The 2025 edition of PolaCon NYC was much like the previous two: LOTS of people shooting each other with a wide variety of instant film cameras! As usual, I had a blast capturing portraits of all the interesting and fabulous people at the event, but it was inevitable that one or two people would put me in front of the lens, instead of behind it…
This shot of me was captured by my new friend Ben of Crown and Flint Photo, using a Mamiya Press Camera outfitted with a custom-made, 3D-printed adapter for a Graflok Instax Wide instant film back. It was quite a colorful contraption; slow to prepare for exposure, but delivered a great result!
Camera: Mamiya Press Camera, Custom Adapter, Graflok back.
Film: FujiFilm Instax Wide Color Instant Film (new)
Subject(s): Me (Russ Murray) with Polaroid SX-70 t-shirt, SX-70 Sonar Camera w/Flashbar and two bags with other cameras and LOTS of instant film.
Location: Bushwick, Brooklyn, New York City
Photographer: @crownandflintphoto
I Shot Him; He Shot Me.
After my portrait by Ben of Crown and Flint Photo, I wanted to capture him with that quirky, handmade, colorful camera he used. I was shooting SX-70 Sonar all day, so here’s my portrait of Ben using that camera:
Camera: Polaroid SX-70 Sonar Instant Land Camera, with Flashbar
Film: Polaroid SX-70 Color / Paul Giambarba Special Edition Packaging
Subject(s): Ben / @crownandflintphoto with the camera he used for my portrait.
Location: Bushwick, Brooklyn, New York City
Photographer: Russ Murray
The 2025 (third) PolaCon NYC event, sponsored by Polaroid and Brooklyn Film Camera (aka “BFC”), was held from May 30th — June 1st. Friday and Saturday were held mostly at 53 Scott Ave in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, with a few sessions/events at BFC. As usual, I went on the Saturday (May 31st) and had a great time learning, playing with gear, meeting old friends, making new ones, and shooting 50+ instant photos!
russ murray 
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