Polaroid cameras... HELP?

Question

My boyfriend is turning 19 in a couple of days and he really wants a polaroid camera for his birthday and I really want to get him one.

The problem is I don't know anything about polaroid cameras so I wouldn't know what to get!

Can anyone help me out?!

Answer 1

I'd look through assorted thrift stores.  I've had rather good luck looking for my particular Polaroid LandCameras there.  It really depends on the exact type of camera you want to get.  Pooky is half correct - yes, Polaroid has stopped production of their film and film cameras, so finding some forms of Polaroid Film may be slightly difficult.

BUT Fujifilm has a replacement for Type 669 Polaroid film.  A replacement I've used and am quite pleased with.  It does not seem that Fuji is going to be making a replacement for the Type 600 film that most people are familiar with (the type where the picture is spit out.

I have found a good amount of Polaroid cameras at thrift stores.  I personally have a Polaroid LandCamera 210, 215, 230, and 440.  All of the LandCamera Series 100, 200, 300, and 400 use the replacement film.

If you were to go this route, you should be able to find the film for years to come, as Fuji has in many a press release has stated they plan on continuing to support Film Photography as well as exploring digital technologies.

I have good luck finding them (both the usual polaroid cameras and the LandCamera Series 100/200/300/400) and I've found them for between $3 to $10 USD.  I wish ya luck, and bear in mind if you use the LandCameras that use the Type 669, they will have seperate batteries.  If you need more info, drop me a line - I fear I've babbled enough.

Answer 2

One thing he, and you, should know is that Polaroid instant cameras are no longer being made--and if you think that's bad, the films, too, have been discontinued.

People will tell you how "cool" it is, but the truth is digital cameras have taken over--and to pay $2 for ** each ** print, put people off, and it bankrupted the company.