Buying old polaroid cameras can be hit-and-miss. I won’t lie: I didn’t feel convinced when I decided to buy a used Sun 660 AF. The camera was too plastic for my taste, and it looked bulky. I must admit that I bought it out of curiosity. However, after using it for several months in a row, this forty years old camera impressed me. That’s how I decided to write this long Polaroid Sun 660 review, where I talk about everything I came across while using the camera.
Specifically, in this article, I share my honest opinion about the Autofocus model (AF) of the Sun 660 (check the current price on Amazon), and I write about the things I love and the things that let me down. Moreover, I’ll show you plenty of photos taken with the camera, a 4K video with various photos, and share my best polaroid photography tips. Finally, at the bottom of this post, you’ll read who can enjoy this camera and also where you can buy one.
So, let’s start with the Polaroid Sun 660 AF review.
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Polaroid Sun 660 review: what I love about the camera
The Polaroid Sun 660 AF dates back to the 1980s. However, after using the camera extensively, I firmly believe that it’s one of the finest instant cameras of the iconic company. So, here’s what I love about the Sun 660.
Its lens is sharper than you think
One of my main worries when I purchased the camera was, of course, about the lens. The Sun 660 AF features a 116 mm, f/11 lens comprised of single-element plastic. It probably doesn’t sound that promising; however, it’s more than good. While it cannot compare to the SX-70 quality (read my SX70 review), the Sun 660 impressed me with its performance. As you can see in the photos on the video above, the results are sharp, and you won’t have any issues getting the images you want.
Love the Sonar Autofocus
Interconnected with the lens quality is, of course, the stunning Sonar Autofocus. The camera’s focus is performed by using innovative technology. The gold ring that you see on the camera transmits high-frequency sound waves. That’s how the camera understands how far or close your subject is; then, it adjusts the focus accordingly.
That said, a camera with a relatively good lens paired with the Polaroid Sonar Autofocus guarantees enjoyable photo shooting. Even without this feature, the camera would be able to shoot great photos. However, Sonar Autofocus means that you have less guesswork to do, and you can focus exclusively on framing your image.
I must admit I’m in love with the Sonar Autofocus. Sometimes, instant cameras have a mind of their own, and you can never be sure what to expect after pressing the button. However, the Sonar AF is a great addition, ensuring sharp photos (but check the polaroid tips at the bottom to see what you should avoid).
The Polaroid Sun 660 feels solid
Yes, the camera is relatively bulky, and the square boxed style doesn’t make it very appealing to the eye. However, the camera feels solid, and that’s thanks to its style. Instant cameras are sensitive pieces of equipment, and you’ll often worry about breaking them. That’s not the case with the Polaroid Sun 660, though.
When closed, the camera looks like a black box. To start shooting photos, you must unfold the upper part, which is the flash. It’s actually the flash mechanism that protects the lens and the autofocus ring. Compared to other cameras -for example, my OneStep– I felt less insecure when I carried it around in my backpack. Even though it’s a fully plastic camera, the Sun 660 seems well protected, and that’s one less thing to worry about when traveling.
Great exposure due to the built-in flash
I only shoot polaroids when there is adequate sunlight around me. So I became skeptical when I read that the Polaroid Sun 660 AF has a built-in flash. Most people insist that you should use the flash no matter what time of the day you take photos. Although there’s a button to override the flash, I felt uncomfortable knowing I should photograph with a flash even in harsh daylight.
However, from the first image I took with the Sun 660, I realized that the flash of this camera is your friend. Even when the daylight was intense, the camera perfectly exposed the photos. Honestly, I was impressed, and I rarely think of overriding the flash. In fact, whenever I overrode the flash, I regretted it: I kept wondering what the photos would look like with the flash on.
That said, the camera’s metering is spot-on, and you won’t have to care about the light conditions. Despite having a lighten-darken slider, I shot 99% of the time with the exposure wheel in the middle.
The 600 film works great on the Sun 660
Ever since the original Polaroid factory shut down almost two decades ago, there’s been an ongoing complaint from polaroid lovers. The colors are nowhere close to the old quality, and people complain about everything. While most statements are valid, the truth is that polaroid film had to be built from scratch. Some chemicals used in older films are no longer used, and developing a film to be identical to the old ones is an almost impossible task.
However, in my opinion, the 600 film is much better than the i-Type, and when paired with the Sun 660, it gives excellent results. Even with the SX-70, I often complain about various aspects of the film, but I rarely do that with the 600. I’m pleased with the photos and think the images have an original polaroid flair.
The Polaroid Sun 660 AF represents the soul of instant photography
If we sum up the key points of the previous sections, here’s what we get: an instant camera with a sharp lens, an innovative autofocus mechanism, a great metering system, and a film that gives fine results. If you connect the dots, this translates to a camera that brings us back to the joy of instant photography. That said, you don’t need to worry about various technical aspects or wonder what the correct settings should be. You just turn on the camera, compose your photo, and take a picture.
More advanced instant cameras, like the SX-70, require basic or even elementary photography knowledge. Such cameras will give you room for experimentation and artistic expression. However, more humble cameras, like the Polaroid Sun 660 AF, are all about the roots of polaroid photography: a point-and-shoot camera to capture a moment. The Sun 660 serves this role perfectly, which is why it became one of my favorite instant cameras when I want to snap a polaroid.
Polaroid Sun 660 review: what I don’t like about the camera
Of course, there are some things I don’t like about the camera. However, when I think of the results I get with the Sun 660, I feel that they are not a deal breaker. So, here’s what I don’t like about the Polaroid Sun 660.
The plastic body of the Sun 660
The first impressions are often accurate. When you first hold the Polaroid Sun 660, you won’t easily call it a pretty camera. It is bulky, looks rather ugly compared to other models, and feels cheap. The whole camera is made of plastic, and this doesn’t impress the user. Honestly, apart from its mesmerizing autofocus golden ring, there’s not so much to appreciate in the camera’s style.
However, its ergonomics can -somehow- save the day. As I have already stated, the boxed style of the Sun 660 makes it feel solid and well-protected. In the long-term, that’s more important than the camera’s looks. Therefore, if you’re after a polaroid camera that looks beautiful and attracts passerbys’, that’s not for you. On the other hand, if you don’t mind the style, you won’t easily find another camera in this price range and performance.
The film price
Polaroid films are expensive, and I think I stated that in every polaroid camera review I wrote. The repetition of a complaint might be tiring, but the truth is that the price affects every polaroid shooter. As you read earlier, I greatly understand how hard it is to develop a polaroid film from scratch. However, spending almost 20 euros/dollars on a film in today’s world is really expensive. I wish at least we could get 10 photos per film and not 8 for this price.
Polaroid Sun 660 review: Pros & cons of the camera
So, here’s a quick recap regarding the pros and cons of the Polaroid Sun 660 AF.
Pros
- The Sun 660 has a sharp lens.
- It comes with the innovative Sonar Autofocus system.
- The metering system is fantastic.
- It has a great built-in flash.
- The Polaroid Sun 660 feels solid in hand, and it’s well-protected.
- It pairs fine with the 600 films.
- It brings back the joy of instant point-and-shoot photography.
Cons
- The film is expensive.
- Its plastic body feels cheap.
For whom the Polaroid Sun 660 AF is
The Polaroid Sun 660 AF is an ideal camera for people willing to shoot occasional snapshots without caring about the settings. From the moment you turn on the camera, you’ll understand that the Sun 660 is an easygoing device. Keep your flash on, keep the exposure wheel in the middle, and simply compose and click. There’s literally nothing more to worry about when it comes to taking photos with the Sun 660. It doesn’t matter if you are old or young, and it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a pro. The Sun 660 AF is all about the joy of shooting instant photography without worrying about settings.
On the other hand, the Polaroid Sun 660 AF is not for you if you want complete control over the camera. If you are into more artistic photos and want to control the entire process, you might be happier with the SX-70 or the Now+. The latter comes with a bunch of creative options that will help you express yourself.
That said, if you want a fun and easygoing instant camera and don’t care about its looks, you can’t go wrong with the Sun 660. Grab one and start shooting polaroids.
Where to buy the Polaroid Sun 660 AF
There are plenty of places to buy a used Sun 660, and the most obvious is your local flea market. Make sure to have an empty 600 cartridge to test if it is still good for taking photos. Some of the 660s in the flea markets haven’t been used for years or even decades: even if they cost 30-40 bucks, it doesn’t make sense to spend your money on something that doesn’t function anymore.
Your best option for buying a used Polaroid Sun 660 is the official polaroid store. You can visit the company’s website and see if they are available. However, here’s the thing: since these models are out of production, the chances are that they will be unavailable. But there’s still hope: once in a while, the company buys and refurbishes older models. Moreover, they usually come with a 1-year guarantee. You can just add your e-mail and be informed when the model is available. See the Polaroid Sun 660 on the US store, on the EU store, and the UK store.
Another option, especially if you want to buy one straight ahead, is to check on Amazon. Resellers always sell polaroid cameras, and their descriptions are mainly accurate. See the camera’s condition and the price and decide if it deserves the cost. Please remember that these cameras are 40 years old and will have marks and signs of wear. However, the important thing is not how they look but if you can shoot photos. Find used models of the 660 Sun on Amazon here.
Finally, you can have a look at eBay. I’m usually a bit hesitant with eBay when it comes to cameras (and maybe I’m wrong). There’s also a great variety of polaroid cameras on eBay, and you might find the camera you want. Make sure to read the item’s description carefully and if you don’t see any info regarding the camera’s condition, ask the seller.
Polaroid Sun 660 photography tips
Finally, I’ll share polaroid photography tips that helped me to achieve good results. While most of them apply to every instant camera out there, I tried to remain focused on the Polaroid Sun 660 AF.
- The fastest shutter speed you can get with the Polaroid Sun 660 AF is 1/200. While this is a bit faster than other models, you still have to remain steady when shooting. The camera has a lens of f/11, so you won’t have sharp results if you shoot while walking. Unless, of course, you want, for some reason, a blurry photo.
- If unsure, keep the exposure wheel in the middle. The camera does a great job with metering, and you won’t have problems shooting evenly exposed photos. Move the slider if you want to shoot without the flash or if you want to achieve an artistic result.
- Don’t override the flash. Even when it’s sunny outside, the built-in flash of the Sun 660 helps the camera expose. I always found the results stunning with the Sun 660, and I encourage you to keep the flash on unless you feel like experimenting.
- Don’t override the Sonar Autofocus, either. A few Sun 660 models come with an Autofocus-override button. If you have one, don’t be tempted to override it. The Sonar Autofocus is impressively accurate and guarantees sharp photos.
- You should only consider overriding the Autofocus when you want to shoot through glass. Then, the Sonar sends a sound wave to the glass, not behind it; therefore, it’ll be blurry if you’re aiming for the background.
- Clean your camera rollers often. You should actually do it after every film you shoot, but I guess nobody does that. However, it would be best if you did it as often as possible. Sometimes the chemicals in the photo will dry, get stuck in the rollers, and all your following photos will have unwanted blue marks. See how you can clean the rollers here.
- Don’t shake your polaroids. Contrary to common belief, polaroids won’t develop better or faster if you do that. In fact, you can damage the chemicals and, subsequently, damage the image itself.
Polaroid Sun 660 Review: The verdict
Indicative of the era it was born, the Polaroid Sun 660 AF is one of the sweetest instant cameras ever. As time passes, you’ll realize that its bulky style and plastid body offer extra charm. The fact that the Sun 660 is so easy to use makes it an ideal vacation camera. Practically, all you have to do is turn it on, compose and shoot. The rest of the magic happens in the camera’s (plastic) body, and the results are impressive.
Therefore, if you want to have a polaroid camera on your vacation and you found a Sun 660 that still works, look no further. Just buy some 600 films, pack them in your backpack, and start shooting. Despite its humble body, the Polaroid Sun 660 is a great camera for everyday use. And it’s a generous device even for people that never touched a polaroid camera before.
Check the current prices for refurbished Polaroid Sun 660 AF cameras on the official Polaroid websites:
The US store | The EU store | The UK store
Alternatively, search for second-hand models here on Amazon.
More Polaroid Reviews: My Now+ Review, My Polaroid OneStep+ Review, My Polaroid GO Review
My Polaroids: The full Polaroid Diaries, My SX-70 polaroids
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Last Updated on December 2, 2022 by George Pavlopoulos