Polaroids and other instant film cameras have been around since the 40s, and their popularity peaked in the 70s. Although most people don’t keep tangible photo albums anymore, instant film cameras are making a huge comeback.

With their vintage feel and aesthetic appeal, instant film cameras are all the rage. Many teenagers have been buying polaroids and have different outlooks on

the camera and film. The Polaroid brand monopolized the instant camera industry in the 60s and 70s, but the company has since been eclipsed by Fujifilm, a Japanese photography company most famous for their Instax Mini 8 camera, which you can find online or at retailers like Urban Outfitters. The cameras are available in a wide range of colors, and the pastel shades are especially popular. Relative to other cameras on the market, the Instax camera is quite affordable at about $70. The film, however, can be incredibly costly. At Urban Outfitters, the price is $30 for a pack of 20 pictures, and the prices on Amazon are about the same.

“I like it and all, but I always forget to use it and the film is very expensive, so I feel

like I have to conserve my film usage,” said junior Pam Stern.

Before buying a polaroid, you might want to ask yourself if you prefer

big or small film, how much you are willing to pay for the film, and how often you will

actually use the camera. Some people buy film in bulk and use their cameras frequently, while others save their film for special occasions.

There are a variety of ways to display and share your polaroid pictures. You can turn your photos into a chic design element by hanging them up in your room. Some people simply stick them to the wall (washi tape works well for this), while others clip them to string lights with clothespins. If you want to DIY it, you can purchase lights at Alper’s or Ace Hardware, as well as craft stores like Michael’s.

“I hang all of the Polaroid’s I’ve taken around my room with Christmas lights, and

personally I think it looks great! It adds a really personalized touch to my room and it was

a cheap and easy project,” said junior Bailey Lipset.

Home Goods and Urban Outfitters also sell packages that include both fairy lights and mini clothespins. Adding fairy lights to your room makes for great lighting and is the perfect way to show off your photos.

“I got mine at Urban Outfitters about a year ago, and it still works great. I try to use

it as often as possible,” said junior Caroline Thomson.

Film cameras are not just a thing of the past. They’re a great way to take unique and tangible pictures at a time when everything seems to be digitalized.