Polaroid: Polaroid 360

Notes related to specific cameras
bill339
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Joined: Thu Dec 11, 2014 8:18 pm
Location: Southern New Jersey

Polaroid: Polaroid 360

Postby bill339 » Sat Nov 10, 2018 11:23 am

The Land Camera 360 Electronic Flash is a member of the Polaroid 100-400 series, one of the few not including the word "Automatic" in its full model name. All the models in this series share a common set of features, folding bellows, automatic exposure, and an external 'Electric Eye' light-meter beside the lens. The camera was designed for Polaroid 100-series Pack film (3¼×4¼-inch peel-apart instant film) but the 360 differs from the more basic models in the series by including the desirable single-window rangefinder-viewfinder supplied by Zeiss Ikon. The camera includes an electronic development timer. But its headline feature is the dedicated electronic flash, which attaches using a proprietary shoe. This flash is coupled to the rangefinder, and small fins within the flash head reduce the light output as the camera is focused closer, giving correct exposure automatically. The flash contains Ni-Cad rechargeable batteries. A dedicated recharge unit was provided for the flash. The batteries within can be replaced but the process might not be suitable for those not familiar with the electronic repair. Unlike previous 100-400 series models, the battery compartment is relocated to the front part of the camera behind the left-hand grip. This was necessary because the back flap is riveted shut and contains flash related hardware. The camera uses two 3v #352 / PX24 batteries, one for the shutter and the other for the development timer. The camera was introduced in 1969 and production was discontinued in 1971. It has a 114mm f/8.8 3 element glass lens and an electronic shutter with speeds of 10 seconds to 1/1200 of a second. It also has aperture-priority automatic exposure, exposure compensation dial with a range of -1/+2 stops ("Lighten/Darken" control), ¼” 20 thread tripod mount, and settings for film speeds of 75, 150, 300, and 3000 ASA. The camera pictured here has a 583 close-up kit worth $10.00. The camera pictured here is in Poor working condition and worth $5.00 for parts or display in 2018.

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