The Polaroid PEP Eductor Edition is an instant camera from Polaroid. It is part of the Polaroid Education Program (PEP). The features of the model are the same as the Polaroid One Step Flash Closeup. Of course, no new ones have been produced for some time.
The Polaroid PEP Eductor Edition is characterized by its ease of use. If you are used to many settings on your camera, you won’t find them on this model. Its simplicity allows it to be used on many different occasions. The camera is ideal for taking pictures when you have a wedding or a party on the agenda. It is also a good choice for a vacation.
The most important settings are preset. The exposure time cannot be changed. You can’t choose the aperture value yourself either. It is not possible to change the lens. It has a fixed focal length. Many modern cameras have a zoom function. This functionality is not present in this model. The shortest focusing distance is 60 cm. This minimum distance must be maintained for sharp images.
Of course, the camera must not be without a built-in flash. It fires automatically when the picture is taken. Especially in low light conditions, you are often grateful for the flash.
Films for the Polaroid PEP Eductor Edition
Very important for the photo camera are the correct photo films. The camera manufacturer, Polaroid, has stopped production. A company from the Netherlands again produces suitable films for the 600 format.
Easy to find online are a color instant film and a black and white film. Color photos are possible with the Polaroid Color Film for 600*. Monochrome images can be created with the Polaroid B&W Film for 600*. They enjoy great popularity among a wide range of photographers.
One pack is enough for eight pictures. Since the film material is sensitive to light, it must not come into contact with it outside the camera. The best possible conditions for storage are in a dry and dark place.
According to the standard, an image measures 10.8 x 8.8 cm. Just like the SX-70 cameras, the captured image is square and 7.7 by 7.7 cm. The rest of the image area is white. Polaroid also sells editions of the films with colorful frames.
Do Fujifilm’s instant films fit the camera? No, the Instax instant films cannot be used.
Batteries
What type of batteries are needed for the Polaroid PEP Eductor Edition? For this type of camera, the battery is found in the plastic case. It contains enough power for all unexposed photos in the film cassette. Even when using the flash. So changing the film is also changing the power source. An additional battery is not necessary.
When the film is empty, the film cassette or battery should not be disposed of in household waste. The battery should be removed from the cassette and taken to a local drop-off location.
Tutorial for Polaroid PEP Eductor Edition
How does the instant camera work? A quick guide on how to use the instant camera.
First, you need to load the film. To do this, open the film door by pushing the slider on the side of the housing forward. Then insert the film cassette and close the flap again. The next step is done automatically by the camera. It removes the protective film from the film.
The camera is now ready to take the desired picture. Hold the camera on the subject and press the release button. The motor in the camera now ejects the image and development begins. Within a few minutes, the development is complete and you can view the image.
Other options
If you can’t find a camera, you can turn to alternatives. A first alternative is the Polaroid One Step Flash Closeup. It is similar in features and the same film stock is exposed.
You might also want cameras from other manufacturers as an alternative. The Instax Mini 8* or Instax Wide 300* are well suited as a starter. Suitable film material is also still being produced for both cameras.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Instant camera |
| Film format | Typ 600 |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 77 mm x 77 mm |
| Focal length | - |
| Widest aperture | - |
| Minimum focus distance | 60 cm / 1.968 ft |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Type of focus | Zone focus |
| Focus zones | 0,6 m to 1,2 m, 1,2 m to Infinite |
| Exposure times | 1/200 second to 1/4 second |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x battery in filmpack |
FAQ about the Polaroid PEP Eductor Edition
What kind of film does the Polaroid PEP Eductor Edition use, and is it still available?
The camera uses Polaroid 600 film. While Polaroid discontinued production, a Dutch company now manufactures compatible film, including color and black and white options, readily available online.
How does the focusing mechanism work on this instant camera model?
The Polaroid PEP Eductor Edition has a fixed-focus lens with a minimum focusing distance of 60cm. It doesn't offer any zoom functionality or adjustable focus settings.
Does the Polaroid PEP Eductor Edition have a built-in flash, and how does it operate?
Yes, it features a built-in flash that automatically activates with each shot. This is particularly helpful in low-light conditions.
What type of battery does the instant camera require, and how long does it last?
The camera uses a battery built into the film cassette itself, providing enough power for all the exposures in the cassette, including flash use. No additional battery is needed.
Are Fujifilm Instax films compatible with the Polaroid PEP Eductor Edition?
No, Fujifilm Instax films are not compatible with the Polaroid PEP Eductor Edition. It only uses Polaroid 600 type film.