Capturing Instant Photos with Medium Format Cameras
Once enjoyed for their speedy development of film and use in assessing exposure and lighting, medium format instant cameras have enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance. They deliver instant prints that you can share with family and friends, as well as offering a vintage look that you can't replicate with modern digital cameras.
What Is an Instant Camera?
Medium format instant cameras feature a built-in self-developing film that enables the photograph to chemically develop just moments after taking the shot. They're more commonly known as Polaroids thanks to the company that pioneered their development.
- You can classify instant cameras by the type of film they use, with pre-1960s models using roll film.
- Pack film instant models require the photographer to peel the film out of the camera and separate the positive from the negative at the end of the developing process.
- Square format integral films have all the different components of the film—negative, developer and mixer—contained within the film, with each exposure automatically developed after taking the shot.
What Are the Advantages of Instant Cameras?
The main advantage of a medium format instant camera is the ability to have the print developed immediately. While portable printers make it easy to print digital photographs quite rapidly, there is a distinct look and vintage aesthetic of instant photographs.
- Instant cameras are a useful addition to your travel photography kit, enabling you to snap pictures of people you meet along the way and give the print to them as a memento.
- Modern models are light and easy to use. They don't require any fiddling around with settings so you can just click the shutter release and have your print at hand.
- In an age where you often leave photographs digitized on smartphones and computers, an instant camera means you have physical prints to hang on your wall, without needing a trip to the photo developing shop.
What Should You Look for When Buying an Instant Camera?
In addition to buying medium format instant cameras on their own and with square format integral film, you can also find Polaroid backs when you just want to replace the film holder at the back of the camera.
- Before buying a secondhand model, always check that the film it uses is still readily available.
- Different instant medium format models may come with different scene modes and additional flashes, so always check the features before purchase to know what it is capable of.
- Keep in mind that the image quality and color accuracy of instant cameras is rarely on par with modern digital equipment.