Polaroid/Instant Cameras

[KU0DM]

I spent last summer living and teaching in a rural community in Costa Rica, and will be doing the same thing next summer (country TBD). While there, on multiple occasions would it have been nice to have a Polaroid or other instant film type camera for things such as taking pictures for letters or leaving pictures with friends and family. I hopped on the interwebz and quickly ruled out Polaroid brand due to expense of camera and film.

Any instant-film fans out there that have a recommendation as far as a reasonably priced instant film camera with reasonably priced film?

[NQ6U]

Last time I checked, Polaroid had a lock on that market. Kodak tried to compete back in the Seventies and had their asses handed to them in court. I know, because I had a Kodak instant camera that, in my opinion, took better photos than the Polaroid cameras of the day but I had to toss it out after film became unavailable once the lawsuit had been decided in Polaroid's favor.

[K9CCH]

Any instant-film fans out there that have a recommendation as far as a reasonably priced instant film camera with reasonably priced film?

You pretty much only have two options these days that are worth anything. The third is low res, credit card sized photos.

You're first option is The Impossible Project instant film. When Polaroid shut down its last factory in The Netherlands I think, a group of former Polaroid employees bought the factory and the equipment. Polaroid did not allow them to have the chemistry patents for the film. Since early 2000's that group of employees have been working to rebuild the instant film industry. Today the instant prints are nearly back to what they once were, although they still dont develop as quickly. On average it takes about 30 mins for a print to fully develop. I have a refurbished SX-70 that I use. The chrome flat one that folds up from the mid-late '70s. You can find Impossible film here:

http://shop.the-impossible-project.c...ut/colorshade/

You're second option is Fuji FP100C. This is the peel apart type of instant film that you may remember from a way long time ago. As long as you have a WORKING Polaroid Land Camera that accepts type 100 pack film, you can use this Fuji stuff. It is the cheapest instant film you'll find at about $10-$15 a box. Examples of cameras that take this film are the Polaroid 100, 104, 250, 350, 360, 440, 450, Reporter, EE, Pro Pack, etc... You can order it from B&H audio and video online, or from this place (which I recommend):

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/66910-...90-Compatible)

It also comes in Black and White:

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/026026...t-Film-10-Pack


Your third option is the Fuji Instax stuff. It produces credit card sized pictures instantly, but I don't think they are worth anything more than the novelty.

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/150608...-(2-packs-x-10
http://www.freestylephoto.biz/158347...nt-Film-Camera




And that about concludes your options on instant film these days. Sadly. All of that Polaroid film that you were probably seeing at like $80/pack is leftover Polaroid stock that is probably 5-7 years old or better.

[KU0DM]

You're second option is Fuji FP100C. This is the peel apart type of instant film that you may remember from a way long time ago. As long as you have a WORKING Polaroid Land Camera that accepts type 100 pack film, you can use this Fuji stuff.

This seems like the best option film wise. As far as obtaining a working Polaroid, is my best bet going to be watching eBay or is there a better method of coming into one without losing an arm and a leg?

[K9CCH]

This seems like the best option film wise. As far as obtaining a working Polaroid, is my best bet going to be watching eBay or is there a better method of coming into one without losing an arm and a leg?

Ebay, flea markets, antique stores etc...

I recommend looking for a 420... I've had three before, all bought for $25 or less on eBay.

Anything in the 400 series are usually the last models made, so you have a better chance of the "electric eye" still working. It's the small lens on the front that calculates exposure automatically.

[KG4CGC]

http://reviews.cnet.com/1990-3166_7-5135586-1.html

[KU0DM]

I have a refurbished SX-70 that I use. The chrome flat one that folds up from the mid-late '70s.

I'm fascinated by this camera. It seems like a very compact option, and *looks* fairly durable, especially when folded up. Would you agree with that? Do you think it would be a good camera for traveling in Central America?

[K9CCH]

I'm fascinated by this camera. It seems like a very compact option, and *looks* fairly durable, especially when folded up. Would you agree with that? Do you think it would be a good camera for traveling in Central America?

They are very rugged and pack away nicely.

The problem is that they are experiencing a mainstream resurgence and prices are absurd. Above that a lot of them have a common problem of a dry rotted plastic coupler in the back of the camera. They are fixable, but be prepared to pay about $125 for a working SX-70.

I recommend a guy that sells on ebay by the name of "FastCat99". He is the guy who repaired my SX-70 and recovered it with new baby blue leather. He is very reputable in the SX-70 world of repairs.
http://stores.ebay.com/polaroidcamerasfromfastcat99

[KU0DM]

They are very rugged and pack away nicely.

The problem is that they are experiencing a mainstream resurgence and prices are absurd. Above that a lot of them have a common problem of a dry rotted plastic coupler in the back of the camera. They are fixable, but be prepared to pay about $125 for a working SX-70.

I recommend a guy that sells on ebay by the name of "FastCat99". He is the guy who repaired my SX-70 and recovered it with new baby blue leather. He is very reputable in the SX-70 world of repairs.
http://stores.ebay.com/polaroidcamerasfromfastcat99

RR. Thanks so much Chris!

[K7SGJ]

Years ago, I saw one on the Flintstones, but I don't know to find the kind of bird that was on the inside drawing the picture.