Polaroid 360 flash modification.

ChristopherCoy · Jan 8, 2013

I just received my Polaroid 360 with flash and charger. I was able to find replacement batteries for the camera, but I need to do something about the flash.

Would you simply replace the rechargeable battery in the flash with a new one? Or modify it with an external AA battery box or something?

AgX · Jan 8, 2013

I assume it is a matter of kind of use. If you would need the kit to be used at any instant or for a prolonged time then a modification to exchangeble batteries, whether classic or rechargable would be the way to go.
Otherwise I would keep in the original state with the rechargable batteries.

xya · Jan 8, 2013

all you need to know you will find here Dead Link Removed . if the capacitor is still fine, I would replace the batteries with similar ones and keep the charger. it's the easiest way of using it. with new batteries you will have about 30 flashes per charge. that should be fine. 2/3C batteries can be found on ebay.

henry finley · Jan 8, 2013

Now, where are you going to find 107/108 film?

ic-racer · Jan 8, 2013

henry finley said:
Now, where are you going to find 107/108 film?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/843361-REG/Fujifilm_15200772_Instant_Black_White.html

rbender · Jan 8, 2013

Go to the Film Photography Podcasts site. They have a cold shoe adapter so you can use any flash. The 360 flash units are known to have problems.
http://filmphotographyproject.com
Go to there store to find it.
For got to say you use a PC cord to the camera to sync.

xya · Jan 9, 2013

rbender said:
Go to the Film Photography Podcasts site. They have a cold shoe adapter so you can use any flash. The 360 flash units are known to have problems.
http://filmphotographyproject.com
Go to there store to find it.
For got to say you use a PC cord to the camera to sync.

are you sure about it? I have visited their site (nice and interesting site indeed). I have seen various adapters for pack 100 cameras but none for the 360. the 360 has no socket for any cable, pc or not, it has just the special adapter for it's dedicated flash.
yes, the flashes are kown for some problems. nevertheless the original flash even adapts it's power according to the distance via some horizontal blinds which open or close. simple, very efficient and quite handy.

rbender · Jan 9, 2013

You are right. Sorry about that. I thought for sure I had heard on one of there podcasts having a work around for the 360 flash. Looks like the google for any work around if there is one?

johnielvis · Jan 9, 2013

bad experiences with these---one melted on the charger---old ones are probably all shorted/bad capacitors

the 360 is best used as a parts camera--you can take off the lens and convert it to manual with a 127mm lens in synched shutter--LOT of screwing around...OR---you can front mount a synched shutter on the camera if you force the camera shutter opened permanently.

all around it's best to get a 180 or a speed with polaroid back...or a 195...

ChristopherCoy · Jan 10, 2013

johnielvis said:
all around it's best to get a 180 or a speed with polaroid back...or a 195...

Well unfortunately I don't have the $500-$800 to whip out for a 180 or 195.

So this 360 is going to have to do.

xya · Jan 10, 2013

rbender said:
You are right. Sorry about that. I thought for sure I had heard on one of there podcasts having a work around for the 360 flash. Looks like the google for any work around if there is one?

there must have been conversions by polaroid camera repair. I bought one from the son of an american professional photographer which has the special adapter converted to a hot shoe. I was told that the conversion had been made by polaroid. in any case: obviously it's possible and with an electronic controlled flash it works fine. I'm not much into electronics but perhaps there is somebody who could do it for us. I would appreciate it, as I have more of these cameras and only one original flash working.

rbender · Jan 10, 2013

Christopher you might keep your eye out for a Polaroid 100 or 250. They have the PC port and can use a regular flash unit.

arthurpolaroid · Jan 10, 2013

It isn't that hard, and there are indeed many options. The one from The Film Photography Project/Podcast is an excellent one. More on my blog at arthurpolaroid.wordpress.com

rbender · Jan 10, 2013

arthurpolaroid said:
It isn't that hard, and there are indeed many options. The one from The Film Photography Project/Podcast is an excellent one. More on my blog at arthurpolaroid.wordpress.com

Thanks Arthur I didn't think I was losing it yet

ChristopherCoy · Jan 10, 2013

rbender said:
Christopher you might keep your eye out for a Polaroid 100 or 250. They have the PC port and can use a regular flash unit.

I've already owned both. The 100's are the oldest and usually have too many issues, and the 250 I found to be too finicky. I had reserved myself to the model 420 and the Reporter models as they are my favorites, but pounced on this one because it was only $40.

Steve Scovel · Oct 16, 2014

Polaroid 360 flash options

It isn't overwhelmingly difficult to adapt a sync cord to the Polaroid 360 flash connector, or to add a PC port or hot shoe. The Polaroid 365 flash is modestly powered, if you want more light you need a better flash.

xya · Oct 17, 2014

Steve Scovel said:
It isn't overwhelmingly difficult to adapt a sync cord to the Polaroid 360 flash connector, or to add a PC port or hot shoe. The Polaroid 365 flash is modestly powered, if you want more light you need a better flash.
View attachment 96226 View attachment 96227 View attachment 96228

please tell us more. which pins have to be connected to the flash? there are four. you would need two. thanks in advance.

Polaroid 360 flash modification.

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