Polaroid Now+ (Gen 3) Film Door Replacement

Written By: Spencer Day

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Polaroid Now+ (Gen 3) Film Door Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

30 - 45 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the film door (aka film processing unit, or FPU) in your Polaroid Now+ (Gen 3) instant camera.

The film door is made up of the print roller secured in its plastic housing. The print roller is responsible for evenly spreading the development chemicals across your instant film photos. If your photos look uneven or have lines, you might need to replace the film door.

Before replacing the film door, try cleaning the rollers and see if it fixes your problem. It's possible dust and dirt buildup on the rollers is causing uneven photos.

If you're replacing the print roller on its own, follow this guide.

Tools

Parts

Polaroid Now+ Gen 3 Film Door - Genuine

Step 1

If you have any film left, take some photos! Then remove the cartridge. Disassembly will expose any leftover film.
Before you begin:
Unplug and fully power down your camera.
Put on the lens cap to avoid scratching your lens during disassembly.

Step 2

Throughout this guide, directional words (front, back, left, right) are from the perspective of using the camera—or when the lens faces away from you.
Hold down the latch on the left side of the camera and open the film door.

Step 3

Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 5.9 mm‑long screw securing the rear shell.
The screw is hidden inside the camera on the back edge—you may need to use a flashlight to see it, as well as a skinny, long‑shank screwdriver to reach it.
Be careful when removing your screwdriver, as the screw can easily fall inside the camera. If it does, hold the camera above your work surface and gently shake it so the screw falls out.

Step 4

Insert the flat edge of an opening pick in the seam between the front and rear shells, just above the USB‑C port on the right edge.
Use your pick to pry the rear shell away from the front shell.
Keep the inserted edge of the pick pointed toward the rear shell when separating it. This helps release the tight plastic clips holding them together.

Step 5

You should feel and hear distinct "clicks" as the clips release. If you don't, try again—it may take multiple attempts.
Slide your pick around the top right corner and along the top edge to release the clips.

Step 6

Continue sliding your pick along the top edge, around the top left corner, and down the left edge to release the clips. Stop when you get to the film door latch.

Step 7

Gently flip the camera over, making sure none of the clips re‑engage.

Step 8

Remember to keep the inserted edge of the pick pointed towards the rear shell.
Insert your opening pick in the seam near the USB‑C port and slide it around the corner and along the bottom edge to release the remaining clips.

Step 9

Removing the rear shell in the next step exposes the camera mirror. Be careful not to smudge it or get any debris on it. If you accidentally do, use a lint‑free cloth to gently wipe the mirror clean.

Step 10

Gently pull the rear shell off the main body of the camera.
The shell should slide off easily. If it doesn't, check to see if any clips re‑engaged and use your opening pick to release them.
During reassembly:
Press the shell firmly onto the main body so all the clips engage.
You should feel and hear distinct "clicks" as the clips engage.
Check around the shell seam and make sure there are no gaps. If there are, firmly press the shells together to engage the clip near the gap.

Step 11

The capacitor in your camera holds an electrical charge and can deliver a potentially dangerous electric shock if you touch the boards incorrectly.
To minimize risk, avoid touching the boards, wires, and other exposed components with your fingers or metal tools. Consider wearing rubber gloves if working near the board.

Step 12

Flip your camera over so the bottom is facing up.

Step 13

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two 3 mm‑long film door hinge screws (one on either side of the camera).

Step 14

Open the film door and place a clean cloth in the compartment.
This prevents the door from re‑securing while detaching the hinges.

Step 15

The small, plastic grommets inside the film door hinges can easily fall off during this step. Don't lose them—you'll need them for reassembly.
Use the flat end of a spudger to push one of the film door hinges away from the camera and off its post.
Repeat the process to detach the other hinge.
Hold the film door steady so the already detached hinge doesn't slide back into place.

Step 16

Check to see if either of the small, plastic hinge grommets stayed on their posts.
If they did, remove them and set them aside.

Step 17

Lift the film door and remove it.
At this point, you can remove the cloth from the film door compartment.
During reassembly:
Make sure there are grommets installed in the film door hinges. To install them, press the grommets into the film door hinges, with the wide end facing in.
Hook one of the hinges on its post and then push the other one into place until it snaps over its post.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

Author

Spencer Day

Member since: 14/09/22

117606 Reputation

Polaroid Now+ (Gen 3) Film Door Replacement

Introduction

Tools

Parts

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