Polaroid Spectra 1200FF (~1985)

Polaroid Spectra 1200FF (~1985)

#436

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

Polaroid introduced the Spectra system of cameras in the early 1980s. It was an all-new line of cameras, and had a corresponding new film. Spectra film (called 'Image' outside of North America) is different from 600 integral film in that it has a different image format: a rectangular 9.2 x 7.3cm rather than 600 film's square format. Spectra film is otherwise identical to 600 film - ISO speed, development method and operation remain identical. The Spectra range of cameras also sport better lenses on average than the 600-film range, with most of the models utilising an arc-shaped range of focusing lenses inside the body that swing across the exterior lens element to provide correct focusing, rather than adjusting the distance between internal lens elements. Spectra cameras are thought to take higher-quality pictures than a conventional 600 Polaroid camera, due to the camera's higher build quality and a proportionally larger print area.
Spectra film initially came with 10 shots per pack, but this was increased to 12 in most markets. Spectra film is also known as 1200 or Image film in some markets, and there are high definition and grid-marked versions available, as with 600 film.
All Spectra models except the Macro SLRs and the ProCam feature 125mm lenses, giving a field of view equivalent to 46mm on a 35mm film camera.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Specifications

Different folding mechanism to other Spectra models, featuring folding plastic bellows. The camera front is hinged at the bottom and opens vertically; similar in principle to a single-hinged SX-70 model though this is not an SLR camera. A black model known as the Spectra Blitz was marketed by the Lomography Society, but that model does not fold down.

Wider lens (100mm f/11.5, 2-element aspherical plastic).
Fixed-focus, but has built-in close-up lens for shots down to 60cm. A warning/reminder light appears near the viewfinder when the close-up lens has been selected.
Auto-flash with no ability to force on or off.
Built-in metal lens cover automatically slides over the lens when the camera is folded.
No tripod socket.
No Lighten/Darken control or other means of exposure compensation.
Shoots up to 12 exposures using the final generation of Spectra/Image 1200 film.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Model

Code inside: BBQABPJ5BPA

Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

Manual

English manual


Film

Spectra Film

Pictures taken with this machine


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