Polaroid 600 BE

The Polaroid 600 BE is an instant camera. It has the same range of functions as the Polaroid One Step Flash Closeup. The body of the camera is made of plastic and is black in color. The blob of color is the red shutter button. Above the image output is the imprint “600 BE” in large white block letters.

The Polaroid 600 BE is characterized by its ease of use. The majority of the setting options familiar from other cameras are not available on this model. The ease of use results in a low barrier to entry and thus numerous possibilities for areas of application. The camera is ideal for shooting when you have a wedding or festival on the agenda. The camera also cuts a good figure on vacation.

The basic exposure settings cannot be changed. You can’t set the shutter opening duration yourself. There is also no setting option for the aperture value. The lens has a fixed focal length. It is not possible to exchange the optics. This model does not have a practical zoom function. Instead of pressing the zoom button, you have to walk closer to the subject for close-ups. One practical feature is the built-in close-up lens. A minimum distance of 60 cm to the subject should still be maintained for sharp pictures. If the close-up lens is not used, the closest focusing distance is 120 cm.

The instant camera does not have to do without a built-in flash. After pressing the shutter button, the flash fires automatically. Especially in low light conditions, the flash is a lifesaver.

Films for the Polaroid 600 BE

Of great importance for the camera are the appropriate photographic films. The manufacturer of the camera, the American company Polaroid, has ceased production. Since 2010, a new company again provides the appropriate film material.

There is suitable film material for color photos and monochrome pictures. The Polaroid Color Film for 600* is the film for color pictures. For creating black and white images, you can reach for the Polaroid B&W Film for 600*. Both instant films perform well in test reports.

One pack contains eight pictures. Because the film material is light-sensitive, it should not come into contact with light before taking pictures. Unexposed film material should be stored in a dark and dry place.

One image has a size of 10.8 x 8.8 cm. The captured image is square and 7.7 by 7.7 cm. The remaining area is filled by the frame. Also available are editions of Polaroid films with colorful frames.

For those who like to save money, there is bad news. Fujifilm’s Instax films are unsuitable for the Polaroid 600 BE.

Batteries

What batteries do you need for the instant camera? With this type of camera, the power source is found inside the plastic case. It supplies power to the camera technology and flash. So changing the film also provides a new battery. Another battery is not needed for the camera.

If the camera with film has been stored for a long time, the battery may have discharged. This means that the camera may no longer work. The rescue is to replace the old film inserted with new material with full battery.

User’s Guide for the Polaroid 600 BE

How to use the instant camera? An introductory guide to using the Polaroid camera.

The first step is to load the film. This is done by pushing the small slider on the side forward. This opens the film door. Then the film cassette is inserted. The flap can then be closed again. Automatically, the protective cover of the film ejects.

Now it’s time to take the picture. View the subject through the viewfinder and press the shutter button. The motor in the camera ejects the image. Now the photochemistry begins to develop the image. After a few minutes, the development is complete and you can view the image.

Other options

If you can’t find the camera, you can use other options. An obvious choice would be the Polaroid One Step Flash Closeup. It has the same range of features. Plus, of course, it exposes the same films.

One may also want to reach for other instant cameras as an alternative. Two instant cameras are the LomoInstant Wide* and Instax Mini 11*. Suitable film material is also still produced for both cameras.