Also called Polapan, Type 804 film was a mainstay for large-format photographers for nearly 30 years. It was as useful for checking lighting conditions as it was for rendering beautiful final images. Not too fast and not too slow, it was extremely versatile.

Over time, creative photographers figured out ways to switch pods and print papers between various 8x10 films to achieve special effects. Most notable was "chocolate" film which was achieved by shooting a regular 809 color negative, then using an 804 pod and paper to print the final piece. The resulting image was more colorful than sepia toning, yet nearly as warm and subdued.

For those fortunate enough to afford the luxury of 8x10" film photography, Polaroid's Type 800 films were the ultimate indulgence. The quality of these films was so high that a number of photographers abandoned "normal" film photography and went full-instant.

Type 800 films enjoyed the very best of all the features available in larger format instant films. All included both a positive print and an archival negative, and they were available across a spectrum of emulsions and speeds.