Polaroids still popular in Perth

by Kershia Wong

May 14, 2008

INSTANT photography enthusiasts needn’t worry too much that the trend will fade out, because it appears to be more popular than expected.

Polaroid products are quite difficult to find in metropolitan Perth, with less than 10 camera shops stocking them. But contrary to the belief there is a lack of Polaroid enthusiasts, camera shops have told eMU News that Polaroid popularity is back on the rise.

Polaroid decided to stop making the products because it went bankrupt in 2001. However, there is enough film around to keep shelves stocked until 2011. 

Many professional photographers and camera clubs in Perth do not use instant films anymore. However, Polaroids are still popular with university and TAFE students of photography.

“It’s just like any other trend, always a big fashion,” said Anton Taminiau, Sales Manager of Camera Electronics Sales and Service. “With university and TAFE starting, everyone who starts photography courses are going back to this old style.”

“It’s always been popular in Perth.”

Mr Taminiau said his shop sells about 10 to 15 Polaroid cameras per week. He believes instant film will never become extinct.

“It’s not going to disappear forever, he said. “Some of the more special [film] may, but the trend will always be here. “

“Polaroids are unpredictable. They give a gritty feel.”

The sales coordinator of Plaza Imaging, in Perth, Jasper Cook, agreed sales were up, and Polaroid cameras often sold out.

“It’s getting more popular now that people know they’ve stopped production, we probably are selling more than before,” Jasper Cook said.

Mr Cook said there were other types of instant films on the way that may take over from Polaroid.

“There’re already other companies starting to produce other types of instant film, like the SX70 Polaroid camera, an older style of Polaroid camera made in the ‘70s, together with the film called SX Blend,” he explained.