The Polaroid Rossa is a camera from Polaroid. It is an instant camera from the early 2000s. From a technical point of view, the model is based on the Polaroid One600 Pro and is therefore part of the latest generation of Polaroid 600 cameras.
The design is kept in a fiery red. So it’s not the only edition that got this color. There was already this Polaroid One Rossa.
The Polaroid Rossa is extremely user-friendly. If you are used to many setting options on your camera, you will probably not find them on this model. The uncomplicated handling enables a low entry threshold and thus many possible areas of application.
No changes to the exposure settings are possible. There is no free choice of shutter speed and aperture. The lens is permanently installed and not interchangeable. The model does not have a zoom function. In order to zoom, you have to get closer to the subject. For sharp images, a minimum distance of 60 cm to the subject should be maintained.
The instant camera comes with a built-in flash. The flash light is automatically activated when taking a picture and has a range of up to three meters. This is also necessary, especially for indoor shots, since the camera requires a lot of light for successful pictures. An LED near the trigger indicates whether the flash is ready to use. A red-eye reduction mode enhances portrait shots.
There is a thread for a tripod on the underside of the camera. A button on the back of the top turns on the self-timer. Here you will find the light/dark slider and the display that shows the number of remaining images.
Films for the Polaroid Rossa
If you want to use the camera, you need the accompanying instant film. The American company Polaroid, the manufacturer of the camera, has given up film production. Films for format 600 have been produced again since 2010 in a plant in the Netherlands.
Black and white and color films are available for the 600 format. The Polaroid Color Film for 600* is the material for color photos. Simple black and white images are possible with Polaroid B&W Film for 600* without any problems. In test reports, the films usually get a good rating.
A pack of film contains eight frames. Under no circumstances should the light-sensitive material come into contact with light. You should look for a cool and dry place to store unused film material.
A picture has a size of 10.8 x 8.8 cm cm. An area of 7.7 by 7.7 cm is occupied by the captured image. The rest of the image is white. Are white frames too boring? Then there are editions with colorful frames.
Batteries
Do you need batteries for the camera? With this type of camera, the battery is located in the film cassette. The disposable battery contains the necessary energy for the camera technology with flash. Changing the film also means changing the battery. The instant camera itself requires no additional battery.
If the camera has been stored with film for a long period of time, the battery may have run down. Of course, without enough power, the camera is no longer functional. All you have to do is remove the photo film and replace it with new film material.
Camera alternatives
If you can’t find the camera, you can resort to alternatives. A first alternative is the Polaroid One600 Pro. It offers the same functions and needs the same films. Another option would be the Polaroid One600 Classic.
But maybe you want to try something new. Two models are the LomoInstant Square* and Instax Mini EVO*. Suitable film material will continue to be produced for both cameras.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Instant camera |
| Film format | Typ 600 |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 77 mm x 77 mm |
| Focal length | 100 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/12.9 |
| Minimum focus distance | 60 cm / 1.968 ft |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Exposure times | 1/200 second to 1/3 second |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Exposure compensation | ± 1EV (1EV to) |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 0,6 to 3 Meter / 1.97 to 9.84 Feet |
| Flash modes | Red-eye reduction |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x battery in filmpack |
| Country of production | China |
| Estimated value / Used price | 224,76 Euro 3853472141763187366222425243 Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of March 31, 2025 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 254,42 Euro (274.93 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 260,50 Euro (281.42 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 241,82 Euro (260.86 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Polaroid Rossa
How user-friendly is the Polaroid Rossa instant camera, and what features does it lack?
The Polaroid Rossa is incredibly user-friendly, prioritizing simplicity. It lacks adjustable settings like aperture and shutter speed, offering a straightforward shooting experience.
What kind of flash does the instant camera have, and what is its range?
The Rossa features a built-in flash that automatically activates with each shot. It has a range of up to three meters, essential for indoor photography where ample light is needed.
Does the Polaroid Rossa require any additional batteries beyond the film?
No, the Polaroid Rossa's power comes from a disposable battery included within the film cartridge itself. No separate batteries are needed.
What are the dimensions of the photos produced by the instant camera, and are there different border options?
Each photo measures 10.8 x 8.8 cm, with the image area being 7.7 x 7.7 cm. Besides the standard white border, colorful border options are also available.
Besides the Polaroid Rossa, what alternative instant cameras are mentioned in the text?
The text suggests the Polaroid One600 Pro and Polaroid One600 Classic as direct alternatives. It also mentions the Lomo'Instant Square and Instax Mini Evo as options offering different functionalities.