Polaroid Tecate

The Polaroid Tecate is an instant camera. The features of the model are the same as the Polaroid One Step (rounded corners). Of course, the camera is no longer produced today.

The camera was designed for Tecate. The logo of the American beer brand can be found next to the flash. A logo with the text “Tecate Motor Sports Team Cart Series” can be found next to the lens.

The Polaroid Tecate stands out for its ease of use. The common camera setting options are not available on this camera. The ease of use results in a low barrier to entry and thus a wide range of possibilities for areas of application. The camera is the ideal choice if you want to host a wedding or a festive event. You can also have a lot of fun with it on vacation.

The most important settings are fixed on the camera. Arbitrary choice or free choice of shutter speed and aperture is not possible. The camera comes with a fixed lens. You have to do without a zoom, which is common in smartphones, in this model. You have to get closer to the subject to zoom.

The smallest focusing distance is 60 cm. This minimum distance has to be kept for the sharpest possible photos when using the close-up lens.

Of course, an integrated flash should not be missing in this camera. It switches on automatically when taking pictures. Especially in low light conditions, the flash is a lifesaver.

Films for the Polaroid Tecate

If you want to take pictures, you can not do without the appropriate instant films for the Polaroid Tecate. The American camera manufacturer Polaroid has ended the production of films. Fresh film material can be found on store shelves again for some time.

There is a color and a black-and-white film for the 600 format. For color photos there is the Polaroid Color Film for 600*. Monochrome images can be created with the Polaroid B&W Film for 600*. The Polaroid films also perform well in test reports.

You can find eight shots in a box. The light-sensitive film material should not come into contact with light outside the camera. Optimal storage conditions are found in a dry and dark place.

True to standard, one image measures 10.8 x 8.8 cm. The captured image occupies an area of 7.7 by 7.7 cm. The remaining area is filled by the familiar frame around the Polaroid picture. To can also be found editions of Polaroid films with colored frames.

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. It contains enough power for all unexposed photos in the film cassette. Even when the flash is used. So changing the film also represents changing the battery. An additional battery is not necessary.

The film cassette, because of the battery, should not be thrown into the normal household waste if possible. The battery can be removed from the cassette and then taken to a local recycling center.

Tutorial for the Polaroid Tecate

How to take instant pictures with the instant camera? A quick tutorial on how to operate the Polaroid Tecate.

The first operation 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. Now the camera ejects the protective cover of the film.

The camera is now ready for use. To do this, aim the camera at the subject and press the shutter release button. Immediately after the picture is taken, it is ejected. It passes through two metal rollers that distribute the developing chemicals evenly over the image. Within a few minutes, the image development process is complete and you can admire the final result.

Alternatives

If you can’t find a camera, you can resort to alternatives. A first alternative is the Polaroid One Step (rounded corners). It offers the same feature set and requires the same material of film.

One may also want to reach for other instant cameras as an alternative. Two instant cameras are the LomoInstant Automat* and Instax Mini 9*. Suitable film stock is also still being manufactured.