Which Polaroid Land Camera to get with the cheapest film?

[BySumbergsStache]

I want to get a sub $100 Polaroid Camera with inexpensive film. Is the cheapest film the Fujifilm FP 100C film that retails for slightly less than a dollar a shot? What Land Cameras will they work with? I understand the folding 100 series are affordable and use that type of film.

 

[NedL]

Dead Link Removed. Look for the "100" symbol.....

 

[Alan9940]

The Fuji FP-100C is just about the only pack film readily available nowadays; and, yes, it's the cheapest. It will work in all Polaroid 100-400 series cameras.

Have fun!

 

[BySumbergsStache]

Which 100 series model would you recommend? I understand that the X50 models were the top tier sold of each generation, though I can't even find any 350 or 450 cameras for sale on eBay. I can find a 250, is that a good choice?

 

[vdonovan]

The 250 is a very good camera. Don't forget that in any of these cameras you will probably need to change the 4.5v battery. You can find a compatible battery online, or you can modify the battery compartment of the camera to take three AAA batteries.

Here's a link for the battery:
http://www.batterymart.com/p-exell-a19px-531-4_5v-alkaline-battery.html

 

[Andrew K]

the easiest way to modify a camera to take 3 X AAA batteries is to use a small LED torch that is powered by 3 X AAA batteries - once you remove the tabs in the battery compartment that were designed to fit the original battery the battery holder form the torch fits perfectly, and the compartment door will close fully..

It's far quicker and easier than trying to make a 4 cell AAA holder work...

 

[wildbill]

Colorpack.
I picked up a few of them on different occasions for less than $5 each.

 

[BAC1967]

The only difference between the 100 and 250 is the rangefinder. The 100 has a separate rangefinder window fom the framing window. On the 250 it's made by Zeiss and is integrated into one big bright window. So if you want to pay extra for the 250 you are only paying extra for the rangefinder. They both have the same lens and have equal picture quality.

If you can do very basic soldering you can make a 4.5 volt battery by opening and splitting a 9 volt battery. Wrap it with electrical tape and it will fit without making modifications to the battery compartment. There are a few YouTube videos that show you how to do this.

 

[BySumbergsStache]

Oh yeah, soldering's not a problem. My schooling and other pastime is in electronic engineering.

What about the 360? It seems to have the electronic timing advantage of the 350, but also add electronic flash, which is a real plus.

 

[BAC1967]

The ones with timers on the back cause problems with the Plastic Fuji film packs. Polaroid had more sturdy metal film packs. You may also have a problem with the springs behind the film packs that hold it in place. These are the two springs in the back door. There are instructions somewhere on the internet that show you how to hold the springs back with Bobby pins, I highly recommend doing this before putting film in it. If you don't you will have problems pulling the film out through the rollers.

 

[mweintraub]

The Color Pack II or the ProPack are actually fantastic cameras. The ProPack has a flash attachment that you can get (or already comes with the kit). This makes shooting indoors a lot easier.

 

[Alan9940]

One note that I haven't seen mentioned in this thread is that the lens is plastic or glass, based on model. This may make a difference to someone. I don't remember which models in the 100-400 series had which lens, but I'm sure a little research would uncover the answer. Also, on the models with the Zeiss finder, you have a choice of large or small window; some prefer one over the other.

As to where to buy, I'd recommend www.landcamers.com or Roger Garrell (e-mail: sx70Polaroid@aol.com). He repairs all things Polaroid and sells cameras when available. I bought both my SX-70 and my Land 350 cameras from him and was completely satisfied.

 

[BAC1967]

The land list has the information on the lenses. Both the 100 and 250 are glass lenses.
Dead Link Removed

 

[Kirks518]

A few months ago I was looking for a Land camera, and with all the different features on the different models, I decided to make an excel sheet, listing the different features in each. I can email you the file if you'd like, just PM me.

Here's a thread I started, and there is some really good responses: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

And FYI, almost all are available for <$100.

 

[mweintraub]

A few months ago I was looking for a Land camera, and with all the different features on the different models, I decided to make an excel sheet, listing the different features in each. I can email you the file if you'd like, just PM me.

Here's a thread I started, and there is some really good responses: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

And FYI, almost all are available for <$100.

I was thinking someone should do it. I'm glad someone did.

 

[Kyle M.]

I've managed to pick up a model 100, 103, and 450 at local antique shops for between $5-$20. All of them worked and I am currently using the 450, the 103 went to my sister as a graduation present because she was really wanting a Polaroid. Try antique shops, junk shops, and thrift stores, as well as flea markets, and garage/yard sales.

 

[BySumbergsStache]

I bought a 360 for $45 with the flash and charger. My other hobby is electronics, so I'll have no trouble servicing the flash and replacing the battery and electrolyte capacitor.



What are the recommended modifications for the 360? I know there are a couple to make the Fuji packfilm fit better, some to replace the custom flash with a PC port, etc. Which are the worthwhile ones?