For some time now I’ve been tempted to dip my toe into the instant print world, and the more I see the great work on RFF I become more eager.
Camera-wise, what would you guys recommend. The SX70 modified by Mint looks rather appealing especially knowing the device has been refurbished and has a more modern exposure system.
One of the ongoing arguments going on in my head concerns the running cost, let’s face it instant film isn’t exactly cheap. But the counter to this is that you end up with a physical print to hold and show to others.
Polaroid Originals does have the occasional sale, so you can save money if you purchase film that way. If you’re open to buying one of the new “I-type” cameras, film is cheaper than 600-series or SX-70 film because the battery is in the camera, not the film pack. And instant film is just one of many formats I shoot. I don’t shoot it everyday, just when the mood strikes, or for a particular project. My SX-70 will often sit unused for a few months as I’m out shooting with something else. Right now, I’m in an SX-70 mood, so will shoot the last two packs of film that have been in the frig for a few years. - Jim B.
I work it much the way Jim suggests. Plus there's the fact that one can't really shoot instant film in volume anyway ... certainly not in the volumes of either digital or 35mm film. Shooting with instant film is more akin to shooting with a medium format film camera, a 6x7 or 6x9: you only have a few exposures per pack and, unless you're going to carry a big bag of film around, you shoot with some care not to waste exposures simply on the basis of the fact that you then have to reload and break your concentration on making photos for a time.
I have three of the MiNT "SLR670" series cameras (a, m, and x) as well as an original SX-70 that my uncle bought in 1973 and gave to me in 2012. All make great photos. I also have an early 1990s Polaroid OneStep BC series camera: it's a little more difficult to make some photos with it because of its fixed focus lens, but it can still make some great photos. In general, though, I much prefer any of the SX-70 models because of the focusing lens, and the SLR670m and SLR670s or x provide a lot more capabilities if you want to get into it with precise focusing and exposure control (including very long, manually timed exposures...) being two big plusses. The s and x models allow either ISO 160 or ISO 640 film types, and the x allows operation and sync of off-camera flash units as well. For all of the SX-70 based models, you can find and use SX-70 accessories (tripod adapters, remote cable, aftermarket filters and close up lenses, tele and wide converters, self timer, etc) which can add to what you can do. None of which is particularly "necessary", but all of which can motivate your photography in various ways.
Regards cost, well, it's expensive: Photography is expensive, always was. Expensive in dollars, expensive in time, expensive in energy ... if you're going to pursue something beyond happy snaps of the family and friends. You simply have to work out what it's worth to you, if it is worth doing to you, and then do what you can in that direction. I do a lot of instant film, but compared to what I do with digital capture it is trivial. I buy film in small batches, usually when I get to one pack of a given film type left, I buy three more, because it generally doesn't age well; this keeps my cost from outdated film that's no longer usable down.
Meditation - Japan Town, San Jose 2020
Polaroid SLR670a by MiNT + Polaroid Originals 600 Color
It's worthy of some thought.
🙂
I enjoy instant film, and I find I make photos that satisfy me with my instant film cameras. More or less than with my digital or other film cameras ... eh? It's a toss up and I don't find trying to judge that of much use.
G
