Camera showcase
This page is an overview of the cameras I use for my instant photography, as well as part of my personal collection.
Over the years, I've collected and worked with a range of Polaroid and instant cameras, from classic folding models like the SX-70 to modern systems such as the Polaroid I-2 and Fujifilm Instax. Not all of these cameras are in regular use; some are kept as collector's items, appreciated for their design, history, or unique place in the evolution of instant photography.
Each camera has its own character, strengths, and limitations, which influence the way a photograph is created.
Some cameras offer full manual control and require a slower, more deliberate approach, while others are designed for ease of use and spontaneity. Choosing the right camera often depends on the situation, the available light, and the type of film being used.
For me, the camera is more than just a tool. It plays an important role in the creative process, shaping not only the technical outcome but also the experience of taking the photograph.
On this page, you'll find the cameras I currently use, along with notes and insights based on my own experience, both as a photographer and a collector.
Polaroid SX-70
Introduced in 1972, the Polaroid SX-70 is widely regarded as the most iconic instant camera ever made. Developed under the leadership of Polaroid founder Edwin Land, it revolutionized photography by introducing the world's first fully integrated instant film system, allowing photographs to develop automatically without the need to peel apart film layers.
Its innovative folding SLR design combined portability, precision, and elegance in a way that was unprecedented at the time. With its stainless-steel construction, leather finish, and groundbreaking technology, the SX-70 quickly became a symbol of innovation and remains one of the most celebrated camera designs in history.
More than fifty years later, the SX-70 continues to captivate photographers and collectors alike. In my opinion, no camera better represents the magic of instant photography or Polaroid's legacy of innovation.
Very rare, first year production SX-70 "original model"
(Serial Number :
J305675240, Birthday: September 14, 1973, Ground-glass (no Split-circle)).
Polaroid SX-70 Model 1
Polaroid SX-70 Model 1 or Alpha 1, Split-circle focusing system.
(Serial number: B410550555, Birthday: February 19, 1974)
Polaroid SX-70 Model 2
Polaroid SX-70 Model 2, SE, Sears, Alpha 2 unPlated, hybrid "Q" shutter, Refurbished.
(Serial number: 0J520549834, Birthday: September 12, 1975)
Polaroid SX-70 Model 2
Polaroid SX-70 Model 2, SE, Sears, Alpha 2 unPlated.
(Serial number: 2C620577985, Birthday: March 29, 1976).
Polaroid SX-70 Alpha 1
Polaroid SX-70 Alpha 1 or Model 1, Alpha 2 electronics - Alpha "K" focus wheel, Refurbished.
(Serial number: 5F71189091, Birthday: June 7, 1977).
Polaroid 1000
Released in 1977, the Polaroid 1000 brought instant photography to the masses. The green-button variant, commonly found in Europe, became an icon of late-1970s design and remains one of the most recognizable instant cameras ever produced.
The Button
Visit Casual Photophil to read an interesting story from James Tochio about The Button.
Released in 1981, the Polaroid The Button distilled instant photography to its essentials. Named after its oversized shutter release, this simple SX-70 camera offered an affordable entry into the world of Polaroid photography and remains one of the most recognizable examples of the company's minimalist design philosophy.
Polaroid 660 Autofocus
Polaroid 660 Autofocus, born on the 1st December 1991, Vale of Eden, 01019.
Want to know more about serial numbers of Polaroid 600 cameras? CLICK HERE!
Polaroid Image System
Introduced in 1986, the Polaroid Image System represented Polaroid's most advanced instant camera platform. With its wider image format, improved image quality, and innovative features such as autofocus, it showcased the company's ambition to push instant photography beyond simple snapshots and into a more premium photographic experience.
Impossible I-1
The Impossible I-1 was the first new instant camera released after Polaroid's bankruptcy, marking the beginning of instant photography's revival. Despite its flaws, including a notoriously weak battery, the I-1 remains an iconic camera in my eyes, not for its perfection, but for its role in bringing a beloved photographic format back to life. The Impossible I-1 was announced in April 2016 and officially went on sale on May 10, 2016.
Polaroid Now Generation 2
Released in 2023, the Polaroid Now Generation 2 brings instant photography into the modern era while staying true to the classic Polaroid experience. With improved autofocus, a more sustainable design incorporating recycled materials, and compatibility with modern i-Type and 600 film, it represents the latest chapter in the ongoing revival of instant photography.
Polaroid I2 Instant Camera
Released in 2023, the Polaroid I-2 represents the culmination of nearly half a century of instant photography innovation. From the mass-market success of the Polaroid 1000 in 1977, through the technological ambitions of the Image System in the 1980s, to the revival of the format with the Impossible I-1 in 2016, each generation helped shape the future of Polaroid photography. The I-2 builds on that legacy with the sharpest lens ever fitted to a Polaroid camera, full manual controls, and advanced LiDAR-assisted autofocus. More than just a nostalgic instant camera, it demonstrates that Polaroid continues to innovate while staying true to the unique experience that has captivated photographers for decades.
FujiFilm Instax wide 400
Released in 2024, the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 continues the legacy of the Instax Wide format, offering the largest images in the Instax lineup. Designed for group photos, landscapes, and travel photography, it combines the simplicity of point-and-shoot instant photography with practical modern features such as a self-timer and adjustable camera angle accessory.
FujiFilm Instax square SQ1
Released in 2024, the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 continues the legacy of the Instax Wide format, offering the largest images in the Instax lineup. Designed for group photos, landscapes, and travel photography, it combines the simplicity of point-and-shoot instant photography with practical modern features such as a self-timer and adjustable camera angle accessory.
FujiFilm Instax wide 200
Released in 1999, the Fujifilm Instax Wide 200 was one of the first cameras to use Fujifilm's new Instax Wide film format. At a time when instant photography was largely associated with Polaroid, the Wide 200 helped establish Fujifilm as a serious player in the instant camera market. Its large-format prints made it particularly well suited for group photos, travel, and everyday snapshots, offering a different approach to instant photography while preserving the magic of a physical photograph developing in your hands.