an OLD polaroid camera that still WORKS and SHOOTS film successfully, is harder to find and if you can, is expensive.
An example is an SX70. Its a very old camera, lots of them lying around, but having one working perfectly is not easy to find. If you buy a refurbushed one, it will set you back about 400USD at least.
https://us.polaroidoriginals.com/collection...d-sx-70-camerasThe film is about 18USD for EIGHT shots
https://us.polaroidoriginals.com/collection...d-sx-70-camerasIts expensive because these are ACTUAL vintage cameras. Also, these cameras have another issue: They have to be stored COLD in order to retain quality. Meaning you need to keep the film in the firdge to preserve it. And even then, if the seller you buy it from did NOT keep it in a cool place, then the film you bought could already be defective, and you would never know it until you shoot it. So you are basically rolling the dice with these old classic cameras.
Then, there is the NEW Polaroids, that are NOT old cameras, but totally redesigned and uses a film that is also TOTALLY new and does not work with classic polaroid cameras.
They are called the i-type cameras
https://us.polaroidoriginals.com/pages/new-camerasThe cameras are cheaper, but the films still need to be babied in much the same way. But it will definitely give you that low fidelity retro feel.
Films cost 15USD for 8 shots, so only slightly cheaper.
Then there is the cheapest option, shooting Fuji Instax Cameras. Fuji instax cameras are NOT vintage, and the cost per shot is about 1USD per photo, which can be brought down if you buy in bulk. The film does NOT need to be babied as much. Just don't run them multiple times through x-rays because it MAY damage the film. (think airport security)
FUji instax cameras are purely automatic, but redeems itself in the fact that its automatic exposure is pretty good. But you have little to no control. Dont expect shallow depth of field etc.
Then there is the final "pro" option, take old extremely well build professional Polaroid/ medium format film cameras, and modify them, often by splicing a fuji instax body to the vintage body, so that you have the optical quality of professional grade instant photograpjhy gear, with the convenience of instax film. These are done by modders, who sell their work often on e bay. this movement is big in the USA and in Hong Kong.
They often take films for even OLDER polaroid cameras than the ones i mentioned above, eg, the old Polaroid 110A, and splice a fuji instax wide body on it.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Instax-Wide-Conver...FYAAOSwIUNXFo6OOR take the LENS of that original polaroid, and splice it unto an existing modern Fuji Instax Body
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Instax-Wide-Option...tsAAOSwmCRd4q3XThank you for such a detailed breakdown. I had no idea that there were people modifying the older cameras for convenience. These are tempting but also very expensive.
I want to try to stay clear of the fujifilm types and would like to try experimenting more with polaroid. The i type cameras you talked about look interesting and within my budget. Are these also the instant type? From the images of it on the website i'm not sure on the control it allows me.