Polaroid Cameras?

Question

Hiya! I am studying photography at university in my second and third years of a media degree and whilst I have experimented with digital photography and traditional SLR photography, I am keen to invest in a polariod camera for a project I am doing.
I have no idea what polaroid camera to buy, and what would be a good one to get. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hannah x

I have am aware that digital cameras are what most people would choose to buy, but this is for a specific project and polaroid photos would work best as I am going to be documenting people and places.

Answer 1

The one step is a good one. Try ebay. The older cameras have the better lenses.

Answer 2

The best Polaroids are the three MANUAL shutter models that accept the "pull-out" film. (669 for color -- 665, I think for B&W ). Fuji makes a more-accurate 100ASA color version, and there's Polaroid which is 80ASA.These are VERY rare cameras and much sought after by professionals, though less so since the advent of digital. They are distinguished from the automatic-exposure ones (which you can pick up at any thrift store for ten bucks) by the numbers 180, 190, or 195 on the front. About $400 if you are lucky enough to find one, even on Ebay -- or you might get lucky at a Goodwill or in somebody's yard sale.

The SX-70 is fun, but hard to get film for, and difficult to frame because of the oddball folding viewfinder. It's really more for collectors. "Spectra", a more recent version, or any of the ones that accepts 600 film would be a better choice among these that spit out the film from the front, but they're all automatic except a cursory "Lighten/Darken" adjustment, like the older ones excepting the three models numbers I cited before. LOMO also makes a plastic camera designed just for Artists like you: it can be found at B&H Photo or Adorama online. Less than $50.

Finally, DO keep an eye out for a Polaroid "Big Shot". This is a plastic one, full size with a long "nose" which was designed for shooting portraits. This is the camera which Andy Warhol used to shoot the originals of many of his pictures of the stars which later became those multi-color silk-screen portrats that are so well known.

While you're using the Polaroid or Fuji peel-type film, do be careful with the gel which is on the "negative" when you peel away the picture. It's caustic and can burn you or your clothing. But it has another great use! Just after you peel off the polaroid, take the "negative" and press it face-down onto a piece of white paper. You'll see that you can "print" one or sometimes two additional "artistic" versions of the photo you have just taken that way!

Another thing: if you are lucky enough to have access to a medium format or even 4X5, or 8X10 view camera, there you have a perfect solution. Polaroid FILM BACKS exist for all these professional cameras and don't cost more than $100 or so. Sometimes you can even find a whole camera, ALONG WITH THE POLAROID BACK (look on Ebay for Mamiya Universal) for an incredibly low price. I paid $219 for mine, with a Polaroid back, a 100mm 3.5 Sekor lens, a 6X9 film back, and a carrying case! The best-kept secret in the photography world...good luck!

Answer 3

The newer Polaroids that automatically ejects the photo are NOT good for art project. The VERY old type where photo are PULLED out and then separated are usually great for art project. But they are no longer made so you have to find them at used camera shops or eBay.

But you don't mention if you are doing an ART project or some other project. But if you want Polaroid as just instant UN-RETOUCHED photo then ANY Polaroid will do.


Good Luck.

Answer 4

look on ebay. the film is damnably expensive... but they do a job, whic is of course superceeded by digital technology.

ive seen some good effects on polaroid film, but its usually limited to scratching or smudging the wet emulsion... although i did some trick exposures by making cutouts in card, and sticking them over the lens and doing multiple exposures (it only records light inthe exposed areas.)

oh, i teach photography and digital manipulation... and ive been a photographer for 35 years....

google polaroid photography and see what other folks have done. polaroid even do a book on what you can do to polaroid film... if i can find it, ill post the title later...

Answer 5

I think it's an sr-70 that is popular there is a few others, some going for more money on ebay.

Also a Holga can be a hybrid by using a poloroid back.

Answer 6

Just go to Wal-Mart or K-Mart or any drugstore and pick one off the shelf. They are rapidly becoming obsolete and film, while still available, is rather expensive.