Polaroid transparent camera fix

Mayday celebrations

A
Mayday celebrations

  • 0
  • 1
  • 32
MayDay celebration

A
MayDay celebration

  • 1
  • 0
  • 43
Cold War

Cold War

  • 0
  • 0
  • 41
Yosemite Valley (repost)

H
Yosemite Valley (repost)

  • 1
  • 0
  • 47

Recent Classifieds

Forum statistics

Threads
197,553
Messages
2,760,946
Members
99,401
Latest member
Charlotte&Leo
Recent bookmarks
0

stevenjeong99

Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2024
Messages
32
Location
Hungary, Budapest
Format
Medium Format
Hello, I recently acquired a transparent polaroid camera that is fully functional but of course does not take any photos since the film gets instantly exposed to light when I put it into the camera due to the transparent plastic body. Does anybody know if this transparent camera can be altered so that it can actually take pictures? Thanks
 

rcphoto

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 20, 2022
Messages
321
Location
Kentucky
Format
Medium Format
I think mods would allow you to post a picture of the camera and the results you are getting to help us understand.
 

OrientPoint

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 25, 2018
Messages
400
Location
New York
Format
35mm
The transparent ones were demonstration models meant to show how the cameras work.

I believe the fix for the transparency "issue" would be a can of spray paint. Even with an opaque case I don't think it'd work as the mechanisms in these don't cycle like a normal, working model. The camera is probably best used as a display piece.
 

brbo

Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2011
Messages
2,025
Location
EU
Format
Multi Format
The best fix is to sell it and then buy 3 normal Polaroid cameras and a bunch of film.
 
OP
OP
stevenjeong99

stevenjeong99

Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2024
Messages
32
Location
Hungary, Budapest
Format
Medium Format
The transparent ones were demonstration models meant to show how the cameras work.

I believe the fix for the transparency "issue" would be a can of spray paint. Even with an opaque case I don't think it'd work as the mechanisms in these don't cycle like a normal, working model. The camera is probably best used as a display piece.

I do have the exact same regular black model of it but I just wanted to see if I could modify the transparent one to actually take photos.. of course without making it non-transparent😅.. just because it would look cool and would be fun to use it! As far as I can see, the polaroid does spit out pictures, just that it's completely white from being exposed to light inside the camera. I guess I'll do more research on whether the internal components are actually the same and function the same as a regular polaroid.
 

OrientPoint

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 25, 2018
Messages
400
Location
New York
Format
35mm
You might try using it in rooms with no light. At least then you'd get a different image.
 

koraks

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Nov 29, 2018
Messages
20,895
Location
Europe
Format
Multi Format
if I could modify the transparent one to actually take photos..

You could try and mount the camera inside a dark box with only an opening around the lens. Ensure no light can seep between the opening in the box and the camera lens. Then trigger the camera from within the box; you may be able to fashion something using a remote controlled wire release or something. Wait until the picture rolls out of the camera before opening the box.

First issue is film.

A painful reality.
 

mshchem

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 26, 2007
Messages
14,276
Location
Iowa City, Iowa USA
Format
Medium Format
You could try and mount the camera inside a dark box with only an opening around the lens. Ensure no light can seep between the opening in the box and the camera lens. Then trigger the camera from within the box; you may be able to fashion something using a remote controlled wire release or something. Wait until the picture rolls out of the camera before opening the box.



A painful reality.

I have 30 year old prints I shot on Polaroid type 669 color pack film. I used a Polaroid Big Shot portrait camera with Magicubes. Absolutely stunning how perfect this film was at this moment in time.
 

fstop

Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2011
Messages
1,119
Format
35mm
I wouldn't modify it, get another one.
 

xya

Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2010
Messages
1,030
Location
Calais, Köln
Format
Multi Format
I had this camera, see https://www.instantphoto.eu/pola/pola_660trans.htm

pola_660trans_01.JPG


I tried to make it work by installing black cardboard around the film compartment. This wasn't light tight and took some of the charm from this camera.

If you are good in taking these cameras apart (in my opinion they are a PITA repair-wise) you could get yourself a regular 660 and change all parts concerning the film chamber. But as said, it takes away some of the charm...
 
Photrio.com contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
To read our full affiliate disclosure statement please click Here.

PHOTRIO PARTNERS EQUALLY FUNDING OUR COMMUNITY:



Ilford ADOX Freestyle Photographic Stearman Press Weldon Color Lab Blue Moon Camera & Machine
Top Bottom