Option-al Landlist

All Films


All Cameras


All Accessories


The FAQ


Contact me…

Choose a model to see more information about it. Clicking on a film type will bring you to the specific page for that type.

Professional/Advanced

Model 180

Model 185

Model 190

Model 195

Model 185 (2000)

600

600SE

Packfilm Cameras

The following technical information is useful for specifics concerning each model. Where appropriate you can click to see more information including photos.

All of these models can take both the rectangular 100/660 type films as well as the square 80 type films.

Please see this chart to give you a visual comparison between the major "options" and abilities of each packfilm model.

If you see this icon, the model was intended for "Special Markets" distribution (i.e. corporate premiums, prizes, and other non-retail distribution) only.


If you see this icon, the model was sold in International (non-USA) markets only.

Production Estimates provided are based on statistical observation (from accumulated reports of serial numbers recorded from actual cameras), and are not intended or expected to have perfect accuracy. Numbers in parentheses indicate "soft" limits, numbers not in parentheses indicate "hard" limits.

Example: Estimated Production: 800,000 - (900,000)

This means that there almost certainly has to have been at least 800,000 of that model made, but there probably were fewer than 900,000 made (but beware that there still could be more). Keep in mind that numbers are subject to change as new data is collected.

Professional & Advanced models
These cameras are all manual control and mechanical in nature. There are no batteries required but they do require an exposure meter for proper shooting.

ALL Cameras listed (unless noted) have the following features in common:

  • Pull-out front standard with scissor strut design
  • Removable hinged plastic cover protects entire front of camera when camera is not in use.
  • Unit focus; focus is controlled by pushing on either side of a sliding arm located near the base of the bellows struts.
  • Shutter must be manually cocked; shutter release is on top of camera body.
  • Has PC socket for flash; normal sized coldshoe on body

Model 180
 

Produced: 1965-1969 / Original Retail: $189.95
Estimated Production: 51,000 - (80,000)

Similar to Model 250, except:

  • Lens: 114mm, f/4.5 4-element Tominon
  • Shutter: Seikosha leaf shutter, 1 - 1/500 sec
  • Flash: M and X sync.
  • Built-in self-timer ("V" setting on flash sync lever)
  • Manual exposure. (either by conventional shutter/aperture settings, or by the EV system)

^^top

Model 185
 

Produced: 19??-19?? / Not Marketed

Details about this camera are far between and are as elusive as the camera itself. It is apparently similar to the 180, except:

  • Lens: 127mm? f/5.6 Mamiya Sekor
  • Shutter: conventional mechanical leaf shutter (manufacturer..?)
  • Manual exposure, but has a built-in coupled CdS exposure meter. ["center needle" style] The meter needle appears in a 'window' on the back of the lensboard, and is designed so as to be visible from the viewfinder. [Contrary to previous reports here, this camera does not also offer autoexposure capability. Sorry!]

Notes: Not to be confused with the current Model 185 (2000 Version) pack camera sold by Polaroid Japan.

While this camera does not have automatic exposure, there is still a Lighten/Darken control. Presumably this was provided to make exposure compensation more convenient.

Collector's Note: This model was apparently never officially offered for sale by Polaroid. Reportedly, these very special cameras were designed and produced to be given as gifts to friends and business associates of Dr. Land. Very few were made-- reports vary, but the production run has been estimated as being anywhere between 50 and 200. [McKeown's Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras suggests that only about 30 were made, but perhaps that was an underestimate.]

Due to the unusual nature of this camera, this is obviously not going to be an easy find. This camera would certainly qualify as the only truly rare Polaroid camera.

^^top

Model 190
 

Produced: 1974-1977 / International Markets
Estimated Production: Insufficient Data (over 8,000)

Similar to Model 195, except:

  • Built-in electronic development timer.

^^top

Model 195
 

Produced: 1974-1976 / Original Retail: $199.95
Estimated Production: Insufficient Data (over 10,000)

Similar to Model 180, except:

  • Lens: 114mm, f/3.8 4-element Tominon
  • Separate-window range/viewfinder assembly (like Model 100).
  • Built-in mechanical development timer.

Notes: An 'SE' (Special Edition) version was also produced.

You can swap the factory Polaroid-made finder with the Zeiss-made finder assembly taken from a Model 250 (or 350, 360, or 450). This is a simple modification, as the finders are easily interchangable. No Model 195 cameras came with the Zeiss finder from the factory.

^^top

Model 185
"2000 Version"

Produced: 2000-??? / International Markets

This is an all-new limited-edition camera being sold by Polaroid Japan, and has little in common with the other camera with this model number. Interestingly, this camera is essentially a re-badged NPC 195 and is made by NPC for Polaroid Japan.

  • Lens: 114mm f/3.8 Tominon (same design as found on the 195)
  • Shutter: Copal leaf shutter, 1 - 1/500 plus B and T
  • Has a dual-window view/rangefinder similar in basic design to the Polaroid-made units found on the 'classic' pack cameras, but has been partially re-engineered and is machined by NPC. The optical components for the view/RF are made by the Polaroid Optics group. [This new view/RF does not have the fold-down hinge as found on many of the 'classic' pack cameras, however.]
  • Lens and shutter are mounted on the front of the front standard rather than fully enclosed (as on the 180/195/190 cameras).
  • Body is all-black in color, and its components are machined from aluminum and stainless steel.
  • Camera does not have the hinged plastic cover common to the 'classic' pack cameras, but has a conventional lens cap instead.

Notes: This is intended as a limited-edition camera. Only 2000 of them have been/will be produced for sale by Polaroid Japan. According to the site (as translated to English through Babelfish), it may only be purchased via special order through Polaroid dealers in Japan, and retails for 158,000 Yen. However, the purchase price also includes 10 packs of limited-edition Polaroid sepia-tone film at no additional charge.

^^top

600
 

Produced: 1978-19?? / International Markets

  • Lens: 127mm Mamiya (fixed to body)
  • Shutter: Seiko (?) 1 - 1/500
  • Flash: M,X sync
  • Manual exposure
  • Has coupled rangefinder
  • Has interchangeable backs
  • Diecast aluminum body
  • Has hand grip/cable release

Notes: Basically a modified Mamiya Universal Press. The backs and lenses are NOT interchangable between the two. The lenses mount by different bayonets and the backs have different "claw feet".

^^top

600SE
"The Goose"

Produced: 2000-??? / International Markets

Similar to 600 except:

  • Has interchangeable lenses; total of 3 different lenses are available
    (75mm, 127mm, 150mm)