01
Automatic Exposure System
Equipped with an electronic eye that meters ambient light to set exposure automatically during shooting.
Curio Gallery
01 / 08
01 / 08Polaroid Automatic 420 Land Camera — photograph 6
Highlights
Why this object
still matters.
The Polaroid Automatic 420 Land Camera is a consumer folding packfilm camera featuring automatic electronic exposure control. Housed in a textured grey plastic casing with a snap-on protective front cover, it incorporates a superimposed-image rangefinder coupled to the viewfinder assembly. Opening the protective cover reveals the front shutter housing, lighten/darken dial, and folding bellows mechanism designed for 100-series peel-apart film.
02
Integrated Cover Design
Features a snap-on rigid plastic front cover that shields the bellows, lens, and controls when folded closed.
03
Lighten/Darken Dial
Fitted with a knurled front wheel surrounding the lens element to make fine exposure compensation adjustments.
04
Model 420 Badge
Displays the signature black and gold 'POLAROID 420' identification badge cleanly placed on the lower front cover.
05
Peel-Apart Heritage
Engineered for 100-series packfilm, drawing on Polaroid's classic mid-century pull-tab chemistry process.
06
Coupled Viewfinder
Top-mounted dual-window finder housing integrates viewing and distance-setting aids into a compact plastic enclosure.
Specifications
The useful facts,
clearly recorded.
Measurements, construction, identity, and seller-supplied details are kept together for direct comparison.
Reviewed · Curio catalogue
Maker
Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Origin
United States
Year
1971
Department
cameras
Packed shipment
2.5 kg · 35 × 28 × 22 cm
Camera Type
Folding instant packfilm land camera
Film Format
Polaroid 100-series packfilm (peel-apart)
Exposure Control
Automatic electronic shutter with Lighten/Darken control wheel
Viewfinder / Rangefinder
Rigid top-mounted rangefinder/viewfinder unit
Body Material
Molded plastic body with detachable front cover
Carrying Strap
Attached black woven synthetic neck/shoulder strap
Details
Close inspection,
recorded in photographs.
Detail № 01 · Polaroid Automatic 420 Land Camera — photograph 1
Detail № 02 · Polaroid Automatic 420 Land Camera — photograph 2
Heritage
A traceable life,
carefully recorded.
Provenance documentation was not supplied for this specific Polaroid Automatic 420 Land Camera; this listing is based on the supplied photographs only.
Exterior Enclosure
The Rugged Protective Casing
Shown closed in the front photographs, the rugged grey cover clips securely around the folded camera body, transforming the precision optical device into an ultra-durable travel pack ready for mid-century family road trips.
Mechanical Engineering
Folding Bellows Architecture
Seen opened in the overhead photograph, the metal hinge mechanism and folding front standard unfurl the shutter housing, bringing Edwin Land's instant photographic marvel to life within a compact portable design.
Timeline
An object in time,
one continuous story.
1963
Introduction of Packfilm
Polaroid revolutionizes peel-apart instant photography with the release of the Automatic 100 Land Camera.
1971
Launch of the 400 Series
The 400 series arrives with streamlined plastic bodies and electronic exposure control, including the popular Model 420.
1977
End of 400-Series Production
Production of folding 400-series packfilm cameras phases out as Polaroid shifts focus towards SX-70 integral films.
2016
Packfilm Becomes Collectible
Following the discontinuation of commercial packfilm, vintage Polaroid Land cameras gain renewed appreciation as display and conversion pieces.
Condition
Honest wear,
documented clearly.
The exterior grey plastic body and front cover show light surface scuffs and dust consistent with handling and age. The interior lens plate and faceplate graphics are crisp and legible, with slight surface oxidation visible on the metal hinge rivets and wire clip inside the cover. Viewfinder windows appear intact, and the attached black woven strap is complete.
✓
InspectedBody Shell & Cover
Grey textured plastic housing is intact without major cracks, showing faint scuffs and dust accumulation along seams.
✓
InspectedFaceplate & Lens Unit
Front faceplate lettering reading 'POLAROID AUTOMATIC LAND CAMERA 420' is clear; front lens element shows slight dust.
✓
InspectedHinge Hardware
Minor surface rust and oxidation are visible on the metal folding hinge brackets and cover clips shown in the opened view.
✓
InspectedStrap & Viewfinder
Top optical finder windows are in place; woven nylon strap and plastic buckle are firmly attached.
Logistics
Inspected, insured,
door to door.
Step 01
Delivery
Inspected, photographed, and packed with its condition report.
Step 02
Shipping
Custom-fit protective packing with tracked, insured courier service.
Step 03
Returns
Return requests are accepted within fourteen days of confirmed delivery.
Step 04
Dispatch
Prepared for courier handoff within three to five business days.
Acquisition
Make it part of
your collection.
Contact the seller for more information or to discuss this object.
✓ Insured Shipping✓ 14-Day Returns✓ Condition Report✓ Reviewed Listing
Polaroid Automatic 420 Land Camera