#Polaroid spectra system pro#

The top of the line was the Spectra Pro with a glass lens and an LCD for the available controls which was released in 1990. This Spectra was the first model in 1986, with many different models right through to 2004. By appealing to the more discerning photographer, with more controls, it was hoped this would bring sales back up. By the late 1980s and early 1990s one hour processing for 35mm film was already pushing the relevance of instant photography out of the mainstream market. Polaroid was already operating without Edwin Land in 1986 when this was released and the Spectra was an attempt to stop the company’s decline. The difference was purely in the dimensions of the photo, slightly wider and not as long. The film itself was identical in formulation to the 600 film, utilising the same chemicals, border and ISO. In Europe and elsewhere it was labelled as the Polaroid Image. Spectra was the name Polaroid used mainly in North America and a handful of markets. Integral instant film had the reputation as more useful for family and fun, while pack and pull apart instant film was considered the more “professional” instant film.

The Spectra is part of the Image line of cameras which Polaroid introduced in 1986, with the aim of capturing more of the advanced photographer market for integral instant film. Rather than repeat the history of Polaroid and Edwin Land, this was covered in the review of the Polaroid Sun 660 Autofocus. Let us find out a bit more about this camera and see how it measures up to expectations. Based on that experience, the expectation from this review was quite high. If you are more inclined towards the square format, the Polaroid Sun 660 Autofocus has been reviewed here previously. While this is not a big increase in real estate, it does allow photos to breathe. Where this film differs is that rather than the traditional Polaroid image with a square size of 79 x 79mm (3.1 x 3.1in) it produces a wider image at 92 x 73mm (3.6 x 2.9in). A very similar camera was also released under the Minolta brand, called the Instant. The Spectra is part of the Polaroid Image System of cameras, which use the type 1200 film, but generally only referred to as the Spectra film. Sleek but with angled edges to it, and if used well can take you back in time (technically all photography does that, as it captures a moment in time). The shape could be compared to the DeLorean in Back to the Future. But this is part of a design which works, opens up only as much as needed and even open is quite easy to hold in the hand with the hand strap. When it opens up though, it reminds you of a Sun 600 that is partly open. Almost like an SX-70 when folded down, but not as thin. The shape of the camera is very sharp and very much functional. It does still maintain the Polaroid ethic of the time, to ensure it remains easy to use. Aimed at the more advanced user and unlike the 600s and even the 1000 series, it offers quite a few extra controls.

The Spectra is more advanced and complicated than the Sun 600 series, and generally produces a better quality result. The Spectra uses the same film formula as the Polaroid 600 cameras but is in a wider format rather than the more well known square. Square instant photography too limiting? Want a camera that fits nicely on The Love Boat set? You have a preference for the Polaroid integral instant film? There is one camera that fits this bill, it is the Polaroid Spectra!

Polaroid spectra system