Polaroid 8x10 processor kaput

[lharby]

Hey

This weekend I decided to try 8x10 Polaroid for the first time (having all of the necessary gear to shoot it, or so I thought).

The processor I bought some years back, I think it might have come via the EU, although I cannot remember for sure. But the cable that was supplied was a standard "kettle" lead but with a two pin plug with an adapter. Plugged it in and it shorted the electrics. I reset the fusebox. Then tried my own UK cable (as there are a few at the studio already) and the machine shorted again, and made an unpleasant smell.

My guess is that it is not salvageable but thought I would ask on here as an attempt to check with the community.

Ironically the underside of the processor says it was manufactured in the UK.

 

[Nas]

The capacitor inside has likely blown. A common problem. At least that’s what happened to mine but it exploded with a load bang and made a horrible smell. After I cleaned it out it still powered up and worked. Too bad my Polaroid film had partially dried out. Is yours powering up?

Actually, it looks like yours isn’t the 240V model. You should have used a step down voltage converter.

 

[lharby]

Ah thank you for the response. I did not know about the convertor thing.

So there's a chance it might plug in with the convertor and work? Or could it be shot inside?

We have really good electrics at the studio so everything risky get's tripped straight away. But also wondering whether it would make sense for me to try and find a local person who might test it out for me first?

 

[Nas]

Ah thank you for the response. I did not know about the convertor thing.

So there's a chance it might plug in with the convertor and work? Or could it be shot inside?

We have really good electrics at the studio so everything risky get's tripped straight away. But also wondering whether it would make sense for me to try and find a local person who might test it out for me first?

I think first thing you need is a step down transformer to go from 240V to 120V. Then you can plug this processor in and check for signs of life. If the green light comes on it should be good. Make sure you remove the rollers and give them a clean so they’re turning freely. I use lighter fluid.

 

[jhotopf]

There may be a chance the transformer also has a 240v tap but you would need to take the back off to confirm and move. It would save on the cost of a voltage step down transformer. Keep away from any capacitors they can give a nasty shock.

 

[Nas]

Some info in this thread which you might find useful:

Repairing a cursed Polaroid 8x10 processor

Hi everyone, I've been using the time in lockdown to go through my unfinished projects to complete them and I've come across my Polaroid 8x10 processor that seems to be cursed and has been sitting broken in a box for the past 7 years. It's a US unit (110V) but I live in Europe (220V) and the...

www.largeformatphotography.info

 

[alexander]

Ah thank you for the response. I did not know about the convertor thing.

So there's a chance it might plug in with the convertor and work? Or could it be shot inside?

We have really good electrics at the studio so everything risky get's tripped straight away. But also wondering whether it would make sense for me to try and find a local person who might test it out for me first?

It's probably worth finding someone local to you who does electronics repairs to have a look before attempting to power it up again (even with a step-down transformer). The circuitry doesn't look massively complex from the thread Nas linked but simply replacing whatever has gone pop may not be the end of your troubles, so they can fault find before there's any more damage done.

 

[lharby]

Yes I am in the process of putting the feelers out. Would prefer to get someone else to check it rather than me.

 

[Nas]

Yes I am in the process of putting the feelers out. Would prefer to get someone else to check it rather than me.

Any luck with this?

 

[lharby]

Any luck with this?

Some friends recommended a local sparky. He said he's happy to take a look.

However in the interim I have been made redundant. I have funds and would hope to be ok, but I'm waiting until I get my next gig lined up before I proceed with the electrical work.