Vintage 1987 Polaroid Spectra Onyx instant film camera featuring a distinctive smoky translucent black body that reveals portions of its internal components. This collectible clear-body Polaroid combines futuristic 1980s industrial design with the advanced instant photography technology of Polaroid's Spectra system.
Originally introduced as part of Polaroid's Spectra lineup, the Onyx was designed to produce wider, rectangular instant photographs rather than the traditional square Polaroid format. Its transparent housing makes it a particularly interesting piece for collectors of vintage cameras, retro electronics, and unusual Polaroid designs.
Condition & Testing
UNTESTED / SOLD AS-IS
This camera has not been tested with film, and its electronic or photographic functionality is unknown.
The camera has been manually inspected, and the accessible components have been opened and closed to check their basic physical operation. No film testing, shutter testing, flash testing, or electronic testing has been performed.
Because Polaroid Spectra film is no longer manufactured, we are unable to verify whether the camera powers on, exposes photographs, or ejects film correctly.
This camera is being sold as-is, with no guarantees of functionality. It is recommended primarily for collectors, display, or photography enthusiasts interested in discontinued Polaroid systems.
Important: Polaroid Spectra Film Is Discontinued
Polaroid officially discontinued Spectra film in October 2019, and compatible film is no longer manufactured.
The Spectra system was introduced in 1986 as a more advanced alternative to Polaroid's traditional square-format instant cameras. It produced wider, rectangular photographs and offered features such as sonar autofocus and automatic exposure.
However, as Spectra cameras aged, mechanical reliability became an increasing concern. Many cameras developed film ejection problems, including jams and incomplete film advancement.
Polaroid attempted to address these issues through changes to film packs and manufacturing, but ultimately determined that the aging camera systems could no longer be supported reliably. As a result, Spectra film production was permanently discontinued in 2019.
Original expired Spectra/Image film can occasionally be found through secondhand sellers, but availability is extremely limited, and expired film may not produce usable photographs.
Modern Polaroid 600, SX-70, i-Type, and Go film are not directly compatible with this camera.
Camera Features
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Model: Polaroid Spectra Onyx
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Year: 1987
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Film Format: Polaroid Spectra/Image instant film (discontinued)
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Body: Smoky translucent black plastic
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Lens: Polaroid Quintic lens system
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Focus: Sonar autofocus
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Exposure: Automatic exposure
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Flash: Built-in electronic flash
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Self-Timer: Built-in self-timer
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Photo Format: Wide rectangular instant photographs
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Power: Battery integrated into compatible Spectra film packs
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Testing Status: Untested, electronic functionality unknown
Film Compatibility
Requires original Polaroid Spectra or Image instant film, which is no longer produced.
Modern Polaroid 600, SX-70, i-Type, and Go film are not directly compatible. Aftermarket modifications may exist, but they have not been tested with this camera, and compatibility is not guaranteed.
No film is included.
Final Sale Disclaimer
AS-IS / UNTESTED / FINAL SALE
This camera is sold strictly as-is due to its age, unknown electronic functionality, and discontinued film format. Although the accessible components have been manually opened and closed, the camera has not been powered on or film tested.
No guarantees are made regarding shutter operation, flash, autofocus, film advancement, or overall functionality.
All vintage cameras sold by CobbleStore are final sale. No returns, refunds, or exchanges will be accepted.
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