Polaroid 600 se

[Sweetlou42]

can these be shot handheld?

 

[Theo Sulphate]

Certainly. I mentioned one of these a while back... tried to warn you away from it.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I think so. Don't they have a hand grip?

 

[Theo Sulphate]

http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Polaroid_600/600_SE

If you get one, you can try the expensive and discontinued Fuji pack film, which is wonderful, but you'll probably want a 120-format back for the long term.

 

[OrientPoint]

If by "handheld" you mean holding it in your hands as opposed to on a tripod, then the answer is yes. It's not a light camera by any measure, but it's not as heavy as, say, a Mamiya RB67.

It's basically a Polaroid-branded version of the Mamiya Universal Press, with similar (but totally incompatible) lenses and accessories. The "native" film for the 600se is Polaroid pack film, which is no longer available, except as expired packs at high prices. It's possible to fit 120 roll film backs, either the Mamiya 6x6/6x7/6x9 "S" backs or RB67 6x7/6x8 backs. It's also possible to shoot 4x5, although the coverage isn't quite full frame (it's fairly close though).

All in all, it's a very flexible camera... but the adapters required to fit 120 or 4x5 backs are expensive and uncommon.

 

[Sweetlou42]

Certainly. I mentioned one of these a while back... tried to warn you away from it.

You’re the reason I’m even looking at them! I think I’d take my chances on the instant film, really just want an instant camera to be able to give pictures away to people at events at my house

 

[Theo Sulphate]

... really just want an instant camera to be able to give pictures away to people at events at my house

In that case, the Fuji Instax cameras are much less expensive and the Instax film is much less expensive as well. The downside to Fuji Instax is that the cameras offer minimal control and the larger Instax film comes with a huge-ass camera which is also somewhat ugly. The cute Instax cameras, like the Neo 90, produce business-card instant prints. Kids, however, love these. A tradeoff, to be sure, but the Fuji pack film is selling for over $50.00 per pack of 10 shots.

I like the pack film because of the tonality (B&W) and wonderful colors. I'm also easily enchanted by the process of pulling tabs and separating the positive and negative sheets. I've got less than 40 packs in the fridge - when it's gone, it's gone - I can't be buying more at that price for already-expired film.

 

[Paul Howell]

For the price I would get a standard Mamyia Press or Universal, if you access to old stock Polaroid get a Polaroid back for the Mamyia.