The short version
- Typical range: £25 – £110
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Cameras & Photography
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used Polaroid camera is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for Polaroid cameras, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £110 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £93 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £71 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £49 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £27 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a Polaroid camera
- Models that take film still in production
- Working flash and functioning rollers
- Folding models with intact bellows
- Original strap, case and manual
What lowers it
- Cameras taking discontinued film formats
- Perished bellows with light leaks
- Corroded battery contacts
- Dirty rollers causing streaked images
How to work out what yours is worth
- Confirm which film format it takes and whether that film is still sold
- Shine a torch inside the bellows in a dark room to find leaks
- Clean the rollers and run a test pack if you have one
Once you have those three answers you can place your own Polaroid camera on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
Are old instant cameras worth anything?
Ones that take film still in production are. Cameras needing discontinued formats sell mainly as display pieces.
What are bellows leaks?
Pinholes in the folding bellows that let light in and fog the picture. Check with a torch in a dark room.
Why do my instant photos come out streaked?
Usually dirty rollers. They clean easily and it is worth doing before you photograph the camera for sale.
More value guides: cameras & photography guides · all value guides · browse live cameras & photography listings.