Charging The Polaroid Spectra System Camera: A Step-By-Step Guide

The Polaroid Spectra System is a low-cost plastic rangefinder camera with autofocus and bright viewfinders. The camera is powered by a small battery in the film cartridge itself, so it won't turn on unless a new pack of film is loaded. The battery in the film cartridge powers the camera, and the camera won't turn on if there is no film. The camera features a recharge indicator, and the green light on the control panel comes on when the flash is charged and ready to use.

The camera won't turn on without a film pack

The Polaroid Spectra System camera does not have a separate, built-in power source. Instead, the camera is powered by a small battery that is contained within the film cartridge. Therefore, if there is no film pack loaded into the camera, the camera will not turn on.

To turn the camera on, push forward the lever on the side, just below the handle. If the camera is loaded with fresh film, one of the status LEDs on the back of the camera will light up. If the lights do not come on, try tapping the shutter down halfway to wake the camera. If this does not work, try a different pack of film.

If you want to use your Spectra camera without a film pack, you can modify it to use regular sheet film. This will require some tools and materials, such as a 4 x AA battery box with a power switch, wire glue or epoxy, and a 3.25" x 4.25" film holder. You will also need to be comfortable with soldering and making electrical connections.

• Remove the door that has the rollers by bending the tabs on the left and right sides.
• Attach wires to the metal battery contacts inside the film chamber using needle-nose pliers.
• Use wire glue or epoxy to secure the wires to the battery contacts, ensuring that you have a strong electrical connection.
• Feed the wires out of the camera and solder them to the battery pack wires, paying attention to polarity.
• Use double-sided tape to stick the battery pack to the top of the camera.

Please note that this modification will destroy the camera's ability to shoot regular Polaroid Spectra film, and it will no longer be an instant camera. You will need to develop and print or scan the images yourself.

The battery is in the film cartridge

The Polaroid Spectra System is powered by a small battery that is located in the film cartridge. This means that the camera won't turn on until you load a new pack of film. To load film into the camera, first open the camera using the lever on the side, just below the handle. Then, on the opposite side from the open/close switch, there is another switch that you need to push down on to open the film compartment.

Remove any old film by pulling it out by the tab attached to the cartridge. Insert a new pack of film by pushing it into the same slot, making sure that the 'wide' end with the plastic lip is facing out, and that the darkslide is facing up and the metal contacts are facing down. Once the film is fully inserted, you can shut the film compartment and the camera should eject a darkslide out of the front, indicating that the film pack is working and the camera is ready to use.

It's important to note that the Polaroid Spectra System uses a specific type of film called Spectra, Type 1200, or Image. This film was discontinued by Polaroid back in 2008, but you can still find it through third-party sellers or by purchasing vintage packs of film. However, old film packs may have a dead battery, so you'll need to do a battery transfer and have a fresh pack of film on hand.

How to load the camera

To load the Polaroid Spectra System camera, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure you have a fresh pack of Polaroid Originals Spectra film. The camera won't even turn on without a film pack, as the battery is located inside the film cartridge.

Next, turn the camera on by pushing forward the lever on the side, just below the handle. Once the camera is on, open it. On the opposite side from the open/close switch, there is another switch that you need to push down on. This will open the front flap, revealing the film compartment.

Now, you can remove the old film pack (if there is one) by pulling it out from the cartridge. Insert a new pack by pushing it into the slot, ensuring that the 'wide' end with the plastic lip is facing out, the darkslide is facing up, and the metal contacts are facing down.

Once the film is fully inserted, shut the film compartment. The camera should then eject a darkslide out of the front, indicating that the film pack is working and the camera is ready to use.

Finally, wait for the LED to turn green, signifying that the flash is charged. You can now take a photo by looking through the viewfinder and pressing down halfway on the shutter to focus.

The camera's controls and parts

The Polaroid Spectra System camera has a variety of controls and parts that allow for easy and effective use. Here is a detailed description of the camera's controls and parts:

Controls:

• Unit Switch: This switch, located on the back of the camera, allows you to change the readout in the viewfinder between using feet or meters as a measurement unit. It is recessed to prevent accidental changes. You can use a pen or paperclip to change it.
• Sounds: This control lets you turn the camera beeps on or off.
• Timer: The timer function allows you to set a delay before a picture is taken. To use it, switch it down, then hit the shutter. The camera will count down 12 seconds before taking the picture. The picture will not be ejected until you switch the timer trigger back up.
• Autofocus: The autofocus function can be turned on or off. Turning it off sets the focus to infinity, which can be useful when shooting through a window, as the autofocus may get tripped up by the glass.
• Flash: The flash can be turned on or off. It is recommended to keep the flash on unless you are in a bright, sunny environment or using powerful studio lighting.
• Exposure Compensation: This control allows you to adjust the image exposure. Pushing it up lightens the image, while pushing it down darkens it.

Parts:

• Switch Controls: These are located on the back of the camera and include the timer, autofocus, flash, and exposure compensation controls mentioned above.
• Status LEDs: These lights indicate the status of the camera. One LED lights up when the camera is turned on and loaded with fresh film. Another LED turns green when the flash is charged and ready to use.
• Shutter: Pressing the shutter button halfway wakes up the camera and focuses it. Pressing it all the way takes the picture.
• Viewfinder: The viewfinder allows you to compose your shot. It displays a bright red light for easy autofocus distance readouts. It also shows a red number at the bottom, indicating the distance the camera has focused on.
• Film Cartridge Compartment: This is where you insert the film cartridge. It is accessed by opening the camera and pushing down a switch on the side.
• Gripping Material: The sides of the camera are wrapped in a gripping material for added security and handling comfort.

How to turn the camera on

To turn on your Polaroid Spectra System camera, you must first load it with film. The camera won't even turn on without a fresh pack of film. Polaroid Originals film for Spectra is the type of film you need to operate the camera.

Once you have a fresh pack of film, you can turn the camera on by pushing forward the lever on the side, just below the handle. When you're not using the camera, you can shut it off and close it with the same lever.

If the camera is loaded with fresh film, one of the status LEDs on the back of the camera will light up when the camera is turned on. If the lights do not come on, try waking the camera by tapping the shutter down halfway. If this doesn't work, try using a different pack of film.

The camera will not turn on if there is no film loaded. The battery that runs the camera is located in the film cartridge itself.

Frequently asked questions