This camera is the only Polaroid Pack 100 camera with electronic flash.
All other cameras, folding or not-folding, have bulb flashes,
flashcubes or the hard-to-find HiPower cubes. So this models is of
special interest...if the flash works. The original rechargeable
batteries are all dead. Replacement is possible, but be sure that it
has been done if you want a working system.
The 360 model was produced from 1969-1971 and it was quite expensive, just under $ 200.
Mine had the batteries replaced, so it works fine. There is detailed information about changing the batteries here. The link opens in a new window. And: sometimes the capacitor has to be changed as well. Anyway, this is pro work!
The features common to all Pack 100 folding cameras:
Pull-out front standard with scissor strut design. Removable hinged plastic cover protects entire front of camera when camera is not in use.
Unit focus; focus is controlled by pushing on either side of a sliding
arm located near the base of the bellows struts. Shutter must be manually cocked, shutter release is on top of camera body.
Features of the 360 model:
Lens: 114mm f/8.8 3-element glass Shutter: Electronic; 10 seconds - 1/1200
Flip-up single-window view/rangefinder made by Zeiss Ikon. Finder has
projected framelines and automatic parallax compensation. Aperture-priority automatic exposure only Settings for film speeds of 75, 150, 300, and 3000 ASA. "Scene
selector" switch which gives choice of two different aperture settings
for each film speed setting, lens can be used at full aperture with
3000 ASA film. Exposure compensation dial with range of -1/+2 stops ("Lighten/Darken" control). Metal body and metal shutter/lens housing; has tripod socket Leather carrying strap Built-in electronic development timer "Daylight" scene setting for 3000 ASA is f/60 instead of f/42.
And
the most important feature: the camera is supplied with special
electronic flash unit (#365) which couples to the focussing mechanism
of the camera to provide auto flash exposure. The flash runs on sealed
rechargeable Ni-Cad battery pack, a special charging stand is provided
with camera. Attention! The charger is 110 volt!
Some photos:
The Polaroid 360 and its flash. There are shades in front of the flash lamp which are coupled to the focussing machanism
Front
Back with its electronic timer
Left side
Seen from above
Flash and charger attached. Instructions provided on the gear.
The whole set, camera, flash, charger, instructions and strap.
There was a compact case available
The
batteries of the camera are not in the back as usual, this space is
taken by the electronic flash coupling. The battery compartment is at
the front.
An
easy solution to adapt modern batteries to this one: just peel the
contacts off an old 532 original battery and clip them to the camera
contacts. the remaining space holds a CR123 battery. You need 2 if you
want a working timer, not necessary for auto-terminating Fuji film.
