What camera would Leonard Shelby use in 2013?

October 16, 2013 12:29 PM

I was thinking about dressing up as Leonard Shelby from Memento for Halloween. The stumbling block is trying to find the right camera to complete the costume. Does anyone know if any of the films that are still being produced are compatible with any camera that still looks roughly like the old style of polaroid camera* and wouldn't cost more than $50 for the camera and $2 per photo. Alternatively, does anyone have a suggestion on a good way to make something that looks like a convincing fake polaroid photo? * i.e. not like the new 300 series polaroid cameras.
posted by vegetableagony to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (3 answers total)

Best answer: It's pretty easy to find old polaroid cameras in thrift stores, garage sales, probably eBay and Etsy, etc.

Your search keyword is Polaroid 600.

The film is being made again by a company called Impossible Project. It's not cheap, but assuming you can get the camera for under $20, that should offset the cost.

It's listed on Amazon as being $23.49 for 8 pictures.
posted by Sara C. at 12:35 PM on October 16, 2013 [2 favorites]

Best answer: He'd use a smartphone. And be constantly complaining about his forgotten lock screen password.
posted by zippy at 3:22 PM on October 16, 2013 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Leonard Shelby used a folding camera. The IMDB page says it was a Polaroid 690. Those are very expensive. If you can find an SX-70 in working condition, that might be a good bet if you want to stay true to using a folding camera. As Sara C. Says, The Impossible Project makes film for them. The SX-70 uses it's own type of film, though, not the 600 film.

(Data point: over the last year, I've sold several SX-70s on eBay from $60 to $180 depending on condition.)
posted by The Deej at 5:01 PM on October 16, 2013