Film photography has seen a resurgence in recent years as many photographers seek to reconnect with the hands-on craft of analog photography. While this has led to new production of film by companies like Kodak, one type that remains elusive is 600/Instax film. This integral film made for Polaroid cameras continues to command premium prices that can make it daunting for photographers looking to get into instant photography. In this article, we’ll look at why 600 film remains so expensive and some options photographers have for using this creative medium.
The Demise of Polaroid and 600 Film
To understand why 600 film is now scarce and expensive, it helps to look at the history of its original producer, Polaroid. The instant film leader reached the height of its popularity in the 1970s and 80s. However, the arrival of digital photography in the 1990s quickly eroded Polaroid’s market share. As consumers migrated to digital, Polaroid was slow to adapt and went bankrupt in 2001 before eventually ceasing production of 600 film in 2007.
This meant specialty producers were left with the task of rebooting 600 film production. But the process of recreating the complex, multilayer instant film is challenging and expensive. The market for vintage Polaroid cameras is also not huge, which limits the scale at which revived 600 film can be profitably produced.
Limited Current Production
Today, the main producer of 600 and other instant films is The Impossible Project, which acquired the last Polaroid production facilities in Europe. However, their output is small and they face many of the same economic challenges as Polaroid. As a result, only a limited volume of 600 film is manufactured each year. Current production includes:
- The Impossible Project 600 color film
- The Impossible Project 600 black & white film
- Polaroid Originals 600 color film (produced by The Impossible Project)
Exact production numbers are not available but The Impossible Project has said they can only produce a tiny fraction of the 300 million film packs Polaroid once made annually. This scarcity keeps prices high in the face of ongoing demand from vintage Polaroid camera owners.
Pricing of 600 Film
The limited production volumes of 600 film translate directly into premium pricing that is often over $2 per image. Here’s a look at current prices from the main 600 film suppliers:
| Film Type | Pack Size | Price | Cost per Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impossible Project 600 Color | 8 exposures | $19.99 | $2.50 |
| Impossible Project 600 B&W | 8 exposures | $21.99 | $2.75 |
| Polaroid Originals 600 Color | 8 exposures | $16.99 | $2.12 |
As you can see, the price per image ranges from $2.12 to $2.75. This is significantly higher than 35mm film which can readily be found for under $1 per shot. It also means photographers have to carefully consider the cost of instant film when using vintage Polaroid cameras.
Factors Driving High Prices
There are a few key factors that contribute to the premium pricing of refreshed 600 film:
- Low production volumes – As mentioned, only a small amount is produced each year which limits potential economies of scale for manufacturers.
- Complex manufacturing process – Creating the film with its layers of chemicals and dyes remains challenging, especially with the loss of Polaroid’s original expertise.
- Distribution costs – Shipping and storing temperature-sensitive film introduces costs not faced by typical photographic film producers.
- Analog equipment – Lack of equipment automation also limits production capacity and cost-efficiency.
- Niche demand – The limited market for 600 film restricts sales volumes, which keeps prices high.
While prices are elevated, the fact that 600 film is available at all today is something of a minor miracle given Polaroid’s bankruptcy. The high costs reflect the specialty film production required.
Options for Using 600 Film Economically
The good news for photographers interested in 600 film is that there are some ways to enjoy this creative medium more economically:
- Buy in bulk – Larger packs of 10+ rolls offer modest bulk discounts.
- Choose black & white – B&W film is slightly cheaper than color film per shot.
- Explore special packs – Seasonal and limited edition film packs are sometimes offered at lower promo prices.
- Consider alternative films – Options like Instax Mini are easier to find and less expensive than 600 film.
- Shoot carefully – Compose shots thoughtfully to avoid wasted packs and unnecessary costs.
While 600 film will never be cheap, taking advantage of occasional deals and shopping carefully can help trim costs. The unique retro style of 600 film images makes the expense worthwhile for many dedicated photographers.
Outlook for the Future
Looking ahead, unfortunately 600 film prices are unlikely to drop significantly in the near future. However, there are some positive signs:
- Demand remains strong which encourages steady production volumes.
- Manufacturing processes continue to be refined over time.
- New films like Polaroid Originals hint at slight price competition.
- Some cost savings may get passed down as experience grows.
Barring a major market expansion, 600 film will remain a specialty niche product. While prices are expected to remain relatively high, new production methods and possible new entrants into the market could potentially introduce some savings over time. Dedicated photographers will continue to find the appeal of vintage instant photography worth the premium cost.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of 600 film by Polaroid after its bankruptcy left a void in instant photography that was slowly filled by specialty manufacturers. However, recreating the iconic integral film remains complex and expensive. Very limited production volumes and the associated manufacturing challenges have resulted in prices of over $2 per image for refreshed 600 film products. While pricing is not cheap, it reflects the significant costs faced by producers. For those charmed by the distinctive retro look of 600 film, the high prices are a necessary cost of admission. Careful shooting and shopping can trim expenses somewhat. But overall the format will remain an expensive specialty product balanced against a relatively small niche market of vintage Polaroid camera owners.