The Polaroid Family is an instant camera for the 600 format. It is from Polaroid 636 Closeup or Polaroid One Step (rounded corners).
The Polaroid Family is no longer manufactured today. However, it is still quite easy to get. The case is black and is made of plastic. On the front is the imprint “Family”.
The instant camera comes equipped with a built-in flash. If you want to take pictures without the flash, otherwise the camera fires the flash automatically, you have to press the back of the shutter button to take the picture.
With the close-up lens, which is pushed in front of the actual lens, shots with a distance of 60 cm to 1.2 meters from the subject are possible. The camera does not have a tripod socket.
Films for the Family are no longer produced by Polaroid, suitable alternatives are available from The Impossible Project. They have also been sold with the original logo again since 2020. For the Polaroid camera, the Polaroid Color Film for 600* or the Polaroid B&W Film for 600* from Impossible are suitable.
Batteries
Do you need a specific type of battery for the still camera? The power supply unit of the camera consists of a battery, which is located in the film cassette and provides sufficient energy for taking pictures. Each time the film is changed, the battery is also replaced, so no additional battery is required. However, the battery may discharge if the camera with film has been stored for an extended period of time. In this case, the camera will no longer function and it will be necessary to remove the old film and replace it with a new film with a full battery.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Instant camera |
| Film format | Typ 600 |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 79 mm x 79 mm |
| Focal length | 116 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/11 |
| Minimum focus distance | 60 cm / 1.968 ft |
| Focus | Fixed |
| 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 |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x battery in filmpack |
| Estimated value / Used price | 53,00 Euro 85,9479,8450,13415,3744,188592,98599,2159,23 Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of September 30, 2024 |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 53,00 Euro (57.37 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Polaroid Family
Is the Polaroid Family camera still being made?
No, the Polaroid Family instant camera is no longer in production. However, it's still relatively easy to find used ones for sale.
What kind of film does this instant camera use?
It uses 600 instant film. While Polaroid no longer produces this film, Impossible Project offers compatible alternatives.
Does the camera have a flash, and how does it work?
Yes, it has a built-in flash that automatically fires for low-light conditions. To take a picture without flash, press the lower part of the shutter button.
How big and heavy is the Polaroid Family camera?
It's quite sizable due to the film format, but it's still relatively lightweight despite its dimensions. The body is made of black plastic.
Does the camera need batteries, and if so, what kind?
The camera's power comes from a battery located inside the film cartridge. The battery is replaced with each new film cartridge; no separate battery is needed. However, a battery might drain if the camera is stored for a long time.