Polaroid Land Model 250

image by Terri Monahan (Image rights)

In the series of Polaroid cameras running from the Automatic 100 to the Automatic 450, the Polaroid Land Model 250 shares with all models in this series:

• Folding bellows
• Automatic exposure
• 100-series Packfilm

The 250 is one of the higher-end models of the 100-400 series line of folding Packfilm Land Cameras, similar to the 100, 350, and 450 models; it lacks the electronic development timer of the later (higher-numbered) models, but early models of the 250 have a larger viewfinder window than the later Zeiss-Ikon rangefinder models - both models of eyepiece are functionally identical but the earlier model has a larger window at the rear. Partway through the production of the 250, the viewfinder was changed to match the same type that would be used on the 350 and 450 models, resulting in two versions of the 250.

The main advantages these models have over most of the other, "consumer" models in the series are:

• Zeiss Ikon-designed rangefinder, with projected frame lines and parallax compensation.
• Tripod mount on all-metal body
• Three-element glass lens (114mm f8.8)

The 250 was produced from 1967 until 1969 (when it was replaced by the 350), retailing on release for $160.

Links

• Polaroid Model 250 user manual (pdf) at Butkus.org
• The Land List - The Land List's article on the 250
• May, 1967, advertisement in U.S. Camera soon after launch (Vol. 30, No. 5; inside front cover)

image by Tim Williams (Image rights)

Polaroid 250 finders Top: Rev 1; Bottom: Rev 2 image by joanseda (Image rights)