This page provides a simple reversible hack to force the shutter on manual Polaroid Land Cameras to stay open indefinitely.
NOTE: This hack only applies to manual Polaroid Land Camera models: 180, 185, 190, and 195.
Why Hack the Shutter?
The ObscuraFlex adapter works by focusing the image from the front lens onto a screen inside the adapter to replicate the original film image. This requires the Polaroid camera's lens to remain open for focus, composition, and exposure.
Over a decade of working on these adapters, I have tried many other workarounds, from finding broken cameras, to designing specific shutter button accessories. This hack is the easiest, most reliable, and best of all... fully reversible.
How it Works
The hack is incredibly simple. The shutter button on the Polaroid Land Camera is essentially a classic shutter release cable, consisting of a flexible sheath of coiled metal, and an inner cable that slides to trigger the lens when the shutter button is pressed.
This process repositions the sheath where it enters the lens housing so the outer coil itself triggers the shutter, without needing to press the button.
Steps to Hack the Polaroid Shutter Button
- Locate and loosen a single screw.
- Set the lens in "B" and cock the shutter.
- Slide the cable in until the shutter opens.
- Re-tighten the screw.
Tools Needed
A compact "SL3" or similar tiny screwdriver with a flathead tip. Ideally a stubby little driver like this: https://amzn.to/4AeIKwh but I just used my fingers and a tip from a multi-driver kit like this one: https://amzn.to/3T7YReq
1. Loosen One Screw
On the rear of the lens housing (on the right as you normally hold the camera) there is a small metal plate where the shutter cable enters the lens housing.
Loosen this screw a few turns. The screw is not very long. If it comes out that's fine, it's just fiddly to replace.
If the screw is too tight, you might need to use pliers to hold the screwdriver to give you more leverage.
2. Set the Lens
Once that screw is loose, set the lens as follows:
- Make sure self-timer is NOT on (V-mode on the front).
- Set the exposure time to "B" mode.
- Set the aperture wide open at f/3.6 or f/4.5.
- Cock the shutter.
3. Slide the Cable
This is the only tricky part.
- Using the tip of the screwdriver, gently lift the edge of the metal cover until the cable can move freely. The ridges in the coil will act like a ratchet. If it won't slide, loosen the screw more, or remove it if necessary.
- Slide the cable into the lens housing until the shutter clicks open.
- Release the metal plate to lock the cable in the new position.
4. Re-tighten the Screw
Check to make sure the lens is still open.
That's it!
You are now ready to shoot with your ObscuraFlex without messing with the shutter button.
If you ever need to reverse the hack, simply loosen the screw and slide the cable out a little. Adjust the position of the cable to calibrate the shutter button pressure to your preference.