Polaroid Spirit 600 Tokyo Digital Phone

The Polaroid Spirit 600 Tokyo Digital Phone is an instant camera from Polaroid. It was introduced to the public in the 1990s. The range of functions of the model coincides with the Polaroid One Step Flash. In the meantime, of course, the camera is no longer manufactured.

Tokyo Digital Phone was founded in 1991 and provided telecommunications services in Japan. The company was later renamed and is now part of Softbank Group’s history.

The focus of the edition’s design is the color blue. Next to the lightning bolt, the logo of Tokyo Digital Phone can be found. The full name can be found in white lettering above the image ejection.

The Polaroid Spirit 600 Tokyo Digital Phone is extremely user-friendly. Most of the settings you’re used to on other types of cameras are not available on this model. Because of the ease of use, there is a low barrier to entry and thus versatile options for the field of use. For example, it is a good choice for parties and weddings. Even on vacation, the camera cuts a good figure.

The basic exposure settings cannot be changed. There is no free choice of shutter speed and aperture. The Polaroid instant camera is equipped with a fixed lens. A zoom, as found in smartphones, is not available on this model. Instead of pressing the zoom button, you have to walk closer to the subject for close-ups. The smallest focusing distance is 120 cm. This minimum distance has to be kept for the sharpest possible photos.

The camera does not have to do without a built-in flash. When taking photos, the flash fires automatically. Due to the small aperture, the use of the flash is particularly useful indoors.

Films for the Polaroid Spirit 600 Tokyo Digital Phone

For taking pictures with the Polaroid Spirit 600 Tokyo Digital Phone, films are needed, of course. The original film material from the American company Polaroid is no longer available for purchase. In a factory in the Netherlands, films for the 600 format are produced again since 2010.

There are black and white and color films for the 600 format. The Polaroid Color Film for 600* is the material for color pictures. The appropriate choice for monochrome images is the Polaroid B&W Film for 600*. Both films cut a good figure in use.

One pack is enough for eight images. The film material is light-sensitive and should therefore not come into contact with light before exposure. For longer storage, you should find a place that is as dry as possible. It should also not be stored too warm.

One image has a size of 10.8 x 8.8 cm. The 600 cameras produce square images with a dimension of 7.7 by 7.7 cm. The rest is filled with a white area. In the offer there are also Polaroid films with colored frames.

Caution. Fujifilm instant films are unsuitable for the instant camera.

Batteries

What kind of batteries do you need for the instant camera? In this type of camera, the power source is found in the film cassette. The disposable battery contains the necessary power for the camera technology with flash. So replacing the film also serves as changing the power source. There is no need to purchase another battery for the camera.

If the camera with film lay unused for a long period of time, e.g. in the basement, the battery in the film cassette may have discharged itself. As a result, the camera often stops working. In this case, it is sufficient to remove the photo film and replace it with new film material.

Photoguide for the Polaroid Spirit 600 Tokyo Digital Phone

How does the instant camera work? A quick guide to how the Polaroid Spirit 600 Tokyo Digital Phone works.

The first step is to load the film. The film door opens by pressing the slider on the side of the housing. Then insert the film cassette and close the flap again. The camera now removes the protective film from the film.

The camera is now ready for use. Hold the camera on the subject and press the shutter release button. The electric motor inside the camera transports the exposed image from the film cassette through two rollers. This distributes the developing chemicals over the image. The development process is completed after a short waiting time.

Other options

If one does not find the camera, one can resort to alternatives. One obvious option would be the Polaroid One Step Flash. It comes with the same feature set and needs the same film stock.

If it can be a different film format, there is a wider selection of different instant cameras. Here, for example, there are the LomoInstant* and Diana Instant Square*. Here, too, you can still easily purchase the film material.