Polaroid Land camera

Tenor · Nov 21, 2009

Hi!

I'm in the process of buying a Polaroid Land 250.
Before I do so, I wonder if any of you have any experience and/or knowledge about the Lans series (100-400) that is useful.
Are there any advantages or disadvantages with the 250 model? Any other model that are preferable? Why?

Sincerely
/Truls

Matthew Rusbarsky · Nov 21, 2009

As far as the cheap packfilm models, the 250 has it all. Steel frame, flip up rangefinder w/ framelines and parallax compensation, 4 film speeds (so you can fudge exposures), two apertures (shoot 3200 w/the larger f-stop). Only disadvantage; 4.5v. Slightly more difficult to cram 3 AAs into the battery compartment after you rewire it. I love mine. For a better camera you need to shell out alot more for the 180s or 190s. Handheld in lowlight with Fuji 100bw. Gonna miss that film...

Chaska · Nov 21, 2009

Everything you would ever want to know: Dead Link Removed

Blacknoise · Nov 21, 2009

Matthew Rusbarsky said:
Handheld in lowlight with Fuji 100bw. Gonna miss that film...

I forgot it was being chopped... I'll miss it too, its a lovely film, will have to hoard some when I get paid!

Nice shot by the way

Rob

HerrBremerhaven · Nov 21, 2009

I have a Polaroid 250 Automatic, which I know have loaded with Fuji Instant FP100C. There were two versions of this one, with the difference being the viewfinder magnification. One version has slightly greater magnification than the other, though the field of view and focus range are the same in both. My battery conversion was to switch to a CR123A, which should be a lifetime battery in this. Lots of fun to use, and very durable. I sometimes take it on shoots to test lighting set-ups.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat Photography

nickandre · Nov 21, 2009

I've heard 100 is not being discontinued. Fuji clarified it in a press release. Someone had started a rumor or something.

HerrBremerhaven · Nov 21, 2009

Fuji are bringing to North America and EU many more films that were once just available in Japan. However, they will still be selling a few of their instant films only in Japan. Currently FP100C, FP100C45 (larger pack film), are the colour instant choices. FP100B and FP3000B are the current North America offerings in B/W instant, though only the ISO 3000 choice is available in the larger FP3000B45.

http://www.fujifilm.com/products/film_camera/instant/#See_All

So if you have the really large pack film holder, you do not have as many choices. However, if you are using an old Polaroid Automatic for packfilm, you can use Fuji Instant FP100B, FP100C, and FP3000B. I have a pack of the FP3000B I want to try in my Polaroid 250 Automatic, but I have yet to try it out.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat Photography

vdonovan · Jan 18, 2010

FP3000B is great film. I have a pic in a gallery show next month shot with a 250 on 3000B film:

Rick A · Jan 18, 2010

Geez-- I just chopped a 250 up for parts. I only paid one dollar for it. Guess I should have run some film through it first. Those shots look excellent. As for batteries, two 3v lithium batts are easier to stuff in it than three AA's. BTW I have a model 268 flash if anyone wants it for the cost of postage. Its in new condition. Also have an original leather(?) case.

Rick

Steve Smith · Jan 18, 2010

tiberiustibz said:
I've heard 100 is not being discontinued. Fuji clarified it in a press release. Someone had started a rumor or something.

From Fuji's own website: Dead Link Removed

Fujifilm scotches instant gossip

Fujifilm Professional has moved quickly to dispel rumours that the company is about to withdraw production of its popular black and white instant film.

Fujifilm’s Senior Product Manager for Professional Film, Russ Gunn, explained the announcement: “It was brought to our attention that a number of websites were carrying ‘news’ of the discontinuation of some of Fujifilm’s instant film. I would like to confirm that all current formats of FP-100B and FP-3000B black and white instant film and FP-100C colour instant film will remain in production and we have no plans to discontinue any of them.”

Gunn continued: “We remain fully committed to the continued support of photographers who appreciate the quality and flexibility of real film. Fujifilm runs a variety of marketing activities based around real film, including the Fujifilm Distinctions Awards, the Fujifilm Student Awards and our online resource for film users, Choose-film.com.”

The full range of Fujifilm Professional’s film stock is available to buy online via www.fujilab.co.uk - for further details on the range visit, www.fujifilm.co.uk/professional

Steve.

Ric Trexell · Jan 18, 2010

My 250 has a 9 volt battery.

I was just reading about the question about a 250. I bought one this winter at a thrift shop for $1.50 and it has a 9 volt battery in it with a resistor. I have not used it other than to trip the shutter, so I can't say if it is right, but I assume it is close. There is plenty of room to fit the 9 volt in there. I don't know what the resistance is of the resistor is, but if I can find my resistor card, or maybe just look at the colors I can tell you what is in there. I don't put a lot of stock in my color guessing but who knows I might just get it right. Ric.
P.S. I suppose I could check it with my multi-meter too.

Steve Smith · Jan 19, 2010

If you measure the votage across the resistor, it should be equal to 9v minus whatever the camera runs on. Some use 3v, others 4.5 so this voltage should be 6v or 4.5v if the resistor has been chosen carefully.

If you can't find your card:

0 - Black, 1 - Brown, 2 - Red, 3 - Orange, 4 - Yellow, 5 - Green, 6 - Blue, 7 - Violet, 8 - Grey, 9 - White.

Steve.

jacaquarie · Jan 19, 2010

Bad booze rots our young guts but vodka goes down well.

That is a easy way to remember the color code.

Steve Smith · Jan 19, 2010

I have heard quite a few rhymes to help remember the colour code but I have always found it easier just to remember the colours in the right order!

Steve.

roboflick · Apr 18, 2010

Does anyone have a comparison shot betwen a 100/250 vs a 180? Is there a visible difference between the two 3 element vs 4 element?

I have a 100 on the way can't wait to use it with some fuji pack film!

Nik

vdonovan · Apr 19, 2010

Nik, you may have this already sorted out, but don't forget you've got to put a new battery into your 100. Either buy a 4.5v at Radio Shack or hack it to take AAAs. Secondly, in my experience the 100s can run a little dark because the photocell fades or get dirty. An easy solution is to tape a patch of kleenex over the photocell, to fool it into thinking lighting conditions are darker than they are. I've fixed several 100s that way, quick and easy. If you're buying a camera already set up and tested, you don't need to worry about it.

roboflick · Apr 19, 2010

Thanks Vince I ordered a battery and that is some great info on the photocell

Polaroid Land camera

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