Retrospekt Breathes New Life Into Vintage Polaroid Cameras

pcmag.com:

Instant cameras remain a popular (and fun) alternative to smartphones. Watching photos emerge from nothing is a magical experience, and digital shares are no substitute for a print you can hold, gift, or display proudly on your fridge. With few exceptions, today's instant cameras are more point-and-shoot than professional, leaving photographers who want more control than a single button provides to seek out boutique options or to shop for antique Polaroids.

Buying old photo gear can be frustrating—a lot can go wrong inside a camera, especially after years of disuse. But the experience of using classic cameras is unmatched in the digital world, and aficionados are willing to put up with some issues. It's easy enough to hit a flea market or thrift store to find a vintage folder or twin-lens reflex (TLR) with the looks to spice up your videoconference background. But getting a camera that works is a roll of the dice, and not everyone has the patience for bargain shopping and DIY vintage camera repair.

That's where Retrospekt comes into play. The Wisconsin-based outfit sells and restores all kinds of Gen X-era tech—everything from Game Boys, to alarm clocks, to cassette decks—but got its start bringing old Polaroids back to life.

We spoke to one of the company's founders, Kori Fuerst, about what it takes to maintain old gear and why it's still relevant in our digital world.

Fuesrt emphasizes the importance of the physical form, noting, "Analog gear has a tangibility to it that is really enjoyable to use." She doesn't discount the financial cost—Polaroid film costs around $2.75 per frame—but explains, "It forces you to slow down and be present...so you’ll really have to spend time honing your skills and composing your