Polaroid 450 with all the bits!

[ped]

Hi guys

Recently got a cloud filter, cable release and a huge case of Hi-Power flashcubes for my 450. Here are some photos taken with it:

The camera (rubbish iphone pic)

Cheers
ped

 

[charjohncarter]

Nice, I don't know what that filter is, but I have the 581 portrait lens that has goggles for the RF. I think I got it for $10. Also that flash is an important accessory; lots of Polaroid films have high shadow drop off, so get so you can use it indoors and for fill outdoors.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Very nice. The 450 was my most used Polaroid. I love the focus flash.

 

[Rogier]

Last week I saw a guy in Shoho NYC taking pictures with an old beat up version of this camera and did the Polaroid transfers on nice rag paper on the spot on his street card.
To bad it started raining otherwise I would have bought a shot from him.

 

[Todd Frederick]

I have about 4 of those...a 360, 250, and I'll have to look at the others for model numbers.

I got some batteries for them once but the attachment buttons on the batteries broke off. Where's a good place to find the batteries for the bigger units like the 360?

I'm please that film is still available through Fuji.

 

[Todd Frederick]

I have a 420 and I have batteries in the 360 but they are not working correctly. They are #532 3 volt alkalines. I bought them on-line. The attachment clamp rips out on the negative side. I need a better made battery.

I just tried the 250 (had some film in it and a good battery) and it works fine. Need batteries for the 360.

 

[Todd Frederick]

I found my 440 (not 420) with film and good battery. I still need to find a supplier or good quality batteries for the 360. The film in the 440 was quite old and produced a very abstract image. I need to sell all but one as well as a Polaroid Sun and a One Step. The 250 has some fresh film, a good battery and produces nice photos.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The 360 used built in Nicad batteries- some have replaced them with alkaline.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27104070@N00/5195500877/

Not the easiest to work on! The 250 would be easier to work on, replace the 4.5v with 3 AAA batteries. Also- I have read that the Timer in the 360, 350, 450 can interfere with the Fuji pack film. I read that the back of the Fiji pack is thinner, and the timer pushes against it. Someone thickened the back with an old Polaroid pack. I have not run out of Pack film, so have not tried the Fuji in mine.

 

[charjohncarter]

The 360 used built in Nicad batteries- some have replaced them with alkaline.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27104070@N00/5195500877/

Not the easiest to work on! The 250 would be easier to work on, replace the 4.5v with 3 AAA batteries. Also- I have read that the Timer in the 360, 350, 450 can interfere with the Fuji pack film. I read that the back of the Fiji pack is thinner, and the timer pushes against it. Someone thickened the back with an old Polaroid pack. I have not run out of Pack film, so have not tried the Fuji in mine.

I have the Automatic100, the conversion to 3 AAA batteries was easy. And I don't have to worry about battery health. I just change often.

Also I left the 2 AA batteries in my Color Pack II for about 15 years, and they were still good: amazing.

 

[ped]

I read that the back of the Fiji pack is thinner, and the timer pushes against it. Someone thickened the back with an old Polaroid pack. I have not run out of Pack film, so have not tried the Fuji in mine.

Yep it's a bit thicker so you have to swap the plastic back on the Fuji pack for the metal one from the Polaroid pack. Doesn't take long, but make sure you keep the metal backs from your Polaroid packs!

 

[one90guy]

Polaroid

Polaroid

I use a 100 and the 3 aaa's are a easy install and way cheaper to go.

 

[ped]

I found the right sized batteries for about a fiver for two, so it wasn't an issue to be honest.

 

[zzpza]

That's an awesome portrait! Very impressive work. 🙂

I have a 350. It's an easy mod to change the battery holder. Mine used 2x 3V cells (one for the shutter / lightmeter and the other for the print timer). I now use 2x AAA. I still have the electronic print timer, but as Fuji pack film chemistry self terminates, it's not required.


Polaroid Land Camera Battery Mod by zzpza, on Flickr

Also- I have read that the Timer in the 360, 350, 450 can interfere with the Fuji pack film. I read that the back of the Fiji pack is thinner, and the timer pushes against it. Someone thickened the back with an old Polaroid pack. I have not run out of Pack film, so have not tried the Fuji in mine.

First time I used the Fuji pack film in a Polaroid camera it was a nightmare. In mine it wasn't the timer that was causing a problem, it's the two big springs that push on the film pack. As the Fuji ones are plastic which bends there was too much tension on the film pack meaning that it was nigh impossible to pull the print out once exposed without opening the back of the camera slightly. There are 2 solutions. The first, as mentioned was to swap the metal back from a Polaroid film pack on to a Fuji one thereby spreading out the force of the springs. Obviously this would have to be done each time you put a fresh film in. The 2nd solution is to remove the springs. As I plan to only use Fuji film packs in this camera, I removed the springs. I don't have any pressure problems anymore. I was a little concerned about the location of the film plane, but all looks OK. Here's an example pic after the conversion.


Polaroid 350 - 002 by zzpza, on Flickr

 

[ped]

Great to hear from other Land Camera fans. I'm changing the back of the fuji packs currently, but I'll take a look at removing the springs next time I open the camera up. I'll give you a shout if I have any problems.

I just received a #561 portrait kit which I'll have a play with later today!

Cheers

 

[ped]

zzpza I still have two Polaroid packs left but from then on I'll use Fuji only so I'll want to remove the springs you mention.

Is it the vertical metal arms in the photo, just to the left of the timer?

Cheers

 

[zzpza]

zzpza I still have two Polaroid packs left but from then on I'll use Fuji only so I'll want to remove the springs you mention.

Is it the vertical metal arms in the photo, just to the left of the timer?

You are correct, have a look here:

They just snap off. Be careful of sharp edges!

 

[ped]

Brill, thanks - so now the Fuji packs are fine? Are Polaroid ones now unusable/too loose? Suppose one could put a block of foam behind the pack.

 

[zzpza]

Brill, thanks - so now the Fuji packs are fine? Are Polaroid ones now unusable/too loose? Suppose one could put a block of foam behind the pack.

I've only ever used Fuji packs in the camera, so I can't comment on how it works with Polaroid ones. This mod totally resolved my problems using Fuji packs, but I have heard of other people still having pressure problems and having to remove the timer from the back of the camera also.

 

[ped]

Thanks, I'll give it a try then. I'm quite expert in switching the backs in the dark now but I'll be pleased if this works.

I'll let you know - thanks for the help!

 

[shadowfox]

This is great. To see fellow Polaroid shooter here.

I'm going to use my 195 Polaroid at a Christmas dinner this weekend.
Need to get some Fuji 3000 ASA film.