Since its introduction in 1981 Polaroid’s 600 instant film format has because the most popular and recognisable type of Polaroid. Even today 600 format cameras and film are widely available despite the ever growing competition from digital cameras.

This guide shows the most recent 600 format cameras, as well as highlighting the more notable ones of the past, the types of 600 film available for use with them, and tips for buying these items on eBay.

600 Format Cameras

Due to Polaroid’s policy of releasing numerous models every year during the 80’s and 90’s over various regions, many simply with variations to name or colouring and no major difference in features, there have seemingly been more 600 cameras than even they’ve been able to keep track of! Released models include (but are not limited to):

• one600 Classic, one600 Ultra, one600 Pro, one600 JobPro, one600 Rossa, Polaroid one, P-Cam (P Camera, PCam), 600, Spice Cam (SpiceCam), Cool Cam (CoolCam), Barbie Cam, Taz Cam, NightCam, JobPro, JobPro II, Impulse, Impulse Portrait, Impulse AF (AutoFocus), 636 Closeup, 636 Talking Camera, 600 Extreme, 600AF, 600 Business Edition, Spirit 600 CL, Supercolor 635 CL, OneStep, 600 Cam, OneStep 600, OneStep AF, OneStep Closeup, OneStep Express, OneStep Flash, OneStep Sun, Sun 640, Sun 600 LMS, Sun 600 AF, Sun600 (Sun 600), Autofocus 660, 680 SLR, 680 SE, 690 SLR.
• CL/Close-Up = Models featuring a slide-across lens for close range fixed focus.
• AF/AutoFocus = Models featuring Polaroid’s sonar-based autofocus system for automatic exposure control.
• Please note: Polaroid '600 Professional' and '600 SE' cameras are not 600 format cameras!
  

Standard Features

It is beyond the limits of this guide to display and describe each model but there are a standard set of features that most 600 series cameras have in common. These include a typical fold up design, built-in flash powered by the film cartridge (no additional batteries required), a remaining shots counter, fixed focus (aside from SLR models) usually from 2ft (0.6m) to infinity, as well as a hand strap, neck strap, or wrist strap.

600 Cameras: 2000 – Present Day

Although in over 25 years of production essentially little has changed in terms of the basic functionality of 600 format cameras the newest editions feature advanced electronics and, if Polaroid are to be believed, the best optics yet. The following models have been available on the high street in the UK at some point since 2000:

• P Camera / P-Cam - The last in the long line of the well-known pull-up designs synonymous with 600 format cameras, still available at the turn of the millennium. Pull across Close-Up lens allows shots from 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 m). Also features lighten/darken control.
  
• Polaroid one - Released in 2001 this model saw the switch to a more compact, sleeker pop-up design with enhanced features such as a self-timer, red-eye reduction, and a tripod mount.
• one600 Classic – The standard edition of the current one600 series which was launched in 2004. Metallic blue casing, red-eye reduction, and a focus range of 3ft (0.9m) to infinity.
• one600 Ultra – Silver casing, with the addition of a self-timer, and an improved focus range of 2ft (0.6m) to infinity.
• one600 Pro – The premier one600 model. Predominantly black casing this time additionally with lighten/darken control, tripod mount, hand strap, and the closest focus range of 1.5ft (0.5m) to infinity.
  
• one600 JobPro (not shown) - Features (and looks) identicle to one600 Pro but with a rubberised yellow casing and lifetime warranty. Available only from specialist retailers.
  

600 Cameras: Notable models 1981 - 2000

• Impulse – Non-folding fixed design from the 80’s that allows for quicker setup to take photos (thus the name!). Portrait (close-up) and AF models also available, as well as support for attachable creative filters.
• 636 Double Exposure – Allows a secondary ‘double’ exposure before the film is ejected, a much fancied creative effect.
• NightCam – Made specifically for night-time photography with variable exposure time and a shutter release for tripod use.
• JobPro and JobPro II – Rugged editions, with tougher casing and rubber grips, designed for the construction industry.
• Barbie Cam, Spice Girls, Legoland, Taz Cam – Special designs of basic models targeted towards children.
• Promotional Designs – There are also numerous editions of standard models created as promotional items or featuring corporate branding that were not available in the shops that are now considered collectable.
  

SLR Models

Not all 600 cameras are point & shoot! Following in the footsteps of Polaroid’s iconic SX-70 SLR cameras there exists 3 Single Lens Reflex cameras designed to be used with 600 film - the SLR 680, SLR 680 SE, and SLR 690 models. These highly coveted cameras have vastly superior optics compared with the average 600 camera and allow variable auto and manual focus, again, eclipsing the relatively simple fixed focus of other models.

600 and Compatible Films

All 600 format films have an image area of 3.1 x 3.1” (7.9 x 7.9 cm) and an approximate development time of 3 minutes, captured at a film speed of ISO 640 (DIN 29). Each film contains 10 shots and films are commonly sold in Single, Twin, and Triple Pack boxes. 600 format films currently available include:

• 600 (also packaged as 600 Gloss / Brilliant) - The current consumer standard variety of 600 format film which produces photos with medium contrast, balanced exposure performance for daylight and electronic flash shots, high-definition sharper images, and a glossy finish.
• 600 Write-On – Same as standard 600 film but with a matte finish that lets you write, draw, and even paint on the photo itself! Also shows improved detail compared with standard 600 film when scanned.
• 600 Notepad – Same as standard 600 film but with two pre-printed lines below the image that can be used to record information or notes with any pen (in comparison standard 600 film isn’t easily written on unless it’s with a permanent marker!).
• 600 Silver Border – Special edition version of 600 film with a silver border rather than the typical white. Not available individually; sold as part of the one600 Classic Gift Pack.
• 779 – Professional standard 600 format film with better colour and exposure performance, as well as sharper images, compared with 600 film.
• 600 with Promotional border designs – Standard 600 film commissioned by companies or organisations with special border designs replacing the typical white. Almost never available for retail sale and usually only obtainable with give-aways and events. Considered collectable by some!
  

Please note: Packaging designs may vary from those shown. Polaroid 664, 665, 667, 669, 672, 679, and 690 films are not 600 format integral films and are not for use with 600 format cameras.

Expired film?

Each film has an expiry date printed onto it’s box and film packet. Amongst Polaroid lovers, enthusiasts and aficionados it is generally considered that well stored Polaroid film (kept sealed, out of the heat, away from dampness) that has 'expired' within 18 months of use produces results often indistinguishable to the untrained eye from film that is within it's stated life span. Indeed it is often said that film up to 18 months old retains 80-90% quality comparable with new. Beyond this 18 month range older films are still perfectly usable - just don’t expect the colours and saturation to be spot-on!

Many eBay listings for (or including) films do not openly declare stated expiry dates - be it an oversight or in some cases an intentional omission with the intent to mislead buyers. When a film is listed ‘new’ don’t assume it hasn’t yet passed it’s expiry date. All in all, if in doubt ask the seller!

Tips for Buying on eBay

Some item listing misdemeanours to look out for:

• Misleading statements within listings are often made regarding the age or use of Polaroid cameras. Comments such as “hardly used” and “only used once” should not be taken on face value!
• Many sellers also seemingly think it is acceptable to list used cameras as ‘new’ because of limited usage. Carefully scrutinise any camera listed as ‘new’ to ensure that is indeed the condition of the item.
• “Never used” is another common blag for Polaroid camera listings. Quite how there are so many ‘never used’ Polaroid cameras on eBay with used film cartridges inside them is a great mystery! :P
• Ignore quoted RRPs for older models. There have been so many standard 600 format cameras that their value does not maintain. While a particular model *may* have been £29.99 in 1996, unless it’s on sale now for the same price it means nothing! Check the 600 Format Cameras section of this guide above to see the models that have been available in recent times at retail.
• New condition sales of older Polaroid camera models from the late 80’s and 90’s are not uncommon on eBay. These are sourced from so-called deadstock or remaining warehouse stock that has long surpassed proper retail sale (or most likely have been replaced by newer models). While there can be nothing wrong with these items do not be mislead by sellers who refer to their retail value (in actuality nothing because they’re no longer for sale!) or their date of manufacture (or indeed insinuations that they are available today or have been recently).
• Always ask for film expiry dates if they are not provided within a listing. Although Polaroid film can be fine for a few years after it has passed stated expiry never assume and bid blindly! Know what you are potentially paying for!
• Similarly film stated ‘New’ does not necessarily mean it has an expiry date far into the future - the seller will be referring to the visual condition and the fact that it has not been opened or used.
  

eBay categories:

• Photography > Film Cameras > Instant/ Polaroid
• Photography > Film > Polaroid/ Instant Print Film