Choosing a Polaroid camera depends on a few factors. If you already know you want a pack film camera, click here. Answer the questions below to see what kind of Polaroid would suit you best:
Do you want the easiest to use Polaroid available?
YES! Run down to the store and get a 600 series, Joycam, or popshots camera. Film is readily available (at least until 2009), and the camera with film has all you need to take instant pictures. The resulting picture is a typical glossy, plastic Polaroid integral print.
Not necessarily. Proceed to question 2
Do you want an easy to use camera with extra options?
YES. Try a Spectra camera. They're more expensive, but they have more accessories and options for photography.
Not necessarily. Go to Question 3
Do you want to do "SX-70 manipulation?" (manipulating the print after exposure)
Yes! You'll need any of the SX-70 cameras (refer to the camera chart). Since SX-70 cameras are no longer produced, you'll need to look in garage sales, swap meets, camera shows, or Ebay to find these cameras. The original SX-70 cameras which fold up are the coolest types. Note that SX-70 (time zero) film has been discontinued in early 2006, so unless you can find old stock or expired film, there is no new film available.
Again, choosing a pack film camera depends on the answers to a few questions:
Do you want a pack camera with manual exposure controls?
YES. You'll need look for a model 180, 195, or a 110A/B which has been converted to pack film. Expect to pay $150+ for these cameras!
No. Go to the next question.
Would you like a newer style pack film camera with electronic flash?
YES. Get a Propack camera. This newer style of camera has guesstimate type focus and the viewfinder is not parallax corrected. It also has a plastic lens. Polaroid discontinued producing them back in 2003, but you may be able to find them used on auction sites.
No. Next question:
Are you willing to hunt down a battery for your camera?
YES. Good choice! Go to the next question.
No. Get a newer style pack camera like the EE100, Reporter, or any of the hard bodied pack cameras. Refer to the camera chart for cameras that take "AA" batteries. All of these cameras have guesstimate focus and a non-parallax corrected viewfinder with a plastic lens. You'll still need to hunt down flash cubes for these cameras
Do you want a camera with a few extras, like a nice viewfinder, glass lens, and optional accessories?
YES! Look for models 100, 250, 350, 360, or 450 camera. You can find these on Ebay or at garage sales/swap meets/camera shows. You can normally pick them up for under $10. All of these use flash bulbs/cubes except for the 360, which uses a dedicated electronic flash.
Not necessarily Any of the other 100 - 400 series pack film cameras will fill the bill. These generally cost the same as the above cameras, but don't have all the features. Take a look at the comparison chart to compare features of the different cameras.