I’m not a “photographer” by ANY stretch of the imagination, but I sure do LOVE taking photos! If it’s not already obvious in my previous posts, I really enjoy cataloging life’s moments and using various cameras to do so. I love the process involved with each camera, especially the process involved with my instant film cameras! At this point I have over 9 different types of cameras, a majority of those being cameras which use instant film.
Recently, I became obsessed with peel-apart film and the Polaroid Land Camera, specifically the Polaroid 450. The picture of that handsome devil above is the first photo I took with the 450 and I LOVE it. The Polaroid 450 uses Fujifilm’s legendary peel-apart film, FP-100 C, which was discontinued in 2016. In fact the film used above actually expired in April 2012. The FP-100 C film is also the most expensive film that I have ever purchased. I have never been more keenly aware of supply and demand until I purchased this film. The lack of film production and the increase in price was SUPER obvious here! Supply and demand, amirite? My husband has his graduate degree in economics and I’m hoping he reads this post and is proud of my elementary usage of this economic model ; )
However, recently a company called One Instant attempted to reproduce the film and I’m very curious about it. I’m looking forward to exploring the 450 further, testing out One Instant’s peel-apart film, and maybe even using the 450 to create a zine of sorts?
Continuing on the instant film theme, below is a list of my most treasured (working) instant film cameras so far. I’ve included links and little diddies explaining my favorite part of each one. Again, I feel the need to reiterate that I know nothing about anything when it comes to cameras and photography, BUT that’s why instant film is the best. It’s incredibly straight forward and instantly (wink, wink) rewarding regardless of your knowledge!
This is my go-to instant film camera. I’ve used it for 7 + years and it’s taken some of my most cherished photos (from my wedding day to college graduations).
It’s the most clear instant film. Unlike other instant film, the photos that the wide produces are crisp.
The size of the film is the best. Not too small, not terribly large.
Ok, being completely honest here, I don’t personally like the mini. BUT, it sure is fun! The mini was my Fujifim gateway drug. It was my introduction to Fujifilm products.
The camera itself comes in an array of fun colors, as does the film.
It’s cheap! (in comparison to other instant cameras)
Instax Square (SQ6)
This camera has the ability to create a double exposed photo, which is super cool!
It has a self timer so the photographer, who is typically behind the camera, can join in on the fun happening in front of the camera.
The camera also has these fun colored flash gels, so your photos can be funkier.
Because of things like the flash gels, double exposure, etc., the SQ6 allows for greater creativity overall.
The process of this camera is specifically rewarding, especially the pulling action involved with the film. It is extremely satisfying to peel apart and reveal the photo.
The photos seem instantly sentimental because the film is no longer produced and typically expired. It also feels notably wistful because it’s the same film and camera that generations before us used. Therefore, if you’re an avid sifter of family photos, you’re likely sifting through FP-100C film.