Polaroid Descartes

The Polaroid Descartes is a camera from Polaroid. It is an instant camera. Its range of functions is identical to the Polaroid One Step Autofocus.

The body of the camera is black and made of plastic. Next to the flash, you can find the lettering “Descartes”. In the area of the viewfinder and lens, a design with stripes in blue, green, yellow, orange and red is applied.

The Polaroid Descartes is very user-friendly. Most of the settings found on other types of cameras have been omitted. Thanks to its ease of use, it can be used for many different occasions. For example, it is an excellent choice for parties and weddings. It is also a reliable companion during vacations.

There is no possibility to change the set exposure values. Free selection of shutter speed and aperture is not possible. The Polaroid instant camera comes with a pre-installed fixed lens. There is no zoom function, as with modern lenses.

The Polaroid camera has an integrated flash. The flash fires automatically. Especially in low light conditions, one is often grateful for the flash.

Films for the Polaroid Descartes

Of course, instant film is also needed for the Polaroid Descartes. The manufacturer of the camera, the Polaroid company from the USA, has stopped producing film stock. However, on store shelves, online and offline, you can now find suitable films again.

Material is available for color photos and monochrome images. For color photos, you have to buy the Polaroid Color Film for 600*. If you prefer monochrome pictures, you can choose the Polaroid B&W Film for 600*. The Polaroid films also do well in test reports.

One box is enough for eight photos. The film material is light-sensitive and should therefore never come into contact with light before taking the picture. The best possible conditions for storage are in a dry and dark place.

According to the technical specifications, one image measures 10.8 x 8.8 cm. The captured image is square and 7.7 by 7.7 cm. The remaining area of the Polaroid picture is white. But there are also Polaroid films with colorful frames.

Batteries

Do you need batteries for the photo camera? In this type of camera, the battery is found in the film cassette. It contains enough power for all unexposed photos in the film cassette. Even when the flash is used. So changing the film is also changing the battery. An additional battery is not necessary.

If the camera with film inside has not been used for a long time, the battery may have discharged. Consequently, the camera will stop working. In this case, it is enough to remove the photo film and replace it with new film material.

Manual for the Polaroid Descartes

How to take photos with the instant camera? A quick instruction manual on how to operate the Polaroid Descartes.

The first step is to load the film. To do this, first push the slider on the side forward that the film door opens. Then the film cassette is inserted. Then the flap can be closed again. The camera now ejects the protective cover of the film.

In the next step, you can take pictures with the camera. Hold the camera on the subject and press the release button. The camera technology transports the image from the film cassette out of the camera and the development of the image starts. After a few minutes, you have the finished image in your hand.

Alternatives

If you can’t find a camera, you can turn to alternatives. Two great options would be the Polaroid Sun 600 LMS* and Polaroid OneStep Autofocus*. These instant cameras are either functionally identical or offer a similar range of features. The same Polaroid 600 film is also used.

If it can be a different film format, there is a wider selection of different instant cameras. Outside of the Polaroid world, you can find the LomoInstant Wide* and Instax Wide 300*, for example. Fresh film stock can still be purchased for these cameras as well.