Polaroid MiniPortrait 203 User manual

MiniPortrait Camera
User Guide

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
2
What’s Inside
Introduction........................................................................................ 3
Beforeyou begin ............................................................................... 4
Cleanthe rollers ........................................................................... 4
Usea clean,white background..................................................... 4
Knowtheprocessing times forPolaroidfilms ............................... 4
KnowPolaroid’s toll-freenumber fortechnicalassistance............. 4
Settingup for greatpictures............................................................... 5
Tipsandtechniques........................................................................... 7
Usefresh film ............................................................................... 7
Knowpicture-size andpicture-typerequirements.......................... 7
Havea photocutting devicenearby .............................................. 7
Checkyour supplyofphoto folders ............................................... 7
Setthe flashunit position.............................................................. 7
Framingandcomposition.................................................................. 8
Usethe viewfinder aimingand framingaids ................................. 8
Aimandframeaccuratelythrough theviewfinder .......................... 8
Camerasettings step-by-step............................................................ 9
Setthe Film SpeedSwitch onthe flashunitfor thePolaroid
filmtype youareusing.................................................................. 10
Setthetimer forthe processing time ............................................ 10
Usingthe Sonarrangefinder......................................................... 10
Film processing................................................................................. 11
Pullthe film tabsstraight atamoderate speed ............................. 11
Handledeveloping pictureswith care ........................................... 11
Pictureproblems andproblem prevention.......................................... 13
Rulesandregulations ........................................................................ 17
Accessories...................................................................................... 18
Toll-freetechnical assistance ............................................................. 19

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
3
Introduction
The Polaroid MiniPortrait Model 203
two-lens camera has been used in most of
the illustrations and operational
photographs in this booklet. Where infor-
mation about four-lens cameras appears,
the Model 455 camera has been used.
While most of the general tips and
techniquesapply toall MiniPortrait
cameras,users of earliermodels should
referto theinstruction bookfortheirparticular
camerafor details aboutexposure and
distance settings, or call Polaroid Technical
Assistanceat thetoll-freenumber shownon
page 4.
Please keep this booklet within reach of
your camera.
The information in this booklet is designed
to help both experienced photographers
and occasional users of Polaroid MiniPortrait
camerasproduce instantphotos for
passports,visas andother officialdocuments
thatmeetthequalitystandards ofregulatory
agencies,as well asthe expectationsof
payingcustomers.
The booklet will help camera operators set
up and shoot successfully…avoid some
common picture-taking errors…perform a
few simple, routine, preventive
maintenance checks…and get expert
assistance when needed.
This booklet covers – in quick reference
form – much of the material contained in
theinstructions providedwith Polaroid
MiniPortraitcameras. Please consultthose
instructionswhenfirstlearningto usethe
camera.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
4
Know the processing times for Polaroid
films
Color films/U.S. passport pictures
Recommended Normalprocessing time*
filmtypes
Polacolor 100 90 seconds
Polacolor Pro 100 90 seconds
Studio Polaroid 90 seconds
Providid 90 seconds
PolacolorER 60 seconds
Types669, 559
Black and white film
Recommended Normalprocessing time*
filmtypes
Type 667, 665, 554 30 seconds
* AT 70º - 77º F (21º - 24º C)
Know Polaroid’s toll-free number for
technical assistance
Forassistance withyourcamera or
Polaroidfilms, orforadvice onany instant
photographicproblem, pleasedon’thesitate
tocall us. Calltoll-free at 1-800-343-5000,
Mondaythrough Friday,8 a.m.to 8p.m.,
EasternTime.
More about lighting
Detailedinformation aboutlightingcan be
foundin theinstructionbookthatcame with
yourPolaroid MiniPortrait camera. Thebook
includesinformation aboutbasic portrait
lightingtechniques, aswellas alternative
lightingoptions.
Before you begin…
Clean the rollers
Removeand cleanthe rollersin thefilm
holderregularly. Checktherollerseachtime
you load a pack of film and before each
picture-takingsession. (You cancheck and
cleanthe rollersevenwhenthefilm holderis
loadedwith film.) Therollerscan beremoved
easilyfor cleaning. Use asoft cloth,moist-
enedwith water. Donot usealcoholor other
cleaningfluids, andnever scrapethe rollers
witha hardobject orwith yourfingernails.
Use a clean, white background
Formost documentphotos aclean,white
backgroundis required. For bestresults, use
seamless,super-whitepaper,or a beaded,
whiteprojector screen. Avoid clothback-
drops.
Fortheverybestresults, auxiliary
backgroundlighting isrecommended.
(See page 5)

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
5
1Usea clean,white background.
2Abackground light isrecomended.
3Providean adjustablestool foryour
subject.
4Placethe subjectcloseto the
background,about 10-12in.
5Measurecamera-to-subject distance
carefully. Distance affectsimage size,
imagesharpness, andexposure.
(See page 10)
6Usethe Sonarrangefinder tohelp
positionthe camera atthe correct
distance(1.2 m/47in.) fromyour
subject. (See page 10)
Setting up for great pictures
7Makesure yoursubject isfacingdirectly
towardthe camera.
8Thecamera lensesshould beat the
subject’seyelevel.
9Markthe correctcamera andsubject
positionsif your setupis not
permanent.
10 Forconsistent resultsmountthe camera
on a tripod.
11 Whenusing thecamera’s flashas the
mainlighting, besure theflash unitis in
the“up” position andreflector isfacing
forward. (See page 7)
12 Checkthe cameraexposure settings
before you shoot. (See pages 9-10)
1
2
3
45
7
8
17
14
16
9
18
15
12
13
11
6
10

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
6
13 Setthe timer forthe correctprocessing
timefor thefilm youre using.
(See pages 4, 10 and 11)
14 Havea photo-trimmingdevice, suchas
a die cutter, handy. (See page 18)
15 Havea supply ofPolaroid Photo
Foldersavailable to protectyour images
andto assuresafe deliveryto your
customers. (See pages 7 and 18)
16 Knowthe photo specifications(image
size)for thedocumentsin whichthe
pictures will be used. (See page 17)
17 Havea mirrornearby foryour customer’s
convenience.
18 Keep a copy of “Quick Tips for
MiniPortraitCamera Users”handy for
fastreference.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
7
Use fresh film
Notethe film expirationdate stampedon
Polaroidfilm packages. Outdated filmmay
notproduce satisfactoryresults, andis not
coveredby thePolaroidfilmwarranty.
Know picture-size and picture-type
requirements
Referto the informationon page15for
detailsabout documentphoto picturesizes,
image sizes, and film types (color or black &
white). Mostgovernmental agenciesand
regulatorybodies havespecific requirements
fordocumentphotos.
Have a photo cutting device nearby
Be prepared to trim photos to the proper
size. Usea die cutter,picture trimmer,or
paper cutter. (See page 18 for information
aboutaccessories.)
Check your supply of photo folders
PolaroidPhoto Foldersprotect freshly
processedpictures fromscratchesand other
damage. Thespecial coating onthe folders
makes them a safe place to keep pictures that
arenot quitedrytothetouch.
UsePhoto Folders topresent aprofessional
appearance to customers. (See page 18 for
informationabout ordering.)
Set the flash unit position
Ifthe mainlight sourceis thecamera flash
unit…
•Raisethe flashunitall theway up. The
greenlight willcome oninafewseconds. If
itdoesn’t, turnto page12forinstructions.
•Rotatethe flashTiltKnob sothe flash
reflectorfaces forward. (Thetiltfeature
allowsyoutousebounceflashwithauxiliary
lighting.)
Formore informationabout lighting,referto
yourcamera instructionbook.
Tips and techniques

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
8
Use the viewfinder aiming and framing
aids
aPortraitframes.
bSizingdots (forvarious document“head
size”requirements).
cSizingbar (forvarious document“head
size”requirements).
dSonarrangefinder indicatorlights.
Aim and frame accurately through the
viewfinder
Adjustthe heightof thecamerasothelenses
areabout levelwith thesubject’s eyes.
aUse the solid frame to compose
portraitsof subjectswhen theDistance
Selector is set to 1.2 m (47 in.).
Framing and composition
bUsethe partial framefor composing
portraitswhen the DistanceSelector is
setto 1.92m (76in.)andsupplementary
lensesare being used.
Usethe sizing barand dotsto helpproduce
portraitsin whichthe subject’s“head size”must
meet specific requirements. (See page 17)
ForU.S. passport picturesplace thebarunder
anadult subject’schin; checkto besure that
thetop of thesubject’s headis betweenthe
highestand lowestdots.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
9
aSetthe lensapertureusingthe
guidelinesindicated onthe flashunit.
bTurn thecamera onbesettingthe0/1
switchto “1”.
cForU.S. passport photosand most
otherdocument photosofoneperson,
settheDistance Switch to1.2m
(47in.).
dSetthe Shutter SpeedSelector to
1/125,especially if youare shootingin
anareawithstrongfluorescent lighting.
Note: Settingsmay haveto be
adjustedforauxiliarylighting,
differentfilm types,background
color,temperature,etc.,orto
makepictures lighter ordarker.
Exposurecan beadjusted bychanging
thelensaperture:
•Highernumberswillreduce
exposure(for darkerpictures).
•Lowernumbers willincrease
exposure(forlighterpictures).
Camera settings step-by-step
eSet the Portrait Selector for the desired
results:
Model 203:
•Twoidentical portraits
•Twodifferentportraits
Model 455:
•Fourdifferent portraits
•Fouridentical portraits
•Twopairs of identicalportraits
fThePicture Counterhelps youkeep track
ofyour picture-takingby indicatinghow
manyshots remain tobe taken. Referto
thePortrait Selectorfor pictureconfiguration,
thenread thePicture Countertoseehow
manyexposures areneededto accomplish
thetask. The Counterwill alwaysread “1”
whenmaking identicalportraits.
Onthe Model455 camera,set thecounter
usingthe procedurein theinstruction book
orcall Polaroid Technical Assistancefor
details.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
10
Set the Film Speed Switch on the flash
unit for the Polaroid film type you are
using
Model 203:
Set to 80 for color and black and white films
ratedISO80° – 125°.
Set to 3000 for black and white films rated
ISO3000°.
Model 455:
Set to 80/100 for color and black and white
filmsratedISO 80°– 125°.
Setto 400/800 forother films.
Set the timer for the processing time
Notethe recommended processingtime
givenon the Polaroidfilm package.Thistime
willvary accordingto thetype offilm youare
using,and maychange fromtimetotime
becauseof technical improvementsin the
film. Processingtime adjustmentsalso may
berequired because ofthe temperatureat
thetime of processing.
How to set the timer
To setthe timer (orreset it toa longer time),
pressand holdtheSETbuttonuntil thecorrect
processing time is displayed.
To setthetimer for a shorter time,press theSET
andSTARTbuttonssimultaneously untilzerois
displayed,then setthetimer asabove.
Using the Sonar Rangefinder
Ifyour setupisnotpermanentor marked,use the
SonarRangefinder to positionthe cameraat the
correctdistance fromyour subjectfor most
documentphotos. Thecamera-to-subject
distance is important because it affects image
size,image sharpness,and exposure.
Note: TheSonar Rangefinderdoes notfocus
thecamera. Itis adistance-measuring
deviceonly.
•Setthe Distance Selectoron thecamerafor
the distance specified for the image size
desired.
•Lookthrough theviewfinder andaim the
cameraat yoursubject. Press theshutter
buttonhalfwaytoactivatethe Sonar
Rangefinder.
•Ifthe camera isat thecorrect distance,both
greenlightswill beon. If the camerais too
close,the leftlightwill beon; iftoo far,the right
lightwillbe on. Movethe camera backand
forthuntil it isat thedesireddistance.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
11
Film processing:
Do it right for consistent results
Pull the film tabs straight at a moderate
speed
•Toassure consistent,highquality
results,alwayspullthefilm tabsstraight
outofthefilmholder.
Aftertaking thepicture,pullthewhite
taballthe wayout. Then,pull theother,
largertab straight,allthe wayout.
Pullingat anangle cancause“missing
corners”and marksandstreaks on
pictures. (See page 13)
•Pullat a steady, moderatespeed.
Pullingtoo fastmay causewhitespecks
inpictures;pullingtooslowly may
producemarks onpictures.
(See page 13)
•WhenusingPolaroid 4 x5pack films,
pullthe largetabwith bothhands.
Ifthe camera ismounted onatripod, be
surethe adjustmentknobsonthetripod
donot interferewith tabpulling. Rotate
thetripod head,ifnecessary, toassure
thatyoucanpullboth tabsstraightout
of– andparallelto –the filmholder.
•Afterpulling thelarge tab,immediately
startthetimer.
Handle developing pictures with care
•Holddeveloping picturesonlyby the
tab,or laythemdown flat. Neverwave
orbend them,and donot touchthe
picturearea.
•Alwaysprocess picturesforthefull
amountof time specifiedin thefilm
instructions. Processingtimes arenot
thesame forall Polaroidinstantfilms.
•Checkthefilm instructionsregularly.
Processingtimes also maychange
becauseof ongoingtechnical
modificationsto thefilm youareusing.
Thetemperature ofthe filmatthetimeit
isprocessedmay also affectthe
processingtime. Ideally,thistemperature
should be between 70 - 75° F (21 - 24° C).
Ifit ishotteror colder,refer tothe film
instructionsfor specificrecommendations.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
12
•At the end of the specified processing
time,peel theprintaway fromits
negativequickly,smoothly,without
hesitating.
Pleasediscardthe used negative
properly. Seethe“Caution”statement
on Polaroid film packages.
•Whentrimming picturestodocument
size,avoidtouching theimage area of
picturesthathavenotdriedthoroughly,
andbe careful notto bendorfold
pictures.
•Whenusing black& whitefilm that
requiresprint coating, coatpictures
immediatelyafter processing,andallow
themtodrythoroughlybeforecuttingor
trimming.
•Presentfinished, trimmed portraitsto
yourcustomers inPolaroidPhoto Folders.
Thesefolders are speciallycoated to
protectcolor image surfacesfrom
damageparticularly whenthe picturesare
not quiet dry. (See page 18 for
informationabout orderingPhoto
Folders.)

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
13
Problem: Missing corner
Pictureswith “missing”corners, and/or
streaksand marks,areusuallytheresult of
pullingthe filmcrookedly, atan angle,from
thefilmholder.
Alwayspull bothfilm tabsstraight outofthe
filmholder. Pull atmoderate speed.
Saying the word “Polaroid” is a god way to
timethe speedofpulling.
Ifthe Model 455camera ismountedon a
tripod,adjust the tripodhead, ifnecessary,so
thetabs canbe pulledstraightdown,parallel
tothe filmholder.
Problem: White specks
Pictureswith small whitespecks inthe image
areaare oftencaused bypullingthefilmout
ofthe filmholdertoo rapidly. Pullingtoo fast
mayalso cause a“mottled” appearancein
colorphotographs.
Alwayspull bothfilmtabs ata moderate
speed. Saying the word “Polaroid” is a good
wayto timethespeed ofpulling.
Problem: Evenly spaced marks on picture
Pictureswith evenly spacedspots orstreaks
areusually causedby dirtyrollers insidethe
filmholder.Typically,the patternisrepeated
acrossthepicture surfacebecause dirt or
otherparticles are stuckto oneorboth
rollers.
Therollers shouldbecleaned regularlyto
preventthis problem. Youcanopen thefilm
holderto cleantherollers evenif thereis film
inthe holder…butopentheholderaway from
brightlight andbe carefulnottoliftthe film
pack.
Picture problems and problem prevention

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
14
Problem: Film jam
Ifthe filmjammed insidethe filmholder, and
youwere unableto getany pictures,dirt on
theprocessing rollersand/ortab slotmay
haveblocked thefilmtabs fromcoming out.
Forexample, ifyou pullawhitetab,the
problemwill onlyget worse,andmorefilmwill
jam. Ifyou tryanother packof film,thesame
problemmay occur,ifyou havenot cleaned
therollers insidethe filmholder.
Inspectandcleantherollersurfacesregularly.
Itis recommendedthat youcheck therollers
each time you load a pack of film, and before
eachpicture-taking session.
Here’s how to avoid losing an entire
pack of film if you pull a white tab and
another tab fails to appear:
1. Donotpull anotherwhitetab.
2. Carefullyopenthefilm holderjust
enoughso thatyou canplace afinger
on the edge of the film pack inside.
Holdthepack inpositionand open the
holderall theway. (Youcan openthe
filmholder withoutspoiling additional
film,provided you doso awayfrom
brightlight, anddo notmovethefilm
pack.)
3. Gentlyremoveanycrumpled filmtabs
anddiscard them.
4. Inspectandcleantherollers
thoroughly.Cleanthetabslot, too.
5. Unfold thetop whitetabso itsticks
out. Closethe filmholder securely.
Resumepicture taking.
Important notice for high volume
pack film users
If your pack film holder is several years old,
it may be advisable to replace the rollers.
Polaroidrecommends that therollers be
replacedafter every1000 packsto ensure
consistent,trouble-free results.For further
information,please callPolaroid Technical
Assistance at the toll-free number on page 4.
Problem: Black picture (no picture)
Apicture thatis totallyblack usuallyindicates
thatno exposureoccurred –no lightreached
thefilm. There areseveralpossible causes:
Equipment problem
•Thecamera shuttermaynotbeworking.
Ifthe camera ispowered bybatteries,
deador weak batteriesmay preventthe
shutterfromopeningand/orthe flash
fromfiring.
Checkthat thebatteries arefresh.
Batteriesshould bechangedwhenever
theflash takeslongerthanabout30
secondsto recharge.
Thefour 1.5-voltbatterieswhich power
thecamera are locatedin thehand grip.
Useonly alkalinebatteries.
•Theflash mayhavefailedtofire,
resultinginaseverelyunderexposed
picture(which mayappear allblack).
Checkyourflash unit;allowsufficient
recycletime betweenflashexposures.
See page 18 for information about the
AC adapter accessory.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
15
Operator mistakes
•Notremoving thefilmholder darkslide
beforethe exposure.
•Wrongexposure setting:lensaperture
toosmall; incorrectfilmspeed setting
(forexample, usingISO80/20°film
whenthe flashis setfor ISO3000/36°
black& whitefilm.)
•Lenscap notremoved.
•Cameranotturnedon.
Problem: White picture (fogged)
Apicturethatistotallywhiteusually
indicatesthat thefilmwasseverely
overexposed,or light-struckor
“fogged”– exposed tolight outsideofthe film
holder. Thereare severalpossible causes:
Handling errors
•Removingthe blacksafetycover
beforeloading the filminto thefilm
holder. Doingthis exposesthe first
picture’snegative tolight(“fogging” it),
andthefirst pictureprocessed will be
white. (Subsequentpictures should
befine.)
•Reloadinga partiallyusedfilm pack.
Ifthe filmpackhas beenexposed to
light,the firstpictureprocessed willbe
white.
•Removingthe darkslideof thefilm
holderwhile itisoff thecamera.
Doingthis exposes anegative tolight.
Reinsertthe darkslide, thenprocess
thepicture (whichwillbe white).
Subsequentpictures shouldbefine.
Operator mistake
Anoccasional oversightmay resultin white
pictures. Forexample, awrong exposure
setting:lens aperturetoo large;incorrect film
speedsetting(using ISO300/36°black &
whitefilm whenthe flashis setfor ISO80/20°
film.)
Equipment problem
•Thecamera shuttermaynotbeworking
properly.
•Thecamera systemhasdeveloped a
lightleak, orthe filmholderisnot
mountedcorrectly.
Problem: Overexposed picture (too light)
Apicture withafaint, washed-outimage
usuallyindicatesthatthefilm was
overexposed– toomuch lightreached the
negative. Thereare severalpossiblecauses:
Wrong exposure setting
•Lensaperture toolarge; incorrectfilm
speedsetting; forexample, usingISO
3000/36°black &white filmwhenthe
flashis setfor ISO80/20°film.)
Equipment problem
•Thecamera shuttermaynotbeworking
properly.
•Thecamera systemhasdeveloped a
lightleak, orthe filmholder wasnot
mountedcorrectly.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
16
Problem: Underexposed picture
(too dark)
Picturesthat aretoodarkoverallusually
indicatethat the filmwas underexposed– too
littlelight reachedthe negative.There are
severalpossible causes:
•Theflash reflectormay bepointed up.
Wrong exposure setting
•Lensaperture toosmall; incorrectfilm
speedsetting (forexample,flash set for
ISO3000/36° black& whitefilmwhen
usingISO 80/20°film.)
•Ifthe backgroundis toodark,the
subjectmay havebeen placedtoofar
fromthe background,or additional
backgroundlighting maybe required.
Equipment problem
•Thecamera shuttermaynot be
working properly.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
17
United States passport
pictures
TheUnited StatesPassportOffice has
specificphotographic requirements.
Complete,up-to-date detailsshould be
obtainedfrom thePassportOffice.
Film:
Polaroidinstant color films. Polacolor100,
Polacolor ER Type 669 or Type 559 films are
recommended.
Pose:
Ahead andshoulders portrait,showing
full-face,frontalview.
Background:
Plainwhite.
Subject size:
Thedistance fromthe topoftheheadto the
chinmustbe in therangeof 1 to13/8 in.
(26 – 35mm).
Picturesize
Minimumof 2 x2 in.(50 x50mm).Will
includePolaroid picture border.
Rules and regulations
Aguide torules, regulations,andpicturerequirementsin theU.S.
Important
Document photo regulations change from time to time. MiniPortrait camera owners should check with document issuing
agencies and authorities at least once a year. Further information about document photo requirements may be obtained
from U.S. State Department (passports), offices of foreign consulates (visas), local government offices (licenses, permits,
ID cards).
Immigration & Naturalization Service
(INS) pictures
Film:
Polaroid instant color or black & white films.
Polacolor 100, Polacolor ER Type 669 and
559, and Type 667, 665 and 554 films are
recommended.
Pose:
A 3/4 view showing the entire face.
Background:
White.
Subject size:
Toconform totherequirements,the
dimensions of the image should be 1 3/16 in.
(30mm)from thehair tothe neckjustbelowthe
chin,and 1in. (26mm)fromtherightear tothe
leftcheck. The imagecannot exceed
1 1/4 x 1 1/16 in. (32 x 28mm).
Picture size:
Minimum size is 1 9/16 h x 1 3/8 w in.
(40x 35mm);maximumsize is
3 1/8 h x 2 3/8 w in. (80 x 60mm).

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
18
Accessories
Accessories and other items to help your
document picture business prosper
Note: Thenumberinparenthesesnextto
eachitem is thePolaroid PIDnumber.
•Model 243 Die Cutter (603070).
Neatlytrims photosto2 x2 in.
(50x 50mm)U.S.passport picture
size.
•PhotoFolders (69184).
Holdand protect trimmed2 x2in.
(50x 50mm)instantcolor passport
photos – and present a more
professionalappearance.
500 photo folders per pack.
•Model 73C Pack Film Holder with
ProcessingTimer(612413).
For use with Model 203 camera.
•Model 550 4 x 5 Pack Film Holder
(604030).
Forusewith theModel 455 camera.
Anextra filmholder letsphotographer
switchfilm typesquickly andeasily.
•120-volt AC Adapter (a) (624946).
For MiniPortrait cameras, Models 203
and 455. Enables the camera to use
electricalpower instead ofbatteries.
Note: Theuse of otherAC adapters
maydamageMiniPortrait
cameras.
•Model78 SupplementaryLenses (b)
(600272).
For reducing image size. For use with
MiniPortrait Model 203 camera (4 lenses
per package).
•FilmData Sheets coveringmost
Polaroidfilms used forbusiness,
technical,medical andprofessional
applications are available at no
charge on the Polaroid Web site at
www.polaroid.com –customer service.
b
a

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide
19
Toll-free technical assistance
Forfurther informationabout Polaroid
camerasand instantfilms, orfor information
aboutother Polaroid productsor
applications,call toll-freefromwithintheU.S.
at1-800-343-5000, Mondaythrough Friday,
8a.m to 8p.m., EasternTime.
Or, write to Polaroid, Americas Business
Center,201BurlingtonRd.,Bedford,
Massachusetts01730.
Pleaseinclude a samplepicture oftheproblem
youarehavingwithyourcamera.