Old Polaroid Cameras...check your closets

[Sdashiki]

I am in the market for an older Polaroid camera. Older meaning before the 1980s. Most of them are the collapsible folding kind, with bellows.
71965
Ones that take the currently available "Pack-Film", also known as 100, 667, 669 etc. This is the kind that is the peel-apart film, NOT the "shake it like a polaroid pictcha" film.

71964

Millions upon millions of people bought these different models over the past 4 decades, maybe you have one in your closet?

If you do, perhaps I can make better use of it than a dust collector.


On a side note, anyone do anything interesting with their Polaroids?

and DUH, im looking on eBay, but why not ask the folks here?!

[mantic]

I am in the market for an older Polaroid camera. Older meaning before the 1980s. Most of them are the collapsible folding kind, with bellows.
71965
Ones that take the currently available "Pack-Film", also known as 100, 667, 669 etc. This is the kind that is the peel-apart film, NOT the "shake it like a polaroid pictcha" film.

71964

Millions upon millions of people bought these different models over the past 4 decades, maybe you have one in your closet?

If you do, perhaps I can make better use of it than a dust collector.


On a side note, anyone do anything interesting with their Polaroids?

and DUH, im looking on eBay, but why not ask the folks here?!

I use to have a few of those.. You're a couple years too late though.. Good luck.. Curious - why are you so nostalgic about them?

[IJ Reilly]

I believe we still have a Model 800 around somewhere (circa 1960). It was quite the high-tech gadget in its day.

[Sdashiki]

Nothing nostalgic, i just like the peel apart film. and any "newer" camera that takes that film, sucks in terms of quality. the older ones were pretty nice.

id actually use the camera, not just admire it.

"the 800" is a nice one.

[IJ Reilly]

Our Model 800 took very good, if very small, black and white pictures. They've held up well over the years. Can film be purchased for this camera today?

[mantic]

Nothing nostalgic, i just like the peel apart film. and any "newer" camera that takes that film, sucks in terms of quality. the older ones were pretty nice.

id actually use the camera, not just admire it.

"the 800" is a nice one.

Gotcha.. Well I hope you find what you're looking for. Have you tried a 'fleamarket"... Don't know if you have those where you live but seems like I see a couple everytime i've been.

[scotpole]

I have two real old Polaroid cameras. The first is a Polaroid Swinger Model 20. I do not know what type of film this uses but the camera is probably somewhere around 1966 circa. The Other old polaroid is a Big Shot portrait camera and on the camera it says it only takes type 108 color film and magicubes.

What did you inherit the film, but not the camera?

Good Luck.

[Sdashiki]

Im just interested in the pack film again, i was for a bit in college.

you can do some fun stuff with it, but at about $1 a shot, it keeps alot of people away.

[FrankieTDouglas]

I was about to post this in the picture of a day thread, but then I saw the polaroid thread so I thought I'd share some ways to use polaroids...

http://andybloxham.com/photos/eiffel.jpg

[Sdashiki]

very nice job. i really like the entire image.

but, thats the wrong kind of film.

with those, there truly is NO other photo quite like it, and never will be.

Packfilm, leaves you with a positive AND a negative.

[FrankieTDouglas]

Oh, I know. Before I came to France, my professor and I messed around with some polaroid film that had the negative and the positive. It was black and white, using a camera originally intended for photographing monitors. So it has a very fixed focal length on it. The key to the film is overexposing for a good negative, or underexposing for a good positive.

That's about all I know about the film, though.

[seenew]

I have an old Land Camera, but you'd have to pay me a lot to part with it. It was my dad's. :)

[shecky]

Sdashiki, something else you may want to look into tangential to the camera is Polaroid transfers (google images (http://images.google.com/images?client=safari&rls=en&q=polaroid%20transfer&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi)).

in a nutshell its a little device with a flash on one end, a place to put a slide, and a place to put the polaroid film on the other end. you expose the film with the built in flash, then let the film develop for a few seconds, and press it into wet paper thereby transferring the image and getting some really nice effects.

worth a look (http://sarahwichlacz.com/?p=5), anyway.

[Sdashiki]

Sdashiki, something else you may want to look into tangential to the camera is Polaroid transfers (google images (http://images.google.com/images?client=safari&rls=en&q=polaroid%20transfer&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi)).

in a nutshell its a little device with a flash on one end, a place to put a slide, and a place to put the polaroid film on the other end. you expose the film with the built in flash, then let the film develop for a few seconds, and press it into wet paper thereby transferring the image and getting some really nice effects.

worth a look (http://sarahwichlacz.com/?p=5), anyway.

A Daylab (www.daylab.com)is $$$, and is what I wanted first.

but cutting out the middle man is much easier, now I can take a photo with a camera and get it to the film directly.

a daylab IS nice, but extremely $$$ and rare.

[shecky]

ill ask my girlfriend exactly what model it was, but she found a simple one on ebay for $50 or so.

[Sdashiki]

Vivitar Slide Printers were cheap, but give you far less control.

Anyway, i dont want a DayLab anymore, im going right to a camera instead.

i hated having to shoot slides, then shoot them to polaroid.

[Sdashiki]

Just got my Polaroid 150 Land Camera.

72302

Thank you eBay!

Sweet!

Ill be posting pics and a how-to on my project's progress, eventually.

Shhhhhh its a secret! For now.

Google and youll prolly find it out anyway.

[Sdashiki]

About 60% completed with the project. Though this is my trial run and have not kept any worklog.

the second time around, I definitely shall.

still looking for anyones ol vintage Polas...

[teleromeo]

http://www.fotopauwels.be/intermactivity/cambo.jpg

I used to have one of these to make pasport pictures in my shop. I sold it 3 years ago to a congoleese guy. He was planning to take it over there to start some photo business in Kinshasa. It uses the same peel-of film as your camera and the quality was always awfull. Nowadays I use a digital camera, a photoshop droplet and a fuji frontier to print extremely high quality pasport pictures. When you run a shop you don't have the time to be nostalgic but when you browse a forum you can ...

[Sdashiki]

almost all polaroids take crap images because the glass (in most cases, plastic) is hideous.

this is why im sticking to early models, they had 3-4 element glass lenses.

[midnightgypsy]

Can anyone tell me if this is worth anything?

[milozauckerman]

The 95b takes Polaroid rollfilm that's been discontinued for years. It's also not one of the models regularly converted to current packfilm or 4x5 - so it has a little collector's value, but not much.

I just got a pair of SX-70 Sonars - one modified to take current 600/779 film, one that still has to use the old SX-70 film or current 'Polaroid Blend.' The sonar autofocus is surprisingly awesome.

Had a 110a modified to take packfilm, but I sold it a few months ago - great fun, bit rather large and heavy.

[seenew]

I'll be using polaroid film to do image transfers and lifts in the next couple of weeks. I'm excited... :D

[Sdashiki]

The 95b takes Polaroid rollfilm that's been discontinued for years. It's also not one of the models regularly converted to current packfilm or 4x5 - so it has a little collector's value, but not much.

Had a 110a modified to take packfilm, but I sold it a few months ago - great fun, bit rather large and heavy.

i second converting the 95b if you want. Its a nice compact and well built body.

3x4 packfilm is available and should be for years. lets you do some fancy artistic stuff too.

ive got a website dedicated to Polaroid conversions, the 110A/B conversion is a nice one. (check my avatar!)

if you want something less bulky you can take the lens from a 110A or a Speed graphic etc, and put it onto a bellows packfilm camera, like the Automatic 100-400 series.


I just got a pair of SX-70 Sonars - one modified to take current 600/779 film, one that still has to use the old SX-70 film or current 'Polaroid Blend.' The sonar autofocus is surprisingly awesome.

is your SX70 electronically or physically modded to take the 600 film?

the blend stuff, sucks and costs too much, stick with 600/779.

the sonar models are awesome, but the AF mechanism can go crazy after awhile and are more than a pain to fix.

[milozauckerman]

The first SX-70 was electronically modified - meter, etc. - from a camera repairman in LA. He said that he finds Polaroid flashes every once in a while and mods those as well, I'll be keeping my eye open.

I might get one pack of Blend to give the other SX-70 a run, but at $2/shot (plus shipping), I don't see much reason to use it. Will look nice on the shelf though.

I sold the 110a (a Four Designs mod) hoping I'd run into a 110b converted to packfilm or 4x5 cheap, but it hasn't happened yet.

[Sdashiki]

I might get one pack of Blend to give the other SX-70 a run, but at $2/shot (plus shipping), I don't see much reason to use it. Will look nice on the shelf though.

I sold the 110a (a Four Designs mod) hoping I'd run into a 110b converted to packfilm or 4x5 cheap, but it hasn't happened yet.

Dont waste your money on the blend crap.

Stick with normal 600/779 and either modify the SX-70 electronics (replace 1 single capacitor) or use an ND filter (google for the mods, there are lots)

Ive got 2 converted 110As to packfilm, (see my avatar) both are custom and unique, I couldnt just convert, I had to change them.

Ive got a 110B, that I am going to convert eventually. Truthfully, the cost/labor or a 110A/B conversions is worth $400+ at least. Less than that, id argue the seller got gyped (if they did the work themselves). What is cheap to you?

I know of a certain 4x5 110B conversion you can get for, oh, about $4000.

[Sdashiki]

Thought Id resurrect my thread and see if anyone has any Polaroids sitting around?

Someone earlier mentioned a 95b, if they still want to sell it, Id buy. :D


ive gotten into so many more different Polaroid projects id probably buy anything you got.

[compuwar]

I know of a certain 4x5 110B conversion you can get for, oh, about $4000.

I'm curious- why wouldn't you just get a 545 or similar back and shoot Type 55 in any cheap 4x5? Cost per shot is higher (around $4.50 these days,) but you'd have to do a heck of a lot of shooting to ROI $4k.

[Sdashiki]

The thousands of dollar 4x5 cameras are much lighter and easier to transport than most cameras that accept 4x5 backs. They are billed as "hand held Speed Graphics" and the like.

Personally, i cant see myself using 4x5, $2 a shot is too much for me. But, i do like the prospect of using 120 film in a 4x5 camera...

[ChrisA]

almost all polaroids take crap images because the glass (in most cases, plastic) is hideous.

this is why im sticking to early models, they had 3-4 element glass lenses.

I just sold this equipment but I used to have a Mamyia medium format camera system that inclued one polaroid film back. The mamiya glass was "world class". Studio photographers would use the pol. film to "proof" the studio lighting, make sure they have all the strobe heads dialin in "right" before they would commit to using "real" film.

The prints made this way were so sharp they held up well under high magnification. They looked sharp even under an 8X glass.

So if anyone is still seriously looking to use polaroid film and wants to make quality images, you can buy a medium format film camera for cheap now

[-hh]

I was about to post this in the picture of a day thread, but then I saw the polaroid thread so I thought I'd share some ways to use polaroids...


Nice shot.

Request permission to steal?

For some reason, I was inspired to do a mashup of Transparent Desktops and Accidental Tourist....and thus, a few minutes later:

http://www.huntzinger.com/photo/2008/polaroid2j.jpg


-hh

[yeakar]

I don't know very much about old cameras, but I do have a few and even different accessories that go with them.
I have:
(2) Polaroid Wink Light Model 25 with cords

Polaroid Land camera Model 95

Polaroid Capacitor SP? Flash gun 201

Polaroid Model J66

Electric Eye Land Kit

Also a Cine Kodak Eight Model 90.

They are for the most part in their boxes, with some manuals, and straps, and bags and all sorts of gadgets. Anyone have any interest in any of them? I used them to decorate with my own b&w photography, but have been sitting in my attic for awhile. Thanks

[Sdashiki]

PM sent.

Always looking. And if you maybe want a working polaroid, let me know, ive got lots.

[lakeland1731]

Let me know if a model 220 is what you want, i have one with the instructions.

[Sdashiki]

A 220 aint bad. So long as the bellows arent cracked or ripped and the body isnt beat up, Ill take it. :D

99822

[robynred]

I just recently acquired a 335 Land Camera from the thrift store, looks like it's in excellent condition. I want to try it out, but I can't seem to find info on what type of film it takes. If anyone knows if and where I can still get the film I would really appreciate it.

[iTiki]

I used to take naked pictures of my girlfriends with one of those.:D My wife made me get rid of the pictures and the camera.:( I have to admit, sometimes I miss those pictures.;)

[Max Archer]

This thread makes me miss my days with Polaroids. (Ugh, sounds like a personal problem...)

I spent a lot of time peering through a big Cambo 4x5 camera, went through quite a few Polaroid test shots for every "real" picture I took. That monster took some beautiful photos, it's just too bad that after processing, film, Polaroids, and all that, it was between 6 and 10 bucks per shot!

[Sdashiki]

I just recently acquired a 335 Land Camera from the thrift store, looks like it's in excellent condition. I want to try it out, but I can't seem to find info on what type of film it takes. If anyone knows if and where I can still get the film I would really appreciate it.

http://option8.110mb.com/polaroid/FAQ/faqfilm.pack.html

should help you a bit.

[rjphoto]

I haven't had time to read this whole thread, but had to jump in anyway.

I still carry a Polaroid I took of my wife 16 years ago. I used a Bronica ETRS 645 with a Polaroid back. Made a nice black & white wallet size image.

I still have the camera and the wife.

I'll take offers on the camera.

[firewife828]

Sdashiki


I think I have that camera you have in your picture. Its the fold out kind. I got it when my grandmother passed away last year. If your interested let me know.

[poopyhead]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3303/3498077923_1ed5614f02.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/3498074585_b2bb0f46ce.jpg

grandma's sx-70 I inherited
sadly
no film

[Sdashiki]

You can find 600 (integral) film at Walmart, CVS etc.

$12-20 for 10 shots.

But it will fit the SX70.

Youd have to tweak the exposure, as the SX70 is built for 150ISO film and the 600 film is 640ISO. But, it works.

[instaxgirl]

I was going to buy a polaroid last year but when the announcement came out about them stopping production of the film I had to think again. :( I ended up buying a Fujifilm instax 100 instead. Flickr tells me it's nowhere near the same quality but they're still making the film and it's cheaper than even the basic polaroid film was before it became an endangered species.

I only bought it because I have ALWAYS wanted an instant camera, just for fun, silly shots. :) It's massive, and it gets a lot of laughs when I bring it out in bars etc

[wheelhot]

I thought Polaroid is going to release a digital version of their camera that uses a special paper to print the images, I heard something about that the camera does not need ink cause the ink comes from the special paper :cool:

[Sdashiki]

http://option8.110mb.com/polaroid/FAQ/faqfilm.pack.html

has all the info you need for the films available now, AND for the future.

Fuji makes and plans to continue making the peel apart type pack film. (this is not to be at all confused with Instax which is a smaller version of the other type of Polaroid instant film) At about $0.80-$1 a shot.

No one makes cameras that take peel apart film anymore (except very few handmade or brand names that are $$$), but with the 10s of millions out there from the 1960-1980s in attics and yard sales, theres no need.

If you want to shoot instant film, the Polaroid packfilm cameras are still, and will be, useful.

The Zink paper technology is something, but meh when compared to real film. Theres alot of cons to the printers and the new camera w/printer attached...alot.

[ChrisA]

I may have some film in the fridg. I used to use it with a medium format camera. Yes you can get some nice quality if you have a $2,000 lens in front of the instant film. I woud use the pol. shots to verify the lighting was corect before shooting with "real film".

Send me a PM with the kind of film you can use and I'll look. I think I have 3 or 4 boxes left

[dreamersgal]

I have a list of polaroid related items , if anyone is interested there all for sale:
polaroid land camera model 80 all steel

polaroid swinger model 20 plastic

polaroid capacitor flash#201

all in case : lenses w/ built in measuring tape
close-up lens#3- max field7 X 9 1/4 inches
lens #2 - field 10 1/2" x 14"
lens #1- field 22" x 28"

model #268 flash attachments
filters half step 1/2 step
yellow filter #1
polariring filter#2 with original instructions # case

polaroid #101 camera

:rolleyes: thanks for looking dreamersgal
,.

[tompon1923]

Both still work great since I last used them last year.... Film for them is getting very expensive though :mad:
too bad, it still is a great concept.

[Sdashiki]

if $0.89-$2 a shot is too much...instant photography aint for you!

[tompon1923]

if $0.89-$2 a shot is too much...instant photography aint for you!

Sure $0.89-$2 a pop is next to nothing.... in the US!!.
In europe, where i happen to live actually, no one sells them anymore....
Thus I have have to buy them from ebay + intl shipping = a lot more than it is worth to me.

I'm open to suggestions where to get them cheap.

[jessica.]

if $0.89-$2 a shot is too much...instant photography aint for you!

agreed.

I gave my sx-70 away to a member here but working with polaroids is quite fun.

[Sdashiki]

http://www.polapremium.com/

Has better international sales efforts.

And I didnt mean $2 a shot was cheap. Obviously its not when you consider digital is almost free in comparison.

[mizzUn4given]

I am in the market for an older Polaroid camera. Older meaning before the 1980s. Most of them are the collapsible folding kind, with bellows.
71965
Ones that take the currently available "Pack-Film", also known as 100, 667, 669 etc. This is the kind that is the peel-apart film, NOT the "shake it like a polaroid pictcha" film.

71964

Millions upon millions of people bought these different models over the past 4 decades, maybe you have one in your closet?

If you do, perhaps I can make better use of it than a dust collector.


On a side note, anyone do anything interesting with their Polaroids?

and DUH, im looking on eBay, but why not ask the folks here?!
still has case film extra flash bulbs the works
Polaroid Polacolor Type 108

[Littlebrat]

I have an old working Polaroid model 103 with the flash, blubs, film, case and new battery. Let me know if you are interested.

[fishinreno]

I have a polaroid camera that is in really clean shape. It is a little newer model. It is the gun metal gray without the accordian. It has the flip-up flash, and it works.

I can get some photos of it later. I don't know if you are interested in the newer model or not.

Let me know.

[wullners]

I have three polariod carmera I don't know a lot about them and not sure if they work but I have models 110b, 215 and 250 the 215 and 250 have the manuals and the press sheets I don't know what there worth or how old they r and not sure if they are the ones ur looking for email me and let me know please www.wullners@yahoo.com thanks

[QueenBG]

I am in the market for an older Polaroid camera. Older meaning before the 1980s. Most of them are the collapsible folding kind, with bellows.
71965
Ones that take the currently available "Pack-Film", also known as 100, 667, 669 etc. This is the kind that is the peel-apart film, NOT the "shake it like a polaroid pictcha" film.

71964

Millions upon millions of people bought these different models over the past 4 decades, maybe you have one in your closet?

If you do, perhaps I can make better use of it than a dust collector.


On a side note, anyone do anything interesting with their Polaroids?

and DUH, im looking on eBay, but why not ask the folks here?! I own a Polaroid Automatic 320 Land Camera, it is identical to the one you shown. If interested please email @ helengrere@yahoo.com