This year I have picked up a bit of an obsession with Polaroid. I quickly found which models are the best affordable Polaroid cameras. Here’s what I’ve learned so far.
If you are looking for a new and affordable Polaroid camera, there is one choice that stands above the rest: The Polaroid Flip. It sits in the perfect area between the advanced Polaroid I-2 and the more entry level Now+ cameras. It’s got a sharper lens than the Now+, Sonar autofocus (like the classics), and the classic flip up flash bar.
However, new isn’t the only way to go. Vintage Polaroid cameras can be had for a real steal. If you’ll come along, I will share with you my three choices for best affordable Polaroid cameras.
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Sun 660/670/etc, the best affordable Polaroid camera
There is a reason that this Iconic camera is so often recommended. It is easily one of the best affordable Polaroid cameras ever made. It’s Sonar autofocus system makes getting sharp photos a breeze. It uses widely available Polaroid 600 film, and can even be converted to use the newer I-Type film. In fact, this series of camera is what inspired the Flip I mentioned above.
My favorite thing about the Polaroid Sun660 series is that it is the complete package. It has perfect auto exposure with Polaroid’s LMS (Light Management System). The Sonar autofocus is fast, accurate, and reliable. It’s multi-element lens is sharp, too. Pair all of that with the built in flash, and it is a Polaroid that can tackle most situations. Another favorite feature of mine, is that the photographer can choose whether or not to use the flash.
Honorable mention: Impulse AF
The Polaroid Impulse AF shares the Sonar autofocus system, LMS, and lens with the Sun 660 family of cameras. However, it is in a totally different body design. It looks quite cool and performs just as well. However, if you ever intend to convert your cameras to use I-Type film, the Impulse is apparently quite difficult.
These cameras and the Sun 660 family of cameras seem to be pretty easy to find from $50-$100 at the time of writing. Sometimes you can still thrift or garage sale them for $15-$35 if you’re out for a really awesome deal!
Pronto Sonar OneStep, the second best affordable Polaroid camera
While I’m calling this camera the second best affordable Polaroid camera, it’s actually my personal favorite. It has the same Sonar autofocus as the Sun660 family of cameras. However, it has a lens that focuses like a traditional lens. This lets it produce even more sharp images. It also has a slightly brighter maximum aperture. You can get some decent bokeh and low light performance out of this camera. It even provides a manual focus override! (Handy when photographing through glass or other obstructions.)
Speaking of low-light, the Pronto Sonar OneStep also has a tripod socket and threaded shutter button for use with a shutter release cable. This is the only integral film Polaroid camera I know of to have both of those features. One the flip side, this camera was originally built to use SX-70 film. This film is about 160 ISO, while 600 and I-Type are both 640 ISO. This means it is much less sensitive to light. It is also now the least produced film in Polaroid’s portfolio.
Costs and considerations
There are some remedies for that, however. The cheap and easy way to go is to buy these ND filters. They install on a pack of 600 film and make it so that 600 film works perfectly. I started out that way to make sure the camera was in good shape. The next option is to convert it to work with 600 and I-Type film. This camera is a little complicated to convert, but I did mine myself. These films are everywhere, and I’m very happy I did the conversion!
You may be thinking, boy that’s complicated. If so, now you know why the Sun660 and Impulse AF are my number one and 1.5 picks. The other contributing factor is that with the Pronto cameras, the flash is an add-on. Taking family photos, party pics, and indoor hangout shots works way better with flash. Keep that in mind when shopping!
Cost is another reason this camera is my favorite. These are easy to find under $35. The parts to convert it to i-Type cost me just a few dollars. Even if you were to hire someone to convert it for $60, it would be under $100 and give you image quality comparable to the I-2 that costs five times more! (Although, the I-2 offers tons of other capabilities.)
Honorable Mention: Pronto! RF
This is a model I am currently looking for a good copy of. It is a much simpler version of the Pronto Sonar OneStep, mechanically. Rather than autofocus, it has a rangefinder mechanism. This allows for accurate manual focus and a much simpler camera. If you can find them, $25-$30 seems to be the normal going rate. My first try was a dud. Here’s hoping I can find a good one!
Polaroid Pronto! The third best affordable Polaroid camera
You might be noticing a trend, now. I quite like the Pronto! series of Polaroid cameras. Yes, the plain old Pronto! is my third place pick for best affordable Polaroid Camera. Same lens and exposure system as the above Pronto cameras, but it is the simplest of all. The Pronto is a manual focus camera without any focus aids. The lens has distances marked on it, and you guess or measure the distance to focus.
These cameras can produce image quality up there with the best Polaroid cameras. It has few bells and whistles. It likely is the lightest Polaroid camera I own. The Pronto is utter simplicity, and so much fun to use. Also, I find it to be an attractively designed camera. However, it shares the same downsides to the Sonar and RF. It was designed for SX-70 film, as well. Although, it is the easiest of the Pronto cameras to modify to use 600 film and i-type film.
This is also the most affordable to find of all the above cameras. It’s really easy to pick one of these regular Pronto cameras up for around $10-$15. Can’t beat a deal like that!
These were my best affordable Polaroid cameras
While the Polaroid I-2 is the flagship modern Polaroid and the Polaroid Flip is the best affordable Polaroid currently made, these classics really are my favorites. I love the retro aesthetics of these Polaroid cameras. They can also put out quality photos on par with these new models. There’s a lot to love about them and little to dislike.
The Sun 660/670 and other 600 Sonar Autofocus cameras are definitely the easiest to get into. Find a nice one for a good deal, load up some 600 film and go. All of the Pronto variants, despite being my favorites, are a little more difficult. Be sure you’re okay with either using SX-70 film, 600 film with an ND, or modifying/having the camera modified to use 600 and/or i-type film.
All that said, I’d like to leave by asking you a question: What’s your favorite Polaroid camera? Leave me a comment and let me know! Also, if you’d like to see any of these scans in better detail, check out my Polaroid Flickr gallery. If you enjoyed this article, check out my other film photography posts!