The Last Polaroid 600 Camera: When Did It End?

The Polaroid 600 camera was an instant camera that used self-developing film to create a chemically developed print soon after taking a picture. The first Polaroid 600 camera was released in 1981, with the last design attempted by Polaroid released in the 2000s. The Polaroid 600 was released in several generations of body styles and was sold in various colours. The camera was also released in special editions, such as the Barbie Instant Camera and Taz Instant Camera.

Polaroid 600 cameras were made in the 80s, 90s, and 00s

Polaroid 600 cameras were introduced in 1981 with the release of the Polaroid 600 Square Instant Camera. This camera, with its boxy, pop-up shape, became an icon of the time. Over the years, Polaroid released several models of the 600 camera, including the OneStep 600 Flash Close-Up, the Barbie Instant Camera, and the One600 Classic, among others. These cameras were manufactured and sold throughout the 80s, 90s, and early 00s, with the last model, the One600 Classic, released in 2004.

The Polaroid 600 series was part of the third generation of Polaroid cameras, using a square format integral film. This film type contained all the components of the film (negative, developer, fixer, etc.) within its thicker frame. As a result, users only needed to take a photo to initiate the developing process, making these cameras simple to use and extremely popular.

The 600 series cameras were almost all plastic-bodied, with a few exceptions, such as the SLR 680 and 690 models, which resembled the SX-70 type cameras. Most 600 series cameras featured an electronic flash, and some models included a built-in "close-up" lens for subjects less than 6 feet away.

The Polaroid Corporation, founded in 1937 by Edwin H. Land, was an American company known for its instant film and cameras. The company pioneered and patented consumer-friendly instant cameras, with the first commercial instant camera, the Model 95 Land Camera, released in 1948. Despite its success and innovation, Polaroid struggled to adapt to the digital age and filed for bankruptcy in 2001.

Today, Polaroid-branded products are developed and released by various licensees globally, and the brand continues to carry a certain nostalgic appeal, especially with its instant film cameras.

The Polaroid 600 Square Instant Camera was released in 1981

The Polaroid 600 Square Instant Camera is a great choice for those interested in analog instant photography. It is a well-known and beloved camera that has stood the test of time. With its simple design and ease of use, it is no wonder that the Polaroid 600 Square Instant Camera has become a sought-after collectible item for photography enthusiasts. Polaroid continues to release new versions of the Polaroid 600, such as the Now Generation 2 – Eames Edition, which showcases the evolution of the iconic camera while retaining its classic appeal.

The Polaroid 600 uses 600-type and I-Type films

The Polaroid 600 camera was first released in 1981, and its boxy, pop-up shape quickly made it an icon. The Polaroid 600 uses 600-type and I-Type films. The 600-type film has a battery pack in it, while the I-Type film does not. The reason for this difference is that the older Polaroid cameras were powered by a battery in the film cartridge rather than the camera. This meant that every single pack of film had its own disposable battery, which was wasteful and expensive.

The new Polaroid cameras, such as the OneStep 2, have a built-in rechargeable battery, so the power comes from the camera itself rather than the film cartridge. This means that the I-Type film, which does not contain a battery, can be used. The I-Type film is the same as the classic 600 square frame vintage Polaroid film, but without the battery, it is cheaper and less wasteful.

Both types of film are ISO 600. The 600-type film is compatible with both the new and old Polaroid cameras, whereas the I-Type film is only compatible with the new Polaroid cameras. The I-Type film is also known as Polaroid Originals film.

The Polaroid 600 camera comes in a range of different designs, including the Polaroid 600 Round Instant Camera, the Polaroid 600 OneStep Close Up Instant Camera, and the Polaroid 600 Square Instant Camera.

The Polaroid 600 has a simple point-and-shoot mechanism

The Polaroid 600 is a pop culture icon, with its boxy, pop-up shape making it an instantly recognisable camera. The Polaroid 600 has a simple point-and-shoot mechanism, and is available in a range of designs from the '80s, '90s, and '00s. The camera is an analog instant photography device, and only works with Polaroid 600 film. The 600 film has the same dimensions as the SX-70, but with a higher sensitivity of around ISO 640.

The Polaroid 600 has a flash/lens compartment that can be opened to a 30-degree angle with the horizontal. The flash section of the camera is separate from the main body and is attached by a band wire. The battery/cartridge compartment is fully removable. The capture button can be removed, and there are two pieces to it. The back of the camera can be removed by finding the tabs near the hinges of the battery and film compartment.

The Polaroid 600 is a simple camera to use, with its point-and-shoot mechanism, and it has become a collectible item for photography enthusiasts. The camera has a unique, iconic look, and its instant film capability makes it a fun, vintage camera to own.

The Polaroid 600 is a pop culture icon

The Polaroid 600 is more than just a camera; it's a symbol of a bygone era. Its launch coincided with a time when photography was undergoing a creative renaissance, and the camera became a beloved tool for artists and celebrities alike. The legendary Andy Warhol used the Polaroid 600 to capture snapshots of his famous peers, including rock icon Mick Jagger and neo-expressionist painter Jean Michel Basquiat. The Muppets also endorsed this delightful device in the late '80s, further cementing its place in pop culture.

The Polaroid 600's iconic status is not just due to its celebrity endorsements, but also its timeless design. Its distinctive boxy shape has survived countless design iterations, from the curvy Spice Cam to the retro Cool Cam Neo. The original style remains emblematic of the Polaroid brand, instantly recognisable and beloved by collectors and enthusiasts. The camera's lightweight construction and user-friendly design make it a joy to use, and its built-in flash and adjustable exposure control allow for well-exposed photos in any lighting condition.

The Polaroid 600 is not just a relic of the past, it's a camera that continues to captivate and inspire. Despite the rise of digital photography and smartphone cameras, the Polaroid 600 holds a special appeal for those seeking a unique and tactile experience. The unpredictability of each shot, combined with the vintage aesthetic of Polaroid photographs, inspires creativity and spontaneity. Each photo is an exciting surprise, encouraging photographers to compose their shots thoughtfully and savour the moment.

The Polaroid 600 has become a collectible item, sought after by those who appreciate its nostalgic charm and innovative functionality. While the original Polaroid company discontinued the production of the camera and its film in 2008, a group of avid fans called the Impossible Project (now SUPERSENSE) stepped in to refurbish old cameras and produce new instant film cartridges. Today, the Polaroid 600 stands as a testament to the visionary brilliance of Edwin Land, the founder of the Polaroid Corporation, and continues to be a cherished part of photographic history.

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