I have been contemplating the purchase of an instant camera for while now and am wondering if others here have taken the leap? If so, which camera do you go with and are you happy with the shift from phone shots to instant prints?

I love photography (novice) and take a ridiculous number of photos on my phone but I’ve found that most of those photos just 1) live in their digital form forever and 2) encourage me to carry my phone everywhere.

In looking at instant cameras I’m hoping to encourage less phone time and focus on what I really want to capture in the important moments while allowing myself the dopamine hit of instant (printed) gratification.

TIA for any thoughts and/or recommendations!

  • I have the Instax Mini Evo, which is a good choice for me because it is more a printer than anything and I can print off pictures taken with other cameras or my phone with it too. It's a good idea to buy an aftermarket lens cap for it, though.

    parent

    Great rec! Thank you! I was looking at a couple of similar options so it’s good to know they can work well as a middle ground!

    parent root

  • If you're a physical minimalist, and or if you worry about money, I wouldn't recommend it. I ended up not liking buying packs of film again and again. I switched from a instant camera to a compact digital camera for those reasons. It's also easier for me to delete photos I no longer want before printing them, instead of throwing them in an actual trash can.

    parent

    Great perspective. Thank you. I’m definitely not a physical minimalist, I adore tangible items! The continuous cost does factor in here though.

    parent root

  • I personally own a bunch of old 35mm cameras.

    Full manual SLR's, Rangefinders and Point and Shoots (currently lowing the Point and shoot)

    I'd look into trying film out. Its a bit expensive but I love shooting it and I scan it myself, but your local film lab will develop and print it for you!

    As for some cameras I like:

    1. Any old SLR Pentax. K1000, MX, ME, MG etc. They are typically around $40-100 used
    2. Canonet rangefinder. Ql 28 or 17
    3. Any decent Minolta or Olympus Point and shoot (not the Mju)

    I hope you find something to like and take pictures! I always have my p&s in my pocket or rucksack these days and I dont bother to use my expensive Sony for anything other and video work

    parent

  • Great food for thought here! I appreciate your reply as I’ve not ever owed a proper film camera and would like to! Thank you!

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    Beware of the paper used in those particular cameras, like above. Do a bit of research into thermal paper and cancer.

    parent root

    Solid point. Thanks!

    parent root

    Now that’s fun! Thank you!

    parent root