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Polaroid CU-5 AC Power Pack

Astronomy

This object is a power pack for a Polaroid camera. It consists of a rectangular box standing on four rubber feet, with one face a slightly slanted control panel, and at the rear places to plug in power and other cables to attach the camera and camera flash. On the control panel there are two large switches, one which reads ON and OFF and the other one which reads “TEST”. The “test” switch, if depresses, immediately resets. In the centre of the panel there is a dial that can rotated to move between “DARKEN” and “LIGHTEN”. Next to this dial, someone has drawn and arrow that indicates the lowest setting.

On the rear there are several plug connectors. One of these is connected with a knurled knob and is labelled, “CAMERA CORD”. Next to this there is a small female socket with one prong smaller than other other; this is labelled “FLASH”. Next to this is a recessed male power cable connector; there is also an associated power cable that fits this plug. Also on the back there is a cylindrical fuse insert, reading “FUSE”. This is labelled “1/2 AMP S-B FUSE”.

There are two folded leaflets that provide information about Polaroid film stored with the object.

Accession Number: 2019.ast.164

Alternative Name:

Primary Materials: Metal: Iron Alloy, Plastic

Markings:

On the rear: “POLAROID
CU-5 AC POWER PACK #88-8
A PRODUCT OF
POLAROID CORP., CAMBRIDGE, MASS.
120 VOLTS
60 CYCLE
150 WATTS MAX.
SERIAL NO. 10139
LISTED 223B”

Written on the base of the box: “33191”

Dimensions (cm):

Length = 23.5, Width = 15.3, Height = 8.5

Function:

This power pack provides power to a Polaroid CU-5 camera (which has an in-built flash) and auxiliary flash. The “lighten” and “darken” dial permits the adjustment of the exposure of the image.

Condition:

Excellent: The instrument is in excellent condition, with little signs of serious damage. There is some cosmetic damage to the top of the box in the form of lighter-coloured scrapes or transfers on the painted surface of the box.

The camera cable has been repaired with black electrical tape towards the camera end of the cable.

Associated Instruments: 2019.ast.165.1-4, 2019.ast.166.1-2

Manufacturer: Polaroid Corporation

Date of Manufacture: c. 1964

Provenance:

This object was likely moved from the David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill in 2008, upon the sale of the observatory. It was stored at the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics until 2017, when it was moved to a new storage location in McLennan Physical Laboratories.

Additional Information and References:

Historical Notes:

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