Polaroid 403, 203 User Manual

0 (0)
Polaroid 403, 203 User Manual

MiniPortrait Camera

Models 203/403

User Guide

Model 203

Miniportrait 203/403 Camera

User Guide

 

 

 

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.

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.

Available films: Color prints, black & white prints or black & white prints with usable negatives.

Built-in electronic flash unit; the camera also can be used with other types of lighting.

Sonar rangefinder, to ensure that the camera is at the correct distance for sharp focus and correct image size.

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)

A.Electronic flash unit

B.Polaroid pack film holder Model 73A

C.Shutter button

D.Viewfinder

E.Camera controls: Camera on/off switch Distance selector Lens aperture selector Shutter speed selector

Portrait selector Portrait counter

Socket for remote shutter release Socket for AC adapter

X (sync) socket

F.Sonar rangefinder transducer

G.Tripod socket (on bottom of camera)

H.Lenses

I.Battery compartment (inside hand grip)

J.Hand grip

K.Flash tilt knob

L.Flash controls (on back of flash unit): Ready light

Film speed selector

M.Flash sync adapter

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)

2

Miniportrait 203/403 Camera

User Guide

 

 

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 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

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 SUBSEQUENTLY.

7.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 220volt 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 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.

3

Miniportrait 203/403 Camera

User Guide

 

 

 

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

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 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.

 

Film type

IS0 equiv.)

Description

Type 669/108

80/20o

This film yields a positive color print. It is balanced

Polacolor ER

 

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.

Type 668

80/20o

Similar to Polacolor ER film (above) except that it

Polacolor 2

 

produces a higher-contrast print.

Type 107

3000/36o

A very high speed black and white film, which yields a

High-speed

 

positive print.

Type 667

3000/36o

Same as the above, but prints need not be coated

High-speed

 

after processing.

Type 665

80/20o

A black and white film which produces a high-quality

Pos/Neg

 

negative, in addition to the positive print.

4

Miniportrait 203/403 Camera

User Guide

 

 

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, all 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.

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 of 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.

5

Miniportrait 203/403 Camera

User Guide

 

 

 

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); 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.

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 on.

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.

6

Loading...
+ 13 hidden pages