Roosevelt Yang
The Polaroid Land Camera, named after its inventor, Edwin Land, introduced the world to instant photography. The camera uses batteries to power its shutters and metering systems. The type of battery depends on the model of the camera. For example, the 100, 101, 102, 220, 225, 230, 240, 250, and 340 models use one No. 531 (4.5-volt) alkaline battery, while the 103, 104, 125, 135, 210, 215, 315, 320, 330, 420, 430, 440, M60, and Countdown 70 models use one No. 532 (3-volt) alkaline battery. The type of battery can be determined using resources such as the Land List, which provides a comprehensive list of Polaroid cameras and their corresponding battery types.
Some Polaroid cameras do not have batteries in the camera body and instead, the film cartridge itself has a tiny battery that powers the camera for a certain number of shots, usually around ten. This means that if the camera is not responding, the issue may be a dead battery in the film pack rather than in the camera itself.
It is also possible to convert some Polaroid Land Cameras to work with AAA batteries, although this requires soldering and other modifications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Camera model | 100, 101, 102, 220, 225, 230, 240, 250, 340, 355, 450 |
| Battery type | A19PX, V19PX, 531, RPX19, EPX19, 3LR50, 1307AP |
| Battery voltage | 4.5V |
| Battery shape | Cylindrical |
| Battery connectors | Mini snap at each end |
What You'll Learn
The battery is located in the film cartridge, not the camera itself
The Polaroid Land Camera was named after its inventor, Edwin Land, and introduced the world to instant photography. Interestingly, the Land Camera does not have a battery of its own. Instead, the battery is located in the film cartridge, powering the camera for about ten shots. This means that if the camera is not responding, the issue is likely a dead battery in the film cartridge, not the camera itself.
The film cartridge's battery is essential to the Land Camera's functionality, powering both the shutter and the metering system. The specific type of battery varies depending on the camera model. For example, the Polaroid 250 Land Camera uses a #531 4.5V alkaline battery, which can be replaced with AAA batteries. On the other hand, the SX-70, 600, Spectra, Captiva, and later integral print format cameras are powered by batteries contained within their film packs.
The location of the film cartridge battery can be identified by referring to the camera's instruction manual. For instance, in the Polaroid 250 Land Camera, the battery is found by unscrewing and removing the battery holder.
It is worth noting that the film cartridge battery is not easily accessible, and attempting to reach it may result in accidental damage to the camera. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully follow the instructions provided by the camera manufacturer when replacing or accessing the battery.
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The battery powers the camera and allows it to take 10 shots
The Polaroid Land Camera was named after its inventor, Edwin Land, and introduced the world to instant photography. The battery in a Polaroid camera is used to power the shutter and metering system. The type of battery required depends on the model of the camera. Some models require a single No. 531 (4.5 volt) alkaline battery, while others use two No. 532 (3-volt) alkaline batteries. The No. 531 battery is cylindrical with one mini snap connector at each end and is often used in older Polaroid cameras.
The battery in a Polaroid camera typically lasts a long time as it only powers the shutter electromagnet and its associated timing/metering circuit. With light to moderate camera use, the battery will last for years. The battery in the film cartridge powers the camera and allows it to take 10 shots.
The Polaroid 600 camera series does not require batteries as the film cartridge contains a fresh battery to power the camera.
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The battery is a 4.5V alkaline battery
The Polaroid Land Camera, named after its inventor, Edwin Land, introduced the world to instant photography. The 100 series Land Cameras, which include all cameras with a model number between 100 and 455, were manufactured and sold between 1963 and 1976.
The battery used by this land camera is the #531 4.5V alkaline battery. This battery is expensive and challenging to obtain. As an alternative, it is recommended to convert the camera to work with AAA batteries.
The 4.5V alkaline battery is composed of three AAA batteries, each contributing 1.5V to the total voltage. This setup will power the camera for hundreds of pictures before needing to be replaced.
Upgrading the battery pack requires a few tools and parts, including a 3-AAA battery holder, wire, soldering equipment, wire strippers, a Phillips screwdriver, and electrical tape. The process involves removing the old battery and battery holder, soldering wires to the new battery holder, and insulating the joints with electrical tape.
By following these steps, you can upgrade the battery in your Polaroid Land Camera to a 4.5V alkaline battery, ensuring you can capture countless memories with this classic instant photography camera.
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The battery is difficult to find and expensive
The battery used by the Polaroid Land Camera is the #531 4.5V alkaline battery. This battery is expensive and difficult to get a hold of. According to a 2001 source, RadioShack offered a replacement for the #531 as a special order item for $8.99. In the same year, Polaroid Customer Service was selling the batteries for around $7 each.
A 2024 source mentions that Exell Battery A19PX Compatible with Polaroid 101 355 Land Camera Automatic 250 is available on Amazon for $12.95.
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The battery can be replaced with AAA batteries
The Polaroid Land Camera was named after its inventor, Edwin Land, and introduced the world to instant photography. The battery used by this camera is the #531 4.5V alkaline battery. This battery is expensive and can be difficult to get a hold of.
The good news is that the Polaroid Land Camera can be modified to work with AAA batteries. To upgrade the battery pack, you will need a 3-AAA battery holder, a few inches of wire, a soldering setup, wire strippers, a Phillips screwdriver, and electrical tape.
First, remove the old battery and battery holder by unscrewing it and breaking away any plastic tabs that were supporting the old battery holder. Be careful not to cut the battery connector wires.
Next, you will need to modify the new battery holder. For a 4 x AAA battery holder, solder a red wire to the metal bump on the top and a black wire to the flat tab on the bottom. Trim away the ground (black) connector from the camera, leaving as much wire intact as possible. Expose the conductive core by stripping away some of the wire's jacket. Solder the black wire from the camera and the black wire from the battery holder together. Repeat this process with the white wire and the red wire. Insulate each solder joint with electrical tape.
Finally, install the new AAA batteries and close the battery compartment. Your Polaroid Land Camera is now ready to use with easily accessible AAA batteries, which will last a long time and allow you to take hundreds of pictures.
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Frequently asked questions
The battery in a Polaroid Land camera powers the camera's shutter and metering system.
The type of battery a Polaroid Land camera uses depends on the model. Some models use AA batteries, while others use lithium or alkaline batteries.
The battery compartment location varies depending on the model. Typically, it is found behind a small flap or panel on the back of the camera, near the shutter housing, or at the base of the bellows.
Polaroid Land camera batteries can last for years with light to moderate use. The batteries primarily power the shutter electromagnet and its associated timing/metering circuit, so they will last a long time unless you frequently take long exposures or use many packs of film.
Yes, it is possible to convert a Polaroid Land camera to use alternative batteries. For example, you can modify the camera to use AAA batteries instead of the original battery type. This typically involves removing the old battery and battery holder, soldering new wires, and insulating the connections with electrical tape.
