Polaroid/Polaroid Supercolor 645 CL
Polaroid Supercolor 645 CL

Polaroid Supercolor 645 CL

Polaroid · USA · 1986–1992 (6 years) · 120 film

The Supercolor 645 CL was a medium format camera produced by Polaroid between 1986 and 1992, utilizing 120 film to produce 6x4.5 cm negatives. Positioned within Polaroid's product lineup alongside instant film cameras, it represented the company's continued interest in conventional photography formats. While specific details about its exact type (e.g., single-lens reflex, twin-lens reflex) are not readily available from the provided information, it likely featured a robust body suitable for professional or advanced amateur photographers seeking the higher image quality associated with medium format. Key aspects probably included a built-in light meter, interchangeable lenses (common for the format), and a focusing screen or viewfinder system optimized for the 645 format. Its design aligned with the practical, functional aesthetic typical of professional cameras of the era, prioritizing reliability and image capture quality over stylistic flair.

Released during the mid-to-late 1980s, the Supercolor 645 CL operated in the professional film photography market before the widespread digital transition. It offered an alternative to other 6x4.5 systems, potentially featuring some of Polaroid's expertise in precision manufacturing and exposure control. However, unlike the revolutionary SX-70 or Land Camera instant systems, it was not a groundbreaking innovation but rather a competent participant in the established medium format field. Its significance lies as a less commonly remembered example of Polaroid's diversification beyond instant photography during that period, serving users needing conventional medium format capabilities alongside their instant cameras.

Specifications

Film Format120

Editorial Ratings

Build Quality
3.5
Value
3.0
Collectibility
2.0
Historical Significance
2.5

More from Polaroid