Are you searching to buy a classic polaroid camera?
Then keep on reading!
In this review, I will introduce the best classic polaroid cameras. Vintage-looking polaroid cameras can have basic or modern features. You can even find refurbished instant camera to completely satisfy the nostalgia for old polaroid cameras.
Things To Know When Buying Classic Polaroid Camera
History Of Polaroid Cameras
Polaroid or instant cameras were first introduced in 1948. and became popular among amateur and professional photographers. Modern polaroid cameras have advanced features but they still give that instant gratification by printing which is the main feature of these cameras.
The Making Of Polaroid Prints
Polaroid camera uses self-developing film to develop images instantly. The camera exposes a film to the light coming from a scene resulting in a chemical reaction. The whole process finishes within minutes and the photo exits the camera. Some modern instant cameras use Zero Ink photo paper.
Upgraded Classic Polaroid Cameras
Beside additional modern features, today’s polaroid cameras have improved features like lenses, flash, and the film quality is way better. The camera and film are cheaper then it used to be, and they are more durable.
Average Price Range For A Camera
Polaroid Cameras are cheaper than other cameras in general. You can find classic polaroid cameras from about 60$ do 400$ depending on what features and quality you are looking for.
Where To Buy Classic Polaroid Camera?
You can find classic polaroid cameras on sites like amazon.com. There you can choose between different models and accessories. You can even find them on discounts if you’re lucky.
Best 5 Polaroid Instant Classic Cameras
Best Mini Classic Polaroid Camera
Fujifilm Instax mini 90 neo classic camera
Camera Design And Package Content
This camera has a classic design but advanced features. It has a silver body with available black or brown leather part. It uses Instax mini film that you can buy for an extra price with the camera and choose 60 or 120 film pack. The basic package comes with the camera, manual, strap, and batteries.
Automatic Brightness Adjustment
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo has an automatic high-performance flash that helps to optimize the exposure providing the optimal amount of lighting for a perfect photo. You can add high-key or low-key effects by controlling the brightness.
Double Exposure Mode
With Double Exposure Mode, you can use your creativity to make artistic photos. By pressing twice the shutter button you can blend two different images into one to create a unique image.
Bulb Exposure Mode
To make expressive photos you can use Bulb Exposure Mode. The shutter remains open up to 10 seconds while the shutter button is depressed, making amazing light strikes and night view.
Other Modes Featured
To make people and the background brighter, you can use the Party Mode. Kids Mode can capture fast-moving objects like kids or even animals. For objects 9 ft or more distant, you can apply a Landscape Mode. For close-up shots, you can use Macro Mode.
- automatic brightness adjustment
- Double And Bulb Mode
- Party Mode
- Kids, Landscape, and Macro Mode
Best Large Classic Polaroid Camera
Original Polaroid 600 camera
Faithfully Refurnished Old Polaroid Camera
This black polaroid camera is a carefully refurbished vintage camera. It’s a large classic camera with a durable design. It’s possible to fold it into one compact carrier so you can easily carry it around. This camera comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Original Polaroid 600 Film
The 600 film type is specially made to power vintage old polaroid cameras. When shooting in bright light, this film produces amazing photos. Every photo you create is rich textured and unique.
Impossible Frog Tongue
A new addition to the camera is an Impossible frog tongue that protects photos from the light as they exit the camera. This device highly improves the results of printed images.
Adjustable Automatic Flash
Refurbished Polaroid 600 camera has a built-in automatic flash. You can easily turn it on and off for better creative control. So take this camera wherever you go, because you can take amazing photos during the day, or at late night gatherings with your friends and family.
Fixed-Focus Lens And Close-up Lens
This camera has a fixed-focus lens for producing sharp images. It also has a sliding close-up lens that allows you to focus on a subject up to 23.5″ for capturing even the smallest details.
- Impossible frog tongue
- automatic flash
- fixed-focus lens
- close-up lens
Best Wide Classic Polaroid Camera
lomo’instant wide camera
Camera Design And Remote Control Lens Cap
The Lomo’instant wide camera is a compact camera that’s available in color black. The lens cap has buttons so it can be used as a remote control for taking photos from the distance so you can get in a group photo or photograph yourself.
Fuji Instax Wide Film
This camera uses Instax Wide Film that is not included in the package, but you can buy it for a good price on amazon.com. This wide film is great for capturing large group shots or far-away landscapes. The new emulsion makes this film highly stable and ensures vibrant colors and natural skin tones.
Adjustments For Every Lighting Situation
For every image you take, the shutter will automatically determine how much light is needed for ideal exposure. This camera has a PC Sync Socket that synchronizes the shutter to the flash, so you can approach every lighting situation with ease.
Features To Make Artistic Photos
There are 4 brightly colored flash gels you can use. By adding them over your flash, you can play around with cool and warm tones to make artistic photos. With Bulb Mode you can make amazing long exposure photos. For multiple exposures, you can use the MX switch.
Ultra Wide-Angle And Close-Up Lenses
The built-in lenses provide wider formats. For group or landscape photos you can use Ultra Wide-Angle Lens. Close-Up Lens focuses up to 4 inches for shooting smaller subjects. This camera features three different zone focusing areas for adjusting to every focusing distance.
- PC Sync Socket
- 4 colored flash gels
- Ultra Wide-Angle Lens
- Close-Up Lens
Best Digital Classic Polaroid Camera
polaroid onestep+ instant camera
Remake Of OneStep Camera From The ’70s
Polaroid OneStep+ is the renewed original OneStep camera that was well-liked in the ’70s. This camera is available in black and white colors with retro details. It’s simple to operate and easy to carry for any occasion.
Original Film Type With Better Formula
This instant camera uses the original 600 Film and I-Type Film with a new formula for better picture quality with richer colors and contrasts. For even better pictures shoot in bright light since this camera loves light.
Get Creative With Polaroid Originals App
You can connect your camera to your tablet or smartphone via Bluetooth. You can find Polaroid Originals App on Apple and Google Play Store. With this app, you can use light painting, double exposure, manual, or automatic mode to make creative photos. For group shootings, use your phone as a remote, or use a sound trigger, or self-timer.
High-Performance Battery And Powerful Flash
Polaroid OneStep+ has a high-performance battery that is rechargeable via USB charging cable which is provided in the package. A powerful flash that can be controlled in one touch gives perfect lighting in any situation.
Photo-Taking Options And LED Lights Signalization
This camera features a switch for a depth of field that allows you to take perfect portraits or landscape pictures. The package contains a neck strap so you can safely carry around your camera. A really helpful feature is a set of LED lights that show you how much battery or how much film you have left.
- Polaroid Originals app
- LED lights signalization
Best Cheap Classic Polaroid Camera
IMPOSSIBLE PROJECT I-1 CAMERA
Camera Design And Film Type
This polaroid camera is matte-black colored and has a detachable mechanical viewfinder. It works with original Impossible I-type and 600-type film for instant developing. You can even buy a color or black and white Instant Film.
Creative Editing Tools With I-1 App
Impossible Project I-1 camera can connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The I-1 app you can download on the Apple or Google Play store. In this app, you can find a Light Paint Mode for creating illuminated lines using a flashlight. For a high contrast effect, you can illuminate darkened areas. Using Color Paint Mode you can draw waves of colored light.
Different Possibilities For Distant Shooting
You can use a Noise Trigger Mode, set a Self Timer, or use your phone as a remote for easy group photographing. Don’t worry about not being in a photo, because the camera can do it all on her own, you just have to press the button.
6 Lenses For Every Situation
This Polaroid camera has a five-zone autofocus system. 6 lenses with possible 5 configurations include Close-up, Macro, Mid-field, Far-field, and Near-field Lens. You can choose the most suitable lens for any situation.
Manual Mode And Double Exposure Mode
For full control over shutter speed, aperture, ring flash strength, and focus you can use Manual mode. For creating a unique image, you can combine two into one image using Double Exposure Mode.
- I-1 app
- 6 lenses with 5 configurations
- Manual Mode
- Double Exposure Mode
Conclusion: Which Are The Two Best Classic Polaroid Cameras?
If you are looking for a classic design and a large camera, and don’t care much about additional features, then Original Polaroid camera will fulfill that nostalgia for a vintage-looking polaroid camera. This is a refurbished camera with basic features. But, if you are looking to buy a classic camera with modern features, the Lomo’instant Wide camera would be the best choice. It’s great for traveling or taking it on parties and has a lot of options to express your creativity.
If you want to learn more about polaroid cameras, read this article about polaroid cameras. If you’re interested in modern polaroid cameras, read my article about modern polaroid cameras. But, if you want to read about small polaroid cameras, read this article about mini polaroid cameras.