Conversion of a
Vintage Polaroid
Models • 95 • 150 • 110A/B • 900 • a100 • a250 • a350 • a450 • SX-70 • Holgaroid
Cutter Bar & Inner Parts
The old rollfilm used the cutter bar along the side of the camera, to do something I don't really care about. It is held to the camera body by 4 screws.
Two are plainly visible here.
Pry up the leather with a screwdriver and your fingers. The other two are underneath.
Try to keep the leather in one piece, it will be useful later.
I was planning on replacing the leather anyway so I took less care. Though I need pieces as in tact as possible for cutting templates.
You'll notice a purple-black metal mask that goes around the inside frame. This would prevent a packfilm back from being flush with the film plane. However, I should also note that the bellows are attached by some tabs from this metal piece that fold in. So it is up to you if you want to remove it completely, leave the tabs only or leave it as it is. I chose to remove it and secure the bellows with some glue later.
Using a screwdriver and pliers, pry this metal piece off. It is held lightly by some glue but mostly by 8 rivets.
Be VERY careful, this is the sharpest edge metal in the whole project!
Grind the rivets later.
Only a few more parts to go.
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.




