Input request: Polaroid setup for wedding

[limr31]

Hi All,

Getting married next year! I had the idea of incorporating photography in my wedding by having a stand set up with a couple easy-to-use Polaroid cameras. People can take pictures during the event and then put them up on a display. I just bought an SX-70 OneStep to try out but I'm wondering if anyone has any better input. Our wedding is going to be at a very rustic venue and I want to keep that feeling with this equipment.

Goals are:
Not too expensive
Doesn't look too silly (some of them are ridiculous)
Film won't break the bank
Picture quality is decent
Very easy to use

Thanks!

First of all, CONGRATS!!

Second, of course I love the idea of Polaroids!! Here are some things to consider:

1. No more Polaroid film. For an SX-70, you're looking at Impossible Project film which will run you about $20-25 for 8 shots. It is great film but super sensitive to light even after it's shot out of the camera, so you should also get a frog tongue and instruct your guests to immediately take the print from under the tongue and then press it against the body until it can be safely placed face-down on a table where it won't be bothered for at least 30-45 minutes.
2. The model that Pixmedic showed is plausible as well, but it's roll film, which is even fussier than the IP film. You have to cut and, I think, coat the print. And, as mentioned, it's not in production anymore, so you'd have to find expired stock or convert to 120, which defeats the purpose of instant.
3. A Land Camera takes peel-apart packs that are still available, although Fuji discontinued both color and black and white, so even though there is still fresh stock, the prices have jumped to about $25-40 for 10 shots. The upshot of that is that the cameras are automatic, they can take flash, and the procedure for the film is much more user-friendly for your guests.
4. By far the easiest and cheapest option for instant shots is a Fuji Instax. The film is still made, it comes in Mini (business card size) or Wide (about 2.5x3.5), and there are a lot of options for types of borders if you want to make it festive. No B&W, just color. It will run you about $8-10 for 10 shots. The cameras themselves are all automatic and have flash, and run about $50-100. Minis take the Mini film (oddly enough ) and the 210 or 300 model takes Wide film. The film is about as easy as it gets - just shoots out of the camera all ready to go - and it develops within a minute or so.

 

[gsgary]

How about one of these items polaroid Polaroid ZIP Mobile Printer w/ZINK Zero Ink Printing Technology - Compatible w/iOS & Android Devices - White:Amazon.co.uk:Camera & Photo most people will have a smart phone at your wedding

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[pixmedic]

Man you guys love to push alternate stuff... Now I see why Runnah made this thread!

I am SET on doing polaroids for this, suggestions for relevant cameras/film is appreciated, suggestions for digital stuff is not.

My budget is adapted to what is needed for this project, I understand digital/hashtags/whatever might be cheaper and in style, but it's not what we want.

Well...digital can be viewed instantly too..

How about something like this?
Pretty sure they can be found cheap.
I've got a couple of them sitting in my closet. I believe u can still get the instant film for them. these bad boys even have a flash and blink light!

That's great input thanks! I'll try taking a look for these, a flash would definitely be nice, considering it will be a bit darker in our venue.

You footing the bill? Lol

If I'm footing the bill you'll wind up with something made by Fisher-Price, not Nikon.. lol

LOL. Cheap-camera-challenge it is then

I'm seeing more and more weddings where people just tag a hashtag for the event, and they pull all feeds and display them on TVs projectors.

for example in this shot, you can see a picture that was tagged moments

EDIT: ah I couldn't find the application they used. Here it is: Sharypic - Event Photo Sharing made easy

Cool stuff but the venue we're doing is super rustic, really not the type to have a bunch of flatscreens around lol, nor is that the style we want.

"not too expensive" Polaroid film is expensive and who is going to stand there and change the film every 20 shots ? i only shoot film and my friend asked me this same question on Sunday he soon changed his mind he said he needed about 200+ shots i told him for film alone it would be £150+ just for film

I'm taking this into consideration, I know it will be more money than some other options. I'm sure I can find some decent cameras for $10-$20 each and whatever film goes with them will do just fine. $20 for a set of 20 shots is cheaper than $40 for a set of 20 shots, I just don't know if there's a happy medium or if the cheap stuff is fine. That's the kind of thing I'm hoping for input on, I just don't want to buy "unnecessarily fancy" polaroid gear lol

Polaroid film is hard to get and commands a high price unless you look at Instax mini, Impossible Project make film for some polaroid cameras but it is hit and miss

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Since the OP said he was SET on using Polaroid for this, I would say my suggestion was pretty relevant

They don't make 40 series film to fit your 900 anymore it was stopped years ago but it can be converted to 120 film

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120 film would be awesome in these things

 

[Msteelio91]

THANK YOU guys for the input, got some good stuff going here!

Are you going to construct some photo booth or just have a camera on a stand pointed towards a wall or pretty background?
Is someone going to take the shot or wired remote release (which will probably be really short)
I don't know if these things have timers.

Will probably set up a table/station area with some bright lights, the cameras can be used however the guests want, I don't think a stand/timer/remote is really necessary for this

First of all, CONGRATS!!

Second, of course I love the idea of Polaroids!! Here are some things to consider:

1. No more Polaroid film. For an SX-70, you're looking at Impossible Project film which will run you about $20-25 for 8 shots. It is great film but super sensitive to light even after it's shot out of the camera, so you should also get a frog tongue and instruct your guests to immediately take the print from under the tongue and then press it against the body until it can be safely placed face-down on a table where it won't be bothered for at least 30-45 minutes.
2. The model that Pixmedic showed is plausible as well, but it's roll film, which is even fussier than the IP film. You have to cut and, I think, coat the print. And, as mentioned, it's not in production anymore, so you'd have to find expired stock or convert to 120, which defeats the purpose of instant.
3. A Land Camera takes peel-apart packs that are still available, although Fuji discontinued both color and black and white, so even though there is still fresh stock, the prices have jumped to about $25-40 for 10 shots. The upshot of that is that the cameras are automatic, they can take flash, and the procedure for the film is much more user-friendly for your guests.
4. By far the easiest and cheapest option for instant shots is a Fuji Instax. The film is still made, it comes in Mini (business card size) or Wide (about 2.5x3.5), and there are a lot of options for types of borders if you want to make it festive. No B&W, just color. It will run you about $8-10 for 10 shots. The cameras themselves are all automatic and have flash, and run about $50-100. Minis take the Mini film (oddly enough ) and the 210 or 300 model takes Wide film. The film is about as easy as it gets - just shoots out of the camera all ready to go - and it develops within a minute or so.

I didn't want to tag you but was secretly hoping you'd respond LOL. Thanks for the great info!! The Fuji Instax looks like a perfect solution and is pretty slick looking as well. I'd probably get two of them and then about 150 shots-worth of film, which would put me a bit under $300 for this project, which is reasonable I'd say. And I bet I could get some back if I sell the units after the wedding (will likely keep one!).

Thanks everyone for your input it's very much appreciated. If anyone else has any good stuff or suggestions, please do share!

 

[limr31]

Sounds like a plan! I know it's not quite the vintage feel you were hoping for, but it's definitely the best option in terms of economy and convenience. Plus, it produces really nice images. Color rendering is very good imho. Though I will just correct my estimate of the cost. It's more like $15-16 for 10 shots. It's gone up since the last time I bought some. I'd suggest the Wide format. The Mini is too small, I think.

 

[pixmedic]

cant wait to see the results!

 

[Msteelio91]

Sounds like a plan! I know it's not quite the vintage feel you were hoping for, but it's definitely the best option in terms of economy and convenience. Plus, it produces really nice images. Color rendering is very good imho. Though I will just correct my estimate of the cost. It's more like $15-16 for 10 shots. It's gone up since the last time I bought some. I'd suggest the Wide format. The Mini is too small, I think.

That's still reasonable, and ok i'll try out the wide format and see how it goes! Thanks for the help

cant wait to see the results!

Me either! Very excited for everything and I think this will be a great touch