Polaroid Kodomo

The Polaroid Kodomo is a camera from Polaroid. It is an instant camera. It has the same range of functions as the Polaroid One Step Flash.

The housing of the instant camera is in light blue, yellow and pink. Next to the flash is the imprint “Kodomo no Omocha”. Above the image output is the logo of Tomy.

Kodomo no Omocha (Japanese: こどものおもちゃ) is a Japanese manga series. It was conceived by Miho Obana and later produced as an anime.

The Polaroid Kodomo is characterized by its uncomplicated handling. The vast majority of setting options found on other types of cameras have been omitted. Thanks to this low entry threshold, the camera can be operated by anyone and is therefore suitable for many occasions. The camera is the ideal choice if you want to host a wedding or a festive event. You can also have a lot of fun with it on vacation.

Changes to the exposure settings are not possible. Aperture and shutter speed, for example, cannot be changed by the user. The camera comes with a fixed lens. The model does not have a zoom function. Instead of pressing the zoom button, you have to get closer to the subject for close-ups. You should not go below 120 cm as a distance to the subject for sharp pictures.

Does the instant camera have a flash? Yes, the instant camera has a built-in flash. It turns on automatically when taking a picture. Due to the small aperture, the use of the flash is especially useful indoors.

Films for the Polaroid Kodomo

If you want to use the Polaroid Kodomo, you need the appropriate instant films. The American company Polaroid, the camera manufacturer, has stopped the production of films. However, there is already replacement material for the 600 format again, even under the old brand name.

There is both a color film and a black and white film for the camera. For color photos, the Polaroid Color Film for 600* is the appropriate choice. Black and white photography is possible with the Polaroid B&W Film for 600*. In tests, both can often do well and get a high rating score.

One box contains eight photographs. The fall of light outside the photograph onto the unexposed film material should be strongly avoided. For storing the unexposed film material, you should find a cool and dry place.

One image has a size of 10.8 x 8.8 cm. The 600 cameras take square images with a size of 7.7 by 7.7 cm. The remaining area of the image is white. Editions with multi-colored frames are also available.

Fujifilm films cannot be used with this model.

Batteries

What type of batteries are needed for the Polaroid instant camera? In this type of camera, the power source is located in the film cassette. The disposable battery contains the necessary power for the camera technology with flash. Therefore, the film replacement also represents a change of the power source. There is no need for another separate battery for the instant camera.

If the Polaroid Kodomo no Omocha has not been used for a long time, the battery in the film cassette may have discharged. As a result, the camera often stops working. All that needs to be done is to remove the photo film and replace it with new film stock.

Instruction manual for the Polaroid Kodomo

How to take pictures with the instant camera? An introductory guide to how the instant camera works.

First of all, you need to load the film. To do this, slide the slider forward on the side to open the film door. 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.

Now it’s time to take the picture. View the subject through the viewfinder and press the shutter release button. The drive inside the housing transports the image out of the film cassette. In the process, it passes through two image rollers that distribute the developing chemicals onto the image. After a few minutes, you have the finished image in your hand.

Alternatives

If you can’t find this model, you can turn to alternatives. The Polaroid OneStep Express* and Polaroid 636 Closeup* would be other options. These instant cameras are the same in the feature set offered. They also use the same Polaroid 600 film.

There are also alternatives to the Polaroid cameras. There are the Instax Mini 40* and Instax Mini 90*. Suitable film material is also still produced for both cameras.