Polaroid Land Camera 3000
Alongside the 'prosumer' range of folding SLRs, Polaroid released a large number of plastic bodied, non-folding consumer cameras that used the SX-70 integral film. There were several lines that varied in the type and amount of features they offered, but fall into three distinct categories differentiated by the method of focusing:
- Fixed focus - Generally known (in the US) as OneStep models
- Zone-focused - Generally known (in the US) as Pronto! models
- Sonar Autofocus - Labelled as both Pronto! and OneStep models, but usually with an AF or Sonar monicker
All these models use the SX-70 integral film, meaning the camera is powered by a battery built into the film pack. Many of these models were able to use certain accessories designed for the folding SLR line of SX-70 cameras, such as flashbars, electronic flashes and tripod mounts.
The 3000 was produced in 1977, and is a foreign markets version of the Pronto! RF - one in a vast line of the zone-focused, compact cameras known in the US as Pronto! models. A variety of different colours and models of Pronto!were produced, and most were functionally identical.
The 3000 and RF models differ to all other Pronto! models in that they feature a rangefinder mechanism, allowing fine focus. The camera is focused in the same way as other Pronto! models, but features a small circular rangefinding window super-imposed in the viewfinder (similar in operation the that found on the Model 100 folding packfilm camera.
Features common to the series of Pronto! non-folding, manual-focus SX70-series integral film cameras are:
- 3 element plastic lens with fixed aperture (116mm, f9.4)
- 3 ft minimum focus distance.
- Zone focusing by turning distance-marked lens ring.
- Exposure compensation dial around electric eye.
