Film cameras
Polaroid GelCam User manual
User manual for Polaroid GelCam. 15 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
15 pagesEnglish2.4 MB PDF
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Document details
- Brand
- Polaroid
- Model / document
- Polaroid GelCam
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 15
- File size
- 2.4 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 6 · Read text
Polaroid GelGam lntroduction
Gontents The PolaroidGelCamis an easy-to-use
lntroduction instantphotographicsystemfor photo-
graphingelectrophoresisgel patterns(or
Technicalassistance autoradiograms),stained or fluorescent-
Cameraparts labeled,usingtransilluminatedlight
sources.The cameracan also be used forThe film
other applicationssuch as direct-screen
PolaroidElectrophoresisFilterKit CRTphotography.
Accessoryhoods Snap-onhoods of varioussizesmake
the cameracompatiblewith a varietyofCameraassembly
gel formats.Each hood has a built-inlens,
Set the exposure ensuringpropermagnificationand sharp
Loadthe film focusingof your image.
The camera uses PolaroidinstantMakethe exposure
peel-apartpackfilms, includinghigh-
Processthe film speed black-and-whitefilms, idealfor
Filtration electrophoresisgel recording.Electro-
phoresisfilters,availablein an accessoryPossiblepicturefaults
kit, allow you to enhancethe detailsin
Careand storageof photographs 1 0 your imagesby increasingthe contrast
Warranty 1 0 yq in black-and-whiteprints.
Technical assistance , Jd lf you ever needadditionalhelp in the use
(\J** of your PolaroidGelCam,or adviceon
Y any other photographicproblem,call us,
Mon.-Fri.,8 AM to 8 PM (EasternTime).
From anywherein the U.S.A.,calltoll
. . : free at 1-800-343-5000.Or, write to the
CustomerCareCenter,Polaroid
Corporation, 201 BurlingtonRoad,
Bedford,MA 01730.From anywherein
Canada,call toll free at 1-800-268-6970.
For assistanceoutsideNorth America,
contactthe nearestPolaroidoffice (see
the back page for a list of offices.)
tView original page 6Page 7 · Read text
The numbers throughout the text refer The film
to the illustrations on the fold-out The GelCamuses Polaroidinstant
pages at the back of the booklet. peel-apartpackfilms with a print sizeof
Camera parts 31/qx 41/+in. (8.3x 10.8cm). Referto the
list below.The instructionspackedwith Referto picture1A if your GelCamcomes the film containthe most up-to-dateinfor- with a hand grip (camerassold within the mation on exposureand processing U.S.).Referto picture1B if your GelCam
times. For detailedinformationabout comes with a cable release(camerassold
eachfilm, contactthe CustomerCare outsidethe u.s.).
Centeror the Polaroidoffice nearest
a Door latch you to requesta data sheet.
b Film tab slot Time, temperature and development:
G Lensaperturecontrol The ideal developmenttemperaturefor
d Shutterspeedcontrol allfilmsis about70-75F(21-24C1.When
e Lens ( 105mm, tl 4.5-f l32l it is much warmer or colder,you may
need to adjustthe developmenttime orT Hood sockets
the exposure.The adjustmentvariesfromg Cablereleasesocket type to type; the film instructionscontain
h Hand-griptrigger full details.
T Handgrip Polaroid films for the GelCam:
i Cablerelease . High-speed,coaterless,black-and-white
film, Type 667
. Positive/negative,black-and-whitefilm,
Type 665
. High-speedblack-and-whitefilm for CRT
recording,Type 084
. Ultra high-speed,high-contrast,
black-and-whitefilm for CRTand
instrumentrecording,Type 612
www.orphancameras.comView original page 7Page 8 · Read text
Polaroid Electrophoresis Filter Kit Accessory hoods
This filter kit is designedfor use with the Designedto placethe camerathe correct
GelCamand is availableas an accessory. distancefrom your subject,specialacces-
The kit containsthe three filters most sory hoodsare availablein varioussizes
commonlyusedwhen photographing for specificapplications.The electro-
electrophoresisgels.The filtersare for phoresishood allows you to frame the
use with black-and-whitefilms only. gel on the light box or transilluminator,
Eachglass-coveredfilter is in a 40.5mm blocksout ambientlight,and containsa
threadedmount, to fit the GelCamlens. supplementarylens to focus the image
properly.The selectedhood should just
fit over the gel to ensuremaximum use Electrophoresis gel
of the image area.For specificationsand
#8 yellow ELISAstain recommendationson which hood is
CoomassieBlue stain appropriatefor you r electrophoresis
#58 green Silver stain application,contactyour Polaroiddealer.
SYBRGreenstain Accessoryhoods are also availablefor
d i rect-screenCRT photography.
#15 orange EthidiumBromidestain
| 15il\
ll , ]-\-
vu
tView original page 8Page 9 · Read text
Camera assembly Attach the hood: Selectthe appropriate
Within the U.S.: When sold within the hood for your application.Placethe hood
U.S.,the GelCamcomeswith a hand grip againstthe front of the cameraso the
that attachesto the camera base.The pins on the hood fit into the socketson
hand grip has a built-incablerelease. the camera(4\.Then reachinsidethe
The GelCamhand grip screwsinto a hood and push the buttons (5b) in firmly,
standardtripod socket on the bottom of to lock the hood to the camera.Takecare
the camera;additionalpins and holes to avoid touchingthe lens.To removethe
preventit from turning.Align the screw hood, releasethe buttons (pull them
on the hand grip with the socketon the gently outward);neverattemptto remove
camera(2) and tighten the ring (2a) the hood withoutfirst releasingthe pins.
firmly. Then screw the hand-gripcable Set the exposure
releaseinto its socket (3). Move the lever (6c) to align the red
For some applications,you may prefer indicatorwith the appropriateshutter
to use a separatecable releasein placeof speed.lt should click into position.Never
the hand grip.An optionalcablerelease set the indicatorbetweenshutterspeeds.
is availableas a GelCamaccessory. Move the lever (6d) to placethe pointer
Contactyour Polaroiddealerfor more oppositethe desiredlens aperture.The
information. lens may be set betweenfull aperture
Outside the U.S.: When sold outside settings.
the U.S.,the GelCamcomeswith a See page 8 for suggestedaperture
standardcable releasethat screwsinto and shutterspeedsettingsfor your
the socketat the bottom of the GelCam application.
lensassembly(s).An optionalhand grip Filtration' For black-and-white
with a built-incablereleaseis available photography,high-contrastimagesof
in selectedmarketsas a GelCamacces- your electrophoresisgels are essential,
sory. Contactyour Polaroiddealerfor and color filtrationimprovesthe contrast
informationon its availability. of your black-and-whitegel photographs.
Attach the filter: Select the filter For best resultsuse the electrophoresis
appropriatefor you r electrophoresis filterappropriatefor the staintechnique
application;referto the list on page 3. you are using.Avoid using acetatefilters
(Forbxposure recommendations,refer as they can distortthe opticalpath of the
to the section,Filtration,on page 8.) camera.
Rotatingthe filter clockwise,screw it into
the threadedmount of the GelCamlens.
f
www.orphancameras.comView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
Load the film Grip the end of the film safetycover
Unlatch and open the door: Pull down firmly and pull it straight,all the way out
the latchingcover(7e)and open the door. of the camera(1 1).
Beforeloadingthe film, checkthat the When the safety cover is removed, a
steel rollersare clean.Dirt on the rollers smallwhite tab (119) shouldstickout of
may causea number of pictureproblems, the slot. lf not, see lr/o leader tab?
such as repeatedspots or bars on The camera is now loadedand ready
pictures,and jammed film. lf necessary, for the first exposure.
cleanthe rollersas explainedin Cleaning
Make the exposurethe developer rollers.
Placethe hood over your subject,and Hold the film pack by the edgesonly. (dependingon the shutter-releasePushthe closedend of the pack in at mechanismyour camerahas)squeezean angle.Then push it down into the the hand-griptrigger (12l.or pressthecamera(8). cable-releasebutton (18-i) to releasethe
Checkthat the white tabs are free, as sh utter.
shown (9), not caught betweenthe pack Note: Placethe camera hood firmly
and the camera. againstthe light box or transilluminator
Close and latch the door: Hold the door to preventambient light from reaching
closedand push the latchingcover up the film. When using long exposure
over the end of the camera(1O),so it times, keepthe camerasteady,to ensure
clicksinto position. a sharpimage. ,
A The end of the film safetycover (1Of) t" l'l Jmust stickout of the slot. lf it does not, Jt'' t t+t ' wJ't
reopenthe door and straightenthe tab
so that it does.View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
Process the film After the full processingtime, separate
You must pull the film tabs straightout, the print from the negative,startingat the
to assureproper picturedevelopment. end nearestthe tab (15).Do not allow the
Hold the cameraas shown while pulling print to drop back onto the damp
the tabs. negative.See Caution.
See Care and storage of photographsPull the leader tab.' Grasp the white
for full detailson the careand handlingleadertab and pull it straightout of the
camera(13).A large processingtab (with of prints and negatives. :
arrows)appears(13h). lf no processing Caution: The Polaroidinstant film
tab appears,follow the instructionsin processuses a caustic paste.Avoid
No processing tab? lettingthe pastecome in contactwith
skin, eyes and mouth and keep it awayPull the processing tab: Grip the
processingtab in the centerand pull it from childrenand animals.lf you get
some paste on your skin, wipe it offstraight,at moderatespeed,without hesi-
tation,all the way out of the camera (14). immediately and wash with water to
avoid an alkali burn. lf eye or mouthThe pictureis now developing,so start
timing.The recommendedprocessing contactoccurs,quicklywash the area
with plenty of water and see a doctor.time is specifiedin the film instructions.
Keep discardedmaterialsaway fromDo not disturbthe printwhile the film is
children,animals,clothingand furniture.developing.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
No leader tab? Carefully open the door Do not open the camera.Grip both
and push the tab out (16).Then closeand processingtabs firmly, pull them both out
latchthe door with the tab outside. together,and discardboth piecesof film.
No processing tab? Do not pull another This may causedeveloperto be spread
leadertab. Instead,do the followingin aroundthe insideof the camera.Open
dim light: the door and,without disturbingthe film
. Carefullyopen the door without moving pack,cleanthe cameraand developer
the film pack.You can use a fingertipto rollers.
hold the packin position(17). Cleaning the developer rollers: With
. Take hold of the processingtab that failed both hands,lift the steel loops and
removethe rollerassembly(19). to come out, and gently pull it all the way
out of the camera (18) and discardit. Cleanboth rollerswith a soft, lint-free
cloth, dampenedwith water if necessary. While the door is open,inspectand clean (2O).Or, hold the rollerassemblyunder the developerrollersif necessary.Then
clean runningwater. Rotateboth rollers closeand latchthe door, with the next as you clean and inspectthem. (Notethat leadertab outside.
one rollersturns more easilythan the
If you accidentally pull two leader tabs other.)Neverscrapethe rollerswith in a row: You will get two processing
anythingmetallic,nor with your finger- tabs out at the same time. Both pieces
nail; do not attemptto disassemblethe of film will be ruined,and unlessyou are
rollers. careful,you may lose a third picture.
Blow out any dust or lint in the back
of the camera.Then replacethe roller
assembly.Slidethe rollersinto position,
then pushthe steelloopsdown flat (21).View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
Filtration Warning: The Ethidium Bromide and
As filtersabsorb light, be sure that your SBYRGreenstaintechniquesrequirethe
gel is properlyilluminated.You must use of an ultraviolettransilluminator.
compensatefor the use of the filter by Followthe manufacturer'srecommen-
increasingthe exposuretime or by using dationsfor safety.When using an ultra-
a wider aperture.Experimentto achieve violettransilluminator,alwayswear a
the proper exposurefor the light source fullface shieldand protectivehand
you use and the degreeof contrastyou gloves.Coverthe exposedareasof
want. the transilluminatorfilterwith foil or
Use the camera settings below for somethingsimilarto protectanyone
initialtesting,and make adjustmentsas in the nearvicinity.
needed.lf your test picturesare too light, Checkthe shutterand aperture
use a smallerlensaperture(higher settingsof the camera,positionthe
f-number),or a shorterexposuretime. cameraonto the hood pins and operate
lf too dark, use a larger lens aperture the shutterrelease.
(lowerf-number)or a longer exposure Note: Ultravioletlight generatesa low
time. levelof illumination.Use a high-speed
Note: Using a smallerapertureyields a film to preservethe depth of field and
greaterdepth of field. Use f/16 whenever imagesharpness.
possible. Gelsstainedwith ethidium bromide
requirerelativelylong exposuretimes.
Use a cableshutter releaseto minimize
the potentialfor cameramovement.
Illumination Exposure
EthidiumBromide UV transillumination(302nm) f|16,1/+sec.*
SYBRGreen UV/whitelight transillumination(2541497nm) f 116,1/+sec.*
CoomassieBlue White lighttransillumination(400-700nm) f 116,1/sosec.*
ELISA White lighttransillumination(400-700nm) f 116,1/sosec.*
Silver White light transillumination(400-700nm) f116,'r/sosec.*
*Exposure*,rn", are basedorlFolaroid Type 667 film (lSO 3OOO).Use longer exposuretimes or wider
aperturesif you use a lower-speedfilm.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
Possible picture faults Many small white specks: These are
Repeated white spofs,' Marks like these a sign that you pulledthe processingtab
are causedby dirt on the steel developer too swiftly.Try to pull the processingtab
rollers.Inspectthese rollersbefore load- a little less rapidly.
ing film, and cleanthem if necessary. Muddy looking print: The picture was
Cuftain-shaped mark or broad streak: not processedlong enough.Processfilms
lf the processingtab is pulled part-way for the full time recommendedin the
and then stopped briefly,one of these instructions.
marks results.When the hesitationoccurs Very light image or no image at all:
earlyin the pull,a curtain-shapedmark The film was greatlyoverexposedor it
along the pictureedge occurs.When the was accidentallyfogged. Be sure your
pull is stoppedabout halfway,you are exposureis basedon the correctfilm
likelyto get a broad streak.Always pull speed.Pullingout the safetycover before
the tab out in one uninterruptedmotion. you put the film packin the camera,or
Oblong in print: This indicates that you removingthe film packfrom the camera
did not pull the leadertab all the way out. after you pull out the safety cover causes
When you pulledthe processingtab, the the top sheetof film to be fogged.
leadertab was pulled back into the cam- Nearly black or solid black image:
era,thus spoilingthe picture.Always pull lf no detailat all is visible,your equip-
the leadertab all the way out. ment may not be functioning.Have it
Undeveloped edges or corners: inspected.
Theseare usuallycausedby pulling UV tubes appear on film: This results if
the processingtab out at an angle. you forget to use the filter. See Filtration,
This preventsthe developerfrom being page 8, for recommendations.
spreadevenly over the picture.Always
pull the processingtab straightand
smoothly,all the way out.
' ' t
tView original page 14Page 15 · Read text
Gare and storage of photographs Warranty
Printsand negativescan be adversely Your PolaroidGelCamhas beenthor-
affectedby improperstorageor handling. oughly testedand inspectedbefore
Allow printsto dry thoroughly before shipment.All parts are guaranteedto
stackingor filing. Treatthe negativesas be free of defectsin materialsor work-
directedin the film instructions.To manshipfor one full year from the date
protectimage densityduring storage, of originalshipment.Duringthis period,
insertprintsand negativesin individual any such defectswill be remediedby
protectivecovers(as recommended PolaroidCorporation,without charge,
below)and keepthem in a cool area except for transportationcosts.To make
(below75"Fl24C)with low relative returns,packthe unit carefullyin its
humidity.Do not file printsface-to-face originalshippingcontainerand ship it
or in contactwith conventionally- to the nearestPolaroidServiceCenter.
processedphotographs,radiographs (Seethe list of addresseson the back
or xerographiccopies. page.)
For long-termstorage,use seamless U.S.A. and Canada,' This warranty
envelopesor sleevesmade of acid-free excludesall incidentaland consequential
paper,celluloseacetate,polyethylene damages.All expressedor impliedlia-
or polyester.Avoid using glassineenve- bilityfor this equipmentincludingbut
lopes,unstableplastics(suchas PVC), not limitedto the impliedwarranty of
ordinaryblackalbum paper,brown Kraft merchantabilityand fitnessfor a parti-
paper,and cardboard.lf necessary, cular purposeare limitedin duration
staplesmay be used to attach the storage to the one-yearwarranty period.
sleeves(not the prints)to documents. Some statesdo not allow the
exclusionor limitationof incidentalor
consequentialdamagesor the duration
of impliedwarrantiesso the above
limitationsmay not applyto you. This
warranty gives you specificlegal rights,
and you may also have other rightswhich
may vary from state to state.
Outside the U.S.A, and Canada:
This warrantyexcludes consequential
damagesand does not affectyour
statutory rights.
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PDF verified 2026-10-10.