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

Model 80 "Highlander"

Model 80B "Highlander"

Model 80A "Highlander"

Model J33

Rollfilm 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 30 series films.

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

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.

30-series models

Model 80 "Highlander"

Produced: 1954-1957 / Original Retail: $69.95
Estimated Production: 610,000 - 730,000

  • Lens: 100mm f8.8 3-element glass
  • Shutter: 2-speed everset rotary-leaf design; 1/25 and 1/100 plus Bulb
  • Flash: M-sync via Polaroid "hot shoe"
  • Exposure set by Light Value scale ("Polaroid numbers")
  • Rigid viewfinder on top of camera
  • Scale focus by rotating lens front-element, no rangefinder.
  • Self-erecting bellows design
  • Steel body with brown painted crackle finish.

Notes: Most (but not all) original Model 80's have some chrome-plated trim. This is especially noticeable on the focus ring. The equivalent parts on the 80A and 80B are simply polished steel without the chrome plating.

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Model 80A "Highlander"

Produced: 1957-1959 / Original Retail: $72.75
Estimated Production: 400,000 - 570,000

Similar to the Model 80, except:

  • Exposure set by standard EV (Exposure Value) scale.

Notes: The plastic viewfinder housing is a slightly different color than that of the Model 80. The plastic on the 80A and 80B is a sort of generic light beige color, while the 80 has a slight olive/greenish tint to it. Note also that many 80A/80B cameras are found with plastic parts which are considerably darker in color, but this appears to be a UV aging effect and not a reflection of the original factory color.

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Model 80B "Highlander"

Produced: 1959-1961 / Original Retail: $72.75
Estimated Production: 175,000 - (300,000)

Like the Model 80A, except has a different cutter bar and film release switch.

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Model J33

Produced: 1961-1963 / Original Retail: $74.95
Estimated Production: 280,000 - (350,000)

Similar to the Model 80, except:

  • Lens: 101mm meniscus (single element), plastic
  • Shutter: pneumatic; 1/15 - 1/1000 [see J66 description for details]
  • Flash: built-in hinged tilt-out flashgun for AG-1 bulbs. Flashgun can be rotated and pivoted to provide either bounce or direct flash.
  • Automatic exposure; shutter speed controlled by selenium cell. Manual control not possible.
  • Designed only for use with 3000-speed (B&W) film, though a color adapter kit (#330) was made available later in the product's life.
  • Rigid viewfinder on top of camera
  • Simple two-position zone focus.
  • Self-erecting bellows on scissor struts; no bed.
  • Steel body with brown painted crackle finish

Notes: Like the J66, this camera was revised in mid-production, but there are only two color-dot variations-- yellow and blue (See description of the J66).

Collector's Note: Not uncommon, but much less common than the similar J66.