Polaroid Spectra

The Polaroid Spectra is an instant camera. It was introduced in the mid-80s and was the first model for Polaroid’s new Spectra film format.

The Spectra films, christened “Image” in the international market, differed mainly in the size of the images. A Spectra image has the size of 10.1 by 10.3 cm (actual image area: 9.1 by 7.2 cm). The operation of the films is identical to the previous formats, 600 and SX-70.

The Spectra cameras were intended for quality-conscious users. Therefore, they provide much better images than most 600 cameras. The instant camera comes with a 125 mm lens (Quintic Lens) with autofocus. For this purpose, it has been equipped with the Polaroid Sonar AF system. The set distance is displayed in the viewfinder. The closest focusing distance is 0.6 meters.

The exposure is set by the camera itself. Nevertheless, the photographer can set a lot more than with other instant cameras. In addition to the light/dark switch, there is also the option to turn off the built-in flash, as well as the autofocus. There is also a self-timer and a port for electronic remote control. On one side of the Spectra there is a hand strap, which should be used for taking pictures, according to the instructions.

Instant film for the Polaroid Spectra

The Polaroid Spectra needs the appropriate instant film to take pictures. However, the production of these instant films was ended by Polaroid. Today, they are rarely found used.

In the meantime, however, there is again a producer of films for the old Spectra cameras with the company “Impossible Project”. For color pictures there is the Polaroid Originals Color Film for Image & Spectra* and for black and white pictures there is the Polaroid Originals B&W Film for Image & Spectra*. There are eight images in a pack, there used to be ten.

Batteries for the Polaroid Spectra

As with the Polaroid 600 and SX-70 cameras, the battery for the camera is in the film cassette. So the camera gets a fresh battery every time you change the film. So you don’t have to worry about the battery running out while taking pictures. Of course, the power source loses its energy after a few years.