Film cameras
Polaroid 420 / 430 User manual
User manual for Polaroid 420 / 430. 28 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Polaroid
- Model / document
- Polaroid 420 / 430
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 28
- File size
- 2.1 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
WITH THIS CAMERA,USE
PolaroidLandpackfilm Type108(color)
or Type107(blackandwhite)
G.E.Hi-Powerflashcubes,or equivalent.
YOURFIRSTPICTURE!
To be surethat it's a success,we suggestthat you makeit indoors
withflash,exactlyas describedon page22. ;
BUT,BEFOREYOUSTART
pleasereadthisbookcarefullysoyouwillknowhowto usethe camera
andwhereto lookfor anyinformation.lf youdo notfollowthe instruc-
tions,youwill not getgoodpictures. Donated to www.orphancameras.comView original page 3Page 4 · Read text
The Model 430 and 42O cameras are similar in construction Operation
and operation, except: How to load a film pack. L7
Howtosetthecameraforflashand daylightpictures...,. 20 the Model430 has a built-intimer; the Model 420 does not; Howto makeflash pictures 22 the Model 430 has a 3-element lens that takes some H o w t o m a k e d a y l i g h t p i c t u r e s . , . . . . . , . . . . 2 4accessories; How to developthe picture. 26 the Model 42O has a 2-element lens that does not take C h e c k t h e t e m p e r a t u r e . . . . 2 9 accessories. lf no yellowtab appearswhenyou pullthe whitetab.... . .. 30
Careofthe print... 31 lnstructionsin this book are for both models,although most
picturesare of the 430. Both models are shown when instruc- How to use the Cold-Clipwith color f ilm 32
Howto make printslighteror darker(Non-flash).. 34tionsare different.
H o w t om a k ep r i n t sl i g h t e r o r d a r k e r ( F l a s h ) . . . . . . . . . . . .3. .5
How to make blackand white picturesin dim light
Getting Acquainted i?_ withoutflash... 36
T h eM o d e4l 3 0 c a m e r a . . . . . . . . : . 2
The Model 42O camera. 4 'heHowto open and close ca mera... 6 Miscellaneous
Howto hold the camr-.ra. 7 You must take care of your camera. . 38
Howto usethe viewl$'r. 8 B a t t e r y l o a d i n g a n d r e p l a c e m e n t . 1 , . . . . , . 3 9
Howto focus with the"rngefinder. 9 Copiesand enlargements 40
Kno w y o u rf la shu n it a n df la s hcubes.... 1 0 Somehelpful accessories. 4I
How to attach and removethe f lash unit. 1 1 Forthe Model430, a cloudfilter. .. 42
Howto inserta f lashcube... I f l f y o u r f l a s h p i c t u r e s a r e t o o d a r k . . . . 4 3
The cube rotationlever..... 7 2 Picturetroubles,theircauseand cure. 44
Why you must focus accuratelywhen using flash I 2 W h e r et o w r i t ef o r i n f o r m a t i o n . . . . . . , . . . , 4 7
The controls. , . and what they do. I 4 Warranty..... 47
Whatyou shouldknowaboutyour f ilm 1 6 Polaroid ServiceCenters and offices... 48
Donated to www.orphancameras.com43Ol42OView original page 4Page 9 · Read text
HOWTO OPENAND CLOSETHE CAMERA
/
1. To unlatchcover,presson centerof top.You 2. To removeit, pushspring(A; andlift hinge 3. RaisebuttonNo.1; thisunlockscamerafront.
canletcoverhangdown. (B).Toreplace,slidehingedownoverspring.
4. Pullcamerafrontoutas far as it will go.Be 5. To closecamera,pressdownon lockingbar
surelockingbar (A) snapsinto place.lf not, andpushcameraf rontin untrlit locks.
youmaygetblurredpictures.
When storing the camera be sure that nothing presses on the No. 2
button; if it's depressed even slightly, the battery may be drained.
6 Donated to www.orphancameras.com43O/42OView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
HOWTO HOLDTHE CAMERA
HORIZONTAL:Grip the two ends. Placeyour forefingerson VERTICAL:Grip the camera as you would for a horizontal
the No. 1 buttons;you can easilyshift the right forefingerto picture,turn it so your right hand is below.Bracethe camera
the No.2 button.To steadythe camera,press your elbows againstyourforeheadandface.
into your ribs;rest the cameraagainstyour nose.
Donated to www.orphancameras.com 43O/42OView original page 10Page 11 · Read text
HOWTO USE THE VIEWFINDER
Looking through the viewfinder window (A) you'll see a subject is very close (372 ft., for example), allow a little extra
bright, white broken line. Frame the scene with this line. space between your subject and the top frame line, as shown
Always try to look through the center of the window and above. lf not, you may accidentally cut off the top of some-
concentrateon your subject, not on the white line. lf your one's head in your picture.
Donated to www.orphancameras.com43O/42OView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
HOWTO FOCUSWITH THE RANGEFINDER
Lookthroughhere(B) at the brightspot.a v PushNo.1 buttons.
-l>
Holding the camera horizontal, place your forefingers on bright spot; this means that the camera is not focused for
both No. 1 buttons as shown and push them all the way to that distance. Push the No. I buttons back and forth until
your left. Look through the FocUS window (B) and aim the the two images become one - sharp and clear. Now the
bright spot in the center at a nearby subject (about 4 ft. away, camera is focused. For vertical pictures, you can focus with
for example).You should see two imagesof your target in the the camera horizontal,turn it to aim and shoot.
To get correct flash erposures, you must focus accurately (see page 13).
Donated to www.orphancameras.com43Ol42OView original page 12Page 13 · Read text
KNOWYOURFLASHUNIT AND FLASHCUBES
The Polaroid Focused Flash unit is de- You must focus accurately, to get a of the flash unit is a Lighten/Darken
signedfor use only with G.E. Hi-Power correct exposure (see page 12). Each control (C) for adjustment of individual
flashcubes, or equivalent. With the flashcubegives four flashes. After each flash exposures(see pages 15 and 35).
flash unit attached and plugged into flash you must push forward the lever The flash unit has a compartment (D)
the camera,the shutter is automatically (B) in order to rotate the cube in readi- in the rear for two batteries.
set at a constant speed. In front of the ness for the next picture. After the
flashcube there is a set of variable fourth flash the lever will not return to
louvers (A). To get correctly exposed its normal position, indicating that the YOUR NEW FLASH UNIT DOES NOT
pictures, these louvers automatically cube must be changed. The light given CONTAIN BATTERIES.These are pro-
open and close by the required amount by the flashcubes is balanced to re- vided separately with the flash unit.
as the camera is focused on the sub- semble average daylight and will give Before you can take flash pictures, you
ject. The total flash range extends f rom excellent results with both Polacolor must insert the batteries,as described
3y2tt. to about 10 ft. f rom the camera. and black and white films. On the rear on page 39.
D
C
lo Donated to www.orphancameras.com43Ol42OView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
HOWTO ATTACHAND REMOVETHE FLASHUNIT
Holdthe flash unit as shown.Slidethe rails(E) on the bottom into the outlet (G). To removethe unit, pull out the plug and
o f t h e u n i t o n t o t h e c a m e r a c o n n e c t o r ( F ) . S l i d e t h e u n i t o n asl ll i d e t h e u n i t o ft fh e c a m e r a c o n n e c t o r .
the way, till it comes to a firm stop. Push the flash cord plug
HOWTO INSERTA FLASHCUBE
Holdthe cube as shown,so its sidesare paralleltothe sidesof
the flash unit. Be sure that the cube socket (H) is directly
above the pin (l) in the flash unit, and then push the cube
down firmly so that (H) and (l) engage. To remove a used
cube,pullit up.
Use only G.E. Hi-Powerflashcubes,or equivalent.
Donated to www.orphancameras.com43O/42OView original page 14Page 15 · Read text
THE CUBE ROTATIONLEVER WHY YOU MUST
FOCUSACCURATELYAfter each of the is four flashes fired,
the flashcube must be rotated to the WHENUSINGFLASH
next flash position.This is done manu- Focusing the camera automatically
ally with the cube rotation lever (K). adjusts the opening of the louvers in
With the left thumb push the lever the flash unit. This assures that,
forward as far as it will go. You must betweena distanceof 3Yzft. and about
remember to push the lever, or you will 10 ft. a subject which is sharplyfocused
not get a flash. lt is a good idea to will also receive the right amount of
always do this just after you press the fight from the flashcube to give a
No. 3 button on the camera to reset the correctlyexposedpicture. For example,
shutter (see page 23). if a subject is 8 ft. from the camera, the
When the lever is pushed after the light output from the flash unit must be
fourth flash, it will not return auto- greater than it would need to be for a
maticallyto its normal position,but will subject 3V2 tt. away, if both are to
stay in the forward position.This serves receive the same exposure. Thus, at
as a remihder that the cube must be 8 ft. the louvers must be wider open
changedfor a new one. than at a3Yztt. setting.
The lever will return to its normal posi-
tion whenthe flashcubeis pulledout.
L2 Donated to www.orphancameras.com43Ol42OView original page 15Page 16 · Read text
Top: GORREGTfocus on subject 3y2tt.
away.The louvers opened the correct
amount, to light the subject for a well
exposedpicture.
Bottom: INGORREGTfocus. The sub-
ject distancewas 3y2tt. but the camera
was focused for a greater distance. As
a result the louverswere too wide open.
The subject receivedtoo much light and
the picture was overexposed.
Donated to www.orphancameras.com43Ol42O 13View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
THE CONTROLS AND WHAT THEY DO
A. The Film Selector: lt sets the camera for the kind of film
you are using. For75 speed color film, set it to 75, as shown.
For 3000 speed black and white film, slide it the other way llllflllllllfftf to set it to 3000. lf you don't set the Film Selector,the electric
eye (B) can't make a correct exposure.
B. The electric eye: The electriceye only works for non-flash
pictures;when you press No. 2 button, the shutter opens.
Instantly,the electriceye measuresthe brightnessof the light
reflectedfrom the subject and times the closingof the shutter
to give correct exposure.
The electric eye does not measure flash exposures (see
page 10).
Donated to www.orphancameras.com43Ol42OView original page 17Page 18 · Read text
C. The camera Lighten/Darken control, for pictures made
without flash: Turning this L/D control adjusts the electric
eye so you can make your picture lighter or darker than it
would be if the L/D control were left at the Normal position
(shownhere).This control has no effect on pictures made with
flash. For more details about the camera L/D control, see
page 34.
D. The flash Lighten/Darkencontrol:Turningthis L/D control
adjuststhe amount of light coming from the flash unit so you
can make a flash picture lighteror darker than it would be if
the L/D controlwere left at the Normal position(shown here).
For more detailsabout its use, see page 35.
Donated to www.orphancameras.com43Ol42O 15View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
WHATYOU SHOULDKNOWABOUTYOURFILM This camera uses two types of Polaroid rollers squashes the pod, spreading Land pack films: 3000 speed black the chemicals between the negative and white, Type 107, and 75 speed and print paper to form a picture color, Type 108. There may be addi- "sandwich". tionaltypes of film in the future. The picture develops outside the You must know the film speed num- camera. After the recommendedde- ber, 3000 or 75, to set the camera velopmenttime you separatethe sand- controlscorrectly. wich and there is your finishedpicture. A film pack containsall the materials to make eight pictures. For each pic- PROTECTIONOF FILM AND CAMERA ture there is a piece of negativefilm, a Extreme heat and high humidity can sheetof print paper,and a thin foil con- damage your film (and also your cam- tainer (the pod) filled with the jelly-like era), especiallyafter the film pack has chemicalsneeded to develop the pic- been placedin the camera. Don't leave tu re. film, or a loadedcamera, in direct sun After snapping the picture, you start or in a car during hot weather.The best An importantlabel: On some color film development by pulling a piece of storage place in a closet is near the packs you may see a label (A) advising paper out of the camera. This drags bottom, where the air is cooler. Don't you to turn the Lighten/Darkencontrol the exposed negative,a sheet of print unwrapfilm untilyou are readyto use it. to a special setting for all picturespaper,and a pod of chemicalsbetween made with that pack. Pleasedo so, or two steel rollers. The pressure of the your pictures may be too dark. CAUTION: Please be sure to read the important notice inside the back coyer. 16 Donated to www.orphancameras.com43Ol42OView original page 19
Page 20 · Read text
HOWTO LOADA FILM PACK
A specialrequest!
As soon as you open the film pack you will begin to accumu.
late waste paper. There will be more when you develop the
pictures. We hope that it won't become litter in the streets
or be scattered around the landscape.
What to do with the waste paper? Usually, it will fit Into
an empty foil bag or film bor. Or, if you're planning to take
lots of outdoor pictures, bring along a paper bag or other
container for waste. Everyonewill appreciate this little ertra
effort on your part.
Open the top of the box. Pull out the film package.Handle it by the edges only. With color film there's a set of mounts;
gently, carefully. Hold the package near the edges. Don't with black and white film there's a coater. Please read the
press hard on the middle of the package. Starting at the instruction sheet. Save the box to carry prints in safely. lt
corner, tear open the entire side of the foil bag along the can also be very useful when coating black and white prints.
dotted line and remove the film pack. Discard the moisture Always open the package and load film in the shade, not
absorbingcard (A) supplied with color film. Handle the pack in direct sunlight, to avoid fogging the film.
Donated to www.orphancameras.com43Ol42O L7View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
LOADING(Cont.)
1. Pushthebackdoorlatch;thedoorwillpopup. 2. Openit alltheway.Aretherollers(A)clean? 3. Holdthe film packby the edgesas shown,
lf not,cleanthemasdescribedonpage38. andpushthe closedendof the packunderthe
doorhingeagainstspringtension.
4. Pushthe packdownintothe camera. 5. & 6. Checkto besurethatthewhitetabsarenotcaughtbetweenthefilmpackandthecamerabody.
Closethebackdoor.Pressbothsidesfirmlyto besurethatbothsideslatch.Theblacktab of thesafety
covermuststickoutofthesmallslot.lf not,reopentheback,leadthetabout.
18 Donated to www.orphancameras.com43O/42OView original page 21Page 22 · Read text
7. Gripthe blacktab.This is the end of the 8. Pullthe safetycoverall the wayout of the 9. Withthe safetycoverout, a whitetab (A)
safetycover. camerawithoutstopping.Don'tripit. shouldstickout of the smallslot(No.4). Don't
pullthetab.You'renowreadyfor pictureNo.l.
IF NO WHITE TAB APPEARS
l. lf there'sno whitetab in the No.4 slot,do 2. 0penthe backof the camerapartwayand, 3. Closethe backof the camera,makingsure
the followingin the shadeor indoors,not in withoutdisturbingor movingthefilmpack,push thatbothsidesarelockedsecurelyandthewhite
brightsunlight. thewhitetaboutintotheopen. tabisoutside,intheNo.4slot.
Donated to www.orphancameras.com43Ol42O 19View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
HOWTO SET THE CAMERAFOR FLASHAND DAYLIGHTPICTURES
FOR 75 SPEED COLORr
A For flash. y For daylight.
FilmFilm Selector:Setector:SetSet itit toto 75.75. Lighten/Darkencontrols: Set them to the Normal position(shown) unless a label
on tne back of the film pack (A) shows a special setting. You can open the back
of a loaded camera to see if there is such a label. lf you do this carefully in the
shade or indoorsand don't move the pack,the film will not be damaged.
Before you can take a picture, the No. 3 button on the
camera front must be down (see pages 23 and25).
Donated to www.orphancameras.com43Ol42O 20View original page 23Page 25 · Read text
HOWTO MAKE FLASHPICTURES
PLACESUBJECT: Try to have your 1. AIM AND FOCUS:Frame your sub- 2. SHOOT: Press button No. 2. Press
subjectnear a lightcoloredwallor other ject in the vtew window. Move your eye it smoothlyand slowly.Hold the camera
light background. to the Focus window. Push the No. 1 quite still until you hear a loud click
buttons until the bright spot in the and the flash fires.
PLACEYOURSELF:You can shoot from rangefindershows a singleclear image
any distance between 3Yz and 10 ft. of the most important part of your AVOID GETTING BLURRED FLASHForthe most strikingpictures,get close subject. Then frame your subject again PICTURESby making quite sure thatto your subject and get a large image. in the vtew window. neither the camera nor the subject
movesduring the exposure.
CHECKthat the camera controls are Focusaccurately: To get a correctlyset correctly(see pages20,2L). exposed flash picture you must focus Be sure that a flash cube is inserted correctly(see page 13).correctlyin the f lash unit (see page 11).
22 Donated to www.orphancameras.com43Ol42OView original page 25Page 26 · Read text
FLASH PICTUREHINTS
Line up groups: Try to have everyone
about the same distance f rom the
camera so they'll be lighted evenly.
Have plenty of color: White, black, and
gray don't improve color pictures.
Medium sized rooms with light walls3. RESET:lmmediatelyafter snapping 4. ADVANCEFLASH CUBE: Press the are best: In such a setting a lot ofa picture, press No. 3 button down cube rotation lever forward as far as it light, which would otherwise be lost, isfirmly until it locks and stays down. will go, to prepare you for the next reflected back onto the subject. TheThis resets the shutter so you'll be ffash. See also page L2. further you are from the subject, theready for the next picture.
YOU ARE NOW READY TO DEVELOP more important it is to have such
THE PICTURE.SEE PAGE 26. reflectivesurfaces nearby.
Spare the eyes: Let your subjects look
DO NOT SHOOT FLASH PICTURESFROM FURTHERTHAN 10 FT. elsewherethan right at the camera.
The recommended range for good I N F Flash don'ts: Don't try to make flash
flash pictures(3Yzto 10 ft.) is shown by pictures in daylight. Don't shoot flash
the flash range indicator, (right). lf, pictures in explosiveatmospheres.
after focusing the camera, the arrow
points at the black bar, as shown, you
are within the flash range. lf the arrow
points beyond the bar, come closerand GET CLOSE TO YOUR SUBJECT AND
refocus before shooting. GET A LARGEIMAGE.
Donated to www.orphancameras.com 23View original page 26Related documents and language editions
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PDF verified 2026-10-10.