The camera:
It is the Polaroid P-600, a evolution of the boxy 600-type cameras like the Polaroid 635. Its features are the same. Your model has no exposure compensation slider under the lens. There were some models with and without the slider. I guess Polaroid figured their electronics got good enough that most exposures will be ok, so they removed this feature to save some cents during manufacturing. Probably manufactured around 1995-2000. The wristband is made of synthetic rubber that is prone to break due to its age.
Use the closeup-lens when you take portraits and the subject/object is closer than 1,2m (4 ft.) The closeup lens lets you take reasonable sharp photos in the range of 0,6-1,2m (2-4 ft.)
There is the big shutter button on the side with no wristband, that takes a photo with flash. There should also be a smaller, more recessed button behind it which takes photos with no flash.
Other than that, it is a simple point and shoot camera. Some general rules for analog photography - make sure the scenery is well lit, if there is sun, make sure it is behind you and the camera or a bit to the side as the cameras struggle when shooting directly towards the sun.
This guide also applies to your model:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzKWfm25Emo
Manual:
There is this quick start manual for your camera:
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/445533/Polaroid-P-600-Kamera-One-Step-Auto-Focus-600.html#manual
The 600-type Polaroid film pack:
The battery for the camera is in the film pack - new film pack, new battery. The modern film packs only hold 8 frames, so you have to subtract 2 from the frame counter. A frame counter showing 2 means the film pack is empty.
When inserting a new film pack, the camera motor should eject the protective dark slide, a dark cardboard that protects the film from light. When you insert the film pack in the camera, do not remove it until it is empty or you will lose at least the topmost frame in the pack due to exposure to ambient light.
Polaroid film ages like milk. If you buy a film pack that you do not use right away, put the sealed film pack in a fridge for storage. (~ 7°C, cool but not frozen) This prolongs its shelf life that is around 1 year from production at room temperature. The freshest film can be ordered directly from polaroid.com. Brace yourself, this is an expensive hobby. Other retailers also sell Polaroid 600 film, and results may vary because many store the film too warm which accelerates its decomposition.
One more tip - it is possible that the camera has not been used for years. That means the circuitry of the electronic flash needs some time to wakeup and reform. You can do this by inserting a new film pack with the camera being closed.
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open the flash cover for just 1-2 seconds. and close it again to stop the charging process of the electronic flash 2) Wait 3 minutes. 3) Repeat this several times.
It gives the flash capacitor time to rebuild its internal insulation layers and regain some lost capacity. Without this procedure there is a chance that the weakened components will short circuit during the first use. This and the wristband are the weak spots of this series of cameras. Polaroid never anticipated that they will still be used decades after being manufactured.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/Polaroid/comments/wzb2ep/i_found_this_polaroid_camera_what_is_the_model_of/
The Polaroid P (Cam) is an instant camera for the Polaroid 600 format. It is identical to the Polaroid 600 (round top) in terms of functions.
The Polaroid P has a built-in flash. For close shots, it has a close-up lens. The exposure is set by the camera itself.
Polaroid no longer produces film for the Polaroid P. In the meantime, The Impossible Project has taken the place of the former photo pioneer and is once again producing instant films for this format. Since 2020, they have also been sold under the original brand again.
Currently, the Polaroid Color Film for 600* and the Polaroid B&W Film for 600* are the current films for color and black and white photography. The battery for the camera and flash is integrated directly into the film cassette.
The Polaroid P comes in different finishes, blue and gray, silver and black, and black and turquoise. They also come with the logo of “Coca-Cola“, “Goldschläger“, “Kenneth Cole Reaction” and “McDonalds“.
Inserting the film
When loading the film, it is important to be extremely careful not to damage the film. When the film is properly loaded, the protective cover is automatically ejected and the camera is ready for use. When the shutter release button is pressed, the motor in the camera is activated and the image is ejected. Immediately, the photochemistry begins to develop the image, and after a few minutes the finished photo can be inspected closely.
Photographing with the Polaroid P
To achieve a good photo, it is of great importance that the camera is properly aligned and the subject is clearly visible through the viewfinder. It is also advisable to use the camera in sufficient light to ensure the best exposure for the photo. There are also some basic techniques to follow when taking photos with an instant camera, such as trying different perspectives, using colour filters or playing with light. With a little practice and experience, you can achieve unique and creative results that are different from conventional photos and have a special charm.
Technical datasheet
Technical specifications of the camera | Attribute | Specification |
| Type of Camera | Instant camera |
| Film format | Typ 600 |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 79 mm x 79 mm |
| Focal length | 116 mm |
| Biggest aperture | f/11 |
| Minimum focus distance | 60 cm / 1.968 ft |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Exposure times | 1/200 second to 1/4 second |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x battery in filmpack |
| Estimated value / Used price | 122,37 Euro / £104,19 i |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 58,74 Euro (62.78 US-Dollar) |
Source: https://filmphotography.eu/en/polaroid-p/
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