise/lower the gear by rounding out the shaft holes in the pressure plate, then melt in place.

To use, tape an 8" leader to an empty 35mm film cassette, then cut the curved part of the leader off of a roll of 35mm film. Tape it to the 8" leader of the take-up cassette, being sure that there is approx. 5mm between the sprocket holes (you may have to trim the leader/film). Align the exposure counter so that the O is pointing up or slightly to the right. Stretch out the leader, emulsion side down over the cartridge and lower the pressure plate in place, centering the film under the spools. Install the drive spool onto the take up 35mm cassette and flip the cassette over onto the pressure plate, inserting the drive spool tab into the drive gear. Test the thumb gear by advancing it to the left a bit. Install the right cover. Flip the film cassette onto the pressure plate and install the right cover. Turn the cartridge over and verify that the film is centered between the upper and lower sides of the film mask. Load the cassette into the camera and close the door. Advance the film to the I mark, then advance one more turn of the counter gear to get to the first exposure.

When the film doesn't advance anymore, (you should get 11 or 12 shots/roll of 36), you can either lose the last photo, or unload the cartridge in a darkroom or dark bag to roll it onto the developing reel. Alternatively, if you bulk load your own film, you can wind it onto a short leader (1-2") and tape it on the non-emulsion side with a small piece of masking tape. It only needs to hold while you are winding the film onto the spool since you want it to break away at the end of the roll. You may feel some resistance at the end of the roll, but it should let go so you can roll the film into the take-up cassette.