Dan’s Guide to Buying Used Polaroid Cameras

November 2021 Update: Polaroid has discontinued the OneStep 2 and OneStep+, replacing them with the Polaroid Now and Now+. I recommend steering clear of the cheaper Polaroid Now and going for the Now+, which I recommend below for the best selfie camera. Also, if you’re in the market for a tiny instant film camera, the Fuji Instax Mini 11 is a much better bet than the new Polaroid Go, which is not recommended below.

Looking to get a used Polaroid camera and don’t know where to start? Want to know what the best vintage Polaroid camera is out there for your instant photography project? Wondering how these newfangled Polaroid cameras stack up to the old ones? Never fear! I’ve drawn up this guide to help you in your quest to find the perfect Polaroid camera for you (or whoever you’re buying it for).

First, Some Background Information…

First, if you’re unfamiliar with the state of Polaroid cameras these days, here’s a quick rundown. In 2008 Polaroid discontinued producing new instant film. Millions of cameras started collecting dust in attics all across the country. Unhappy with this sad state of affairs, a group calling themselves the Impossible Project purchased an old Polaroid factory and began development on new films that could be used in the older cameras. Eventually, the Impossible Project rebranded itself as ‘Polaroid Originals,’ then, finally, just ‘Polaroid’ as old and new merged. The new Polaroid film is a bit different from original Polaroid of yore, but it’s still fantastic. For our purposes here, when I say ‘Polaroid’ I mean the modern, new company, and I’ll say ‘vintage Polaroid’ when referring to Polaroid’s pre-Impossible years.

With all the new films (and cameras!) being released, it’s never been a better time to hop into the world of instant film! Polaroid cameras that were once considered worthless are an increasingly hot commodity. So it’s good to know what you’re looking for before you spend your cash on a used new, or refurbished camera.

It’s worth noting that Fujifilm makes their own line of Fuji Instax instant film cameras, and you’ve probably seen them out there if you’re interested in instant photography. Fuji’s cameras use a different kind of film than Polaroid. While I love Polaroid cameras and Polaroid Originals film for artistic purposes, Fuji Instax’s cheap and plentiful film is often a perfect fit for events like parties and weddings. If you’re interested in checking them out, I have a guide for those cameras as well.

The Main Classes of Polaroid Cameras

The primary three types of vintage Polaroid cameras out in the wild are SX-70, 600, and 1200/Image/Spectra.

Both SX-70 and 600 are pretty similar, and the ones you’re probably most familiar with. They feature the classic square frame that we know and love, but SX-70 cameras tend to be older and use a lower ISO film, while 600 cameras are newer and are more sensitive to light. In my experience, 600 type cameras are much more dependable since they’ve had less time to age and get damaged, and benefit from newer technologies.

Vintage Polaroid also made a line of cameras directed at professional industries. It’s been called Image, Spectra, and type 1200, but it’s all the same thing. The film in image cameras is slightly wider and has the same sensitivity as 600. Due to problems with these cameras, Polaroid has officially stopped making film for Spectra, so I’ve removed those cameras from this guide.

When in doubt, cheap box-type Polaroid 600 cameras are usually the way to go for most people. SX-70 cameras tend to be far more finicky and difficult to use, and don’t react well to anything but bright sunlight. While there are older Polaroid cameras that use peel apart-film and even large format Polaroid backs, we’re going to keep this simple and focus on SX-70 and 600.

Finally, modern Polaroid has a new new line film called ‘I-Type’. This is essentially the same kind of film as Polaroid 600, except it can only be used in new Polaroid cameras that have their own battery and is a bit cheaper. It won’t work in any vintage cameras.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Camera

Buying vintage Polaroid cameras can be tricky, because it’s often difficult for the seller to be able to tell if the camera works or not. Polaroid cameras themselves do not have batteries; the film cartridge itself powers the whole unit. So without a relatively expensive pack of film, it’s impossible to tell if the camera works or not. Often a seller will think a perfectly good camera doesn’t work because an expired film cartridge doesn’t have a charge anymore.

I bring an empty cartridge with a good battery to test cameras if I’m buying from somebody in person, but on the internet you’re just going to have to trust your instincts. I’ve had fairly good luck on eBay, but you never know for sure until you get it in your hands. Generally, you’re going to have a lot more luck with newer cameras than older ones. Once you get your camera, it’s a good idea to test it out using this guide.

The exception are new ‘I-Type’ cameras that Polaroid sells. These are cameras that have batteries in them, so they can use ‘I-Type’ film, which is the same film as Polaroid 600, but doesn’t have a built-in battery in the pack itself. The only camera on this list is the Polaroid Now+.

Where to Buy Cameras

eBay is one of the easiest and cheapest places to find used Polaroid cameras. Since you can buy them directly from other people, you can often find deals on eBay you won’t be able to find elsewhere. Even better than eBay, but requiring a bit more legwork, are flea markets, used stores, and basements.

If you want to purchase a new Polaroid camera like the Now+, you can purchase it directly from Polaroid.

Specific Camera Recommendations

Now that I got you all confused, here are a few simple recommendations organized by price point and the type of photographer its intended for. Honestly, almost any vintage or new Polaroid camera will do the job (as long as it works), but I thought I’d give a few specific suggestions to help get you started. Keep in mind that Polaroid liked to make countless variants of their cameras with only the slightest differences in color and features, so you’ll see all sorts of different names, colors, and branding in the wild.

Clicking on any of the eBay, Amazon, Polaroid, or B&H links below will take you directly to a search for that specific kind of camera. These affiliate links cost you nothing and helps me keep this site online, so it’s always much appreciated if you use any of them!

If you have a camera in hand and you’re wondering what to do next, never fear, I have a new guide for those who are just starting from the beginning in the world of instant film!

Best New Polaroid Camera for the Beginner Photographer – Polaroid Now+

For those just starting out and who want something brand new, nothing beats the Polaroid Now+. Unlike many of the vintage Polaroid cameras on this list, the Now+ is made brand new, which means it’ll have fewer issues with reliability. Unlike the cheaper Now, the autofocus seems to work properly on the Now+. Even better, it connects to an app via bluetooth, which makes it a great camera for selfies (which I discuss more below). One thing I love about the Polaroid Now+ is that it is a very good looking camera. In fact, I’d argue it is the best looking plastic box-type camera on the list. Check out my full review. Purchase directly from Polaroid.

Best Budget Vintage Camera for the Photographer – Polaroid OneStep Close-Up 600

The Polaroid OneStep Closeup is a workhorse of a camera that just keeps going. It’s also quite cheap and readily available on both used sites and refurbished. Despite its fixed focus lens and slightly bulky size, I use this camera constantly just because I know I can always rely on it. This camera also works great with Polaroid Originals films and makes a great addition to a serious photographer’s collection. While I’m singling out the OneStep Closeup, there are tons of other similar variants of this kind of fixed-focus 600 type camera that are often referred to as ‘box cameras’ due to their shape and plastic-y design. These cameras are all pretty much equally good as the OneStep Closeup. My full review. Find the Polaroid OneStep Closeup Camera on eBay. Find used on Amazon.

Best Mid-Range Vintage Camera for Photographers – Polaroid Impulse AF

The Polaroid Impulse AF isn’t the prettiest camera on the block, but it gets the job done and done very well. Despite the cheap body, the camera is sturdy and features a fantastic sonar autofocus system that ensures your images are always in focus. Because it’s not fixed-focus like the CloseUp, images are slightly sharper. The best part of the Impulse AF is that it has one of the brightest viewfinders of any 600 type camera. The Impulse AF is a great camera to start out on (it was my first camera) and grows with the photographer if they decide to get serious about instant film photography. It also has the brightest viewfinder I’ve found on any rangefinder type 600 Polaroid camera. My full review. Find the Polaroid Impulse AF on eBay.

Best Camera for the Collector – Polaroid OneStep Classic Land Camera

If you have somebody who just wants something cool for their vintage collection, you can’t beat the iconic rainbow-striped SX-70 Polaroid OneStep. They’re not the most robust cameras in the world, but they’re plentiful and instantly recognizable. They’re also a lot of fun… if they work. Chances are, you’re going to run into a lot of duds when it comes to old SX-70 plastic cameras, but the low price tends to make up for that. If it works, the controls are ultra simple, and even a non-photographer will be able to use the camera with ease. Just make sure they shoot outside because SX-70 film needs a ton of light and this camera doesn’t have a flash built into it. My full review. Find the Polaroid OneStep on eBay.

Best Option for the Luxury Camera Collector – SX-70 Land Camera

The silver SX-70 Land Camera is quite possibly one of the most beautiful cameras ever made. The SLR series was Edwin Land’s signature design, and made no compromises. If somebody wants an amazing camera to put on the shelf and admire, this is the one. Cheaper than the SLR 680 I recommend for serious professionals, this camera is pure eye candy. As a camera, it can be slightly temperamental and prone to break, but it responds well to some TLC. Since it’s an SLR, this camera makes it easy to frame your shot and ensure your focus. Quite simply, it’s a blast to use. The picture above is the sonar variant, and I reviewed a plastic version, but the metal non-autofocus models are the true beauties. My full review of a similar model. Find the Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera on eBay. Find a refurbished original SX-70 at B&H.

Best Camera for the Selfie Photographer – Polaroid Now+

Shopping for a selfie fanatic? The Now+ gives you the ability to control the camera remotely with a smartphone. It can’t quite shoot from arm’s length, but then again, no camera on this list can focus that close. The smartphone allows for remote shutter, manual controls, and more, making it also great for putting it on a tripod and pointing it at yourself. Check out my full review. Purchase directly from Polaroid.

Best Camera for the Serious Photographer at Any Price – Polaroid SLR 680/690

The Polaroid SLR 680 or 690 is the big daddy of Polaroid cameras and the tool of choice for many of the biggest professional analog photographers working today. A robust design perfected from Edwin Land’s original folding camera, it features a fantastic sonar autofocus system. Best of all, since it’s an SLR you can accurately compose your image and even manually focus. You just get can’t better than this in the instant film world. My full review of the Polaroid 680. Find the Polaroid SLR 680 Camera on eBay.

If you’re interested in working with SX-70 film instead of 600, the Polaroid SX-70 OneStep Sonar Land Camera is the precursor to the 680 and is also an excellent SLR camera with autofocus capabilities – just no built-in flash. I recommend going with the 680/690 if money is no object simply because 600 film works far, far works in most lighting conditions. It’s wise to invest in a flashbar with any SX-70 camera. My full review of the SX-70 OneStep Sonar Land Camera. Find the Polaroid OneStep Sonar Camera on eBay.
Find the SX-70 Sonar refurbished at B&H.

Purchasing Film for Used and New Polaroid Cameras

You can buy all the Polaroid cameras in the world, but without film they’re nothing more than pretty paperweights. These days vintage Polaroid film is all but nonexistent, and even if you can find it, it costs a fortune and has a high rate of failure. That’s where modern Polaroid comes in to save the day.

Polaroid makes new color and monochrome films for I-type, 600, and SX-70 cameras. As long as you know what kind of camera you have, you’ll be able to find some film for it. Have a camera and don’t know what kind of film you need? I have a whole article to help you figure that out. I recommend getting a pack of the newest generation color film to test out a new camera, as expired Polaroid and older Polaroid Originals (or Impossible Project) film can often spaz out and fail.

Good luck and happy shooting (and gifting)!

If you’re wondering what to do next, check out my beginner’s guide to using Polaroid cameras. I also have a guide on how to scan your pictures so you can edit and share them!