The Polaroid 600 has forever shaped our image of the instant camera. So much so that it is still sold by Polaroid today. We take a look at the history of the legendary camera and explain for whom the “refurbished” versions available today make sense.
In short:
- Model series of the 600 film
- Point-and-Shoot instant camera
- Format: 1:1 (3.1 x 3.1 inches)
- Built-in flash
- Optical viewfinder
- Price: Refurbished from Polaroid for approx. 120,-
What exactly is a Polaroid 600?
In the 1970s, Polaroid dominated the instant camera market with the high-quality Polaroid SX-70. However, this elegant camera had two major drawbacks: its comparatively high price and the low ISO of only 160, which led to the introduction of 600 film at the end of 1981 and thus to a new generation of instant cameras. Like the SX-70 instant film, the 600 film has the iconic square image format (3.1 x 3.1 inches visible image without a border) and a built-in battery, so no other power source is needed to operate the camera. The difference to the SX-70 is the much higher ISO of 640, which gives much better images in dark conditions.
Polaroid 600 models
In general, Polaroid 600 is not a specific model. Rather, various models of the 600 series have been introduced to the market over many years. The common ground: all models use 600 film and are considered to be classic point-and-shoot cameras. Sophisticated modes or setting options such as those of the Instax Mini 90 are therefore usually not to be found. An excerpt from the 600 model series:
- Polaroid 600 Onestep Closeup
- Polaroid 600 pulses
- Polaroid SLR 680
- Polaroid 600 Square
- Polaroid Sun 660 Autofocus
- Polaroid 600 pulses autofocus
- Diverse Special Editions: Hello Kitty, Spice Girls, MTV, Pop Deco,…
Functionality of the 600 instant cameras
Due to the large number of models, not all Polaroid 600 models have the same features. However, the basic functionality of the cameras is always the same. With the exception of the top dogs SLR 670 and SLR 680, the cameras have an optical viewfinder on the left side of the camera (when viewed from behind), but the image frame seen in the viewfinder does not correspond 100% to the final photo. On the two top SLR models, on the other hand, a single-lens reflex system is used – so the image in the viewfinder actually corresponds to the final picture.
The image ejection is on the front of the camera, the shutter release is usually located on the right. Models like the 600 Onestep CloseUp use a system of two triggers mounted one behind the other. The front one forces the flash, if only the back one is pressed, pictures without flash are possible. The CloseUp model also has a slider with which pictures can be taken in a close range of 2 – 4 ft. In this CloseUp mode, a circle is also displayed in the viewfinder, faces should be inside in order to be focused.
Except for the Onestep 600, all 600 models were equipped with a built-in flash, accordingly, the Onestep 600 is rather not recommended from today’s point of view. Also available in most models is a slider for a rough adjustment of the exposure.
The modern 600 film
Classic 600 instant film is hardly available today, instead a modern version originally produced by Polaroid Originals is used. It still has a built-in battery, an ISO value of 640 and is available in colour, black and white and various special editions. An important difference to old 600 film: the cartridge contains only 8 instead of the original 10 frames. This means for owners of 600 instant cameras that the frame counter on the back always shows 2 frames more than actually available (the counter starts at 10 instead of 8).
After inserting the film, the black cover sheet should be automatically ejected from the camera. As always, the same applies to 600 instant pictures: shaking is forbidden. Instead, the ejected image should rest face down for a few minutes. Note: due to the lack of battery, the i-Type films are not suitable for use in a Polaroid 600 Instant Photo camera, but 600 film can be used in modern cameras such as the Polaroid Now without any problems.
Used Polaroid 600
Especially for instant camera beginners, 600 models can be a good choice. They were produced in large quantities and are usually available at a low price on ebay and Co. Basically the “plastic bombers” are very robust, so even older models can remain fully functional for a long time. If there is the possibility to try the camera, image ejection and flash should be tested. For this, however, a film is necessary (power source). A typical problem with Polaroid cameras is that the rollers are dirty. These transport the finished image outside. If they are covered with residues, finished pictures can contain unsightly stripes or dots. A piece of kitchen roll with a little alcohol is usually sufficient for cleaning.
Polaroid 600 Refurbished
Polaroid offers so-called refurbished models of the 600 series on its website. These are usually more expensive than used instant cameras on ebay, but also come with a warranty (1 year). The refurbished models are professionally overhauled and are a safe alternative to private purchase, especially for the higher priced models.
As an alternative to the cameras, you can get the epic 1:1 format by printing your Polaroid pictures with the Lab.
Tech specs
- Film: 600 Film
- Aspect ratio: 1:1
- Image size: 3.1 x 3.1 inches (without frame), 4.2 x 3.5 inches (with frame)
- Built-in flash
- Optical viewfinder
Here you can download the current Polaroid 600 user manual.
CONCLUSION
The 600 series instant cameras have forever shaped our image of instant cameras. It’s no coincidence that Polaroid has remained more or less faithful to its iconic design to this day. The principle of the point-and-shoot camera has also survived to this day. This is also what makes the cameras so attractive. A camera of classic images, quick and easy to use. And in addition the classic square picture format. The 600 models are suitable both for beginners (especially cheap second-hand cameras) and for retro enthusiasts who are addicted to the 80s design. And with the Refurbished models from Polaroid, the 600 models are almost as new.
As an alternative, Polaroid offers the excellent Polaroid Now, but the current price-performance winner comes with the Instax Mini 11 from Fujifilms Instax series.
VIDEO: HowTo the Polaroid 600
