Polaroid 203 Film Camera User Manual
Contents
1. this sets the rangefinder for the desired distance Film speed Set the switch to 80 or 3000 21 this sets the flash for the correct amount of light Lens aperture and shutter speed 20 Use the guidelines on the back of the flash unit 21 and set as indicated User Guide The electronic flash The flash unit is designed to provide even illumination and proper exposure To turn on the flash simply raise the flash head all the way 22 The flash turns off when the head is tilted down The flash reflector should be pointed directly toward the subject Note The camera s shutter and rangefinder will not work while the flash is recharging they will work only if the flash is of for ready The camera also can be used with other types of lighting see also Appendix Alternative lighting techniques The sonar rangefinder The sonar transducer on the front of the camera emits sound waves which bounce off the subject and return as echos The transducer measures the time it takes for the echo to return and calculates the distance from the camera to the subject Important Be sure the sound waves from the transducer have a clear path to the subject To use the rangefinder look through the viewfinder and press the shutter button halfway If the camera is at the correct distance both lights will be on 23 If the camera is too close the left hand light will be on if too far the right hand light will be on2. If the camera is mounted on a tripod use the rangefinder only when setting up for the day s photography It is not necessary to check the distance for every portrait although you may want to check occasionally while shooting Miniportrait 203 403 Camera If the camera is hand held use the rangefinder for each portrait to ensure that all subjects are at the correct distance Note The rangefinder will not work while the flash is recharging it will work only if the flash is off or ready See also Appendix Depth of Field The Viewfinder When the camera is 1 2m 47 in from the subject frame the subject within the full frame 23 A When at 1 92m use the partial frame 23 B The viewfinder of the Model 203 camera also contains a bar and three dots These are used when the subject s face must be a specific size in the finished portrait The portrait selector and counter The portrait selector 24 can be set for different portraits identical portraits or 2 pairs of identical portraits Model 403 The portrait counter 25 shows the next portrait or pair of portraits Model 403 If the selector is set for identical portraits the counter always reads 1 Model 403 Slide the portrait selector to the desired setting Then set the counter and electronic shutter as follows 1 Turn off the flash 2 Make a blank exposure Push in the dark slide to avoid wasting film then press the shutter butto
3. 7 Miniportrait 203 403 Camera User Guide Pictures 25 36 18 Miniportrait 203 403 Camera User Guide Pictures 25 36 19
4. MiniPortrait Camera Models 203 403 User Guide Model 203 Polaroid Miniportrait 203 403 Camera Introduction The Polaroid Miniportrait Studio Express Cameras are designed to meet a variety of photo identification needs There are two different camera models The Model 403 produces four portraits on each sheet of Polaroid 31 4 x 41 4 in 8 5 x 10 8 cm instant pack film the Model 203 produces two portraits on each sheet The basic operation is the same for both models the Model 403 is featured here The Model 203 is shown wherever there are important differences in operation e Portrait combinations Model 403 produces 4 identical portraits 2 pairs of identical portraits or 4 different portraits Model 203 produces either 2 identical or 2 different portraits e Available films Color prints black amp white prints or black amp white prints with usable negatives e Built in electronic flash unit the camera also can be used with other types of lighting e Sonar rangefinder to ensure that the camera is at the correct distance for sharp focus and correct image size User Guide Film processing timer on the back of the film holder The numbers throughout the text refer to the pictures at the back of this User Guide Camera parts Picture1 Electronic flash unit Polaroid pack film holder Model 73A Shutter button Viewfinder Camera controls Camera on off switch Distance selector Le
5. UNATTENDED 3 IF UNIT WILL NOT BE USED FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME REMOVE BATTERIES IF USING AC ADAPTER UNPLUG UNIT FROM ELECTRICAL OUTLET GRASP PLUG NOT CORD AND PULL TO DISCONNECT FROM OUTLET 4 DO NOT OPERATE UNIT WHICH HAS BEEN DROPPED OR DAMAGED UNTIL IT HAS BEEN EXAMINED BY AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER 5 BEFORE STORING ALLOW UNIT TO COOL COMPLETELY 6 TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARDS DO NOT IMMERSE UNIT IN WATER OR OTHER FLUIDS DO NOT OPERATE UNIT NEAR WATER User Guide OR WITH WET HANDS IF SERVICE OR REPAIR WORK IS REQUIRED CONTACT AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER INCORRECT REASSEMBLY CAN CAUSE ELECTRIC SHOCK WHEN UNIT IS USED de CLOSE SUPERVISION IS NECESSARY WHEN UNIT IS USED BY OR NEAR CHILDREN 8 THE USE OF ACCESSORIES OTHER THAN THOSE RECOMMENDED MAY CAUSE RISK OF FIRE ELECTRIC SHOCK OR INJURY PLEASE KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS Validation Plate 4 For use with the 738 film holder plate may be custom printed for more secure identification pictures PID 612410 AC Adapter 5 Enables the camera to use electrical power rather than batteries Important The use of other AC adapters may damage the camera PID 612411 for 120 volt supply PID 612427 for 220 volt supply PID 612698 for 240 volt supply PID 612559 for 100 volt supply Auxiliary Camera Sync Cord 6 Allows a second camera to be synchronized with the camera PID 612409 Flash Sync Adapter The adapter is shipped
6. camera s built in flash The adapter reverses this polarity to allow proper synchronization To determine whether the adapter is needed with your flash unit 1 Plug the sync cord on your external flash unit into the camera as you would normally 2 Turn onthe camera If using the camera s built in flash in addition to the external flash unit raise the flash and wait for the Ready light to go on 3 Press the shutter button The external flash should fire If the camera flash was on both flash units should fire If the flash unit s did not fire 1 Turn off the camera and disconnect your external flash unit 2 Connect the flash sync adapter to the camera and to the sync cord on your external flash unit 3 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 above The flash unit s should fire Exposure Set the shutter to either 1 60 or 1 125 sec Set the lens aperture as indicated by the guide number of your electronic flash unit for the speed of film you are using The guide number will be in the instructions provided with the flash unit It will generally refer to direct flash for reflected flash open the lens aperture by two f stops Miniportrait 203 403 Camera Make a test picture If exposure correction is needed see below User Guide Exposure correction with electronic flash If the first picture is too dark Move lights closer to subject see table below or Increase light output see flash unit instructions o
7. e timer will count down to zero At the end of the processing time a series of short tones will sound The timer will reset for thenext picture 4 Process the picture for the full time recommended in the film instructions Then separate the print from the negative starting at the end nearest the yellow tab 31 Information on handling of prints and negatives is in the film instructions See Caution notice No yellow tab Do not pull another white tab Instead carefully open the holder far enough to get a finger on top of the film pack to hold it down 32 Grasp the top most yellow tab and gently pull it all the way out and dis card it 33 Inspect the rollers and clean them if necessary see Clean the developer rollers Close and latch the holder with the next white tab sticking out You will have to reshoot the portraits that were on that piece of film Clean the developer rollers Dirt on the developer rollers can cause a variety of problems such as repeated spots on pictures and jammed film Inspect the rollers when loading film and clean them as follows With both hands lift the steel loops and remove the roller assembly 34 Clean both rollers with a soft lint free cloth dampened with water if necessary 35 Or hold the roller assembly under clean run ning water Rotate both rollers as you clean and inspect them Note that one roller turns more easily than the other Never scrape the rollers with anyt
8. f the camera making sure that it is properly seated Then engage both sliding locks to grip the holder firmly 16 Camera location Set aside an area for photography so the camera backdrop and subject s chair need not be continually rearranged Use a tripod The camera should be mounted on a sturdy tripod with a rising center post 17 Orient the camera so that the tripod s adjustment levers will not obstruct the film tabs as they are pulled out of the camera The tripod socket has a removable thread converter 18 if your tripod has a larger fastening screw remove the converter Miniportrait 203 403 Camera Seating the subject 19 A seat should be provided for the subject Avoid chairs with high backs which may appear in the picture Adjust the height of the camera so that the lenses are about level with the eyes of the seated subject Seat the subject close to the background to ensure a light background and also the smallest possible shadow behind him The operating distance The distance from the front of the camera to the eyes of the subject should be 1 2m 47 in When using the Supplementary Lenses 78 the correct camera to subject distance is 1 92m 76 in See also Appendix Depth of field Turn on the camera Push the switch to 1 to turn on the power for the camera s shutter rangefinder and flash unit 20 Set the camera controls Distance Set the switch to 1 2 or 1 92m 20
9. g the main lamp nearer or farther away from the subject User Guide To maintain the correct exposure balance throughout the picture the other lamps in the setup should be moved closer or farther away in the same proportion as the main lamp Do not change the camera to subject distance ORIGINAL New distance for exposure LAMP SUBJECT New distance for exposure INCREASE of about DISTANCE INCREASE of about 1 f stop 1 2 f stop 1 f stop 1 2 f stop 4 ft 5ft 6 ft 7 1 2 ft 8 1 2 ft 1 30m 1 50m 1 80m 2 20m 2 60m 5 ft 5 1 2 ft 7 ft 8 1 2 ft 10 ft 1 50m 1 70m 2 10m 2 60m 3 00m 5 1 2 ft 6 1 2 ft 8 ft 9 1 2 ft 11 ft 1 70m 2 00m 2 40m 2 90m 3 40m Basic portrait lighting technique Four basic lights are used for complete portrait lighting 39 A MAIN LIGHT for pleasing and effective modelling to the subjec s face Generally it is positioned to one side of the camera at about the angle shown and pointing down at the subject s head at an angle of about 45 from the horizontal It casts distinct shadows This light should be at least 2m 6 7 ft from the subject 40 B FILL LIGHT to soften the shadows cast by the main light This light is generally aimed at the subject from near the camera viewpoint Its distance from the subject must be adjusted carefully so that it does not eliminate the shadows altogether or cast a shadow of its own 41 12 C RIM LIGHT to give a p
10. hing metallic User Guide nor with your fingernail and never attempt to disassemble the rollers Also clean the film tab slot 36 Then replace the roller assembly Picture faults and probable causes Repeated evenly spaced spots Due to dirt on the steel rollers in the film holder Missing corners or orange red marks along edges Caused by pulling the yellow tab out of the camera at an angle Oblong in print The white tab was not pulled all the way out When the yellow tab was pulled that white tab was pulled back into the camera Many small white specks Caused by pulling the yellow tab out too fast This also can cause pink lines streaks or blotches on color prints Muddy looking print The print was not processed long enough Under processed color prints may be brownish pink Very light image or none at all The film was fogged or extremely overexposed Do not pull the black tab before inserting the film pack into the holder and do not remove a loaded film holder from the camera without inserting the dark slide Be sure your exposure is based on the correct film speed Nearly black or solid black image Caused by insufficient or no exposure Be sure you have removed the dark slide and that the exposure is based on the correct film speed Broad streak or curtain shaped mark Due to hesitation or stopping while pulling out the yellow tab Miniportrait 203 403 Camera Double exposure The shutter and po
11. leasing highlight to the subject s hair or a rim light to the shoulder Ideally it should be a small focusing spotlight aimed at the subject from behind and well above Be sure it does not shine straight into the camera lens 42 D BACKGROUND LIGHT to lighten the background so the subject will stand out against it Usually identification documents require a photograph with a light background 43 Working with fewer lights You can replace the fill light with a white card or foil reflector as shown in picture 37 The rim light may not be necessary for your requirements If space is limited one main light a reflector card and a second light for the background will satisfy most photo identification needs Miniportrait 203 403 Camera United States passport pictures Polacolor pictures made with the Model 203 camera meet the requirements for United States Passports The United States Passport Office has specific photographic requirements Complete and up to date details should be obtained from the Passport Office Film Use only Polaroid Polacolor instant film Pose head and shoulders portrait showing a full face frontal view Background The subject should be seated in front of a plain white background Subject size The distance from the top of the head to the chin must be 1 to 1 3 8 in Use the bar and three dots in the viewfinder to verify the subject size as follows Align the bar with the
12. ll the way out of the holder 12 A small white tab will appear The holder is now loaded Attach it to the camera if you have not done so already No white tab Open the door and without moving the film pack push the white tab out 13 Then close and latch the door The film processing timer To set the timer 14 Press and hold the SET button until the correct processing time is displayed see the film instructions for recommended times The timer will always return to this setting after a processing cycle To reset the timer to a new time To reset it to a longer time than is displayed simply press and hold the SET button until the new time is displayed To reset it to a shorter time 1 Press the SET and START buttons simultaneously The preset time is cancelled and zero is displayed 2 Press and hold the SET button until the new time is displayed User Guide To load change the timer batteries If the display or tones fade or if the timer stops functioning the batteries should be replaced The timer uses two 1 5 volt GP 89A or equivalent batteries Slide the battery cover open 15 and insert the batteries as shown Then replace the cover Always press the SET and START buttons simultaneously after replacing the batteries Attach the holder to the camera Generally the holder is attached so the film tab slots face down Model 403 or to the right Model 203 Place the holder against the back o
13. n all the way down 3 Turn the wheel 25 C in the direction of the arrow so 1 is visible in the window User Guide Important Whenever the portrait selector is changed to a different setting the camera must be reset as described above to prevent possible double exposures Model 203 Slide the portrait selector to the desired setting It is not necessary to reset the counter and shutter Taking the picture 1 Remove the dark slide from the film holder 26 2 Check that the flash ready light is on The camera s rangefinder and shutter will not work while the flash is charging 3 Frame the subject in the viewfinder If the camera is hand held press the shutter button 27 halfway to check that the camera is at the correct distance 4 Press the shutter button all the way to take the picture Processing the film Model 403 Pull the film tabs straight down 28 If necessary brace the camera while pulling Model 203 Hold the camera firmly by the hand grip while pulling the film tabs straight out 29 1 Pull the white tab straight all the way out of the camera A large yellow tab will appear If not see No yellow tab 2 Pull the yellow tab Grip the tab firmly and pull it straight at moderate speed without hesitation all the way out of the camera 30 Miniportrait 203 403 Camera 3 Startthe timer The correct processing time should already be set Press the START button once th
14. not affected by the lens aperture Miniportrait 203 403 Camera Alternative lighting techniques Electronic flash illumination Use electronic flash with color film or Type 665 film Lighting techniques e Direct flash The flash is aimed straight at the subject The flash unit should have a guide number of at least 40 in feet for ISO 25 15 film or 24 in meters for ISO 100 21 film 1400 BCPS e Reflected flash This gives a soft light minimizing lines and wrinkles and avoiding harsh shadows The light from the flash does not strike the subject directly but is first reflected from a large diffusing surface such as a white card or a lighting umbrella Two typical setups are shown 37 38 You will need a fairly powerful electronic flash unit e See also Basic portrait lighting techniques Electronic flash synchronization The flash unit s can be synchronized with the camera in one of two ways Either connect the flash unit s sync cord to the X socket on the camera using the flash sync adapter if necessary see below Or rotate the reflector on the camera flash upward and use it to trigger the off camera slave flash unit s If your flash unit can be used for either manual or automatic operation always set the controls for manual operation do not use an automatic only flash unit 10 User Guide The flash sync adapter Some flash units have a different polarity than the
15. ns aperture selector Shutter speed selector Portrait selector Portrait counter Socket for remote shutter release Socket for AC adapter X sync socket moV Sonar rangefinder transducer Tripod socket on bottom of camera Lenses Battery compartment inside hand grip Hand grip Flash tilt knob Flash controls on back of flash unit Ready light Film speed selector M Flash sync adapter TXT TION Accessories Remote Shutter Release 2 1 m approx 39 in long allows the photographer to move around and work closely with the subject while taking pictures PID 612412 Supplementary Lenses 78 3 Produce a smaller subject size allowing you to include more than one person in each portrait PID 600272 Miniportrait 203 403 Camera Film Holder 73A This holder is shipped with the Model 403 camera additional holders can be loaded with different film types for easy interchangeability PID 612413 Film Holder 73B Allows use of a validation plate PID 612414 Film Holder 73C This holder is shipped with the Model 203 camera it is identical to the 73A film holder except for the location of the timer PID 612415 Underwriter s Laboratories Inc U L requires that the following safety information be provided IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS AS WITH ANY ELECTRICALLY OPERATED EQUIPMENT BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE OBSERVED REMEMBER 1 FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS 2 DO NOT LEAVE UNIT
16. r Use a larger lens aperture Tungsten illumination With high speed black and white films you can use tungsten lighting Use lamps intended especially for photography mounted in appropriate reflectors To avoid discomfort keep the lamps at least 2m 6 7 ft from your subject See Basic portrait lighting technique If the first picture is too light Use a smaller lens aperture or Move lights farther from subject see table below or Decrease light output see flash unit instructions Exposure For initial exposure determination use an exposure meter Take a reading and then set the camera to one of the shutter speed lens aperture combinations indicated by the meter If the meter indicates a setting for which the camera cannot be set then the lights are too close or too far from the subject Adjust them accordingly Make a test picture If exposure correction is needed see below Exposure correction with tungsten lighting If the first picture is too dark Move lights closer to subject see table below or Use a larger lens aperture or Use a slower shutter speed see table below If the first picture is too light Use a smaller lens aperture Use a faster Re speed Move lights nee from subject Put diffusers lamps see instructions with lighting Miniportrait 203 403 Camera How changing the lamp distance affects the exposure The table below indicates in f stops how exposure can be adjusted by movin
17. rtrait counter were not reset after the portrait selector was moved to a different setting Depth of field The depth of field or distance zone within which your subject will be in focus User Guide increases as you close down the lens aperture Thus you should always use the smallest possible lens aperture highest possible f number The table shows the approximate depth of field at the various f number settings Approximate depth of field Aperture Camera at 47 in 1 2m f 8 44 51 in 111 130cm f 11 43 53 in 108 134cm f 16 41 56 in 104 142cm f 22 39 60 in 99 153cm f 32 36 69 in 91 174cm With Supplementary Lenses 78 Camera at 76 in 1 92m 68 85 in 172 217cm 65 90 in 166 228cm 61 98 in 156 249cm 57 111 in 146 281 cm 52 I 40 in 131 356cm Note The sonar rangefinder has a much smaller depth of field or distance zone within which it signals that the subject is at the correct distance When the camera is set for 1 2m this range is approximately 5 in 12 7cm and the subject can be 44 5 49 5 in 1 13 1 26m away When set for 1 92m the range is approx 7 in 17 8cm and the subject can be 71 80 in 1 8 2 0m away A small change in distance such as when the subject leans forward slightly may cause the rangefinder to signal that the camera is too close although the subject is still well within the camera s range of sharp focus The rangefinder s depth of field is
18. subject s chin and check that the top of the head is between the highest and lowest dots Picture size The picture must be at least 2x 2in Picture handling Pictures should be allowed to dry before they are handled The pictures may be cut either with a print cutter made to the required size or carefully with a pair of scissors Warranty U S A only Your Polaroid Miniportrait Instant Camera has been thoroughly tested and inspected before shipment All parts are guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for one full year from the date of original purchase During this period any such defects will be remedied by Polaroid Corporation without charge except for 13 User Guide transportation costs To take advantage of this warranty the camera must be repaired by an Authorized Service Center The warranty does not include the batteries or damage caused by leaking batteries THIS WARRANTY EXCLUDES ALL CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES Warranty outside U S A Your Polaroid Studio Express Instant Camera has been thoroughly tested and inspected before shipment All parts are guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for one full year from the date of original purchase During this period any such defects will be remedied by Polaroid Corporation without charge except for transportation costs To take advantage of this warranty the camera must be repaired by an Authorized Service Center The
19. to the camera If the holder is not attached to the camera check that the dark slide is fully inserted to prevent fogging the film Polaroid 3 x 4 in 8 5 x 10 8cm pack films Speed approx Description This film yields a positive color print It is balanced for use with electronic flash or in average daylight 5500 K With its extended tonal range and lower image contrast it is ideally suited for portraiture Film type ISO equiv Type 669 108 80 20 Polacolor ER Type 668 80 20 Polacolor 2 Type 107 3000 36 High speed Type 667 3000 36 High speed Type 665 80 20 Pos Neg Similar to Polacolor ER film above except that it produces a higher contrast print A very high speed black and white film which yields a positive print Same as the above but prints need not be coated after processing A black and white film which produces a high quality negative in addition to the positive print Miniportrait 203 403 Camera Pull both sides of the latch to open the door the door does not open flat Before loading the film check that the developer rollers are clean see Clean the developer rollers Always hold the film pack by the edges not in the center Slide the pack in at an angle 10 then push it down into place Check that the white tabs are not caught between the pack and the holder 11 Close and latch the door with the end of the black tab sticking out Pull the black tab straight a
20. warranty does not include the batteries or damage caused by leaking batteries THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT AFFECT YOUR STATUTORY RIGHTS Service Cameras damaged by accident mishandling or tampering will be promptly repaired at a reasonable charge Please pack the camera carefully in its original shipping carton or other solid container with plenty of padding and ship it prepaid and insured to the nearest Polaroid Service Center User Guide Miniportrait 203 403 Camera Caution This process uses a caustic paste Avoid contact with skin eyes and mouth and keep away from children and animals If you get some paste on your skin wipe it off immediately and wash with water to avoid an alkali burn If eye or mouth contact occurs quickly wash the area with plenty of water and see a doctor Keep discarded materials away from children animals clothing and furniture For more information For additional assistance in the use of your camera or advice on any photographic problem call toll free from within the U S A at 800 225 1618 Mon Fri 8 AM to 8 PM EasternTime Or write to Polaroid Customer Care Center 201 Burlington Road Bedford MA 01730 If outside the U S A contact the nearest Polaroid Office 14 Miniportrait 203 403 Camera User Guide Picture 1 15 Miniportrait 203 403 Camera User Guide Pictures 2 12 16 Miniportrait 203 403 Camera User Guide E Z Z Pictures 13 24 1
21. with the camera It is designed to reverse the polarity of an external flash unit to make it compatible with the camera s built in flash PID 613249 The accessories are available from your Polaroid Camera Dealer or contact the nearest Polaroid Office Miniportrait 203 403 Camera Load the batteries The camera uses four 1 5 volt AA batteries which provide power for the shutter electronic flash unit and sonar rangefinder Alkaline batteries are recommended Do not use NiCad rechargeable batteries they may damage the camera A set of batteries is included with the camera A fresh set of alkaline batteries should last for approx 80 flashes The flash unit should recharge in 10 12 sec with fresh batteries when the recharge time reaches 30 sec replace the batteries The battery compartment is inside the hand grip Open the lid 7 and insert the batteries in the orientation shown inside the compartment 8 Then close the lid If the camera will not be used for an extended period of time remove the User Guide batteries and store them separately to prevent damage caused by leaking batteries Note An AC adapter may be preferred for high volume use see Accessories Model 73A film holder 9 A Dark slide B Door latch C Film tab slots D Camera mounting brackets E Film developer rollers F Timer on back of holder Load the film The holder may be loaded either before or after it is attached
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