Polaroid RFs

[lubitel]

I got a book of Photocollections of Polaroid, and was very inspired by things I saw. some very fine photographs in there. But not so many SX70, mostly done with other films and older Polaroid Rangefinders like 195 and etc. there are a zillion versions out there.

Now I am thinking about getting a camera like that but I have no idea which one, and especially with which films they work. Can anybody recommend a nice Polaroid RF with manual controls for which I can still easily get some film (hopefully not the most expensive one), black and white or color. (Time-Zero film is not going to be produced anymore 🙁 )

thanks

 

[former member]

The only two Polaroids that use Pack film (107,108, 669, etc) that were produced in quantity by Polaroid that had manual settings were the model 180 and 195. They are still fairly expensive, usually above $200 on Ebay. The new NPC 195, made by a specialty company, is expensive.

http://www.adorama.com/PD195.html

So what is a cheap alternative? I have seen people convert typical automatic Pack camera to manual by substituting a variable resistor for the CDS cell. Change the resistance via a knob, get a manually set shutter speed.

The Model 180 and 195 give you full f-stop and shutter speed control, and F4.5 and F3.8 (respectively) 4-element Tominon lenses. Very fast when you can get ASA3000 film

 

[lubitel]

So what is a cheap alternative? I have seen people convert typical automatic Pack camera to manual by substituting a variable resistor for the CDS cell. Change the resistance via a knob, get a manually set shutter speed.

boy, I dont know if I can do that. What do you mean by automatic Pack camera? Can you give an example?

 

[aizan]

http://www.rwhirled.com/landlist/landhome.htm

the bible of polaroid.

 

[dostacos]

how about a HOLGA with a polaroid back? http://www.freestylephoto.biz/sc_prod.php?cat_id=&pid=5957

 

[thpook]

Polaroid 600SE. It can easily be adapted to take roll film, 4x5, and of couse pack film.

Essentially, it's a Mamiya Universal with a polaroid back. They were discontinued in '94 (or thereabouts) so it should be easy to find one in good condition.

 

[murrayatuptown]

adjusting rangefinder on old Polaroids

adjusting rangefinder on old Polaroids

150, 160, 800 have 'overmolded' bodies with the rangefinder embedded rather than the flip-up type.

Does anyone know if it's possible to access adjustment screws for the rangefinder on the above models?

These are not easy to open, apparently.

Murray

 

[Kin Lau]

150, 160, 800 have 'overmolded' bodies with the rangefinder embedded rather than the flip-up type.

Does anyone know if it's possible to access adjustment screws for the rangefinder on the above models?

These are not easy to open, apparently.

Murray

I just looked at my 800, and it looks like you'll have to take the end top off. The screws look fairly reachable when you open up the back.