Polaroid Miniportrait 204 Operating instructions

Repair Manual
Americas Business Center
Technical Services
201 Burlington Road
Bedford MA 01730
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Miniportrait 204/404
May 1997

Repair Manual Model 204/404 MiniPortrait Camera
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Contents
Purpose of this Manual..................................... 3
Organization of this Manual.............................. 3
Other Documents Required for Repair............. 3
List of Illustrations............................................. 4
1. Description and Operation .......................... 5
2. Troubleshooting .......................................... 23
3. Parts Replacement...................................... 34
4. Schematics.................................................. 57
About this Manual
This manual applies to both the Model 204 and 404 cameras. Differences
between these two models will be noted throughout the document.

Repair Manual Model 204/404 MiniPortrait Camera
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Purpose of this Manual
This manual is intended as a reference guide for Polaroid and Polaroid
authorized technical personnel repairing the Polaroid Model 204/404
MiniPortrait Camera.
Organization of this Repair Manual
Description and Operation. General information about camera features,
capabilities, applications and operating instructions.
Troubleshooting. Function tables for diagnosing problems.
Parts Replacement. Step-by-step procedures for replacing system assemblies
and components.
Schematics. Electronic schematics to isolate problems and assist in component
replacement.
Other Documents Required for Repair
In addition to this manual, repair requires the use of the Polaroid Model 204/404
MiniPortrait Camera Parts Catalog.

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List of Illustrations
Section 1. Description and Operation
Figure 1-1 Rear (Operational) View .......................................................................8
Figure 1-2 Front View ............................................................................................8
Section 3. Parts Replacement
Figure 3-1 Removing the Front/Rear Housing .......................................................36
Figure 3-2 Unplugging the Electrical Connectors ..................................................37
Figure 3-3 Replacing the Aiming Light....................................................................40
Figure 3-4 Adjusting the Aiming Light.....................................................................40
Figure 3-5 Replacing the Strobe Assembly ............................................................41
Figure 3-6 Removing the Shutter Assembly............................................................42
Figure 3-7 Replacing the Solenoid(s).....................................................................44
Figure 3-8 Solenoid/Shutter Blade Orientation ......................................................45
Figure 3-9 Removing the Baffle .............................................................................47
Figure 3-10 Removing the Pull Film Switch ...........................................................47
Figure 3-11 Checking Switch Position with Go/No-Go Gauge................................48
Figure 3-12 Replacing the Load Film Sensor ........................................................50
Figure 3-13 Logic Board Screws and Connectors .................................................52
Figure 3-14 Power Board Screws and Connectors.................................................54
Figure 3-15 LCD Display Board Removal...............................................................55
Figure 3-16 Replacing the Capacitor......................................................................56
Section 4. Schematics
Logic Board.............................................................................................................58
Power Board ...........................................................................................................59
Harness Diagram....................................................................................................60

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Section 1. Description and Operation
Important Safety Instructions ................................................................................6
A. General Description..........................................................................................7
B. Camera Components........................................................................................8
C. Camera Features............................................................................................10
D. Operating Instructions....................................................................................13
(1) Work area requirements...........................................................................13
(2) Preparing the camera for making ID photos.............................................13
(3) Making ID photos .....................................................................................16
(4) Programming the camera.........................................................................19

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Important Safety Instructions
When using the camera, always follow these basic safety precautions:
• Read and understand all instructions before setting up and using the system.
• Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near
children. Do not leave the camera unattended while in use.
• Do not operate the camera with a damaged cord, or when it has been
dropped or damaged, until it has been examined by a qualified service
person.
• Position the cord so that it will not be tripped over, pulled, or in contact with
hot or sharp surfaces.
• If an extension cord is necessary, a UL recognized grounded cord with a
rating at least equal to that of the camera should be used.
• Always turn the camera OFF before unplugging.
• Always unplug the camera from the electrical outlet when not in use, and
before cleaning and servicing. Never pull the cord from the outlet. Grasp
and pull the cord from the outlet to disconnect.
• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not immerse the camera in water or
other liquids and do not operate outdoors in inclement weather.
CAUTION
The film used by this camera contains a caustic jelly that is safely
packed inside the film pack. If you should accidentally get some of
this jelly on your skin, wipe it off immediately and wash the area with
plenty of water as soon as possible. Under all circumstances, keep
the jelly away from the mouth and eyes. Keep discarded materials
out of reach of children and animals, and out of contact with clothing
and furniture, as discarded materials still contain caustic jelly
residue.

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A. General Description
The Polaroid Model 204/404 MiniPortrait Camera is a new, optical cut-and-paste
camera that features the unique combination of programmability, low cost, and
exceptional ease-of-use.
Features include programmable LCD graphic display of step-by-step operational
prompts, power-on memory, battery capability, counters for strobe flashes and
packs used, key switch, tripod mount, converging light rangefinder, sync circuit
system with ON/OFF switch, and removable film holder for black-and-white and
color films.
The system consists of a camera head, camera base and AC/DC adapter. The
camera head pivots so that it can swing down into the camera base for storage
and transport, and swing up for picture-taking.
The camera can be positioned either 40 inches from the subject for a larger
head size, or 60 inches from the subject for a smaller head size. At 60 inches, a
supplementary lens is required for proper focus.

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B. Camera Components
Refer to these illustrations as you proceed through the following sections:
Preparing the camera for making ID photos, Making ID photos, and
Programming the camera.
40 60 4060
I
A
C
BQ
E
D
F
G
H
K
L
M
G
N
O
P
I
J
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R
Caution
Attention
Polaroid
Figure 1-1 Rear (Operational) View
T
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V
S
Polaroid
Figure 1-2 Front View

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Rear View Callouts
Call-out Component
ADisplay Screen
BProgram/Power Button
CShutter Button
DUP Cursor Symbol
EMenu Symbol
FCamera Back
GAim Light Adjustment Lever
HCamera ON/OFF Switch
IRelease Knob
JLocking Knob
KStrobe Switch
LFlash Sync Socket
MPower Cord Socket
NDOWN Cursor Symbol
OEXIT PROGRAM Cursor
Symbol
PAiming Button
QBrightener Button
RDark Slide
Front View Callouts
SStrobe
TLenses
UAim Lights
VAperture Adjustment

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C. Camera Features
Picture version There are two camera versions. The Model 204
makes 2 images per film frame; the Model 404
makes 4 images per film frame. Both use Type
669 film.
Totally programmable Allows operator to program all functions needed
for operation of ID program.
Graphic display Display guides operator through all
programming and operating functions.
Voltages AC/DC adapter operates on 115 or 90 - 250-volt
wall unit.
Battery capability Operates on 12-volt battery supply.
Low power indicator A low battery icon will appear on the graphic
display and an audio beep will inform the
operator of need to charge or replace battery.
Low battery protection Automatically shuts down if low battery indicator
is ignored, preventing damage to the camera’s
microprocessor.
Variable aperture Adjustable aperture for different film speeds.
Variable exposure Programmable strobe brightness setting for
exposure in all lighting conditions.
Strobe boost Strobe boost (brightener) button will enhance
brightness by 1/2 stop for one picture without
changing exposure setting.
Strobe count Counts all strobe flashes. The number will be
displayed in Program Mode; used for tracking
the number of photos produced.
Pack count Counts the number of film packs used. Used for
determining/controlling film usage.
Out of film sensor Sensor alerts the operator when camera is out
of film.