Film cameras
Polaroid Pathfinder User manual
User manual for Polaroid Pathfinder. 35 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 Pathfinder
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 35
- File size
- 12.4 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 5 · Read text
How to L(lAD THE CAMERA
You can load the camera in as little as ten seconds-far less time than it takes you to read
these instructions. The picture roll actually drops i4 place. Do not load in direct sunlight.
FIR5T, OPEN UP THE BACK
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Lift cutter bar as shown. Swing latch-lever down. Back will open.
2
\PaeeView original page 5Page 6 · Read text
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OPEN ALL THE WAY AND LAY FLAT
THIS IS THE
INSIDE COVER
LIFT IT AND LAY IT FLAT
N EGATIVE (SPOOLED) ROLL NOW IT'S READY POSITIVE (WH ITE) ROLL WILL DROP IN HERE CLIPS IN HERE FOR TOADING
RO LLER STOP PI NS ROLLER
AT THE orHER PARTstTnD A MoMENT AND tooK t' l The two rollers are the heart ol the camera. The picture papers will pass between these rolters,
which control the picture-making by squeezing the developer reagent evenly between the positive and negative
sheets. Keep these rollers clean - spin them quickly before each roll is loaded, and remove with a damp clothany particles of dirt. The stop pins shown above drop into holes punched in the paper and stop it automatically
in the correct place each time you advance the paper to develop a picture.
Page 3View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
How tO TAKE A PICTURE
The purpose of this brief section is to show you how to take one kind of picture
simple but common kind. lt is a picture of a person, taken out.of-doors and -a close enough to be a good, informal portrait.
TO OPEN THE CAMERA
PUlt SHUTTER SIIDE all the way
out until it clicks and locks
JUST PNESS TI{E COVEN CATCH firmly. PICTURES WILL BE
and the cover will pop up, BLURRED IF SLIDE IS NOT
Open fully until cover FULLY EXTENDED AND
braces click and lock cover LOCKED.
rigidly.
THtS lS THE F0CUS|ltG t(lt0B.
Do not turn it until camera
is fully opened.
Mike Butkus Digitally DN:email=mike@butkus.org,Date:cn=Mike2024.04.17signedButkus,by12:29:45Mikeo=ButkusButkusc=US-04'00'camera manuals, ou=butkus.org,
STIDE RELEASE
Push in on
black center
Shutter slide and release. piece.
Page 6View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
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TO CTOSE THE CAMERA HOW TO
PUSH l1{ 0l{ StIDE REIEASE and HOID TH E CAM E RApush all the way back. Then pick
up camera in both hands, lens fac- FOR A HORIZOl{TAt PICTURE, hold the camera this way,ing you. Press down with thumbs with your left hand throughon both cover braces, squeeze cam. the strap as shown. Holdera cover shut. camera firmly against face
and shoulder to prevent
motion.
CAUTl0l{: Be sure the
wire-frame view-
finder and focusing
track are pushed
back into place be-
fore closing camera,
F0R VERTICAI PICTURES, there . . . but you may find you can hold
are two convenient ways to hold the camera even steadier if you
the camera. The position shown cradle it upside down on your
above is the conventional way- shoulder, as shown here.
Page 7View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
sET THE SHUTTER Your Pathfinder Camera has the finest press- type shutter made, one which is used by pro- fessionals the world over. The shutter has many speeds and many features which are described in more detail on Page 20, but for this picture you need do only this: Turn the outermost ring on the shutter until the indicator points to the 50 mark. (This means that your camera will be shooting at 1/50th second.) Make sure the shutter speed marking is set exactly over the indica- tor. Settings to either side are apt to result in erratic exposure. Then, move the cocking lever to the right as far as it will go. lf you move it only part way, the shutter may jam when released. www.butkus.us Page 8View original page 9
Page 10 · Read text
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SET THE tENS
Like the shutter, the lens in your Pathfinder
Camera is a favorite choice of press photog-i raphers. lt is famous for its sharpness and
high quality. lt is a big lens, and thus it has
great light-gathering power. lt will take pic-
tures when the light is quite dim. For this
picture, however, you are in bright daylight,
and the lens opening must be closed down
to exclude a great portion of the light. Set
the indicator lever to the f/l6 mark. lf the
day is cloudy, a larger opening is needed
and you should set the lever to the f/l1 or
f /8 mark.
Page 9View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
BACK VIEW SHOWING RANGEFINDER
IOOK TH ROUGH TH E RANGEFINDER
Stand about 5 feet from your subject and look 'thethrough rangefinder: You will see two
images. Now turn the focusing knob slowly until
the two images of the eyes come together to
make one sharp image. Your camera is in -lproper focus when you see only one image of
the most important part of the subject-in this Icase the eyes.
\
\\
Tilt camera slightly when using rangefinder, to
make it easier to find sharp lines to range on.
This is whatyou see when This is what you see
subject is not in focus. when subiect is in focus.
YOUR CAMERA lS ll0W FOCUSED. Donotchangedistance between subjectand your camera lens.
Page lOView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
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AIM THROUGH THE VIEWFINDER
The optical viewfinder snaps open easily with a flick of
the finger. Now pull out the wire frame (mounted on the
shutter housing) as far as it will go. Pull by the outer
frame which willautomatically pick up and move the inner
frame into position. Your viewfinder is now ready for
sighting subjects 10 feet or more away.
FRONT
LENS
The camera will actually record slightly
more of the scene than you will see
through the viewfinder. This helps to WIRE FRAME PARALLAX CORRECTION correct for small errors in centering
and framing.For subjects closer than 10 feet, you must correct for
parallax to aim your €mera accurately. This is done with
the wire frame. Just above the shutter cocking lever,
you will find a series of numbers. Opposite the infinity
(o) mark, you will see the end of the wire frame the -indicator for parallax correction. Puih in on the inside
wire of the frame until the indicator is at the desired
distance. For this S-foot picture, set the indicator between
the 4 foot and 8 foot marks.
Page 11View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
How to DEVEL0P
A PICTURI
HOLD THE CAMERA THIS WAY
PUSH THIS BUTT0ll all the way LIFT CUTTER BAR and take
in, then release. D0 1l0I H0tD a f irm hold on the paper tab,
lT D0fUl{! Paper will not stop putting your thumb length-
if you do. wise along the top.
wAlr 6*q, sEcoNDs! lmportant. When you pulled the THIS WAY tab, you started the processing of in- your first picture-and also ad- The'pictH),..I1: ,f,eveloping
side the lnt vanced the paper for the next.
the in- (You can check this by lifting the
the cutter bar and looking at the print.
picture addi- ing on the tab.) The "negative" of
tional ls re- the first picture remains in the
quired. sed to camera untilyou pullthe tab again.
estimating k your- At that time it is torn off and dis.
self with a wa carded.
WHICHEVER FEELS MORE
SECURE AND COMFORTABLE
Shield the camera from direct
sunlight during this operation.
Page L2View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
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PUtt IHE TAB out of the slot with a slngle fairly-rapid motion. Ct0SE CUTTER BAR and hold
Do not hesitate midway. Pull all the way out until you hear a click down firmly with thumb.
and the tab stops automatically. Pull straight out, not downward. Then tear off excess paper.
Paper is now advanced and ready for second picture.
STIDE IATCH BACK on the tIFT PICTURE D00R and tlFT PICTURE CAREFUIIY along perfora-
pictu re door. remove the finished tion to avoid tearing. Then close and
print, starting with oval relatch picture door by sliding latch
cutout. back to original position. Your camera
is now ready for the next picture.
Page 13View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
N(lW ! - apply the permanent finish provided by the PolaroidPrint Coater packed with each picture roll. lmportant: Get the habit of coating your pictures right away, before you forget. You'll find that Polaroid pictures lead a hard life. Everyone wants to see them as they come from the camera - and that's the very moment whenthey are, most likely to be damaged by handling. The Coater covers your prints with a tough, plastic finish, giving them a handsome lustre and lasting protection against print hazards in storing and handling. lf for any reason you cannot coat your pictures immediately, be sure to coat them before storing. Page 14View original page 15
Page 16 · Read text
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IT'S EASY TO USE
THE PRINT COATER
It takes just a few seconds, and the t'U ,'*'n*;results are perfect if you are careful to
follow the directions accompanying the
print coater. (
\
FIRST, take the curl out of the print f HElf, apply print coater according Att0W PRll{T T0 DRY. Be careful
by drawing it over any handy edge, to instructions, being careful not to notto stack pictures or handlethem
such as a table edge. miss any corners or edges. until the coating is completely dry.
Page l5View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
How to C0RRECT Y0UR PICTURE 0N THE SP0T Now- let's look at the picture you just made. lt may not be exactly what you want because the lens setting was only approximate. This pagg shows how to make corrections to improve exposure. The next covers other common errors, all of which you can correct on the spot. INCORRECT EXPOSURE The easiest way to make changes is to move the lens opening lever to a largerorsmaller nu m ber. The smaller the f/num- ber, the larger the open- ing in the lens witl be, and the more light will come in making your -picture lighter. To make your picture darker, use a larger f/number. DAnf (See T00 Page 18 for more infor- smaller flnumber.- set to a ,USTin lensRlGllT-noopening required.change T00a higherLlGllTf/number.- set to mation on lens setting.) Page 16View original page 17
Page 18 · Read text
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BTURRED OR
FUZZY IMAGE
The three common
causes of tuzzy pictures
are shown at right.
Check focus again. Be
sure to hold the camera
securely-and hold your
breath when you press
the shutter release. t0cusHG lltAccuRATE CATERA IIOVED SUB'ECT TOVED
Don't punch the release; Note subiect is blurred. All objects in picture The face is blurred while
squeeze it slowly. Background is sharp. are blurred. rest of subject is sharP.
TOADING OR DEVELOPMENT ERRORS CAN CAUSE THESE:
UIIDERDEVEI0PEII]IEGATIVE ROIL LIGHT.STRUGK U]IEVEII IIOT PULII]IC SHIETDED StOT OF TAB TA8
KeeP Note white tab full with a single minute after- pullingAllow Pull tab FR0tlll LOADlllG SUll-streaks across- picture. quick motion to avoid slot in shadow when tab, longer in cold
Do not break scotch-tape streaks. Don't stop pulling tab. weather.
seal t midway.
Page 17View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
How to choose BEST LENS and SHUTTER SETTINGS
You can change the exposure of your pictures HERE'S HOW TO find the best combination for
them lighter or darker-in either of a given scene:-maketwo ways:
FIRST... MEASURE OR ESTIMATEBy changing the shutter setting to make the THE IIGHT TEVEI OF THE SUBJECTshutter give a longer or shorter "wink," letting
more or less light through. lf you have a Polaroid-G.E. exposure meter,
By changing the f/number of the lens to make simply point the meter at the scene (or take a
the aperture larger or smaller. (When your closeup reading for best accuracy) and note the
camera is not loaded, you can see how this is number from 1 to 8 the meter reads. On top of
done: Set the shutter to "T" and press the the rangefinderyou willsee this simple exposure
release lever to open the shutter. Then move calculator. lt converts the number into a choice
the f/number control to observe the action of of shutter and lens opening combinations which
the iris diaphragm.) will produce the correct exposure. For example,
if you set the pointer to 6, you have several
choices: t/16 at 1/1OOth, t/22 at l/s0th, t/32
at 1/25th, etc. EXPOSURE
CALCULATOR lf you own a conventional exposure meter, set
the film emulsion speed into the meter in ac.
cordance with the speed instructions packed
with each Polaroid picture roll, then read op-
tional settings directly from the meter.
lf you have no meter, check the exposure guideView original page 19Page 20 · Read text
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packed with your Polaroid picture roll. From use, and use the speed opposite that number.
the chart, pick the number (from I to 8) that This is what the f/number control does: Each
applies best to the light conditions you are division of the f/number scale cuts the exposure working under. Then set the exposure calcula- in half as you go from t/4.5 to t/32 the larger tor on top of the rangefinder housing to that - the number, the smaller the lens opening (and number-and read off the optional settings,
as suggested under instructions for the the less the exposure).
Polaroid-G.E. meter. The smaller numbers, although they p.rr'lt
more light to pass through the lens, make
NOW... MAKE YOUR CHOICE focusing more critical. These pictures show how the sharp portion of the same picture increased OF THE BEST COMBINATION as you use the larger f/numbers.
One way is to select the f/number you want to
tfr
ia LENS SET Ar f/4.5 LENS SET AT f/32
The portion of the prcture that is shdrp (called THE GENERAL RUtE: Use the middle range
"Depth of Field") increases greatly with the settings t 18,'t lLL, t lL6 whenever possible. - - larger f/numbers. Depth of field is also greater Save the extremes for unusual light conditions
at longer distances. and sPecial effects'
Page 19View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
How to choose BEST IENS ond THESE ARE THE SPEEDS
SHUTTER SETTINGS (Conr.) WHICH YOUR SHUTTER OFFERS:
Some kinds of pictures can be made most (Note that the exposure is cut approximately
successfully by deciding first on the shutter in half with each faster setting.)
speed ycu want and setting the f/number T- "Time" expo-accordingly. Action pictures require faster sure: Shutter
shutter speeds; depth-of-field considerations opens with first
will sometimes suggest slower shutter speeds. click, closes on "tow UGHT second click. LEVELS''
B-"Bulb" expo- D0 1t0T Shutter - sure: as HAI{D.HOtD stays open
long as release Camera must be is held in, steady to avoid blu r
1 one second at these settings. 2 - l/2 second 5 - 1/5 second l0 - l/lO second -
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l{0TE: To correct exposure if a picture turns out too 25 1/25 second "ll0RtlAt" SETTIil0S willlight or too dark, adiust f /number rather than shutter 50 - l/5O second stop motion in o[dinaryspeed. Lens can be set midway between fr'marks for 100 - 1/lOO second posed pictures. -precise adjustment, Shutter cannot. The only speeds
available are those shown on the indicator.
"fAsT ACTt0t{" sETilltGS
CAUTloll: Do not leave the shutter "cocked" when 200 1/20o second are needed for u n-camera is not in use. Do not leave it on the 1 /400th 400 - 1/4O0 second posed pictures where
setting, even when not cocked, Tirning will be dis- (This - setting.r-equires rapid movement is aptturbed if these precautions are not observed. an extra Pusn) to take place.
Page 2OView original page 21Page 22 · Read text
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MORE ON DE PTH OF FIETD
For clear pictures, all of the important parts of interiors, every possible bit of sharpness range
the scene must fall within the sharp depth-of- is desirable. The table below gives depth of
field area. For some pictures, a depth of only a field measurements for the three lens openings
few inches will suffice. For others, such as room at all distances.
DEPTH OF FIETD TABTE
Figures show distances (from lens) within which picture details
will be sharp, with camera focused as indicated in left-hand column.
Distance
Focused on t/4.5 t/5.6 t/8
3ft 2'lI)4' to 3'r4n 2'Ll' to 3'L" 2'LOY+il to 3'L-|/a,'
3y2 ft 3'5" to 3'7u 3'4u to 3'7" 3'314' to 3'8rAu
4ft 3'11" to 4'2u 3'10" to 4'2' 3'10u 4'4'
5ft 4'LO' to 5'2' 4'9' to 5'4u 4'8u to 5'6'
6ft 5'1Ou to 6'4u 5'6u to 6'6u 5'6u to 6'8'
8ft 7'6' to 8'7' 7'4' to 8'11" 7'L' to 9'4n lo ft g'Lu to 1 1' 9' to ll'7" 8'7' to L2'4u
15 ft l3'2u to L7'LOn l2'7u to 18'6" 12' to 2l'
25 ft 20' to 34' 19' to 37' 17' to 47'
50 ft 33' to lO5' 30' to 1.60' 26' to Inf.
IN F. 93' to Inf. 74' to lnf. 52' to lnf.
For smaller openings, use the depth-of-field
indicator next to the focusing scale of the
camera. Indicator shows approximate depth for
all distances at f/16 and f 132.
Pagc 2lView original page 22Page 23 · Read text
Special tips on the RANGEFINDER and VIEWFINDER
THE KAIART RANGEFINDER
All of the famous accuracy of this pioneer press- Occasionally, a rough jar in handling may cause
type rangefinder is preserved in the special a slight vertical displacement of the two images.
adaptation of it to your Pathfinder Camera.
Each rangefinder is carefully matched to the
camera lens it accompanies.
The rangefinder is of the "super-imposed
image" type. When the camera is not in focus, To adjust this, simply remove the screw in the
you will see two distinct images through the calculator slide nearest the viewer and pivot the
f inder window. As the camera nea rs focus, these slide so that it exposes a screw beneath. View
two images move closer and closer together, through the rangefinder with the camera in a
and when the camera is in sharp focus on the horizontal position and turn this screw a few
object, the images should be exactly super- degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise to bring
imposed so that only one is visible. the images into vertical alignment.
THE NEW OPTI-FRAME VIEWFINDER easily, the viewfinder lets you correct for
parallax the error which creeps into. theYour Pathfinder Camera has a new combination - framing because of the fact that the cameraviewfinder. With it, you are able to frame the lens and the viewfinder lens have slightlyentire scene very accurately, without the different viewpoints. You correct for the errorcramped eye-space that most optical finders by moving the entire wire frame in toward thesuffer from. camera lens by a small amount, depending on
In addition to framing the scene accurately and the distance from the object. The parallax
Page 22View original page 23Page 24 · Read text
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correction scale is engraved on top of the W}IAT THE FINDER SETSframe which holds the shutter. lt shows the The finder sees less than the camera will
amount of correction for three distances - record, varyingwith distance. The "field" of4 feet, 8 feet and infinity (*). As you push
frame in toward camera, indicator slides ffi thewhichcamerait takeslensin - variesthe amountslightlyofdependingthe scenealong beside these numbers. The frame can - on the distance at which the camera isbe set midway between numbers for exact focused. The finder cannot compensatecompensbtion at intermediate distances. completely for this variation, and accordingly
Note thatanother setof numbers is engraved the finder will show you less of the scene for
beside this one. These are used for close- distance shots than the camera will actually
up aiming with the Polaroid Close-up Lens record. You will find that this is a valuable
Kit. See Page 30. safety feature.
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Check the model and edition against your equipment.
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