#27: Polaroid Cameras

In the heart of 1972, Polaroid revolutionized photography with the SX-70, making it possible for consumers to take their own pictures without the need for a professional. Priced at $180, these cameras were accessible through stores like Radio Shack, Best Buy, Walmart, and even by mail-order catalogs. Their introduction marked a significant era, as it appealed to amateur photographers, setting the stage for an instant photography craze.

The Polaroid SX-70, retailing at $180—equivalent to about $1,166 today—required a $6.90 film pack for ten pictures ($45 today, adjusted for inflation). Despite its hefty price, by mid-1974, Polaroid had sold over 700,000 units. This instant camera became a sought-after item for many families, who deemed it worth saving for to capture life’s fleeting moments instantly.