Polaroid Land Camera 185 (2000)

Japanese special-edition Model 185 image by Zokyo Labs (Image rights)

This article covers the 2000 limited edition Model 185 from Polaroid, Japan. Please see Polaroid Land Camera 185 for the 1970s model, identified by a folding, metal Zeiss viewfinder and Mamiya Sekor lens.

In 2000, the Japanese subsidiary of Polaroid offered a limited edition Polaroid Model 185. This was clearly a nod in the direction of Polaroid's classic "pro" folding cameras for peel-apart packfilm dating from 30 years earlier, such as the Model 180, 185, 190, and 195. Even the lens matched the original model 180, a 114mm f/4.5 Tominon lens by Tomioka. As with all Polaroid models using 3¼×4¼" instant film, compatible film packs from Fujifilm may be used in the camera.

Unlike the vintage 180-195 models, this camera has a non-folding viewfinder unit, with a separate rangefinder eyepiece. This is because the body is based on the NPC 195, manufactured by NPC of Newton, Massachusetts, USA. But the limited-edition 185 includes nameplate typography and a lens-cap logo evoking the graphic design of Polaroid's earlier heyday. A small brass plaque alongside the viewfinder housing is engraved with the serial number of each camera.

The production run for this model was quite small, often stated as 2000 units; but perhaps only 500 were actually completed.

Links

• Model 185 "2000 Version" entry at Instant Options Optional Land List
• "Polaroid 185 limited edition 2000 version" and unboxing video blog post on The Mijonju Show
• Polaroid Model 185 (original and 2000 version) at The Land List

Complete in original packaging, with carrying case image by Zokyo Labs (Image rights)