Polaroid Camera

Origins of the polaroid camera

Polaroid cameras also known as instant cameras are from the late 1940s, at that time being revolutionary for providing the user with a picture within a short time as they held it in their hands and shook it about to hasten the chemicals to dry - which later there wasn't any need for as the film-paper changed. People still do it instinctively, it is something associated with polaroids to date. Polaroid Corporation pioneered (and patented) consumer friendly instant cameras and film, and were followed by various other manufacturers.

Why they survive today

Today polaroid cameras are more a cultural icon; the use of which attaches a certain sense of nostalgia from a bygone era to your images. The images zipped out by polaroid cameras last quite a while but eventually do fade to a great degree, which is also probably why the format did not last as long either. Especially when other photo production formats were invented and lasted longer with a better range of colours.

Current market presence

Leica and Fujifilm are the major contributors to the current market, both giants in their own right and still flourishing a segment of the market for the sake of retro culture which is amazing! You can often see people with a small polaroid camera at events and festivals popping out a picture and flapping it about as it appears.

The price of a polaroid camera depends on what brand it is from and its size. Generally a mid-price point product. Keep in mind the refills are a consistent cost with this kind of camera.