X-Mas Gift Help, Vintage Instant Camera and Film?

[Andy Dufresne]

Hello,

A friend of mine is a photography enthusiast, and I wanted to get her something fun for X-mas. I was thinking she'd get a kick out of a reasonably priced old/vintage 'instant' camera and enough film to go with it to make it fun for a while.

Unfortunately, my knowledge of photography and cameras are next to nothing, so I have no idea where to begin or what to get. I was hoping some nice enthusiast folks here might have an idea, or at least, be able to point me in the right direction. I have no idea even about the correct lingo or terms to look for, let alone trying to get a camera and film that matches up!

I really have no idea what I am talking about, just a vague idea of what I know she'd enjoy. Ha.

Any assistance to know-nothing like myself would be much appreciated. Thanks,


Andy D

 

[Fidel Marcus]

Cameras - Lomography Shop

Very popular vintage styled brand new cameras, the Diana+ would be the most common model.
They all use film and they are easily found from many retailers, ebay is even full of listings.

If Lomography doesn't fit the bill and you don't want to have her deal with film processing and printing you can always find a vintage Polaroid camera for under $100 which is totally instant, no processing or developing.

I hope this info was helpful

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Andy - if you can get to an Urban Outfitters store - or are ok buying online, they have a selection of instant models, including a Vintage Polaroid Pack.

UrbanOutfitters.com > Official Site of Urban Outfitters > Shop Women's, Men's and Apartment

SKU #23783624

Overview:

* When Polaroid ended production of instant film in 2008, the Impossible Project acquired all the film production equipment in the last Polaroid factory in the Netherlands in an attempt to keep instant photography alive.
* Now that the film is back in production (!), Impossible Project has issued this camera kit for UO
* This is a seriously limited-edition kit. Once it is gone, it's gone!
* Originally made in the '80s, this edition of the Sun 600 features an exclusive silver finish
* Complete with 2 packs of film, the kit provides all you need to start taking pictures - in an instant!
* Don't forget: Polaroid film is sensitive to light, so keep it shielded for 3 minutes (upside down, in a pocket, etc) while it is developing so you get super colorful and unique photos.
* Pre-installed frog tongue accessory assists in shielding for those most critical first 15-30 seconds - use it wisely
* UO Exclusive

Content & Care:

* Plastic, electronics
* Wipe clean
* Imported
* Kit includes: Refurbished Vintage Polaroid Sun 600 Camera, 1 pack of PX 680 Color Shade First Flush Film, 1 pack of PX 600 Silver Shade UV+ Grey Frame film ,1 Impossible Frog Tongue (attached to camera)

Not cheap mind $180

 

[Brian Moore]

Not cheap mind $180

Neither is the film for it. Only Impossible Project makes film for that style of Polaroid camera. I believe the film is made in the Netherlands, and shipped out of New York for US buyers. I doubt its available at any retailers in Des Moines. (Maybe if there is a Samy's they might have a few boxes--my local Samy's has a few.) Anyway, from what I've seen the film is over $20 per box, and then you'd probably have to add shipping. Plus, Impossible Project is a work in progress, and some of the emulsions seem to be unstable.

It might be simpler (and cheaper) to buy an old Polaroid Automatic Land Camera off E-bay or Craigslist (or, I am sure they are available at flea markets or garage sales around Des Moines). Fuji still makes film for the Land Cameras. (FP100c for color film, FP3000b for B&W.This film is often referred to as "pack film" or "peel-apart film" because after you pull the exposed film from the camera and wait for the emulsion to develop, then you peel the backing off to reveal the image.) Typically its about $12 per box. (10 shots). I'm sure you could find it in camera shops in Des Moines.

A reputable seller on E-bay--who makes sure the cameras are working before he offers them--is Mike Raso of the Film Photography Project. See the link below. You can buy film from Mike's website, too.

filmphotographyproject | eBay

Some of the Land Cameras have plastic lenses, others glass ones. Some have a plastic chassis, others a metal one. Glass lenses are sharper. Metal chassis have tripod mounts. All of them, plastic or glass, plastic or metal, are fun to use!

Good luck Andy!

 

[Hamish Gill]

I think Brian is right if you want an instant camera!

But i wouldn't rule out the Lomo route ... as the film is cheaper, and the cameras can be bought new, but still have a vintage "feel"
Just not instant!