Polaroid Spirit Elf

The Polaroid Spirit Elf is an instant camera. It was introduced to the world public in the 1980s. The model is based on the Polaroid OneStep 600 in terms of functionality. Today, of course, this camera is no longer produced.

The instant camera variant was created in collaboration with Elf. Elf was a French petroleum company. The company, with full name Elf Aquitaine, merged with TotalFina in 2000. Today, Totalfina is known as TotalEnergies.

The body of the camera is black. Above the film output is the logo of elf.

The Polaroid Spirit Elf impresses with its easy user interface. Most of the setting options found on other types of cameras have been omitted. The ease of use allows it to be brought to bear on numerous occasions. If you are planning a wedding or a party, the camera is a good choice for taking pictures. However, it is also a lot of fun to use on vacation.

The basic exposure settings cannot be changed. Aperture and shutter speed, for example, cannot be changed by the user. The photo camera is equipped with a pre-installed lens. There is no zoom function, as with a digital camera. Instead of pressing the zoom button, you have to walk closer to the subject for close-ups. The shortest distance for focusing is 120 cm. This distance must be maintained at least to achieve razor-sharp results.

A flash bar can be connected to the camera, for example for indoor shots. There is no connection for a tripod on the camera. One must do without a self-timer.

Films for the Polaroid Spirit Elf

Of course, an instant film is also required for the use of the camera. The original film stock is no longer produced. In a factory in the Netherlands, films for the 600 format are produced again since 2010.

Black and white and color films are available for the 600 format. Polaroid Color Film for 600*, the film for color pictures with the instant camera. Many great black and white images are possible with the Polaroid B&W Film for 600*. How do the films perform in tests? Both films perform convincingly in many test situations.

One box of film contains eight exposures. The film material is very sensitive to light. Therefore, it must not come into contact with light outside the camera. The unexposed film material should be stored in a cool and dry place.

Following the standard, an image is 10.8 x 8.8 cm. The actual image is square and 7.7 by 7.7 cm. All the remaining space of the Polaroid picture is white. Editions with colored frames are also offered.

Important. Fujifilm’s cheaper Instax films cannot be used in the Polaroid Spirit Elf.

Batteries

What kind of batteries are needed for the Polaroid camera? The camera is powered by a battery inside the film cassette. So replacing the film also serves as replacing the power source. There is no need to buy another battery for the camera.

If the camera with film inside has not been used for a long time, the battery may have discharged. This means that the camera may stop working. To do this, simply remove the photo film and replace it with new film stock.

Manual for the Polaroid Spirit Elf

How to use the instant camera to take pictures? A quick guide to taking pictures with the Polaroid instant camera.

The first step is to load the instant film. To do this, push the small slider on the side forward. This opens the film door. Now the cassette with the film material can be inserted. Then the flap can be closed again. The film protecting the film is now removed by the motor in the camera.

Now it is possible to start taking pictures. Sight the subject through the viewfinder and press the shutter button. The motor inside the camera transports the image out of the film cassette. As it does so, it passes through two rollers, which distribute the chemistry for development over the image. Within a few minutes, the process of developing the image is finished and you can admire the final result.

Alternatives

If one cannot locate the camera, one can opt for alternatives. The first option one can choose is the Polaroid OneStep 600. It offers the same capability and needs the same film stock.

However, one may want to try something new. Exciting models include the Instax Mini 9* and Instax Mini 90*. The film material can also still be conveniently obtained.