Fuji FP-1 Professional (1987)

Name: Fuji FP-1
Brand: Fuji

A folding instant film rangefinder camera using peel-apart pack film, released by Fuji in 1987.

Overview

The Fuji FP-1 Professional is a folding instant film rangefinder camera made by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan, starting in 1987. It was designed for professional use, probably as a proofing tool, and built to work with Fuji's new FP-100C film format. It takes 3¼×4¼" peel-apart instant pack film. That covers Polaroid Type 100 films like 664, 669, and ID-UV, plus Fuji FP-100C, FP-100B, and FP-3000B. Exposure is manual. Focusing is by rangefinder.

Specifications

Lens	105mm f/5.6 Fujinon
Aperture range	f/5.6 to f/64
Shutter speeds	B, 1 to 1/500 seconds
Focus distance	0.8 meters to infinity
Film type	3¼×4¼" peel-apart instant pack film (Polaroid Type 100, Fuji FP-100C, FP-100B, FP-3000B)
Filter thread	40.5mm
Weight	1326 grams

Design

The FP-1 is mostly plastic, but it's described as sturdy and lightweight. A button on top opens it. You then extend the lens and bellows by hand, pressing clips on the bottom. The shutter is cocked on the lens, and the shutter button is on top of the camera. Focusing is done with a dial on the top back. The rangefinder viewfinder has fixed guidelines for infinity and for the closest focus distance. There is a grip on each side, and the instant film back is compatible with Fuji's Holgaroid backs. Two close-up adapters were available, enabling focusing as close as 7cm.

Context

Fuji positioned the FP-1 as a professional alternative to Polaroid’s 180/185/190/195 series, and it competed with the Konica Instant Press. It was likely developed alongside Fuji’s introduction of the FP-100C film format, and it was their first camera for that system. At release, Fuji may not have been producing its own peel-apart film, so the camera initially relied on Polaroid Type 100 film.

Market

As of 2012, the FP-1 sold for $700 to $1500, similar to the Konica Instant Press. It is somewhat easier to find than the Konica, and it often turns up in like-new condition. Bellows leaks are a known risk, though, and some units may need modification or repair to keep working. Enthusiasts have adapted the FP-1 to use Instax Wide film by replacing the original back with a modified Lomo'Instant Wide unit.