5 of the BEST Polaroid Cameras of All Time

THE BEST POLAROID CAMERAS OF ALL TIME - FILTERGRADE

When you think of Polaroid – you instantly think of pictures, vintage memories, and a timeless, retro camera. Since 1947, when Edwin Land released the first ever instant camera and revolutionized photography forever, we have seen Polaroid create new, unique cameras, inspire millions of people, and help others to capture memories for over 50+ years. Here are the 5 BEST Polaroid cameras of all time.

**Polaroid SX-70 - FilterGrade

1. Polaroid SX-70

*Polaroid SX-70 - FilterGrade

This incredible, collapsible camera was introduced in 1972 by Edwin Land when he, “stepped on stage and pulled a camera out of his jacket pocket, and took five photos in just ten seconds. That camera was the Polaroid SX-70, and it was the camera that made truly instant photography possible for the first time ever.” (Polaroid)

Since ’72 when the camera was first released up until now, photographers and film enthusiasts from all over have used this camera to capture timeless memories with unique, unalterable looks.

2. Polaroid 104 Land Camera

Polaroid 104 Land Camera - FilterGrade

Next up is one of Polaroid’s Land Camera models. This specific model was introduced in 1965 and was originally used for landscape photographers capturing natural views and distant scenery; however, also was capable of shooting portraits and family fun. The main differentiator with the land camera models, is that they used peel apart film, which is actually now discontinued and quite hard (and expensive) to get a hold of. Because of this unique feature, many photographers loved the cameras and their photo quality and many photographers still hope for a peel apart film comeback.


Read Our Full Review of the Polaroid 104 Land Camera Here

Cover - Polaroid-104-Land-Camera-Review-FilterGrade


3. Polaroid BigShot

Warhol - Polaroid Big Shot - FilterGrade

(Photo Credit: Casual Photophile)

This next Polaroid camera is actually quite unknown nowadays because there seem to be so few left, but this is one of the most interesting and inspiring Polaroid cameras that is out there – the Polaroid BigShot.

For those of you that do not know what this camera is – this is the same camera model that Andy Warhols used to take photos of celebrities and his friends with and is what sort of made Polaroid so famous. There are still photographers capturing photos with this incredible camera today, and if you have the opportunity to shoot one of these cameras, or even buy one, we highly recommend it. The metering and camera focusing mechanisms are perfect for shooting portraits with full frame Polaroids, and the results are always undeniably amazing. See some of Andy Warhol’s most famous polaroids below to see for yourself the focusing perfection!

(Credit: Andy Warhol Polaroids | My Modern Met)

Andy Warhol is one of the most influential and most famous artists of the 20th Century. His silk-screened portraits of celebrities, socialites and captains of industry now sell for over $100 million dollars each, but the secret to their creation was a plastic camera that was only made for slightly more than one year and cost $19.99. This camera was the Polaroid Big Shot. 

The Big Shot became such an integral part of Warhol’s artwork that he called it his “pen and pencil.” While exhibitions about Warhol mention his use of Polaroids, they often neglect to discuss the camera he used to create them and the way that the camera’s design, construction, and specifications actually transformed his artistic output. This article is my attempt to give the Big Shot the credit it deserves. 

One of our favorite modern photographers still using this incredible camera is Instagram photographer, @stillz. Stillz uses his Polaroid BigShot to capture some of the most notable faces in the music industry such as XXXTENTACION, Young Thug, Bad Bunny, A$AP Rocky, and more.

(Credit: @stillz Polaroids | Instagram)

4. Polaroid Sun 600

Polaroid Sun 600 Camera - FilterGrade

One of the most well-known Polaroid models that still floats around today is the Polaroid Sun 600. This point-and-shoot machine is a commonly used Polaroid model by many photographers and instant-film enthusiasts and is still quite easy to find at your local camera store on online. And just in case you’re worried about using an older camera, Polaroid even reaffirms our trust by informing us – ‘vintage Polaroid cameras are taken apart, serviced, and made whole again by hand. Each camera is worked on by dedicated specialists who ensure a camera’s past adventures, never affects its future life. With you.

Don’t ever let your fear of the unknown get in the way of a new goal – get your hands on a Polaroid Sun 600 today and start trying new things.

5. Polaroid Sun 660

Polaroid Sun 660 - FilterGrade

First released in 1981, the Sun 660 is one of the simplest point-and-shoot cameras available in all of photography. All you need to do is point, shoot, and well – let the camera do the rest. The 660 Polaroid model is one of the early adapters of Polaroid’s Sonar Autofocus technology so you are sure to get crystal clear photos every-time.

Be sure to get your hands on this camera today if you have the opportunity – not only will the camera produce amazing images, but it also has an incredible, retro feel that will have your subjects curious about your camera!

Read More:

 

Leave a Reply