Thin Blue Line: Poloroid Camera

Monday 31 December 2012

Poloroid Camera

Open up the back of the camera and you’ll see this long pathway leading to the lens. This is the bellows for the camera which is controlled by various cranks and knobs along the body of the 20×24. When the cranks and knobs are manipulated, magnification and focusing can be controlled from the backside of the camera. Like some old medium format and large format bodies, the user looks into the viewfinder and sees an upside down image; more on that in a second. A technician runs the camera for anyone that rents it to handle the calculations of bellows factor, lighting, and to control the processing of the film. The studio works with student interns to help out on set as shoots go quicker with an assistant running the front of lens while the technician runs the back. This is a very critical piece of the camera and Jen stated that when out on location it needs to be well protected against the elements like rain.