Difference between revisions of "Polaroid Pathfinder"

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Pathfinder was a series of cameras manufactured by [[Polaroid]] from the early 1950s until 1964. These models included the 110, 110A, 110B, and the 120. The Pathfinder was the professional-market Polaroid camera, equipped with a fast and sharp lens and made out of durable steel construction. Unlike other Polaroid cameras, the Pathfinders were set to expose the flm fully manually, with no aid from an electric eye. This provides the photographer with precise control over the camera. Pathfinders used 40-series rollfilm, which produced an instant print of 7.2 x 9.5 cm. Even today, although rollfilm has since been discontinued, many photographers have found ways to use the Pathfinder.
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/erichz/171526222/in/pool-camerawiki/
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|image=  http://static.flickr.com/45/171526222_4d7186cb88_m.jpg
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|image_align= right
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|image_text= Polaroid 110A
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|image_by= Erich Z
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|image_rights= with permission
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}}
  
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'''Pathfinder''' was the name given a series of cameras manufactured by [[Polaroid]] and [[Yashica]] from the early 1950s until 1964. These models were the professional-market Polaroid camera, equipped with a fast and sharp lens and made with durable steel construction. Unlike other Polaroid cameras, the Pathfinders were set to expose the film fully manually, with no aid from a light meter. This provides the photographer with precise control over the camera. Pathfinders used 40-series rollfilm, which produced an instant print of 7.2 x 9.5 cm. Even today, although rollfilm has since been discontinued, many photographers have found ways to use the Pathfinder.
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The focusing is with a bellows system like the previous models, but now uses a focusing knob found on the base of the bed / front cover. The bed contains a distance as well as a depth of field scale. There are two tripod sockets, the one on the bed base might require an adapter as the focus knob is in close proximity making mounting more difficult.
 
==Models==
 
==Models==
 
===110===
 
===110===
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{|align=right
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/ricksoloway/5514258075/in/pool-camerawiki/
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|image= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5514258075_9e32442e4c.jpg
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|image_align= center
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|image_text= Polaroid 110
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|image_by= Rick Soloway
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|image_rights= with permission
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}}
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|-
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/ricksoloway/5514258163/in/pool-camerawiki/
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|image= http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5092/5514258163_c3595fdd49.jpg
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|image_align=
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|image_text= 110B with wink light
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|image_by= Rick Soloway
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|image_rights= wp
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}}
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|}
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The original 110 featured:
 
The original 110 featured:
 
*127mm f/4.5 Wollensak Raptar lens
 
*127mm f/4.5 Wollensak Raptar lens
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*Prontor SVS shutter, speeds 1-1/300 plus Bulb
 
*Prontor SVS shutter, speeds 1-1/300 plus Bulb
 
*Self-timer
 
*Self-timer
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*Coupled Rangefinder, viewfinder windows on top of camera
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*Coupled rangefinder, viewfinder windows on top of camera
 
*Hinged lens cap
 
*Hinged lens cap
  
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===120===
 
===120===
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*Made by Yashica for non-USA markets
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* Made by [[Yashica]] for non-USA markets
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*127mm, f/4.7, 4-element Yashinon lens
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* 127mm, f/4.7, 4-element Yashinon lens
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* Seikosha-SLV shutter, 1 - 1/500 plus Bulb.
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* [[Seikosha-SLV]] shutter, 1-1/500 plus Bulb.
  
 
==Modification==
 
==Modification==
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Several companies sell Pathfinder cameras modified to accept various modern films, most often the 110B model. These cameras can be made to accept conventional 4x5 inch sheet film, Polaroid 100-series packfilm, and even 120 rollfilm.
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With the discontinuation of type 40 instant film in the early 1990's, a few small companies like Marty Forscher's Professional Camera Repair, Four Designs Co. and [[NPC]] sold Pathfinder cameras modified to accept various modern films, most often the 110B model. These were also the most well known companies adapting Polaroid backs for use on many 35mm and medium format camera systems.
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As of 2011, Littman Photography, Razzledog, and Eastcamtech are a few companies still doing conversions. These cameras can be made to accept conventional 4x5 inch sheet film, Polaroid 100-series packfilm, and even 120 rollfilm. Modified cameras with multi-format interchangeable backs and lenses have also been produced. There are also various websites detailing step by step methods to modify them yourself.
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==Lens detail==
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/jordanjmartin/4889474979/in/pool-camerawiki/
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|image=  http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4102/4889474979_5c1db3d0a9_m.jpg
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|image_align= left
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|image_text= (110) 127mm Wollensak Raptar
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|image_by= Jordan Martin
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|image_rights= wp
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}}
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/37460295@N05/5810690648/in/pool-camerawiki/
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|image=  http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2315/5810690648_cf1206dcef_m.jpg
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|image_align= left
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|image_text= (110A) Rodenstock Ysarex 127mm lens<BR>Prontor-SVS shutter
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|image_by= Studioesper
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|image_rights= nc
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}}
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/35243817@N06/3265364983/in/pool-camerawiki/
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|image=  http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3360/3265364983_8de049b4ec_m.jpg
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|image_align= left
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|image_text= (120) Yashica Yashinon 127mm<BR>Seikosha-SLV shutter
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|image_by= tsuneo_fish
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|image_rights= wp
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}}
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{{br}}
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==Links==
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* [http://www.cameramanuals.org/polaroid_pdf/polaroid_model_110a.pdf Polaroid 110A] / [http://www.cameramanuals.org/polaroid_pdf/polaroid_pathfinder_110.pdf 110B manual] at [http://www.orphancameras.com Mike Butkus' Orphan Cameras]
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* [http://www.instantoptions.com/conversions/ DIY Polaroid Conversions page] at [http://www.instantoptions.com/ Instant Options]
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* [http://www.filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=2083.0  Nekotech - Polaroid Pathfinder 120 (or maybe 110 too) to Pack-Film Conversion] - by Skorj at [http://www.filmwasters.com Filmwasters]
  
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[[Category: Instant cameras]]
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[[Category: Yashica]]
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[[Category: USA]]
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[[Category: Polaroid|Pathfinder]]
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[[Category: Polaroid]]
 
 
[[Category: P]]
 
[[Category: P]]
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[[Category: Japan]]
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[[Category: Scout|Pathfinder]]

Latest revision as of 06:09, 6 September 2021

171526222_4d7186cb88_m.jpg
Polaroid 110A
image by Erich Z (Image rights)

Pathfinder was the name given a series of cameras manufactured by Polaroid and Yashica from the early 1950s until 1964. These models were the professional-market Polaroid camera, equipped with a fast and sharp lens and made with durable steel construction. Unlike other Polaroid cameras, the Pathfinders were set to expose the film fully manually, with no aid from a light meter. This provides the photographer with precise control over the camera. Pathfinders used 40-series rollfilm, which produced an instant print of 7.2 x 9.5 cm. Even today, although rollfilm has since been discontinued, many photographers have found ways to use the Pathfinder.

The focusing is with a bellows system like the previous models, but now uses a focusing knob found on the base of the bed / front cover. The bed contains a distance as well as a depth of field scale. There are two tripod sockets, the one on the bed base might require an adapter as the focus knob is in close proximity making mounting more difficult.

Models

110

5514258075_9e32442e4c.jpg
Polaroid 110
image by Rick Soloway (Image rights)
5514258163_c3595fdd49.jpg
110B with wink light
image by Rick Soloway (Image rights)

The original 110 featured:

  • 127mm f/4.5 Wollensak Raptar lens
  • Wollensak Rapax shutter, speeds 1-1/400 plus Bulb, T
  • Coupled rangefinder mounted to top of camera near viewfinder

110A

  • 127mm f/4.7 Rodenstock Ysarex lens
  • Prontor SVS shutter, speeds 1-1/300 plus Bulb
  • Self-timer
  • Coupled rangefinder, viewfinder windows on top of camera
  • Hinged lens cap

110B

Same as 110A, except:

  • Coupled single-window range/viewfinder with parallax correction
  • f/90 Pinhole lens cap

120

  • Made by Yashica for non-USA markets
  • 127mm, f/4.7, 4-element Yashinon lens
  • Seikosha-SLV shutter, 1-1/500 plus Bulb.

Modification

With the discontinuation of type 40 instant film in the early 1990's, a few small companies like Marty Forscher's Professional Camera Repair, Four Designs Co. and NPC sold Pathfinder cameras modified to accept various modern films, most often the 110B model. These were also the most well known companies adapting Polaroid backs for use on many 35mm and medium format camera systems.

As of 2011, Littman Photography, Razzledog, and Eastcamtech are a few companies still doing conversions. These cameras can be made to accept conventional 4x5 inch sheet film, Polaroid 100-series packfilm, and even 120 rollfilm. Modified cameras with multi-format interchangeable backs and lenses have also been produced. There are also various websites detailing step by step methods to modify them yourself.

Lens detail

4889474979_5c1db3d0a9_m.jpg
(110) 127mm Wollensak Raptar
image by Jordan Martin (Image rights)
5810690648_cf1206dcef_m.jpg
(110A) Rodenstock Ysarex 127mm lens
Prontor-SVS shutter
image by Studioesper (Image rights)
3265364983_8de049b4ec_m.jpg
(120) Yashica Yashinon 127mm
Seikosha-SLV shutter
image by tsuneo_fish (Image rights)


Links

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