Polaarids

Polaarids are a series of early film cameras produced by Holga, a Chinese camera manufacturer. The first Polaarid camera, the Polaarid 110, was released in the early 2000s and was designed to compete with other compact film cameras on the market.

The Polaarid cameras are known for their distinctive box-like body style and simple controls. They typically feature a single-element meniscus lens, a fixed aperture, and a shutter speed that can be set to various values. The cameras use 35mm film, and many models also have a waist-level finder and a adjustable focus.

Polaarid cameras gained a cult following in the 2000s and 2010s due to their unique aesthetic and the distinctive aesthetic of the photos produced by them. Photographers often use these cameras for their intentionally distorted and dreamy images, which are a result of the camera's optical limitations.

The Polaarid cameras are also popular among film enthusiasts and collectors due to their historical significance and the rarity of some models. The Holga company has released several variations of the Polaarid cameras over the years, each with its own set of features and limitations.

Despite their popularity, the Polaarid cameras have never gained widespread commercial success. The company has since shifted its focus to more modern camera designs, but the Polaarid cameras remain a unique part of film photography history. Today, used Polaarid cameras can be found online and in film stores, and continue to attract collectors and enthusiasts of film photography.