There are several reasons why a Polaroid camera can start flashing red.
The cause could be anything from a damaged film to a broken flash capacitor to an unclosed battery lid.
Other reasons could be film counter display issues and low battery levels.
In this article, I’ll help you determine why your Polaroid is flashing red.
Let’s troubleshoot and fix your instant camera so you can continue capturing those beautiful memories!
Top 10 Reasons for Polaroid Flashing Red
Polaroids make exciting gifts for photographers. However, because most are low-tech, it may be hard to identify the cause behind errors.
Here are ten possible reasons to troubleshoot if your camera is flashing red.
1. Battery Error and Low Battery Percentage
A low battery percentage is one of the most common reasons Polaroids may flash red.
To check if your battery level is low, turn the camera off and press the shutter button. The number of LEDs that light up will tell you how much energy is left.
Three or fewer LEDs and slow blinking means you should avoid using the flash due to low battery. Rapid blinking means the camera will soon stop operating.
A red flashing light may also indicate poor battery health. Because these cameras use replaceable batteries, you must always check for battery life.
How to Fix It
The first step is to open the battery compartment and replace the battery.
Remove the dead battery and pop in fresh alkaline batteries. Rechargeable batteries may also work.
Pay attention to the correct battery positions.
After this, click the power button and check the battery indicator light. The flashing light should stop if the battery level indicator is full.
A great tip is to always ensure your batteries are in good condition. Conduct frequent battery checks to avoid battery issues down the line!
2. Dirt Inside the Unit
Another cause of Polaroid errors is a dirty camera. Dust bunnies could accumulate in the film compartment and cause film issues.
What’s more, dirt can break a camera, resulting in a flashing red light.
How to Fix It
To clean your camera, wipe it down with a dry cloth. Gently remove dirt from the battery slots and film compartment.
Remember to only open the compartment when the film cartridge is empty. If light gets on the film, it can damage your photos.
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If possible, you can have your camera cleaned by a third-party service. Professional cleaners will have more tools, like a blower brush, that ensure a deep clean.
3. Flash Errors
In some cases, the reason for blinking red lights on Polaroid cameras is a flash issue. If the battery power is running low, it could prevent the flash bulb from charging.
Moreover, the flash capacitor could be broken. What this means is the camera can’t store electricity, reading to the flash error.
How to Fix It
Polaroids have high energy requirements, so you should check your battery status before anything else. Replace the battery if it’s running low.
Next, double-check your flash settings to see if it’s set up right. If there’s still a flash error, you can buy a new flash unit or bring your camera in for professional repair.
4. A Stuck Lens
Polaroid and Fujifilm Instax cameras are some of the best in the market. However, it’s common with either type of instant camera for the lens mechanism to get stuck.
The spring mechanism on these cameras should eject the lens when you press the button. If it’s not working, there may be a faulty part due to a drop.
This may be the cause of the red blinking lights.
How to Fix It
Check for dirt then remove any residues on the lens. Push the lens back into the camera and click the button to eject it.
If the mechanism is still jammed or is constantly getting stuck, take it to a repair center. For this issue, a professional repair may be necessary.
5. Incompatible Film or Wrong Film Placement
Flashing red lights in a zig-zag pattern may mean you have a faulty film pack. It’s a sign of a crooked cartridge.
Odd LED flashing means there’s a film pack error. Additionally, the Polaroid will rapidly flash red if the film count is low or there’s no film pack.
How to Fix It
Inspect your pack of film to see if you placed it correctly. Make sure you use the correct film type and close the lid properly.
Next, look at the film counter display. The number of lit-up LEDs will tell you if you need to buy a new pack of film.
When you observe the film cartridge status, avoid exposing the film to light. Light exposure can cause issues with a photo’s saturation and contrast!
6. A Paper Jam
Another issue related to the film pack is a paper jam.
When you drop your camera while it’s still printing, it could cause the battery to misalign. As a result, the photo you’re printing may get stuck between the rollers.
How to Fix It
Open the battery lid and replace the batteries in the correct position. This should restart the printing process.
In case this doesn’t work, gently pry the paper out of the camera. Be careful, as this can cause damage to your camera.
Once you clear the film jam, you can clean the rollers. To do this, use a moist Q-tip or cloth to wipe the rollers down.
Afterward, replace the film pack. You may now resume taking instant photos!
7. Wrong Subject Distance
Sometimes you may want to get close to your subject to get the perfect shot. Yet, did you know that Polaroids have a minimum focusing distance?
This means you can’t place your camera too near your subject. Otherwise, the red LEDs may flash, indicating that you can’t take the picture.
How to Fix It
Solving this issue is easy. Look through the manual to find out your Polaroid’s minimum focusing distance.
For example, the Polaroid Go camera requires a distance of 1.5 feet or 45 cm. Simply move away from your subject, and you’re good to go!
8. Update Failure
Aside from physical issues like film damage and faulty batteries, your Polaroid may also have software problems.
For Polaroid Labs, in particular, flashing lights can mean update failures or loading issues.
How to Fix It
To resolve this, check your connection and redownload the Polaroid app. When you’re printing from your phone, be sure to align it with the Polaroid.
If the Polaroid can’t detect your phone, remove any phone covers and try again. You may contact customer service if the printer is still not working.
9. Memory Card Issues
If your camera is the type with digital storage, the reason behind the flashing may lie in the microSD card.
The memory card may be full, incompatible, or missing.
How to Fix It
Check your card’s storage and clear some memory space if necessary. You can delete photos, reformat the card, or even buy a new card.
When buying an SD card, pick one compatible with your camera!
10. Broken Internal Components
Last but not least, the flashing red lights may be an indicator of an internal issue or faulty chip.
Extreme temperatures or dropping the device can disrupt the solder joints. If there’s visible damage to your camera, it may be broken inside.
How to Fix It
If your camera has a broken microcontroller, my professional advice is to take it to the manufacturer for repair. Please don’t attempt to dismantle the camera unless you have experience.
The internal components of a Polaroid can have up to 320 volts. It can shock you if you’re not careful!
FAQs
How Do I Know if My Polaroid Is Fully-Charged?
Polaroid cameras with rechargeable batteries will keep flashing as you’re plugged in and charging. You’ll know it’s fully charged once the blinking light stops.
The charging process should take around two hours to complete.
How Long Does a Polaroid Battery Last?
A Polaroid camera’s battery life depends on its model.
For instance, the Impossible I-1 camera can shoot up to 15 film packs worth of photos before it runs out of power. It can last up to three days before the battery dies.
Meanwhile, some older cameras only have enough battery to shoot and print eight photos.
How Do I Check the Battery on My Polaroid Camera?
Most Polaroid cameras will have eight LEDs at the top. These lights can tell you how much battery your camera has left.
For example, six lit-up lights means you still have 75% of your battery. If the lights start flashing, it’s a sign that you’re running low on battery.
Why Is My Polaroid Flashing Orange?
Orange flashing on a Polaroid Now camera means you’re in self-timer mode.
In self-timer mode, you can place the camera on a flat surface. The camera will take a photo within nine seconds.
To exit self-timer mode, all you have to do is press the self-timer button once more.
