SPECTRA AF
This book contains operating instructions
for the Polaroid Spectra AF camera
(see p. 2.) The text refers to pictures
on these fold-out pages.
Este manual contiene las instrucciones
de operation de la camara Polaroid Spectra AF
(p. 23). El texto hate referencia a las figuras de
estas hojas desplegables.
16 17
• Get in close to subject (p. 20)
• Acerquese al sujeto (p. 42)
• Add foreground interest (p. 20)
• Anada interes al fondo (p. 42)
14 15
• Use color in pictures (p. 20)
• Use el color en las fotografías (p. 42)
• Keep background simple (p. 20)
• Mantegna un fondo sencillo (p. 42)
10 11
• Flash off: facial shadows (p. 8)
• Flash: apagado sombras en la cara (p. 30)
12 13
• Distant background: too dark (p. 1 0)
• Fondo distante: demasiado oscuro (p. 32)
• Add foreground interest (p. 20)
• Anada interes al fondo (p. 42)
• Close background: good picture (p. 1 0)
• Fondo cercano: buena fotografía (p. 32)
1
2
34
56
78
9
1
2
3
4
IMPORTANT
SAFEGUARDS
As with any battery-operated equipment, observe
these basic safety precautions:
FOLLOW ALL OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
CLOSELY SUPERVISE CAMERA WHEN IT IS
BEING USED BY OR NEAR CHILDREN.
DO NOT USE CAMERA IF IT HAS BEEN
DROPPED OR DAMAGED - UNTIL IT HAS
BEEN EXAMINED AT AN AUTHORIZED
POLAROID SERVICE CENTER.
TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARDS,
DO NOT DISASSEMBLE CAMERA. SERVICE
OR REPAIR WORK MUST BE DONE ONLY BY
AN AUTHORIZED POLAROID SERVICE
CENTER. INCORRECT REASSEMBLY CAN
CAUSE ELECTRICAL SHOCK WHEN CAMERA
IS USED AGAIN. DO NOT IMMERSE IN
WATER OR OTHER FLUIDS.
PLEASE KEEP THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
Contents
The camera
Using the camera
Features
Guide to better pictures
The camera 2
The control panel 3
Open the camera 4
Check the control panel 4
Load the film 4
Position your subject 4
Take the picture 5
To remove an empty film pack 5
The autofocus system 6
The viewfinder displays 7
The programmed flash 8
The recharge indicator 8
Flash range 9
The exposure control 9
The self-timer 11
Photographing through glass 12
Lens care 13
Picture care 13
Film care 13
For information and help 14
?
Warranty 15
Troubleshooting guide 16
Picture-taking tips 20
Camera, film specifications 21
2
The camera
The camera a Sonar rangefinder
(sends out sound waves
to measure the distance
to your subject).
b Film door release
c Film door
d Film exit slot
e Photocell-silicon photo-
(measures light
diodes
from the scene and light
from the flash, indoors
and outdoors).
f Film shade
picture from light as it
exits the camera).
g Programmed flash
h Self-timer indicator
i Patented Quintic lens
(three element, 125mm
lens system.) Ten-zone
focusing from 2 feet
(0.6m ) to infinity.
(protects the
j Hand strap
k Release latch
and closes the camera).
l Viewfinder
m Neck strap connector
(see attachment instructions that come with
neck strap).
n Tripod socket
neath the camera).
o Two-stage shutter but-
ton
(press halfway to
restore the green light;
press the rest of the way
to take the picture. To
delay ejecting the picture, hold the shutter
button down).
(adjustable)
(opens
(under-
The camera 3
The control panel a Feet or meters selec-
(slide it down using
tor
the tip of a ball-point
pen, and the distance
reading in the viewfinder will be in meters).
b Audio signal switch
(slide it down when you
want to turn off the
warning tone, beeps, or
chimes).
c Self-timer switch
(slide
it down to get into your
picture).
d Sonar autofocus over-
ride
(slide the switch
down to turn off the
autofocus system).
e Programmed flash
(slide the switch down to
turn off the flash).
f Exposure control
(adjust it to lighten or
darken a picture).
g Rapid-recharge indica-
tor:
Green /;gM (means
the flash is ready to fire
and you can take a picture).
h Picture counter
down to show how
many pictures are left in
the film pack).
(counts
4
Using the camera
Open the camera
1
(pictures 3, 4)
Check the
2
control panel
Load the film
3
(pictures 5, 6)
Position your
4
subject
Place both hands under the camera as shown. Slide the
release latch back. The camera will open automatically.
To close the camera (picture 4): When you have finished
using the camera, close it to protect the lens. Hold the
camera as shown. Slide the release latch back. Push both
sides of the cover down until it locks.
When you want the camera to be
all the switches are in a row as shown in picture 2.
Note:
When the switches are not in the automatic mode,
there is a red mark (or green symbol for the self-timer) visible on the panel.
Use only Polaroid Spectra color film. Other Polaroid films
cannot be used with this camera.
Push the film door release
Hold the film pack by its edges only and slide it all the way
into the camera.
You can take the most pleasing pictures of people,
indoors and outdoors,
1.5m) away.
Y our subject should be within the
Indoors:
flash range. For best results, your subject should
to 4.6m)
also be near a light-colored background.
Outdoors:
from the camera.
Y our subject should be at least
when they are
fully automatic
down
. The film door will open.
3 to 5 feet (0.9m to
2 to 15 foot (0.6m
2 feet (0.6m)
, be sure
both
away
Using the camera 5
Take the picture
5
(pictures 7, 8)
To remove an empty
film pack
(pictures 5 & 9)
Slide your left hand through the hand strap and hold
the camera as you would a pair of binoculars.
For horizontal pictures, hold the camera as shown in
picture 7. For vertical pictures, position the camera with
the flash on top as shown in picture 8 to get the best
results.
After you take the tenth picture, the picture counter
sets to zero and three chimes sound to remind you to
remove the empty film pack.
Push the film door release
Pull the blue tab to remove the film pack.
When the camera contains an empty film pack:
• You wilI hear three chimes
• You will hear three chimes and then see a flashing zero
in the viewfinder when you press and hold the shutter
button
halfway
down
to open the film door.
when you open the camera
6
Features
The autofocus system
As you press the shutter button, your camera sends
sound waves - within 10 thousandths of a second - to the
central part of the scene (approximate area circled in
white, see illustration).
The sound waves are used to measure the distance to
the person or object (in the central part of the scene) that
is
closest to the camera.
A built-in computer then uses this measurement to provide the correct lens setting, so
• The sound waves must have a clear path to your subject.
an object (candlestick, centerpiece, etc.1 prevents the
sound waves from reaching your subject, the lens will
focus on that object, and your subject will not be clear
and in focus.
• When photographing more than one person, place
everyone the same distance from the camera.
• When taking a picture through glass, turn off the auto-
focus system.
be sure that:
If
Features 7
The viewfinder displays
The good picture symbol
When you have a film pack in the camera and press the
shutter button
, a display appears in the viewfinder
halfway
to help you take the best possible picture.
When you see a
number in the viewfinder
, it tells you the
distance to your subject (in feet or meters). This number
will help you follow the distance recommendations
throughout this book.
When you see a
green “good picture” symbo
l, the conditions are right for taking a good picture. Press the shutter
button the rest of the way.
When you see
warning tone
a flashing yellow “caution ” symbol and hear a
, you should correct a problem before taking
the picture. The distance reading will help you identify the
problem. When you see:
The number 1:
Y our subject is too close. R elease the shutter
button and stand at least 2 feet (.6m) from subject.
A number from 16 to 20:
Your subject is beyond the flash
range. Release the shutter button and mo ve closer to your
subject to keep within the 2 to 15 foot (0.6m to 4.6m) flash
range.
A number from 2 to 15:
The flash is off.
Slide the flash switch up to turn the flash
back on.
Note:
Distance readings do not appear when your subject
is beyond 20 feet (6.2m).
8 Features
The programmed flash
(pictures 10, 11)
The recharge indicator
Every time you take a picture, indoors or outdoors , your
camera blends light from the scene with just enough
flash to provide the right lighting for the best possible
picture.
In the sample outdoor scene, photographed without
flash (picture 10), bright sunlight has created harsh facial
shadows.
Your camera blends sunlight with just the right amount
of flash to soften shadows and reveal facial details (picture 11).
The Polaroid Spectra features a rapid recharge flash with
recharge times usually less than a second. The green
light on the control panel will come on and the flash will
automatically begin to charge every time you:
• Load film into the camera
• Take a picture
• Press the shutter button halfway
• Open the camera
When the green light comes on, the flash is ready to fire.
The light will stay on for 20 to 30 seconds.
If you want to take a picture after the green light has
gone off, lightly press and release the shutter button to
turn the green light back on.
Features 9
Flash range
The exposure control
a lighten
b darken
c center
Indoors: Your subject should be 2 to 15 feet (0.6m
to 4.6m) from the camera.
Outdoors: Your subject should be at least 2 feet
(0.6m) away.
Use the picture control when you want to retake a
picture to make it lighter or darker.
When retaking a picture to make it lighter:
Slide the control all the way up (a).
When retaking a picture to make it darker:
Slide the control all the way down (b).
Any partial adjustments will not affect your exposure.
The control must be adjusted all the way in either
direction.
After you have finished taking the picture, do not forget
to return the control to the normal position (c) .
Special situations
Pictures taken of people in highly reflective beach or
snow scenes often turn out too dark. You may want to
set the control all the way up to the lighten setting (a)
before taking this type of picture.
10 Features
Backgrounds too dark?
(pictures 12, 13)
If the background of a flash picture is too dark but your
subject is well illuminated (picture 12), the background is
too far away.
Moving the control to the
this problem, so be sure the exposure control is in the
normal position.
Retake the picture, placing your subject
and keeping both within the
flash range (picture 13).
lighten
setting will not correct
near a background
2 to 15 foot (0.6m to 4.6m)
The self-timer The self-timer lets you get into your picture.
To use this feature, place the camera on a tripod or other
steady support. If you attach the camera to a table tripod,
be sure the camera is positioned over one of the tripod’s
legs for proper support.
Frame your picture in the viewfinder and press the shutter
button halfway to be sure you get the green “good picture” symbol. Then release the shutter button.
a
Slide the self-timer switch all the way down (a). Y ou now
have 12 seconds to get into your picture.
During the first 10 seconds, the camera will beep and you
will see a flashing red light (b) on the front of the camera.
b
Two seconds before the camera takes the picture, the red
light will stay on and the beeps will become a steady signal to remind you to hold still and smile.
After the camera has taken the picture, it will not eject the
film until you slide the self-timer switch up (c). Do not
close the camera before you slide the switch up.
c
If you want to stop the 12-second countdown, slide the
switch up (c) to turn off the timer.
Note: When the self-timer switch is on there is a green circle visible in the control panel.
Features 11
12 Features
Photographing through glass To avoid focusing on the glass and getting a flash
reflection, turn off the autofocus and flash systems by
sliding both switches down, as shown (a, b).
When you turn off the autofocus system, the lens sets
for distant scenes (15 feet (4.6m) to infinity), requiring
the picture to be taken in a special way:
• Be sure the scene is at least 15 feet (4.6m) from the
a b
c
d
camera and in daylight.
• Frame the picture in the viewfinder and press the
shutter button halfway (you will not see a distance
reading because the autofocus system is off).
• When you see the green “good picture” symbol, take
the picture.
If you see the flashing yellow “caution” symbol and
hear a warning tone, there is not enough light to take a
good picture.
Important
When you have finished taking the picture, turn on the
autofocus and flash systems by sliding both switches
up (c, d).
Guide to better pictures
Lens care It is important to avoid touching the lens. To remove dust
or fingerprints, breathe on the lens and wipe it gently
with a clean, soft facial tissue. Do not use silicone-treated
eyeglass tissues.
Picture care The development process takes place inside the film;
therefore, developing Spectra pictures can be stacked.
During the first 60 seconds of development, handle the
picture gently. Fanning or bending the picture will disturb
the development process. Wind can also affect development as the picture exits the camera. You can delay ejecting the picture by holding the shutter button down until
you can protect the picture from the wind. Hold the developing picture by its wide white border.
Note: Keep the developing picture away from hot surfaces like the hood of a car.
Film care For best results, use Spectra film between 55°F (13°C) and
95°F (35°C). See film box for more details.
13
14 Guide to better pictures
For information and help If you are unable to get good pictures, review this instruc-
tion book. Picture problems are often due to incorrect use
of the camera. lf you need further help, and before you
return your camera for repair, please see your dealer or
contact the nearest Polaroid office. If you write, please
explain the nature of the problem and, if possible, enclose
sample pictures. Include your return address.
U.S.A.
Polaroid Customer Care Center
201 Burlington Road
Bedford, Massachusetts 01731
Representatives available weekdays
from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time:
Tel: 1-800-343-5000 TDD: 1-800-448-6708
México
Polaroid de México
Paseo de la Reforma No. 195
Col. Cuahtémoc
06500 Mexico, D.F.
Tel: (05) 703-1111
Canada
Polaroid Canada, Inc.
350 Carlingview Drive
Rexdale, Ontario M9W 5G6
Tel: (416) 675-3680
Toll free: 800-268-6970
Guide to better pictures 15
Warranty
U.S.A.: Full five-year
Mexico: Full five-year
If your camera proves to be defective within the warranty
period, we will, without charge, either repair it or at
our option replace it with a fully reconditioned camera.
The warranty period begins from the original date of
purchase. To verify the warranty period, you should
keep the sales slip or other proof of the purchase date.
Without this information, the warranty period will be
determined by the manufacturing date on the camera.
The repair or replacement of your camera is guaranteed
for the remaining warranty period on your original
camera. The warranty does not cover damage caused
by accident, misuse, or tampering with the camera,
and a charge will be made for such repairs.
For warranty service, the camera must be returned to
and repaired by a Polaroid Service Center (see page 14).
Please call us at the number listed for your location.
U.S.A.: Full five-year warranty
Mexico: Full five-year warranty (see p. 37)
U.S.A.: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and
you may also have other rights, which vary from state
to state. This warranty excludes all consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion of consequential damages, so the foregoing exclusion may not
apply to you.
16 Guide to better pictures
Blurry picture Cause
•
When subject is not centered in the picture, the
sound waves pass by the
subject and measure the
distance to the background. This causes the
subject to be unsharp
because the lens focuses
on the background.
• Object in foreground pre-
vented sound waves from
measuring correctly. Lens
focuses on object, causing
unclear and possibly dark
subject.
• When picture is taken in
low light (dusk, shade, etc.)
shutter can stay open for as
long as 2.8 seconds. Camera movement can cause
the picture to be blurry.
Solution
•
Center the subject in the
picture. Or, if you want to
keep your subject off center, frame your subject in
the middle of the viewfinder. Press and hold the
shutter button halfway to
lock in the correct lens setting. Then reframe your
subject off center and press
the shutter button the rest
of the way.
• The sound waves travel to
the central part of the
scene. Be sure there are no
objects in front of your
subject.
• Hold the camera steady as
you take the picture, or
place the camera on a firm
support.
Guide to better pictures 17
Repeated spots or bar pattern
Cause
•
Developer rollers inside the
film door need to be
cleaned.
Damaged picture Cause
•
Picture was shaken back
and forth or bent shortly
after it ejected from the
camera.
• Picture was left in the exit
slot, and camera was set
down on a table or other
surface.
Solution
•
Open film door in indirect
light (do not remove film).
While turning rollers, clean
them with a lint-free cloth
dampened with water.
Solution
•
During first 60 seconds of
development, handle print
gently; hold it only by its
wide white border, and do
not wave or bend it.
• Remove print from exit slot
as soon as it ejects.
18 Guide to better pictures
Subject too dark Cause
•
Camera’s photocell measured the bright window
light, causing the subject to
be too dark.
• When a bright source of
light (lamplight, candlelight, etc.) is in the central
part of the scene and in
front of the subject, the
camera’s photocell will
measure the bright light,
causing the subject to be
too dark.
Background too dark Cause
•
Background was too far
from subject.
• Subject may have been
beyond flash range.
Solution
•
Reposition subject away
from the bright background.
• Move the source of light to
one side of your subject so
it is not in the central part
of the scene.
Solution
•
Place subject near a background and keep the picture control in the normal
position.
• Stay within flash range of
2 to 15 feet (0.6m to 4.6m),
and keep the picture control in the normal position.
Guide to better pictures 19
Picture too blue or too red/yellow
Cause
•
Pictures taken at temperatures below 55°F (13°C)
can have a blue tint.
• Pictures taken at temper-
atures above 95°F (35°C)
can have a red or yellow
tint.
Solution
•
In cold weather, keep camera and film as warm as
possible. Immediately
place developing picture in
a warm pocket for at least a
minute, being careful not
to bend it.
• Avoid storing camera and
film in hot places, such as
glove or luggage compartments of a car, or near a
heat source, such as a
radiator.
20 Guide to better pictures
Picture-taking tips Color
(pictures 14, 17)
Vibrant, bold colors are vividly reproduced on Spectra
film (picture 14). Look for color when framing the scene
in the viewfinder. Colorful props such as toys or flowers
can add interest to the scene.
Distance
You can take the most pleasing pictures of people
when they are 3 to 5 feet (0.9m to 1.5m) from the camera
(picture 15). Backgrounds become less distracting and
attention focuses on your subjects.
Background
Indoors, try to have a light-colored background.
Outdoors, keep the background simple (picture 16).
Composition
When photographing landscapes, include something in
the foreground to establish a feeling of depth or dimension
(picture 17).
Guide to better pictures 21
Camera, film
specifications
Aperture/shutter system specifications
Apertures: from f/10 to f/45.
Shutter speeds: from 1/245 to
2.8 seconds.
Camera body size
Length: 6.82 inches (17.3cm)
Width: 5.46 inches (13.87cm)
Height: 3.07 inches (7.78cm)
Camera weight
1 lb. 12 1/2 oz. (.8kg approx.),
without a film pack.
Film advance
Automatic film advance; motorized picture ejection.
Film size
Outer border: 4 x 4.06 inches
(10.1 x 10.3cm)
Image area: 3.60 x 2.90 inches
(9.1 x 7.2cm)
Film speed
IS0 600/29° (approx.)
Film type
Polaroid Spectra color film only .
Starts developing in seconds.
Ten pictures per pack.
Lens
Patented Quintic, three element, 125mm lens system.
Ten-zone focusing from 2 feet
(0.6m ) to infinity.
Photocell
Dual-filter, silicon photodiodes.
Green filtered cell measures visible light; black filtered cell measures infrared light for better
indoor flash exposures.
Power source
A fresh, 6-volt battery in each
film pack powers all camera
functions.
Programmed flash
Built-in fill flash designed to be
used indoors and outdoors.
Recharge time: from .1 to 2.8
seconds. Flash duration: from 1/
3000 to 1/20,000 of a second.
Indoor flash range: from 2 to 15
feet (0.6m to 4.6m).
Sonar autofocus system
Computerized autofocus system uses sound waves to measure accurately the distance to
your subject and set the lens.
Sonar ranging time: from 10 to
50 thousandths of a second.
Viewfinder
100% viewing (no parallax) at 6
feet (1.8mI - a popular picturetaking distance. Six lenses, two
prisms, and four mirrors provide sharp, clear viewing. Viewfinder magnifications: .5x
(subjects appear half lifesize).
22 Guide to better pictures
“Polaroid “ and/y “Spectra”® Printed in Great Britain/Imreso en Gran Bretaña
OPN7249A 11/94 English/Español
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