Polaroid MiniPortrait 203 User manual

Brand: Polaroid

Model: MiniPortrait 203

Type: User manual

This manual is also suitable for

Miniportrait 455

Polaroid MiniPortrait 203 is a two-lens instant camera designed for taking professional-quality passport photos and other types of证件照. It features a built-in Sonar rangefinder for accurate distance measurement, a flash unit with adjustable positioning and power, and a variety of framing aids to help you compose your shots.

MiniPortrait Camera

User Guide

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide

What’s Inside

Introduction........................................................................................ 3

Before you begin ............................................................................... 4

Clean the rollers ........................................................................... 4

Use a clean, white background..................................................... 4

Know the processing times for Polaroid films ............................... 4

Know Polaroid’s toll-free number for technical assistance............. 4

Setting up for great pictures............................................................... 5

Tips and techniques........................................................................... 7

Use fresh film ............................................................................... 7

Know picture-size and picture-type requirements.......................... 7

Have a photo cutting device nearby .............................................. 7

Check your supply of photo folders ............................................... 7

Set the flash unit position.............................................................. 7

Framing and composition.................................................................. 8

Use the viewfinder aiming and framing aids ................................. 8

Aim and frame accurately through the viewfinder .......................... 8

Camera settings step-by-step............................................................ 9

Set the Film Speed Switch on the flash unit for the Polaroid

film type you are using .................................................................. 10

Set the timer for the processing time ............................................ 10

Using the Sonar rangefinder......................................................... 10

Film processing................................................................................. 11

Pull the film tabs straight at a moderate speed ............................. 11

Handle developing pictures with care ........................................... 11

Picture problems and problem prevention.......................................... 13

Rules and regulations ........................................................................ 17

Accessories ...................................................................................... 18

Toll-free technical assistance ............................................................. 19

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide

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

techniques apply to all MiniPortrait

cameras, users of earlier models should

refer to the instruction book for their particular

camera for details about exposure and

distance settings, or call Polaroid Technical

Assistance at the toll-free number shown on

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

cameras produce instant photos for

passports, visas and other official documents

that meet the quality standards of regulatory

agencies, as well as the expectations of

paying customers.

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

the instructions provided with Polaroid

MiniPortrait cameras. Please consult those

instructions when first learning to use the

camera.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide

Know the processing times for Polaroid

films

Color films/U.S. passport pictures

Recommended Normal processing time*

film types

Polacolor 100 90 seconds

Polacolor Pro 100 90 seconds

Studio Polaroid 90 seconds

Providid 90 seconds

Polacolor ER 60 seconds

Types 669, 559

Black and white film

Recommended Normal processing time*

film types

Type 667, 665, 554 30 seconds

* AT 70º - 77º F (21º - 24º C)

Know Polaroid’s toll-free number for

technical assistance

For assistance with your camera or

Polaroid films, or for advice on any instant

photographic problem, please don’t hesitate

to call us. Call toll-free at 1-800-343-5000,

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.,

Eastern Time.

More about lighting

Detailed information about lighting can be

found in the instruction book that came with

your Polaroid MiniPortrait camera. The book

includes information about basic portrait

lighting techniques, as well as alternative

lighting options.

Before you begin…

Clean the rollers

Remove and clean the rollers in the film

holder regularly. Check the rollers each time

you load a pack of film and before each

picture-taking session. (You can check and

clean the rollers even when the film holder is

loaded with film.) The rollers can be removed

easily for cleaning. Use a soft cloth, moist-

ened with water. Do not use alcohol or other

cleaning fluids, and never scrape the rollers

with a hard object or with your fingernails.

Use a clean, white background

For most document photos a clean, white

background is required. For best results, use

seamless, super-white paper, or a beaded,

white projector screen. Avoid cloth back-

drops.

For the very best results, auxiliary

background lighting is recommended.

(See page 5)

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide

1 Use a clean, white background.

2 A background light is recomended.

3 Provide an adjustable stool for your

subject.

4 Place the subject close to the

background, about 10-12 in.

5 Measure camera-to-subject distance

carefully. Distance affects image size,

image sharpness, and exposure.

(See page 10)

6 Use the Sonar rangefinder to help

position the camera at the correct

distance (1.2 m/47 in.) from your

subject. (See page 10)

Setting up for great pictures

7 Make sure your subject is facing directly

toward the camera.

8 The camera lenses should be at the

subject’s eye level.

9 Mark the correct camera and subject

positions if your setup is not

permanent.

10 For consistent results mount the camera

on a tripod.

11 When using the camera’s flash as the

main lighting, be sure the flash unit is in

the “up” position and reflector is facing

forward. (See page 7)

12 Check the camera exposure settings

before you shoot. (See pages 9-10)

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide

13 Set the timer for the correct processing

time for the film you re using.

(See pages 4, 10 and 11)

14 Have a photo-trimming device, such as

a die cutter, handy. (See page 18)

15 Have a supply of Polaroid Photo

Folders available to protect your images

and to assure safe delivery to your

customers. (See pages 7 and 18)

16 Know the photo specifications (image

size) for the documents in which the

pictures will be used. (See page 17)

17 Have a mirror nearby for your customer’s

convenience.

18 Keep a copy of “Quick Tips for

MiniPortrait Camera Users” handy for

fast reference.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide

Use fresh film

Note the film expiration date stamped on

Polaroid film packages. Outdated film may

not produce satisfactory results, and is not

covered by the Polaroid film warranty.

Know picture-size and picture-type

requirements

Refer to the information on page 15 for

details about document photo picture sizes,

image sizes, and film types (color or black &

white). Most governmental agencies and

regulatory bodies have specific requirements

for document photos.

Have a photo cutting device nearby

Be prepared to trim photos to the proper

size. Use a die cutter, picture trimmer, or

paper cutter. (See page 18 for information

about accessories.)

Check your supply of photo folders

Polaroid Photo Folders protect freshly

processed pictures from scratches and other

damage. The special coating on the folders

makes them a safe place to keep pictures that

are not quite dry to the touch.

Use Photo Folders to present a professional

appearance to customers. (See page 18 for

information about ordering.)

Set the flash unit position

If the main light source is the camera flash

unit…

• Raise the flash unit all the way up. The

green light will come on in a few seconds. If

it doesn’t, turn to page 12 for instructions.

• Rotate the flash Tilt Knob so the flash

reflector faces forward. (The tilt feature

allows you to use bounce flash with auxiliary

lighting.)

For more information about lighting, refer to

your camera instruction book.

Tips and techniques

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide

Use the viewfinder aiming and framing

aids

a Portrait frames.

b Sizing dots (for various document “head

size” requirements).

c Sizing bar (for various document “head

size” requirements).

d Sonar rangefinder indicator lights.

Aim and frame accurately through the

viewfinder

Adjust the height of the camera so the lenses

are about level with the subject’s eyes.

a Use the solid frame to compose

portraits of subjects when the Distance

Selector is set to 1.2 m (47 in.).

Framing and composition

b Use the partial frame for composing

portraits when the Distance Selector is

set to 1.92 m (76 in.) and supplementary

lenses are being used.

Use the sizing bar and dots to helpproduce

portraits in which the subject’s “head size” must

meet specific requirements. (See page 17)

For U.S. passport pictures place the bar under

an adult subject’s chin; check to be sure that

the top of the subject’s head is between the

highest and lowest dots.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide

a Set the lens aperture using the

guidelines indicated on the flash unit.

b Turn the camera on be setting the 0/1

switch to “1”.

c For U.S. passport photos and most

other document photos of one person,

set the Distance Switch to 1.2 m

(47 in.).

d Set the Shutter Speed Selector to

1/125, especially if you are shooting in

an area with strong fluorescent lighting.

Note: Settings may have to be

adjusted for auxiliary lighting,

different film types, background

color, temperature, etc., or to

make pictures lighter or darker.

Exposure can be adjusted by changing

the lens aperture:

• Higher numbers will reduce

exposure (for darker pictures).

• Lower numbers will increase

exposure (for lighter pictures).

Camera settings step-by-step

e Set the Portrait Selector for the desired

results:

Model 203:

• Two identical portraits

• Two different portraits

Model 455:

• Four different portraits

• Four identical portraits

• Two pairs of identical portraits

f The Picture Counter helps you keep track

of your picture-taking by indicating how

many shots remain to be taken. Refer to

the Portrait Selector for picture configuration,

then read the Picture Counter to see how

many exposures are needed to accomplish

the task. The Counter will always read “1”

when making identical portraits.

On the Model 455 camera, set the counter

using the procedure in the instruction book

or call Polaroid Technical Assistance for

details.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide

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

rated ISO 80° – 125°.

Set to 3000 for black and white films rated

ISO 3000°.

Model 455:

Set to 80/100 for color and black and white

films rated ISO 80° – 125°.

Set to 400/800 for other films.

Set the timer for the processing time

Note the recommended processing time

given on the Polaroid film package. This time

will vary according to the type of film you are

using, and may change from time to time

because of technical improvements in the

film. Processing time adjustments also may

be required because of the temperature at

the time of processing.

How to set the timer

To set the timer (or reset it to a longer time),

press and hold the SET button until the correct

processing time is displayed.

To set the timer for a

shorter

time, press the SET

and START buttons simultaneously until zero is

displayed, then set the timer as above.

Using the Sonar Rangefinder

If your setup is not permanent or marked, use the

Sonar Rangefinder to position the camera at the

correct distance from your subject for most

document photos. The camera-to-subject

distance is important because it affects image

size, image sharpness, and exposure.

Note: The Sonar Rangefinder does not focus

the camera. It is a distance-measuring

device only.

• Set the Distance Selector on the camera for

the distance specified for the image size

desired.

• Look through the viewfinder and aim the

camera at your subject. Press the shutter

button halfway to activate the Sonar

Rangefinder.

• If the camera is at the correct distance, both

green lights will be on. If the camera is too

close, the left light will be on; if too far, the right

light will be on. Move the camera back and

forth until it is at the desired distance.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide

Film processing:

Do it right for consistent results

Pull the film tabs straight at a moderate

speed

• To assure consistent, high quality

results, always pull the film tabs straight

out of the film holder.

After taking the picture, pull the white

tab all the way out. Then, pull the other,

larger tab straight, all the way out.

Pulling at an angle can cause “missing

corners” and marks and streaks on

pictures. (See page 13)

• Pull at a steady, moderate speed.

Pulling too fast may cause white specks

in pictures; pulling too slowly may

produce marks on pictures.

(See page 13)

• When using Polaroid 4 x 5 pack films,

pull the large tab with both hands.

If the camera is mounted on a tripod, be

sure the adjustment knobs on the tripod

do not interfere with tab pulling. Rotate

the tripod head, if necessary, to assure

that you can pull both tabs straight out

of – and parallel to – the film holder.

• After pulling the large tab, immediately

start the timer.

Handle developing pictures with care

• Hold developing pictures only by the

tab, or lay them down flat. Never wave

or bend them, and do not touch the

picture area.

• Always process pictures for the full

amount of time specified in the film

instructions. Processing times are not

the same for all Polaroid instant films.

• Check the film instructions regularly.

Processing times also may change

because of ongoing technical

modifications to the film you are using.

The temperature of the film at the time it

is processed may also affect the

processing time. Ideally, this temperature

should be between 70 - 75° F (21 - 24° C).

If it is hotter or colder, refer to the film

instructions for specific recommendations.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide

• At the end of the specified processing

time, peel the print away from its

negative quickly, smoothly, without

hesitating.

Please discard the used negative

properly. See the “Caution” statement

on Polaroid film packages.

• When trimming pictures to document

size, avoid touching the image area of

pictures that have not dried thoroughly,

and be careful not to bend or fold

pictures.

• When using black & white film that

requires print coating, coat pictures

immediately after processing, and allow

them to dry thoroughly before cutting or

trimming.

• Present finished, trimmed portraits to

your customers in Polaroid Photo Folders.

These folders are specially coated to

protect color image surfaces from

damage particularly when the pictures are

not quiet dry. (See page 18 for

information about ordering Photo

Folders.)

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide

Problem: Missing corner

Pictures with “missing” corners, and/or

streaks and marks, are usually the result of

pulling the film crookedly, at an angle, from

the film holder.

Always pull both film tabs straight out of the

film holder. Pull at moderate speed.

Saying the word “Polaroid” is a god way to

time the speed of pulling.

If the Model 455 camera is mounted on a

tripod, adjust the tripod head, if necessary, so

the tabs can be pulled straight down, parallel

to the film holder.

Problem: White specks

Pictures with small white specks in the image

area are often caused by pulling the film out

of the film holder too rapidly. Pulling too fast

may also cause a “mottled” appearance in

color photographs.

Always pull both film tabs at a moderate

speed. Saying the word “Polaroid” is a good

way to time the speed of pulling.

Problem: Evenly spaced marks on picture

Pictures with evenly spaced spots or streaks

are usually caused by dirty rollers inside the

film holder. Typically, the pattern is repeated

across the picture surface because dirt or

other particles are stuck to one or both

rollers.

The rollers should be cleaned regularly to

prevent this problem. You can open the film

holder to clean the rollers even if there is film

in the holder…but open the holder away from

bright light and be careful not to lift the film

pack.

Picture problems and problem prevention

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide

Problem: Film jam

If the film jammed inside the film holder, and

you were unable to get any pictures, dirt on

the processing rollers and/or tab slot may

have blocked the film tabs from coming out.

For example, if you pull a white tab, the

problem will only get worse, and more film will

jam. If you try another pack of film, the same

problem may occur, if you have not cleaned

the rollers inside the film holder.

Inspect and clean the roller surfaces regularly.

It is recommended that you check the rollers

each time you load a pack of film, and before

each picture-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. Do not pull another white tab.

2. Carefully open the film holder just

enough so that you can place a finger

on the edge of the film pack inside.

Hold the pack in position and open the

holder all the way. (You can open the

film holder without spoiling additional

film, provided you do so away from

bright light, and do not move the film

pack.)

3. Gently remove any crumpled film tabs

and discard them.

4. Inspect and clean the rollers

thoroughly. Clean the tab slot, too.

5. Unfold the top white tab so it sticks

out. Close the film holder securely.

Resume picture 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.

Polaroid recommends that the rollers be

replaced after every 1000 packs to ensure

consistent, trouble-free results. For further

information, please call Polaroid Technical

Assistance at the toll-free number on page 4.

Problem: Black picture (no picture)

A picture that is totally black usually indicates

that no exposure occurred – no light reached

the film. There are several possible causes:

Equipment problem

• The camera shutter may not be working.

If the camera is powered by batteries,

dead or weak batteries may prevent the

shutter from opening and/or the flash

from firing.

Check that the batteries are fresh.

Batteries should be changed whenever

the flash takes longer than about 30

seconds to recharge.

The four 1.5-volt batteries which power

the camera are located in the hand grip.

Use only alkaline batteries.

• The flash may have failed to fire,

resulting in a severely underexposed

picture (which may appear all black).

Check your flash unit; allow sufficient

recycle time between flash exposures.

See page 18 for information about the

AC adapter accessory.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide

Operator mistakes

• Not removing the film holder dark slide

before the exposure.

• Wrong exposure setting: lens aperture

too small; incorrect film speed setting

(for example, using ISO 80/20° film

when the flash is set for ISO 3000/36°

black & white film.)

• Lens cap not removed.

• Camera not turned on.

Problem: White picture (fogged)

A picture that is totally white usually

indicates that the film was severely

overexposed, or light-struck or

“fogged” – exposed to light outside of the film

holder. There are several possible causes:

Handling errors

• Removing the black safety cover

before loading the film into the film

holder. Doing this exposes the first

picture’s negative to light (“fogging” it),

and the first picture processed will be

white. (Subsequent pictures should

be fine.)

• Reloading a partially used film pack.

If the film pack has been exposed to

light, the first picture processed will be

white.

• Removing the dark slide of the film

holder while it is off the camera.

Doing this exposes a negative to light.

Reinsert the dark slide, then process

the picture (which will be white).

Subsequent pictures should be fine.

Operator mistake

An occasional oversight may result in white

pictures. For example, a wrong exposure

setting: lens aperture too large; incorrect film

speed setting (using ISO 300/36° black &

white film when the flash is set for ISO 80/20°

film.)

Equipment problem

• The camera shutter may not be working

properly.

• The camera system has developed a

light leak, or the film holder is not

mounted correctly.

Problem: Overexposed picture (too light)

A picture with a faint, washed-out image

usually indicates that the film was

overexposed – too much light reached the

negative. There are several possible causes:

Wrong exposure setting

• Lens aperture too large; incorrect film

speed setting; for example, using ISO

3000/36° black & white film when the

flash is set for ISO 80/20° film.)

Equipment problem

• The camera shutter may not be working

properly.

• The camera system has developed a

light leak, or the film holder was not

mounted correctly.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide

Problem: Underexposed picture

(too dark)

Pictures that are too dark overall usually

indicate that the film was underexposed – too

little light reached the negative. There are

several possible causes:

• The flash reflector may be pointed up.

Wrong exposure setting

• Lens aperture too small; incorrect film

speed setting (for example, flash set for

ISO 3000/36° black & white film when

using ISO 80/20° film.)

• If the background is too dark, the

subject may have been placed too far

from the background, or additional

background lighting may be required.

Equipment problem

• The camera shutter may not be

working properly.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide

United States passport

pictures

The United States Passport Office has

specific photographic requirements.

Complete, up-to-date details should be

obtained from the Passport Office.

Film:

Polaroid instant color films. Polacolor 100,

Polacolor ER Type 669 or Type 559 films are

recommended.

Pose:

A head and shoulders portrait, showing

full-face, frontal view.

Background:

Plain white.

Subject size:

The distance from the top of the head to the

chin must be in the range of 1 to 1 3/8 in.

(26 – 35mm).

Picture size

Minimum of 2 x 2 in. (50 x 50mm). Will

include Polaroid picture border.

Rules and regulations

A guide to rules, regulations, and picture requirements in the U.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:

To conform to the requirements, the

dimensions of the image should be 1 3/16 in.

(30mm) from the hair to the neck just below the

chin, and 1 in. (26mm) from the right ear to the

left check. The image cannot 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.

(40 x 35mm); maximum size is

3 1/8 h x 2 3/8 w in. (80 x 60mm).

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide

Accessories

Accessories and other items to help your

document picture business prosper

Note: The number in parentheses next to

each item is the Polaroid PID number.

• Model 243 Die Cutter (603070).

Neatly trims photos to 2 x 2 in.

(50 x 50mm) U.S. passport picture

size.

• Photo Folders (69184).

Hold and protect trimmed 2 x 2 in.

(50 x 50mm) instant color passport

photos – and present a more

professional appearance.

500 photo folders per pack.

• Model 73C Pack Film Holder with

Processing Timer (612413).

For use with Model 203 camera.

• Model 550 4 x 5 Pack Film Holder

(604030).

For use with the Model 455 camera.

An extra film holder lets photographer

switch film types quickly and easily.

• 120-volt AC Adapter (a) (624946).

For MiniPortrait cameras, Models 203

and 455. Enables the camera to use

electrical power instead of batteries.

Note: The use of other AC adapters

may damage MiniPortrait

cameras.

• Model 78 Supplementary Lenses (b)

(600272).

For reducing image size. For use with

MiniPortrait Model 203 camera (4 lenses

per package).

• Film Data Sheets covering most

Polaroid films used for business,

technical, medical and professional

applications are available at no

charge on the Polaroid Web site at

www.polaroid.com – customer service.

MiniPortrait Camera User Guide

Toll-free technical assistance

For further information about Polaroid

cameras and instant films, or for information

about other Polaroid products or

applications, call toll-free from within the U.S.

at 1-800-343-5000, Monday through Friday,

8 a.m to 8 p.m., Eastern Time.

Or, write to Polaroid, Americas Business

Center, 201 Burlington Rd., Bedford,

Massachusetts 01730.

Please include a sample picture of the problem

you are having with your camera.

Polaroid MiniPortrait 203 User manual

Brand: Polaroid

Model: MiniPortrait 203

Type: User manual

This manual is also suitable for

Miniportrait 455

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Polaroid MiniPortrait 203 User manual

This manual is also suitable for

Polaroid MiniPortrait 203 User manual

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