Polaroid 610

The Polaroid 610 is an instant camera made by Polaroid. It was introduced to the general public in the 1980s. The range of functions of the camera model can be found in the Polaroid OneStep 600. The 610 model is much rarer and therefore harder to find

The Polaroid 610 is very comfortable to use. Most of the settings options that you are used to on other types of cameras are not available on this model. The ease of use allows for a low barrier to entry and thus many uses. It’s a good choice for parties, for example, and also cuts a great figure at weddings. However, it can also be a lot of fun on vacation.

The basic exposure settings cannot be changed. For example, aperture and shutter speed cannot be changed by the user. The lens is fixed and not interchangeable. A zoom, which is common for smartphones, is not integrated in this model. To get sharp pictures, a minimum distance of 120 cm to the subject should be maintained.

If the lighting conditions are poor, a flash bar can be connected to the camera. Here there is either a bar with disposable flashes or also a reusable flash.

The search for a connection for a tripod thread on the camera is unsuccessful. And what about a self-timer? This function does not exist at all.

Films for the Polaroid 610

Of course, films are needed for taking pictures with the instant camera. The original film material can no longer be found in stores. Under the old brand name films are offered again. They are produced in the Netherlands.

For the camera, there is both a color film and a black and white film. For color photos there is the Polaroid Color Film for 600*. The right choice for monochrome images is the Polaroid B&W Film for 600*. Both films cut a fine figure in use.

Eight images are possible with one pack. Care should be taken to ensure that the film material does not come into contact with light outside the camera. The unexposed film material should be stored in a cool and dry place.

According to the standard, an image measures 10.8 x 8.8 cm. In this case, the captured image occupies an area of 7.7 by 7.7 cm. The remaining area of the picture is white. But there are also Polaroid films with colorful frames.

Important to note, the Instax films from Fujifilm do not fit the Polaroid camera.

Batteries

What kind of batteries do you need for the Polaroid 610? The camera is powered by a battery located in the film cassette. So replacing the film also serves as changing the power source. Another battery is not required for the instant camera.

For environmental reasons, the empty film cassette with the battery should not be disposed of in household waste. It is best to take the plastic cassette or just the battery to a responsible local drop-off location.

Polaroid 610 Manual

How to take instant pictures with the instant camera? A clear instruction manual on how to use the photo camera.

First of all, the film must be loaded. For this, the small slider on the side is pushed forward. This opens the film door. The next step is to load the film material and close the camera again. The protective film that has protected the film material from light until now is now automatically removed from the camera.

The camera is now ready to take pictures. Hold the camera on the subject and press the release button. The motor inside the camera transports the image out of the film cassette. As it does so, it passes through two rollers that distribute the chemistry for development over the image. After a few minutes, you have the finished image in your hand.

Alternative Cameras

If you can’t find a model, you can turn to alternatives. Here are for example the Polaroid OneStep Close Up* and Polaroid Spirit 600*. These models offer comparable functions. The Polaroid cameras are also for the 600 format.

If it should be a different film format, there is a larger selection of different instant cameras. Two instant cameras that are not from Polaroid are the Instax Mini 11* and Instax Mini 40*. The instant films are still made for these models and are easy to find online.