HomeNews UpdateLove the 90s? Then you’ll love these MS Paint-inspired Polaroid cameras
Love the 90s? Then you’ll love these MS Paint-inspired Polaroid cameras
June 29, 2024
Whether you’re a child of the ’90s or simply love the vaporwave aesthetic, chances are you’ll fall in love with Retrospekt’s latest collection of Polaroid 600 cameras.
The limited edition InstantArt collection takes the iconic Polaroid 600 and gives it a 90s-style paint job—specifically, a coat of MS Paint, with a near-CMYK palette and an Apple Garamond-style font.
If you’re not familiar with Retrospekt’s work, this Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based design studio specializes in upcycling retro technology like film cameras and Walkmans. In particular, they restore some of the best Polaroid cameras to full functionality while giving them a unique style.
Recent collections include Hello Kitty and Barbie Polaroid cameras, and earlier this month saw the launch of an egg-themed 35mm camera based on the popular Sanrio character Gudetama.
However, the Polaroid 600 InstantArt collection is not inspired by iconic characters, but by the legendary pixel art style that defined a decade.
Each Polaroid Retrospekt Polaroid 600 InstantArt camera comes in a “vintage software” style box with a sheet of stickers (Image credit: Retrospect)
“I grew up in the early days of home computers and spent countless hours experimenting with various drawing and painting programs on the computer and drawing pictures pixel by pixel,” says Michael Kempen, creative director of Retrospekt.
“With InstantArt, we wanted to create a fun little throwback to the early days of digital art and its lasting influence on visual culture. These cameras celebrate the joy, quirkiness and distinctive style that marked a generation’s first contact with the computer as a creative tool.”
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Available in three styles – the hot pink Blotches, the electric blue Grid and the bright yellow Bubbles – each Polaroid 600 InstantArt comes in vintage software-style packaging, complete with a sheet of stickers to personalize the camera.
(Note that these are classic Polaroid cameras and require Polaroid 600 film, not i-Type. See my guide, What Type of Instant Film Do I Need? for more info.)
The Polaroid 600 InstantArt cameras are available now, priced at $179/£144 (Australian pricing to be confirmed). Retrospekt is currently running a 20% off anniversary sale sitewide, ending June 30.
The camera is available in pink (Blotches), electric blue (Grid) and bright yellow (Bubbles). (Image credit: Retrospect)
You might be interested in the best instant cameras, and if you are a true lover of analog photography, check out the best film cameras too.
