Choose a model to see more information about it. Clicking on a film type will bring you to the specific page for that type. |
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Spectra Blitz StreetCam |
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Spectra 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 the Image/Spectra/700/990 integral type films.
There may be more models than those listed here, but any changes are typically cosmetic or branding based.
Please see this chart to give you a visual comparison between the major "options" and abilities of each Spectra 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.
Produced: 2004-late 00's/ Original Retail: $169.00
Same as Spectra except:
- Body is more rounded as it was the last Spectra camera produced and had the new styling from the One600
- Flip up LCD screen for composing; gets image from small "digital camera" in the front of the film door.
Notes: The first and last Polaroid camera to have a built in LCD screen for previewing your shot sort of SLR style. Called the "missing link between analog and digital".
Produced: 198?-2000 ? / Original Retail: $249.00
- Lens: 125mm f/10 3-element "Quintic"
- Shutter: electronic; range 2.8 sec - 1/200(?) sec.
- Exposure: programmed automatic
- Automatic focus; uses Polaroid Sonar AF system.
- Infinity focus lock control.
- Focus distance indicator in viewfinder. (feet or meters)
- Built-in automatic electronic flash.
- Flash fires automatically with every picture; can be overridden.
- Built-in self timer.
- Socket for electronic remote control.
- Brownish-grey-gold body with blue-grey vinyl covering; body folds to cover lens/shutter/flash assembly when not in use.
- Various cosmetic changes made to this model in 1996 or so.
Notes: This camera has an unusual focus system consisting of a segmented arc-shaped center element which swings on a pivot to adjust focus.
Some examples of the 'SE' version of this camera may have a different lens. Sightings indicate that some SE examples have a lens label which reads "Glass Coated Lens" rather than "Quintic Lens"
Collector's Note: This was possibly the first new Polaroid camera to not have the name "Land" anywhere on the camera or in the instruction manual.
In addition to an 'SE' version, this camera was also offered as a limited "First Edition"-marked outfit which was sold as a kit complete with accessories and all contained in a fitted hard-shelled carrying case.
Produced: 19??-2000 ? / Original Retail: $???.??
Similar to Spectra, except:
- Lacks self-timer, AF and flash overrides, and all other controls except for lighten/darken control.
- Lacks remote control socket.
- Various cosmetic changes made to this model in 1996 or so.
Produced: 2000-late '00s/ Original Retail: $??.??
Similar to Spectra 2 (which it replaces) except:
- Film counter counts upward rather than downward; designed for compatibility with a 12-exposure Spectra film pack (which has still not been marketed in the USA).
Produced: 2000-late '00s/ Original Retail: $??.??
Similar to Spectra (which it replaces) except:
- Film counter counts upward rather than downward; designed for compatibility with a 12-exposure Spectra film pack (which has still not been marketed in the USA).
Produced: 2001-late '00s/ Original Retail: $80.00
- Lens: 100mm f/11.5, 2-element aspheric. (lens material unspecified; probably plastic)
- Fixed-focus, but has built-in close-up lens to extend 'focus' range down to 2 ft. A warning/reminder light appears near the viewfinder when the close-up lens has been selected.
- Built-in automatic electronic flash; cannot be manually switched off
- Folding body; has a pleated bellows design (somewhat reminicent of the SX-70) and is hinged on only one side. When folded, it appears to be more compact than the other Spectra cameras.
- Built-in metal lens cover automatically slides over the lens when the camera is folded. [Due to the way this camera folds, the lens is otherwise unprotected.]
- Two-tone silver-and-black plastic body. No tripod socket.
- Unlike other Spectra cameras, there is no Lighten/Darken control or other means of exposure compensation.
- Film counter counts upward rather than downward; designed for compatibility with a new 12-exposure Spectra film pack (which has still not been marketed in the USA).
Notes: This camera is very different in appearance from the other Spectra cameras. It's also (in my opinion) one of the most attractive new cameras Polaroid has introduced in awhile - it combines both new and classic design elements, while beingunmistakably a Polaroid product.
Produced: ??/ Original Retail: ??
Similar to Spectra 1200FF except:
- Does not fold down; instead of a hinged apparatus, it is a fixed plastic piece that keeps the camera in the "unfolded" position permanently.
- Comes in at least silver and black versions.
Notes: This camera seems to only be sold and available in Asian markets, mostly China; possibly imported to the Americas at one point.
Produced: 198?-198? / Original Retail: $???.??
Similar to Spectra, except:
- "Limited edition" model; has translucent brown body.
Produced: 1990-1998 (?) / Original Retail: $219.00
Similar to Spectra, except:
- Has LCD status panel and electronic menu selection of features
- Has full manual focus override
- Has time-exposure capability
- Has multiple-exposure capability (up to 5 exposures)
- Has built-in intervalometer (which may be used in conjunction with the built-in self-timer)
- Has backlight compensation mode
- Has improved AF and autoexposure systems
- Minor cosmetic changes made to this model in 1996 or so.
Note: From a functional standpoint, this camera is essentially identical to the Minolta Instant Pro (which was licensed and produced by Polaroid, and predates the Spectra Pro).
Produced: 1996 (?) -Present / Original Retail: $???.??
Similar to Spectra, except:
- Very different cosmetically - has different folding style than the other Spectra cameras; sort of like a Spectra arranged sideways.
- Lens: (apparently) 90mm, 4-element, material unspecified.
[Note the shorter focal length compared with other Spectra cameras. This lens is reputed to also be higher in quality than that of other Spectra models.] - Has date/time imprint capability
- Has self-timer and infinity lock, but lacks other manual overrides except for the usual lighten/darken control.
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