Polaroid 185

[tsylatac]

Hi all. I have a friend with an original Polaroid 185 Land Camera for sale. It came from a relative's estate, is in the original box, and seems to be the real deal all around. I can't find too much information but does anyone here know what something like that might be worth?

 

[Robert Lai]

Best to post a photograph of the camera.

True 185 are extremely rare. There is a 185 that is similar to the 180/195, but with an f/5.6 lens and light meter built in. According to this blog, it sold for over $1000
http://moominsean.blogspot.com/2009/08/polaroid-sans-auto-manual-cameras.html

There is another 185 made in 2000 - hand made in limited numbers. It was later labelled the NPC 195. Due to the limited production and modern features, it too will not be cheap.

I paid about $450 for my 180 this year (has f/4.5 lens). It then required about another $125 worth of service on the shutter, lens cleaning, and general overhaul. Prices for 195 (newer, has a faster f/3.5 lens) tended to be about $600 in the summer.

 

[charjohncarter]

And they use Pack Film, so you will be able to get film at least for a while.

 

[Ezzie]

I've been for some time looking to buy a 100 or 250 preferably, or failing that any other model with 3 element glass lens, 4 ASA film ratings, 6 aperture settings, +/- EV compensation.... you get the picture. I've noticed the 180 and 195 demand a substantial premium on all other models. Whether or not they are worth it is a good question. They have a 4 element glass lens, 1-2 stops faster than the other models. Fully manual too, as opposed to aperture priority auto. I would like one myself, but am not prepared to pay what most people want for theirs.

If of course you can get him to sell to you for no more than a 100 or 250 normally fetches, by all means. Otherwise I would pass.

Jims Polaroid Camera Collection is a pretty good site if you want to compare models, this page especially: http://polaroids.theskeltons.org/compare.htm