The Land List -- Rollfilm Cameras

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Rollfilm Packfilm SX-70 Polavision 600 Spectra


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ROLL FILM CAMERAS (40-, 30-, and 20- Series films)

Key to Symbols Used On This Page:

<4> Camera uses 40-series roll films. DISCONTINUED
<3> Camera uses 30-series roll films. DISCONTINUED
<2> Camera uses 20-series roll films. DISCONTINUED
International Markets This model sold in International (non-USA) markets only.
Special Markets This model intended for "Special Markets" distribution (i.e. corporate premiums, prizes, and other non-retail distribution) only.
[Picture] Link to an illustration/graphic. Image links will load in a separate window.


NOTE! Production Estimates provided on this page are based on statistical observation (from accumulated reports of serial numbers recorded from actual cameras), and are not intended or expected to have perfect accuracy. Numbers in parentheses indicate "soft" limits, numbers not in parentheses indicate "hard" limits.
Example:    Estimated Production: 800,000 - (900,000)
This means that there almost certainly has to have been at least 800,000 of that model made, but there probably were fewer than 900,000 made (but beware that there still could be more). Keep in mind that numbers are subject to change as new data is collected.

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ROLL FILM CAMERAS (40 Series)

--> The following cameras use 40-series rollfilms. [DISCONTINUED]



--> Model 95:
Produced: 1948-1953 / Original Retail: $89.75
Estimated Production: 800,000 - (900,000)


IMPORTANT FIRSTS: First Polaroid Land camera, first commercially successful self-developing camera system.
NOTE 1: Earlier examples of this camera was made for Polaroid by Samson United of Rochester, with the lens made by Wollensak (?) (Later models have bodies and lenses made by Polaroid themselves-- this was a stopgap solution until Polaroid could set up their own manufacturing line). A visitor reports that some Model 95's may have also been produced in a Timex plant in Atlanta.
NOTE 2: Unlike later Polaroid rollfilm camera models, the 95 has a pair of clips in the film chamber to hold the "negative" roll in place.
NOTE 3: I wonder if the metal finish (and perhaps the covering adhesive) used on this camera may be different from the later rollfilm models, as Model 95 cameras seem to be significantly more likely than other Polaroid rollfilm cameras to exhibit pitting or corrosion of exposed metal parts and/or bubbled or missing covering pieces. However, that's merely my own observation; your mileage may vary, so to speak.
COLLECTOR'S NOTES: Certain details of this camera underwent minor changes during the overall production run. The most well-known of these is the fact that most of them (the first 700,000 or so that were produced) have a flexible spring post on the front standard (for viewfinder centering and parallax correction), whereas the later production models (the remaining 1 or 2 hundred thousand or so) have a rigid post instead. Also, the front nameplate was changed a few times as well. The first 100,000 or so 95's have an engraved nameplate with black ink used to fill in the engraved areas. The nameplate on the later production models is silkscreened (in black ink) instead. In addition, the first 300,000 or so have the word "FLASH" (engraved or silkscreened) around the ASA flash contact on the front, but this label does not appear on later-production 95's.
One interesting thing I have noticed is that the number (and selection) of patents identified inside the back of the camera changed several times during the production life of this camera. [Fun Do-It-Yourself Research Project: Get an old Polaroid camera. Now go to the United States Patent Office web site (www.uspto.gov). Look up the various patent numbers listed inside the camera. Fun eh? Notice that many of the design concepts described/illustrated in the patent applications for some of the early Polaroid camera patents are surprisingly different from the products which actually got made/sold.]
Incidently, despite the historic significance of this camera, there is very little demand for this camera in the USA from a collector perspective. In part, this is probably due to its relative commonness-- there were close to a million Model 95's produced during its production life.

[Picture]: Model 95 [JPEG, 60k]
[Picture]: Model 95 (back view). The original quick instruction sheet is fastened to the door, and the cardboard shipping/instruction label is attached to the film release button. As packaged from the factory, the 95 also had a little cardboard note attached to the front standard pull (not visible here). [JPEG, 103k]
[Picture]: Model 95 (shown with original box). The box in this image is a later style in which the cover lifts off the bottom. [JPEG, 34k]
[Picture]: Model 95 (shown with original box). This box has a pull-off endcap instead, and precedes the other box style pictured. I don't know at what point the box changed, but it was probably after the first 400,000 at least. Oh, and it happens that the cardboard note on the front standard pull is visible in this image. (Photo Credit: Peter Fricke) [JPEG, 38k]
[Picture]: Model 95 (shown with PR-22 meter, #200 flashgun, and #541 filter kit). [JPEG, 19k]


--> Model 95A ("Speedliner"):
Produced: 1954-1957 / Original Retail: $89.75
Estimated Production: 500,000

Similar to the Model 95 except:

NOTES: Some Model 95A cameras may have some chrome-plated trim.

[Picture]: Model 95A [JPEG, 37k]
[Picture]: Model 95A (shown with original box) [JPEG, 32k]


--> Model 95B ("Speedliner"):
Produced: 1957-1961 / Original Retail: $94.50
Estimated Production: 230,000 - (300,000)

Similar to the Model 95A except:

[Picture]: Model 95B [JPEG, 47k]
[Picture]: Model 95B (shown with a compact Polaroid leather case of the same era. This particular style seems to be less common than the larger Polaroid cases-- perhaps because there's no room for film or any accessories...[JPEG, 37k]


--> Model 100 ("One Hundred"):
Produced: 1954-1957 / Original Retail: $??.??
Estimated Production: Insufficient Data (probably < 10,000)

Similar to the Model 95A except:

NOTE: Not to be confused with the far more common "Automatic 100" packfilm camera, which is an entirely different model.
COLLECTOR'S NOTES: Very Uncommon. All of the (few) examples of this camera that I've seen have a covering that is black in color. I've heard said that a grey version may also exist, but I've never seen any real evidence to support this.

[Picture]: Model 100 ("One Hundred") [JPEG, 57k]
[Picture]: Model 100 ("One Hundred") -- Close-up of shutter trim plate [JPEG, 47k]


--> Model 110 ("Pathfinder"):
Produced: 1952-1957 / Original Retail: $249.50
Estimated Production: 14,000 - (21,000)

NOTES: Early production models have a pushbutton film release switch and film spool clips as in the original Model 95; later models have the flip-style switch for the film release as in the 95A and later cameras. In addition, some examples of this camera have some chrome-plated trim rather than plain base metal. The presense of chrome plating would seem to be random, however, and does not appear to correspond consistently to cameras of particular serial number ranges.

[Picture]: Model 110 [JPEG, 40k]


--> Model 110A ("Pathfinder"):
Produced: 1957-1960 / Original Retail: $169.50
Estimated Production: 92,000 - 100,000

Quite a bit different than the Model 110:

NOTE: This camera is sometimes found with a different lens/shutter combination (i.e. an Ennit lens in a Prontor shutter). These variations may have only been offered in versions sold outside North America.

[Picture]: Model 110A [JPEG, 50k]


--> Model 110B: ("Pathfinder")
Produced: 1960-1964 / Original Retail: $172.50
Estimated Production: 27,000 - (35,000)

Similar to the Model 110A except:

[Picture]: Model 110B [JPEG, 47k]


--> Model 120: [International Markets]
Produced: 1961-1965 / International Markets
Estimated Production: Insufficient Data; Pattern Not Determined

Similar to the Model 110A except:

NOTE: This camera does not have (or need) the "pinhole" lens cap like the 110B (or late-production 110A's). Instead, the lens aperture itself provides extra stops of f/64 and f/90.


--> Model 150:
Produced: 1957-1960 / Original Retail: $109.95
Estimated Production: 310,000 - (400,000)

Similar to the Model 95B except:

[Picture]: Model 150 [JPEG, 29k]
[Picture]: Model 150 shown with #440 Photoelectric Shutter installed [JPEG, 34k]


--> Model 160: [International Markets]
Produced: 1962-1965 / International Markets
Estimated Production: Pattern Not Determined (over 70,000; could be much much more)

Similar to the Model 150 except:

[Picture]: Model 160 [JPEG, 50k]
[Picture]: Identification details of the 160 that are different from the Model 150. That oval adhesive spot on the camera 'foot' is presumably the remains of a JCII approval sticker.[JPEG, 92k]


--> Model 700:
Produced: 1955-1957 / Original Retail: $125.00
Estimated Production: 24,000 - (35,000)

Similar to the Model 95A except:

COLLECTOR'S NOTE: Uncommon.

[Picture]: Model 700 [JPEG, 28k]
[Picture]: Model 700 -- a photographer's view from the back [JPEG, 34k]


--> Model 800: ("The 800")
Produced: 1957-1962 / Original Retail: $126.00
Estimated Production: 525,000 - (650,000)

Similar to the Model 150 except:

[Picture]: Model 800 [JPEG, 51k]
[Picture]: Model 800 (back view). The quick-reference instruction sticker is visible on the picture door.[JPEG, 92k]
[Picture]: Model 800 shown with case and a later version outfit box. [JPEG, 16k]
[Picture]: Model 800 shown inside case with several accessories. [JPEG, 60k]


--> Model 850:
Produced: 1961-1963 / Original Retail: $139.95
Estimated Production: 50,000 - (80,000)

Similar to the Model 150 except:

COLLECTOR'S NOTE: Significantly less common than the similar Model 900.

[Picture]: Model 850 [JPEG, 70k]


--> Model 900:
Produced: 1960-1963 / Original Retail: $159.95
Estimated Production: 460,000 - (650,000)

Similar to the Model 850 except:

IMPORTANT FIRSTS: First electrically-controlled shutter, first camera with programmed (shutter and aperture) auto exposure (?).

[Picture]: Model 900 [JPEG, 27k]


--> Model J66:
Produced: 1961-1963 / Original Retail: $89.50
Estimated Production: Pattern not entirely known (over 900,000; could be a lot more)

NOTE 1: The shutter mechanism on this camera is rather unusual in design, and consists of a slitted rotating disc which is controlled by a pneumatic cylinder. The meter cell controls a vane which in turn regulates the flow of air from the cylinder, thus allowing for a range of shutter speeds. The mechanism used in the J66 and J33 cameras is also similar to that used in the #440 Photoelectric Shutter accessory that was available for most of the other Polaroid rollfilm cameras.
NOTE 2: There are three different minor revisions of this camera; these can be differentiated by checking the color of the extra dot on the Lighten/Darken control ring. The 'yellow dot' cameras are the original ones from before 1962, and these allow for a maximum aperture of only f/19. This is probably the most common version of the three. The two later versions have blue and green dots respectively, and allow for a maximum aperture of f/14.5. I'm not sure what the difference between the 'blue dot' and 'green dot' cameras is, but it apparently has something to do with the flash exposure system.
COLLECTOR'S NOTE: Probably the most common camera in this group. This was a very popular camera at its time-- it wasn't particularly versitile, but it was easy to use, had a built-in flashgun, and was somewhat less expensive than its brandmates at the time.

[Picture]: Model J66 [JPEG, 25k]

>> BONUS FEATURE: Robins 1-2-3D "Instant Stereo" attachment:

Here's an odd third-party (or should that be three-d-party..?) accessory which converts a Polaroid J66 or J33 into a stereo camera by means of an image splitter. Robins also made versions for other Polaroid camera models, but one interesting thing about the J66/J33 version specifically is that the camera attachment also includes an extra pair of mirrors to serve as a 'periscope' to direct light to the camera's meter cell (electric eye). This is a necessary design feature, because this accessory would otherwise cover up the meter cell. A sliding mask on the front allows this device to also be used for taking two entirely separate pictures on the same film sheet, or for making trick photos by using the attachment as a simple "matte-box." The attachment as packaged also included a simple plastic stereoscope for viewing the finished stereo photographs.

Actually, the only real problem I can see with this thing is the design of the metal clips which hold the attachment against the lensboard. The springiness of the clips may very well improve the "hang-time" of the attachment when it suddenly launches itself unexpectedly from the front of the camera, but it'd have probably been nicer if said springiness could instead serve to hold the attachment on the camera where it belongs. One can only guess the number of years of bad luck that have been caused by flying Robins stereo attachments. [six mirrors times seven would add up pretty fast...]

Of course, a stereo attachment for a camera isn't terribly useful when there's no film supply for the camera. So, in the interest of actually trying to get some use out of this thing, I just couldn't resist trying the '1-2-3D' attachment on a classic folding pack camera instead (a Model 450). As it turns out, it fits pretty well-- the lighten/darken control on the J66 and J33 is the same diameter as those on the folding pack cameras-- only a small cardboard spacer is required to make the attachment fit squarely on the lensboard. The meter cell is just slightly too close to the lens compared with the J66, but it's still workable. The spring clips fit even more tenatively than they do on the J66, but a bit of electical tape or some rubber bands will probably take care of that the next time I try this thing out.

[Picture]: Robins '1-2-3D' (J66/J33 version): [JPEG, 70k]
[Picture]: Model J66 shown with Robins '1-2-3D' stereo attachment.[JPEG, 33k]
[Picture]: Model 450 automatic pack camera shown with the same attachment installed.[JPEG, 37k]


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ROLL FILM CAMERAS (30 Series)

--> The following cameras use 30-series rollfilms. [DISCONTINUED]



--> Model 80: ("Highlander")
Produced: 1954-1957 / Original Retail: $69.95
Estimated Production: 610,000 - 730,000

NOTE: Most (but not all) original Model 80's have some chrome-plated trim. This is especially noticeable on the focus ring. The equivalent parts on the 80A and 80B are simply polished steel without the chrome plating.

[Picture]: Model 80 [JPEG, 29k]


--> Model 80A: ("Highlander")
Produced: 1957-1959 / Original Retail: $72.75
Estimated Production: 400,000 - 570,000

Similar to the Model 80, except:

NOTE: The plastic viewfinder housing is a slightly different color than that of the Model 80. The plastic on the 80A and 80B is a sort of generic light beige color, while the 80 has a slight olive/greenish tint to it. Note also that many 80A/80B cameras are found with plastic parts which are considerably darker in color, but this appears to be a UV aging effect and not a reflection of the original factory color.

[Picture]: Model 80A. (That metal collar visible around the "I-B" switch is part of the light-seal retrofit kit for 3000-speed film.)[JPEG, 53k]
[Picture]: Model 80A with #250 Wink-Light mounted on the accessory shoe [JPEG, 36k]


--> Model 80B: ("Highlander")
Produced: 1959-1961 / Original Retail: $72.75
Estimated Production: 175,000 - (300,000)

Like the Model 80A, except has a different cutter bar and film release switch.

[Picture]: Model 80B [JPEG, 32k]


--> Model J33:
Produced: 1961-1963 / Original Retail: $74.95
Estimated Production: 280,000 - (350,000)

NOTE: Like the J66, this camera was revised in mid-production, but there are only two color-dot variations-- yellow and blue (See description of the J66).
COLLECTOR'S NOTE: Not uncommon, but much less common than the similar J66.

[Picture]: Model J33 [JPEG, 32k]
[Picture]: Model J33 shown with #330 Color Adapter Kit installed [JPEG, 40k]


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ROLL FILM CAMERAS (20 Series)

--> The following cameras use 20-series rollfilms. [DISCONTINUED]



--> Model 20: ("Swinger")
Produced: 1965-1970 / Original Retail: $19.95
Estimated Production: A Whole Bunch (Pattern Not Completely Determined)

NOTES: Earlier production models have both "YES" and "NO" indications in the finder. Later ones have a plain checkerboard 'reference' screen on the photometer, thus indicating proper exposure with only the "YES" message. Also, some Swingers have a white back latch, while others have a black latch. Not sure if there is any correspondence between these two distinctions, but it appears that the white latch is usually an indication that the camera has the YES-only photometer. Incidently, the Swinger (and its later relatives in the Polaroid family, such as the Big Swinger and the Zip) is one of the very few mass-market cameras ever produced by anyone which has this type of exposure metering aid. At some point, I might put together a brief article about how the Swinger photometer works, as it's actually rather clever in its own little way.
Most Swingers were made in the U.K. by (apparently) General Time (i.e. Timex) for Polaroid Corporation, but earlier ones (and in particular some (most?) "YES/NO" models) were made in the USA. [Note: Does anyone know for sure about General Time being the manufaturer of this and other "Made in U.K." Polaroid cameras..? If so, was this under contract, or did Polaroid eventually buy the plant from General Time?]
COLLECTOR'S NOTE: Probably the most common/plentiful camera of any kind ever made (and therefore basically worthless in today's market). Literally millions were sold. This camera was very inexpensive compared with all other previous Polaroid cameras, and introduced a lot of young people to instant photography. [...and the heavy advertising towards the youth market didn't hurt either.]

[Picture]: Swinger (Model 20) [JPEG, 26k]
[Picture]: Swinger (Model 20) with packaging and film boxes [JPEG, 29k]
[Picture]: An 'international' Swinger. It looks ordinary enough...[JPEG, 34k]
[Picture]: ...But this one has a metric flash distance scale...[JPEG, 35k]
[Picture]: ...and instructions in Dutch on the back. [JPEG, 32k]


--> Model 415: [Special Markets]
Produced: 19??-19??

Similar to Model 20

NOTE: While this camera has been cataloged in at least one Polaroid publication and is listed in McKeown's Guide (at very little value), I'm not sure I've ever seen one, and one visitor to this site has suggested that it may not actually exist. If you've seen one of these, let me know!
It appears that the entry for this camera has been removed from the most recent edition of McKeown's Guide, which would tend to suggest that it indeed does not exist. [Perhaps 415 was originally a typo for M15 ..?] I'm leaving this entry here for now, however, just as an information request.


--> Model M15: ("Swinger Sentinel")
Produced: 19??-19?? / Original Retail: $18.45
Estimated Production: Pattern Not Completely Determined

Similar to the Model 20, except:

COLLECTOR'S NOTE: While the Model 20 is extremely common, the M15 variant is somewhat uncommon, especially when found with the optional flashgun.

[Picture]: M15 ("Swinger Sentinel") [JPEG, 39k]


--> Swinger II: [International Markets]
Produced: 19??-19?? / International Markets
Estimated Production: No Data

International-markets version of Swinger Sentinel M15 (USA model).
Retail price in 1972 in the UK was £5.95.

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Last updated 11/16/2003

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