This was asked a couple of weeks ago on the blog and I thought I’d take some time and answer it.
The short answer is no, the long answer is yes.
You can buy a new Polaroid branded camera.
You can buy a digital camera that has the name Polaroid on it. Some of these new Polaroid cameras feature the ability to print instant pictures on special zink paper but they aren’t what most people would consider a Polaroid camera.
You may soon be able to purchase an Impossible Project branded camera that would use their new Polaroid compatible films. This is exciting but I know very little about what that camera might be like. They did however, have a successful fundraiser to produce a device that would produce real instant film images from an iphone screen.
You can buy a new Polaroid branded analog camera that uses non-polaroid technology to print credit card sized instant photos. Originally sold as the Polarid Mio, they were reintroduced as the Polaroid 300. Both of those cameras are based on Fuji Instax technology and while fun to use have no actual Polaroid technology in them.
You can buy a used Polaroid branded camera.
Used Polaroid cameras are easy to find and may be the cheapest way to get into Polaroid photography. The original Polaroid company made millions of instant film cameras and so they can literally be bought for pennies. The most common used Polaroid cameras are of the type that take type 600 film. Other less popular models take harder to find but no less exciting SX/70 and Spectra film. Many artists prefer the SX/70 models because they offer much more creative control than the later 600 film models.
Polaroid Films
Polaroid doesn’t make film anymore and therefore if you want to use your awesome Polaroid cameras you will need to find alternatives.
Impossible Project Films
The Impossible project currently manufactures alternatives to most Polaroid films including 600, SX/70 Time Zero, Spectra and 8×10 peel apart film. As far as I know, they do not have the capacity to produce peel-a-part films, i-zone film or type 500 film. I know, sad.
Polaroid Camera Links
The Impossible Project: Makers of Polaroid compatible films.
Polaroid: the mother ship.
Impossible Project on Flickr.
The Land List: the ultimate guide to all Polaroid cameras.
