The Polaroid Macro 5 SLR is an instant camera for the Image/Spectra format. It is a very unusual camera, as it had a very pointed target audience. The camera was designed by the American photography pioneer for medical and forensic purposes, mainly for close-up and macro photography.
The SLR camera is designed for macro photography. Different magnifications can be set with a switch. The effective aperture of the instant camera is also determined by this.
The exposure time is always set to 1/50 second. Two flash units on the front of the camera provide sufficient light. These can be triggered either, together or individually, or turned off completely. If desired, an external flash can be connected to provide sufficient light.
The following magnifications are available: 0.2X (20%), 0.4X (40%), 1X (100%), 2X (200%) and 3X (300%).
The date can be imprinted directly on the image if desired. The camera can be used handheld or on a tripod. Power is supplied from four AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*). Here, of course, you should go for rechargeable batteries.
Films
The Polaroid Macro 5 SLR was designed for Polaroid’s Spectra films. These are no longer produced today. For this there are now from the company “Impossible” suitable instant films for this type of cameras. The films are now also sold again under the original brand with the old logo.
For color images this is the Polaroid Originals Color Film for Image & Spectra* and for black and white images the Polaroid Originals B&W Film for Image & Spectra*.
Variants
In addition to the Polaroid Macro 5 SLR, there is also the Macro 5 SLR 1200, which has a yellow shutter button and can expose the Spectra films with 12 or 10 exposures. The frame counter counts up on this model.
Magnifications
| Magnification | Distance from lens to subject | Focal length | Effective aperture | Depth of field |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2X (20%) | 132 cm | 221 mm | f/20 | 22 cm |
| 0.4X (40%) | 66 cm | 188 mm | f/34 | 10 cm |
| 1X (100%) | 25 cm | 128 mm | f/47 | 2,2 cm |
| 2X (200%) | 12 cm | 85,4 mm | f/67 | 0,8 cm |
| 3X (300%) | 8 cm | 64 mm | f/100 | 0,5 cm |
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Instant camera |
| Film format | Image/Spectra |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 72 mm x 91 mm |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/50 second |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Power supply | 4x AA batteries |
| Estimated value / Used price | 126,33 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of 23.5.2023 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 126,33 Euro (136.38 US-Dollar) |