📸 Instant cameras – analogue photos you can touch
✨ Introduction
Instant cameras do what smartphones can't: They capture a moment – and spit it out directly as an image. No screen, no filters – just real photos, instantly in your hand. Here you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about analog instant cameras.
⚙️ Technology & Functionality
When the shutter is released, a special film is exposed and transported directly through the camera. The image is then developed, producing a finished photo within a few minutes.
Polaroid uses a larger image format with a soft retro look. Instax (from Fujifilm) is more modern, smaller, and cheaper to run. The systems are not compatible .
Yes – either in the camera body itself or in the film (e.g. in old Polaroids).
🎞️ Film & Application
It depends on the system:
- Polaroid 600 & SX-70 → Polaroid Originals Film
- Instax Mini / Wide / Square → matching Instax film
Depending on the film type, this takes approximately 5–15 minutes . Longer for color film than for black and white. Contrary to popular belief, the image should not be shaken during this time.
Yes – but don't expose it to sunlight immediately after ejection . Briefly placing it in a darkened jacket pocket or under a book will help improve the contrast.
🧠 Usage & Tips
For anyone who enjoys spontaneous photography—when traveling, at parties, or weddings. They're also ideal as gifts or for creative projects.
Usually 8 pictures (Polaroid) or 10 pictures (Instax). After that, the cassette needs to be changed.
Yes – many classic Polaroid cameras (e.g., the 600 series) work with new Polaroid Originals films. Availability is good, but not every film is suitable for every model.
🏷️ This is how we assess the condition
Our used instant cameras are manually inspected before sale and classified into the following condition categories:
- Good: Fully functional with minor signs of wear. Image ejection, shutter release, and exposure tested.
- Acceptable: Functional with clearly visible signs of wear or slightly delayed activation.
We check these functions:
- ✅ Trigger
- ✅ Image ejection mechanism
We do not check these points:
- ❌ Quality of exposure in different lighting conditions
- ❌ Flash function (visual inspection only)
Please note: Each camera is unique. Serial numbers, logos, and optical details may vary. Film test shots are not available.
🛒 Order & Shipping
Delivery within Germany usually takes 1–3 business days . You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information via email.
Yes – you can cancel your purchase within 1 month . Further information can be found in our cancellation policy .
All instant cameras are tested and fully functional unless otherwise stated.
If accessories are included (e.g., carrying strap, case), this will be clearly stated in the product description. Otherwise, the camera is sold without accessories.
