Conversion of a
Vintage Polaroid
Models • 95 • 150 • 110A/B • 900 • a100 • a250 • a350 • a450 • SX-70 • Holgaroid
Acquiring a 900 Finder
The 110B's coupled finder makes it a much sought after piece of equipment. Polaroid also put the same finder onto the 900, and it can be swapped to a 110A with a little bit of work.
The Model 900 was a pretty good Land camera, like a bazillion years ago. It was one of Polaroid's last attempts at keeping the 40-rollfilm going. It used a battery to power the "electric-eye" which did all the auto-exposure stuff for you. It could also be set to "manual" when the battery died.
I am not going to go into the use of this camera. The battery in this one was dead, and the shutter seemed to be stuck. I really didn't care enough to even attempt to salvage any parts but the rangefinder. Some people have used this model as the base of the conversion instead of the 110A. Reversing the roles of my conversion by taking parts from the 110A and putting them on the 900.
Personally, I like the front much better than on the other models. It seems more solid, not to mention that a tripod an be attached without the focusing knob getting in the way.
The back remained almost exactly the same as all other models. Notice, though, the single window for the rangefinder. Making focusing and composing a single effort.
I found it really weird that they have these two buttons you need to squeeze when only one is connected in any way to the closing latch. But this is much cooler than the spring loaded button on the other models.
Not only is the front locking mechanism different, but the entire focusing arrangement along with the hinges are different. The hinges self-lock when fully opened, and require only a quick flick to close.
Time to get to work.
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.




