Cameras/polaroid camera
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Question
I have a friend that has a polaroid automatic 100 land camera. He is wanting to sell it on e bay and wants to find out the age and bout what it's worth. It has all the attachments and all or in the origanal boxes
Hi Kevin,
I'm afraid it's a "white elephant" with virtually no value. The Polaroid Automatic 100 was introduced in 1963 and manufactured through 1966. It was Polaroid's first camera to use their instant "film pack" technology (a great improvement over their earlier roll style films), and was immensely successful. So successful that zillions of them were sold, and therefore zillions are still sitting in closets and attics today. Unfortunately, Polaroids generate minimal collectible interest, the film pack (and roll film) models are no longer usable (film is only readily available for the latest SX-70 type instant film technology), and the Automatic 100 is possibly the most common Polaroid ever made. Put all that together, you have a camera that might sell for about $10 to $15 in truly excellent condition, and perhaps double that amount if in the original box. Check eBay for yourself, do a search for completed auctions using the key words Polaroid Automatic 100, and you'll see that there is no lack of the darn things and the majority won't sell at all! That's why camera collectors often refer these types of Polaroids as "boat anchors" and "paper weights". Sorry.
Best wishes,
David Silver
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David Silver
Expertise
I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.
Experience
I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:
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