Conversion of a
Vintage Polaroid
Models • 95 • 150 • 110A/B • 900 • a100 • a250 • a350 • a450 • SX-70 • Holgaroid
The Rangefinder
Since this two-window finder is going to be replaced by the single-window from a Model 900 I won't be going into any detail about its inner workings.
Instead, just remove it.
The front only has a single screw
There are two on the back.
The right side is a bit tough, you'll need a philips head screwdriver small enough to fit into the recess.
The left screw is larger than the other two, save them.
The hotshoe contains the last screw. Its wired to the lens' PC flash socket by 2 wires.
Remove the screw, metal contact and plastic spacer.
What you don't see is one of the flash wires within the finder housing held by the screw you just removed.
The other contact is soldered to the last piece by a post extending into the finder housing. Since I am going to be replacing this hotshoe, its quite alright to cut the wire. If you are going to keep the original hotshoe, refer here to see how it is wired.
With the housing off, its time to gut what's left.
If you get lost at anytime, you can always click the link at the bottom of the page to come back here.
The Steps
parts & labor
what's needed to get the job done
basics of function
overview of how to use the lens and shutter
the back, the strap, the lens
remove useless vintage roll-film parts; lens
the rangefinder
removing, taking apart
cutter-bar & inner parts
more useless vintage parts that have to go
ready the back
cutting; fitting the packfilm back; odds n ends
acquiring a 900 finder
removal & appropriation
fitting the finder & flash
measure, drill & fit
aesthetics
remove & re-leather; paint
adding the back & flash
screws, tape & wires
putting it all together
replace rangefinder, strap, flash & side door
reset infinity
setting the focus stop
completed
admire the work
Information …
The Models
These are the models I have personal experience with and are used within this site.
