Polaroid MiniPortrait User Guide
MiniPortrait Camera
User Guide
MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
What’s Inside
Introduction........................................................................................ 3
Before you begin ............................................................................... 4
Clean the rollers ........................................................................... 4
Use a clean, white background..................................................... 4
Know the processing times for Polaroid films ............................... 4
Know Polaroid’s toll-free number for technical assistance............. 4
Setting up for great pictures............................................................... 5
Tips and techniques........................................................................... 7
Use fresh film ............................................................................... 7
Know picture-size and picture-type requirements.......................... 7
Have a photo cutting device nearby.............................................. 7
Check your supply of photo folders ............................................... 7
Set the flash unit position.............................................................. 7
Framing and composition.................................................................. 8
Use the viewfinder aiming and framing aids ................................. 8
Aim and frame accurately through the viewfinder .......................... 8
Camera settings step-by-step............................................................ 9
Set the Film Speed Switch on the flash unit for the Polaroid
film type you are using.................................................................. 10
Set the timer for the processing time ............................................ 10
Using the Sonar rangefinder......................................................... 10
Film processing................................................................................. 11
Pull the film tabs straight at a moderate speed ............................. 11
Handle developing pictures with care ........................................... 1 1
Picture problems and problem prevention.......................................... 13
Rules and regulations ........................................................................ 17
Accessories...................................................................................... 18
T oll-free technical assistance ............................................................. 19
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MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
Introduction
The Polaroid MiniPortrait Model 203
two-lens camera has been used in most of
the illustrations and operational
photographs in this booklet. Where information about four-lens cameras appears,
the Model 455 camera has been used.
While most of the general tips and
techniques apply to all MiniPortrait
cameras, users of earlier models should
refer to the instruction book for their particular
camera for details about exposure and
distance settings, or call Polaroid Technical
Assistance at the toll-free number shown on
page 4.
Please keep this booklet within reach of
your camera.
The information in this booklet is designed
to help both experienced photographers
and occasional users of Polaroid MiniPortrait
cameras produce instant photos for
passports, visas and other official documents
that meet the quality standards of regulatory
agencies, as well as the expectations of
paying customers.
The booklet will help camera operators set
up and shoot successfully…avoid some
common picture-taking errors…perform a
few simple, routine, preventive
maintenance checks…and get expert
assistance when needed.
This booklet covers – in quick reference
form – much of the material contained in
the instructions provided with Polaroid
MiniPortrait cameras. Please consult those
instructions when first learning to use the
camera.
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MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
More about lighting
Detailed information about lighting can be
found in the instruction book that came with
your Polaroid MiniPortrait camera. The book
includes information about basic portrait
lighting techniques, as well as alternative
lighting options.
Before you begin…
Clean the rollers
Remove and clean the rollers in the film
holder regularly . Check the rollers each time
you load a pack of film and before each
picture-taking session. (Y ou can check and
clean the rollers even when the film holder is
loaded with film.) The rollers can be removed
easily for cleaning. Use a soft cloth, moistened with water . Do not use alcohol or other
cleaning fluids, and never scrape the rollers
with a hard object or with your fingernails.
Know the processing times for Polaroid
films
Color films/U.S. passport pictures
Recommended Normal processing time*
film types
Polacolor 100 90 seconds
Polacolor Pro 100 90 seconds
Studio Polaroid 90 seconds
Providid 90 seconds
Polacolor ER 60 seconds
Types 669, 559
Black and white film
Recommended Normal processing time*
film types
Type 667, 665, 554 30 seconds
Use a clean, white background
For most document photos a clean, white
background is required. For best results, use
seamless, super-white paper , or a beaded,
white projector screen. Avoid cloth backdrops.
For the very best results, auxiliary
background lighting is recommended.
(See page 5)
* A T 70º - 77º F (21º - 24º C)
Know Polaroid’s toll-free number for
technical assistance
For assistance with your camera or
Polaroid films, or for advice on any instant
photographic problem, please don’t hesitate
to call us. Call toll-free at 1-800-343-5000,
Monday through Friday , 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.,
Eastern Time.
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MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
Setting up for great pictures
1
4
2
5
7
8
3
11
6
10
18
9
17
12
13
14
15
16
1 Use a clean, white background.
2 A background light is recomended.
3 Provide an adjustable stool for your
subject.
4 Place the subject close to the
background, about 10-12 in.
5 Measure camera-to-subject distance
carefully . Distance affects image size,
image sharpness, and exposure.
(See page 10)
6 Use the Sonar rangefinder to help
position the camera at the correct
distance (1.2 m/47 in.) from your
subject. (See page 10)
7 Make sure your subject is facing directly
toward the camera.
8 The camera lenses should be at the
subject’s eye level.
9 Mark the correct camera and subject
positions if your setup is not
permanent.
10 For consistent results mount the camera
on a tripod.
11 When using the camera’s flash as the
main lighting, be sure the flash unit is in
the “up” position and reflector is facing
forward. (See page 7)
12 Check the camera exposure settings
before you shoot. (See pages 9-10)
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MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
13 Set the timer for the correct processing
time for the film you re using.
(See pages 4, 10 and 1 1)
14 Have a photo-trimming device, such as
a die cutter , handy . (See page 18)
15 Have a supply of Polaroid Photo
Folders available to protect your images
and to assure safe delivery to your
customers. (See pages 7 and 18)
16 Know the photo specifications (image
size) for the documents in which the
pictures will be used. (See page 17)
17 Have a mirror nearby for your customer’s
convenience.
18 Keep a copy of “Quick Tips for
MiniPortrait Camera Users” handy for
fast reference.
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