Film cameras
Polaroid Graph-Check Sequence Camera #300 User manual
User manual for Polaroid Graph-Check Sequence Camera #300. 20 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 Graph-Check Sequence Camera #300
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 20
- File size
- 1.7 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 2 · Read text
/.2
iloltcE 4 Your camera is effi{ev rith the
new, improved Pohroid #!{i filn
hoider, which replrcor thc #S00
hoider formerly furnished with thirHow to use camera. Scparate operating
instructions are enclosed for the
#545 holder.your
Graph-Check
Sequence Camera
#300View original page 2Page 3 · Read text
THE GRAPH-CHECK SEQUENCE CAMERA #300
makes possible for the first time photographic analysis of high-speed
motion within seconds after the action has occurred.
PLEASE
spend a few minutes reading this booklet before you take your first
picture.
I
Because your sequen""*"urn"ra is the only one in the world capable *, I"tof both taking and developing its own pictures, it is unlike any other
equipment you have ever owned. We urge you to read these instruc-
buttions carefully - not because the camera is difficult to use,because it is different.
This booklet is intended to provide you with a convenient source of
reference information. The first few pages cover basic operation of
the camera. Remaining sections are designed to help you understand
what is really going on as you make pictures in this new way -and tospare you costly mistakes. lllustrations are furnished throughout
where appropriate.
A Word About Your Camera 4
Operating Instructions . 5
Loading 6
Taking the Picture . 7
Processing 7
Removing the Picture . 8
Coating 8
Later Development 9
The Polaroid@ Land 4x5 Process ll
Picture Problems L2
Mechanical Problems 13
Cleaning the Rollers T4
Removing the Holder t4
Camera Care . 15
Servicing 15
www.butkus.usView original page 3Page 4 · Read text
\*
.se*** \"
HO W TO USE YOUR
GRAPH-CHECK SEQUENCE CAMERA
#400
The description, operation and maintenaRce of your
Graph-Check Sequence Camera#4O0 is essentially the same
as that of the #300 described in the attached booklet" The
significant differences betweenthe two models are tabulated
below. The +)OO is intended to be used indoors primarily
since itrequires substantially less supplementary lighting
#400 has than is required by the #300. The trdrfite of the
been designed to accept a Sylvania Sun Gun II (SG 55).
Other artificial lighting hn^y be used independently of the
camera or mounted in the tripod socket. When the #4gg it
used outdoors under lighting conditions of bright sun, stan-
dard Type 52 Polaroid Land film is substitutedfor standard
Type 57.
Comparative technical data are as follows:
Camera Cti"t -Stop S"tti"gt Shutter Speeds
#300 f/16, f/26, f/45 1/1000 Sec"
Sec. #400 f /LL, f/Lg, f/32 L/250View original page 4Page 5 · Read text
GRAPH-CHECK SEQUENCE CAMERA
ADDENDUM TO INSTRUCTION BOOKLET
USE OF A RIB-TYPE PHOTOGRAPHIC CUT FILM HOLDER
l. Remove the Polaroid film holder from your camera in
accordance Withpage L4 of the instruction booklet. The
holder should be pulled toward the rear of the camera
while sliding the holder out of the fitted groove.
2. Insert the cut film holder into the fitted groove until you
"feel" the holder rib seat itself past the curved side of
the camerh. Each cut film holder contains two sheets
of film protected from the light by a dark slide on the
front and back of the holder. DO NOT REMOVE DARK
SLIDE UNTIL HOLDER IS IN CAMERA AND CAMERA
IS COCKED. Otherwise, light will strike the film and
spoil your picture
3. Setthe e4posure control knob to (DULL)" Since the cut
film is slower (less sensitive emulsion) than the Pola -
roid type 57 filrn normally used in the camera, more
light is required. Therefore, the largest aperture
(DULL) must be used
4. Cock the camera in accordance with page 5 of the in-
struction booklet. CAUTION: Cock the camera ONLY
while the dark slide is in the cut film holder. Otherwise,
light will strike the negative and spoil your picture .
(See page 12 of. the instrucfion booklet)"
www.butkus.usView original page 5Page 6 · Read text
5. Remove the front dark slide of the cut film holder.
You are now ready to expose the film.
6" Take the picture. (See page 7 of. the instruction
booklet).
7 Re-insert the dark slide into the cut film holder. " The first sheet of film is now ready for processing.
8" Remo\e the entire cut fitm holder from the camera.
Turn the holder over and re-insert into the camera "
You are now ready to take a picture with the second
sheet of film by repearing steps 2 through 7 above.
9. The following films have been used in the Graph-
Cheek Sequene e Camera with good photographic re-
sultst
, Aperturesetting
Film for Bright, Clear day
Kodak Royal Pan, ASA 400 DULL
Ansco Super Hypan, ASA 500 DULL
Kodak RS Pan, ASA 650 DULL
10. Satisfactory film processing has been obtained using
Baumann Chemical Company's ACUFINE developer as
recommended by the manufacturer.View original page 6Page 8 · Read text
A WORD ABOUT YOUR CAMERA
Your new Graph-Check Sequence Camera
#300 is a complex, precision instrumentdesigned for the utmost in reliability-yet
as rugged and easy to operate as a box
camera. lts uses extend over a broad range of
outdoor activities, and the chances are that
you will soon discover dozens of varied
applications. To increase your satisfaction
and enjoyment, we would like to acquaint you
briefly with its major features.
Basic Operating Principle: Eight identical
shutters are tripped in automatic sequence
by the action of a tiny pneumatic piston.
Cocking the shutters compresses the piston
and places it under spring tension. When the
release is triggered, the spring force works
to retract the piston, thereby creating a
powerful vacuum in the sealed chamber.
The rate at which air is allowed to flow into
this vacuum regulates the speed of piston
trav.cllF4;heneS, sequence timing. A needle
valve setting, adjusted by the turn of a knob,
enables you to control air-flow and sequenc-
ing as appropriate.
rT*".q.
Stop-Motion Gapability: Shutter speed is
1/1000th of a second so fast that the - camera may be moved freely during the
firing sequence without blurring the picture.
This feature allows you to,fpllow right along
with any movements of the subject. Your
picture will always be di$tinct, the subject
f rozen motionless. i i ) \' t"
Universal Focus: Because fast-breaking
action rarely gives you time to worry about
subject distance, the camera has been de-
signed to eliminate the need for focusing.
The 50mm lens system, calibrated for tre-
mendous depth of field, renders pictures that
are sharp and clear trom 3Yz feet to infinity.
Instant Pictures: Most important of all,
your new camera features a built-in Polaroid
Land 4 x 5 Film Holder and uses standard
Type 57 Polaroid Land film. The single-shot
film packets contain all necessary ingredients
to produce finished pictures on the spot:
positive sheet, negative sheet and pod of
developing chemicals. Only 10 seconds after
a packet has been removed from the camera,
the eight-f rame sequence print is completely
developed and ready for viewing.
Whether you are giving a golf lesson,
supervising batting practice, or just having
fun-you can always see and analyze the
picture instantly, while the action is still
fresh in mind.View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Q Expos,ure: The exposure control knob adjusts the eight lens apertures simultane-
ously for proper exposure. lt has three click-
stop settings which correspond to average
outdoor lighting conditions: Dull (f /16),
Normal (t/26) and Bright (t145). Select the
appropriate one for the type of day and turn
the knob until this setting clicks into position
opposite the red dot indicator (arrow).
@ S"qu"ncing :The sequence control knob
regulates timing. Settings are from 1 to 9:
the higher the number, the faster the se-
quence (and vice versa). To adjust the
camera for any particular sequence speed,
turn the knob in either direction relative to
the red dot indicator (arrow). Settings need
not fall exactly on a reference number and
may be made to any intermediate point, as
desired. \.
Thg preferre$ method of matching se-
quenCe time to the action being photo-
graphed is by.comparison of the audible
shutter clicks with visual observation of the
SECONDSactual event. To accomptiSh- thiq, pperate the SEQUENCE DURATTON tN
camera as described belbw b&ore Toading
film and adjust the sequence control knob Setting L 3 5 7 9
until shutter sound and action are of equal Time 4 L/2 r/4 L/7 tllod u ration.
ln situations where use of the comparison i_nterval,Note: Timein seconds,is shown fromas thefirst'toapproximatelast picture.total
technique is impractical, or where repetition For example, all eight exposures can b'e made in as little as 1/1Oth of a second or as long asof the event may be diff icult, refer, to the table 4 seconds. Co'ntrol settings below #L extbnd
normal operating ran-ge from 4 secondsat right as a guide for $rerage sequence theup to 1O seconds. aboutduration. \, \
O Coct<ing: Both the timing and shutter
mechanisms must be cocked in order to take
a picture. Press the cocking lever all the way
to the right (as shown) and allow it to return
to its normal position.
lmportant: When film is in the camera,
always operate the cocking lever before with-
drawing the protective outer envelope of the
packet. Otherwise light will strike the negative
and spoil your picture. (See pages 6 and L2.)
@ firing: Holding the camera firmly bythe contour grip, press the release button
with your right index finger (see illustration).
This triggers the timing mechanism, which
in turn fires each of the eight shutters in
automatic sequence.
Practice setting the controls, cocking the
camera and tripping the shutters several
times until you are thoroughly familiar -with these operations.
www.butkus.usView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
LOADING
Use only Type 57 Polaroid Land 4x5
Packets. This high-speed film has an expo-
sure index of 3200 (ASA daylight equivalent).
It provides the ultra-sensitivity required by
the operating characteristics of the camera.
Packets should be shielded from direct sun-
light at all times. Keep them in the con-
venient film storage compartment of the
carrying case, which is designed to offer extra
protection.
ltll%
O S*ing the processing arm of the film
holder up to the "LOAD" position.
\
:\l
@ trrere are two sioef;6 ti& iil- packet
right and wrong. Make sure side that the- printed you.with large the letters is facing
Holding the packet as shown, insert the end
with the metal clip into the holder. Push the
clip gently past the rubber lfght seal:roller
and, without buckling, feed Qhelpdhikegiin
about halfway.
)
:t
'S ','
@ t'low shift your hold to the extreme right-
hand edge and push the packet in the rest
of the way, until it stops. Use care to avoid
buckling or creasing, and do not press on the
area where the pod of developing chemicals
is located (marked by the wide blue stripe).
When completely inserted, the right edge of
the packet will just be visible in the holder
recess (see illustration).
@ nter loading the packet, press the
cocking lever all the way to the right and allow
it to return to its normal position. The shutter
blades will open momentarily, then close
again. However, no light will reach the film
provided that the entlre packet, with its
protective black envelope, is still inside the
holder.
Always cock the camera as the last step
in your loading routine - not when you areabout to take the picture.
6View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
TAKING THE PICTURE
{$ ffre black outer envelope acts as a
protective cover ("dark slide") for the film.
Just before you take the picture, gently
withdraw the envelope from the holder until
it comes to a firm stop. Don't worry about
pulling too far. lt will come out almost 6
inches, then gtop automatically. The nega-
tive will remain inside the holder un- - covered and ready for exposure.
Note: To avoid the danger of a light leak,
the protective envelope should not be re-
moved for longer than absolutely necessary.
Guard it especially against bending or whip-
ping in the wind.
@ fry to get as close as possible to your
subject:a good working distance is 6-10 feet.
Now hold the camera firmly against your
cheek as shown, aim, and press the release
button when the action starts. The sports-
type viewfinder will enable you to center
rapidly and continuouslp- (Remember to
keep clear of tltp lenses-they can't see
through your fingers!)
@ ntter exposure, reinqtrt tQe.bla-ck en- velope until it is once more juSt visible in
the holder recess. Use light pressure but
don't force it; otherwise yoq may crease the
paper. lf the envelope will not slide in easily
all the way, withdraw it slightly and try again.
The picture you have iust.rak&i -rs' rtow ready for processing.
\, !\,,
PROCESSING
Q ffip the processing arm down to the"PROCESS" position. This action brings
together the two steel rollers inside the film
holder. When you pull th-e packet out, these
rollers will crush the pod and spread the
developing chemicals.
@ to start development, pull the packet
completely out of the holder in one smooth,
fairly rapid motion. You will feel a slight
resistance toward the end as the metal clip
reaches the rollers, but keep right on pulling
without hesitating. The rollers will separate
automatically to allow the clip to pass th rough.
Remember: pull evenly, steadily, rapidly.
Now wait 10 seconds for the picture to
develop. (See directions packed with film.)
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7View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
REMOVING THE PICTURE
Q Wfren development is complete, removethe black outer envelope from the packet.
Grasp it at the two extreme ends, hooking
your fingernails under the edge of the metal
clip. Then give the envelope a moderate tug.
The metal clip will remain attached to the
inside sheets; the envelope will slip off (see
illustration). Do not bend, squeeze or pry the
metal clip - you will only have more diffi-culty in removing the envelope.
@ now separate the inside sheets. Take
the black negative tab and brown paper mask
in one hand, the glossy white sheet in the
other. Then peeloff yourfinished eight-frame
sequence print.
:.t
COATING
Each picture should 'te LOp'ted - with a
Polaroid Print Coater as soon as possible
after removalf rom the packet. Use a smooth,
flat surface such as the film box. The surface
should be entirely clean and free from dust
or dirt, as small particles picked up by the
coater will scratch the i'mage. .ApfrlV the 'thecoater liberally along the entire length 6f
picture with 6-8 firm, ovitrlapping strokes.
Make sure to cover all eflgeq,, borders and
corners. {
One coater contains sufficient fluid forfciui
pictures. lf it should begin to drag or feel dry
at any time, press it down hard for a moment
on the tab end of the print (not on the image)
to release more liquid. Then continue coating
evenly across the picture. Keep the coater
tightly capped in the plastic vial when not in
use to prevent evaporation of the fluid.
"r",i,l " fi ; # :ilr'ffi .utbt:.f;'"' i: ;",tTiJminutes (sliehtly longer in humid weather).
Once properly coated and dried in this
manner, your picture is extremely durable
and can be expected to withstand storage
as well as conventional photographic images.View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
:3
LATER DEVELOPMENT":l!;r.. .- { .
Occasionally you may wish toltakeieveral
pictures in succession without processing
each one right away. To remove a packet for
later development, follow these steps.
O Expose the negative and reinglgrt the protective envelope as usual. Leivd tHe
processing arm of the filn-i holder up in the
"LOAD" position. \
@ Usingyourthumbnail as shown, depress
the film release lever on the left side of the
holder (arrow). Push it down as far as it will
go (about 3/8') and hold it there. Now briskly
withdraw the entire packet from the holder.tt' Do not let go of the release lever until the
packe$is completely out.
O fo identify the exposed but unproc-
essed packet, crimp the upper right-hand
corner of the envelope (see illustration).
This will avoid mix-ups when working quickly.
Always shield the packet from direct sun-
light; put it back inside the carrying case
until you are ready to process.
To develop the picture, reinsert the ex-
posed packet into the film holder as when
first loading. Then process in the regular
manner.
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9View original page 13Page 15 · Read text
THE POLAROID LAND 4x5 PROCESS
Q eefore Exposure: With the camera loaded and cocked, the outer envelope of the filmpacket is withdrawn from the holder until it stops. This uncovers and readies the negative,
which is held in the focal plane by the attached metal clip. The processing arm remains up in
the "LOAD" position, the steel rollers open.
\
f".{o
)
@ Rtter Exposure: lmrfuediptely following exposure, the envelope is reinserted all the wayback into the metal clip. The packet once more becomes a light-tight unit and is now ready for
thefinal step of complete removalfromthe holder. Atthis point, the processingarm is brought
down to the "PROCESS" position, thereby allowing the steel rollers to close.
L+lt rlt ,tl
tttl'.
DEVELOPER
BEI-NG SPREAD
6v nollens
@ Processing: As the exposed packet is pulled from the holder for processing, the closed
rollers crush the pod and rapidly spread the jellied developing chemicals over the entire surface
of the image area. Just 10 seconds later the protective envelope is removed from the packet.
The inside sheets are then peeled apart to obtain the finished eight-frame sequence picture.
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t1View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
PICTURE PROBLEMS
No Exposure: A completely black picture
always indicates that no light reached the
negative. This can be caused by (a) failure to
insert the packet all the way into the film
holder when first loading; (b) failure to
withdraw the outer envelope before exposing;
or (c) failure of the metal clip to catch properly
upon insertion of the packet. lf the trouble
occu rs f req uently, check the holder for
possible malfunction.
,*lFil,ESBggEBft l;/$ri$:i+
Double Exposure: Cockingthe camera after
withdrawing the protective envelope will
allow light to pass the shutter blades and
strike the film prematurely. As a result, you
expose twicewill actually
whencock, and again you-pressoncethewhenreleaseyou
button. Get into the habit of operating the
cocking lever while the entire packet is still
inside the holder.
Fogging: Type 57 Poldroid :Land 4 x 5
Packets are fifteen times more sensitive to
light than conventional films usually con-
sidered "fast." Although this extraordinary
material is designed to permit outdoor use,
careless handling in direct sunlight may
cause fogging. Keep packets shaded as-much
as possible and protect them from un'ne.6e$
sary exposure to bright ligh!.
i
\
One Missing Gorner: An incomplete spread
of the developer will always result from the
slightest external pressu re on either the
processing arm or tension bar of the holder
while the packet is being pulled through the
rollers. Hold the camera by the contour grip
and avoid contact with your body during the
pull.
Two Missing Corners: lf the packet is
pulled through the processing rollers too
quickly, the developer will not distribute
evenly across the image area. Your pull
moderatelyshould be fast -samebut forcetry notandtooverdo Use about the it.
speed as you might in drawing down a
window shade.
t2View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
Spots: Deposits of dirt or foreign matter
on the steel processing rollers will cause
evenly-spaced white spots across the length
of the picture (about IY+" apart). Inspect and
clean these rollers regularly. (See instruc-
tions on next page.)
Streaks: lf your pulling motion is uneven
or jerky when processing the packet, the
rollers will leave impressions across the
image area in the form of vertical streaks.
Remember to pull smoothly and without
h esitation.
"t
Black Edge: Failure to reinsert the pro-
tective envelope all the-way back into the
film holder atter exposure will produce an
uneven black strip along the picture edge.
Make sure to push the envelope in until it is
just visible in the holder recess. (See illustra-
tion on page 7.)
Note: Prolonged subjection to higft h.uq.qd-
ity can cause the envelope to buckle andthus
prevent full re-entry. Follow the.{e!flled. in- ' G''structions packed with thg film.-
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
Detached Envelope: lf the packet is loaded
in backwards (see illustration), the outer
envelope will detach completely when with-
drawn for exposure. To gain access to the
negative (which remains inside the holder),
open the hinged cover and disengage the
rollers just as you would for cleaning. Then
swing the processing arm all the way down
to the "PROCESS" position and pull out the
negative by meansof the extending blacktab.
Detached Clip: The metal clip may occa-
sionally loosen and remain trapped in the
holder when the packet is pulled through for
processing. To dislodge it, try loading and
withdrawing an empty packet envelope -as if removing an exposed picture for later
development. Should the clip fail to adhere
to the envelope, detach the entire holder f rom
the back of the camera for more convenient
access. (See pages 9 and 1.4.)
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t3View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
CLEANITIG THE ROLLERS
The two steel processing rollers are at the
heart of the instant picture system. Check
regularly to see that they are clean and f ree
of foreign matter. lt is not necessary to
remove the holder from the camera for this
pu rpose.
Q Open the hinged roller cover by sliding
the cover latch to the right.
@ S*ing the processing arm to a point mid-
way between the "LOAD" and "PROCESS"
positions. Supporting the steel roller beneath
the cover with your forefingers, place your
thumbs on both ends of the tension bar.
Then press down on the bar and flex it
counter-clockwise until the tips snap out
from under the roller yokes(see illustration).
.!
@ ffre top roller will now swing out to
permit easy cleaning of the entire assembly.
Rub off any deposits with a damp cloth. Also
clean the rubber light seal roller if needed.
To re-engage the rollers, simply
the above procedure. l
'ttr
REMOYING THE HOLDER
The film holder is secured to the back of
ihe camera by lwo springs. You may sometimes
find it helpful fo detach this unif entirely,
such as when refrieving a lost metal clip or
removing a iommed film packef;
Compress ihe springs slighfly by pulling
ihe holder away from the camera and then
slide the holder out of the fi++ed groove. Be
careful not to get dirt into the, camera interior
while it is open.
' When replacing the holder make sure it is
inserted sufficienfly for proper reseating.
T4View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
CAMERA CARE
Treat your camera with the same thought-
fulness that you would give to any fine
instrument. A minimum of care will ensure
many years of trouble-free enjoyment.
Lenses: To clean the lenses. remove the
two small retaining screws and take off the
entire lens plate (see illustration). Wipe
gently with a soft, lint-free dry either cloth - moistened or clear water. Do in not use
commercial solvents, as they may harm the
optical surface.
Sequence Mechanism: The pneumatic
timing piston is fabricated from graphite-
impregnated carbon and will render a life-
time of smooth operation. To prevent un-
necessary wear on the retraction springs, do
not keep the camera cocked for prolonged
periods.
Film Holder: When storing the camera,
ADDENDUM TO OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS make sure the holder processing arm. is
down in the "PROCESS{. position. This will
relieve tension On the roller assemblv. RE'EATING FILM HoLDER i other partsilit brii''€i"nibving puit. huu"
been permanently lubricated at the,factory Re-tnsert film holder into the fitted groove until you feel
and require no attention. Never use ordinary the holder reference ridge seat itseE past the leadlng edge of
oil or grease anywhere oq the theshouldcurvedbe approximatelycemera caeel/8inchside, frofromnotleftinsertside tooof casefar when(Holderin
€.ur"r-.u. proper position) or picture format will not be centered.
GUARANTEE
Your Graph-Check Sequence Camera #3OO
has been manufactured to rigid production
standards. lt has been thoroughly tested and
inspected prior to shipment. All par(; gre
fully guaranteed against defects in matbrials
or workmanship for one fear from the date
of original purchase. Durtng this period we
will remedy any such defeits without charge,
except for transportation.
I
1I REGISTRATION
The camera serial number is printed on
the name plate located near the release
button, at the side. In order to validate your
{ full-year guarantee, please register this
number with us by filling in and returning
the Registration Card packed with the
camera. We will also placb you on our mailing
list to receive first-hand information about
new prod uct developments.
SERVICING SHIPMENT /
Damage resulting from normal wear, mis- containerShould(withplentyyour cameraof padding)requireandservicing,ship prepaidpack itto inus.a stiffDO handling or accident will be prompfly re- NOT re-ship the camera in the carrying case since improper
damage to packing transit resultingin shifting during allow will paired at a reasonable charge. To return unable to accept We are re- of the carrying case. the interior your camera tor servicing, pack it carefully eponsibility for damage to your carrying case if used as a re-
shlpment container, in a stiff container (with plenty of padding)
and ship prepaid to:
PHOTOGRAMMETRY, INC.
L223O Wilkins Avenue
Rockville, Maryland
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15View original page 19Page 20 · Read text
Distributed exclusively through
Graph-Check, Inc. / St. Petersburg, Floridallllgraph-Gheck
sequence camera Photogrammetry,Designed and manufacturedlnc. I Rockville,by MarylandIlll
"Polaroid"@ by Polaroid Corporation Printed in U.S.n.View original page 20From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.