How to get FREE Polaroid and Instax Film AND make money

Summary

In this video, Chris Erickson shares his tips and tricks for sourcing discounted and free film and cameras, particularly for instant photography enthusiasts. Drawing on his experience in buying, selling, and trading, he explains how to find deals through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and eBay. Chris demonstrates how buying in bulk and reselling items can help reduce the cost of film and equipment. He also introduces the idea of a new show that teaches viewers how to navigate the world of buying and selling to score great deals. With humor and real-world examples, Chris aims to make instant photography more accessible to everyone.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sourcing cameras and film affordably can be done by using platforms like Facebook, OfferUp, Craigslist, and eBay.
• 😀 Instant photography can become an expensive hobby, but there are ways to get discounted or even free film by buying, selling, and trading gear.
• 😀 Through hunting for deals, you can save a lot on instant film, potentially making your hobby free by reselling unwanted items.
• 😀 Some items, like the Polaroid Now, Mint SX70 lens kit, and converted SX70 camera, can be found at a fraction of their retail value.
• 😀 It’s possible to buy an item, sell some pieces individually, and end up with free film or a profit, all while still enjoying your hobby.
• 😀 The speaker suggests reviving a previous show called *Flipping Geeks*, focusing on teaching others how to buy, sell, and trade for instant photography gear.
• 😀 Making money through buying and selling cameras and film can offset the costs of your hobby, such as finding an SLR 680 camera for $20 that's worth $300-400.
• 😀 Facebook groups are a valuable resource for finding deals on cameras and film, especially in niche photography communities.
• 😀 The goal is to make instant photography more accessible by teaching people how to find good deals and manage their gear affordably.
• 😀 Offering educational content on negotiating, sourcing items, and reselling can help others get into the buying and selling game, especially for photography gear.

Q & A

How does Chris get his cameras and film for cheap?

Chris uses a method of sourcing cameras and film by buying, selling, and trading. He hunts for deals on platforms like Facebook groups, OfferUp, Craigslist, and sometimes eBay. His strategy involves looking for used gear at discounted prices, and then reselling parts of the gear he doesn't need to lower the cost of film and equipment.

Why does Chris recommend Facebook groups for sourcing cameras and film?

Chris recommends Facebook groups because they allow you to connect with other people in the community who are buying, selling, and trading gear. It’s a great place to find deals, and the marketplace feature provides additional opportunities for bargain hunting.

What are some of the platforms Chris uses to find deals?

Chris uses Facebook groups, OfferUp, Craigslist, and occasionally eBay to find discounted or free cameras and film. He mentions that Craigslist has lost popularity but still checks it out from time to time.

How does Chris make money from buying and selling gear?

Chris buys used cameras and film, sometimes as part of a bundle, then sells items he doesn't need or use. For example, he may sell a camera for a portion of the price he paid for the whole bundle, which helps him recoup costs and potentially make a profit.

How does Chris manage to get free film despite the high cost?

By buying a bundle that includes cameras and film, Chris can resell the cameras to recoup his costs. This allows him to get the film for free or at a much lower price than buying it individually from retail stores.

What is the total value of the gear Chris bought from Facebook for $300?

The total value of the gear Chris bought for $300 includes: a Polaroid Now Black Edition camera ($99), a Mint SX70 Lens Kit ($90-100), an SX70 Sonar camera converted to shoot 600 film (valued at $200-300), and around $100 worth of film.

How does Chris justify the $300 purchase even though it seems like a lot?

Chris justifies the $300 purchase by explaining that he can sell some of the items in the bundle (like the Polaroid camera and lens kit) for around $60-80, which brings down the overall cost. This allows him to essentially get free film and cameras through reselling.

What is the SLR 680 camera, and how much did Chris pay for it?

The SLR 680 is a high-value camera that Chris bought for just $20. It’s worth around $300-400 in good condition, although Chris's may not be in perfect shape. His point is to show how you can score deals on valuable cameras with patience and knowledge.

What type of content does Chris plan to create about buying, selling, and trading?

Chris plans to create a series of videos under the name 'Flipping Geeks,' where he will share tips and tricks about buying, selling, and trading in the world of instant photography. He may also offer this content on Patreon or as exclusive members-only content.

What is Chris's goal with teaching people about buying and selling gear?

Chris's goal is to get more people into instant photography by teaching them how to find affordable gear. He hopes that by sharing his knowledge on sourcing and reselling, it will inspire others to try instant photography without the heavy financial burden.