When comparing Lomo'Instant Automat vs Mint SLR670, the Slant community recommends Mint SLR670 for most people. In the question“What are the best instant cameras with a vintage look?” Mint SLR670 is ranked 3rd while Lomo'Instant Automat is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Mint SLR670 is:
This camera's design is based on the classic Polaroid SX-70, with a metal and leather body construction. Mint has redesigned the motherboard of the SX-70 and replaced the outdated electronic eye of the camera with a modern one, capable of measuring the available light to adjust settings as needed.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Great automatic performance
This camera's ambient light meter does a great job getting the proper exposure and shutter speed in most situations, particularly in indoor environments.
Pro Unlimited exposures on the same film
Multiple exposure mode allows you to take unlimited exposures on one film, which is rare for a camera in this price range.
Pro Affordable film
This camera uses the Fuji Instax film standard. While the images are small, measuring 2.4x1.8 inches, the film is the cheapest in the market costing around 60-80 US cents per picture. There is also a B&W film available, but is twice as expensive.
Pro Full flash control
The Automat offers full flash control, even when in automatic mode.
Pro IR remote control
The lens cover doubles as an IR remote controller for the camera.
Pro Available in a great bundle deal
Lomography offers a bundle deal for this camera. It adds several lens add-ons, coloured flash gels and a Splitzer for multiple exposures. It does not add a lot to the cost, so it makes sense to buy the bundle, unless you have the accessories already. Alternatively, the accessories (without the camera itself) can be bought as a set, separately.
Pro Comes with cards featuring photography hints
The Automat comes with "inspiration cards" with hints and tips to improve your shooting skills.
Pro Bulb mode for long exposures
The Automat has a bulb mode for long exposures, up to 30 seconds, and you can use the flash while in bulb mode.
Pro Stylish, classic-inspired design
This camera's design is based on the classic Polaroid SX-70, with a metal and leather body construction. Mint has redesigned the motherboard of the SX-70 and replaced the outdated electronic eye of the camera with a modern one, capable of measuring the available light to adjust settings as needed.
Pro 3 helpful non-manual modes
Besides the manual mode, there are 3 others: auto, bulb (for long exposures - great for dark environments and night photography) and T mode (for extra-long exposures - pressing the shutter button once opens it and it only closes when the button is pressed again).
Pro Good manual mode control
The SLR670 has good manual mode control, with variable shutter speed between 1/2000s and 1s, making it notably fast for an instant camera. Its unusual to find this kind of option on instant cameras.
Pro Cheap, vintage accessories are easy to find
Since the SLR670 uses basically the same classic Polaroid camera body, there is a wide choice of photo-related accessories like flashes and lens attachments. Though most of these are now pre-owned, there’s still plenty that can be found in good condition, for good prices.
Pro Clear, easy to use viewfinder
The viewfinder is bright and easy to use even with glasses.
Pro Tripod support
This camera is mountable on a tripod.
Pro Very portable
The SLR670 has a unique folding design that collapses into a compact size of 4.17" x 7" x 1.69", making it well suited to use as a travel camera.
Pro Manually adjustable focus
The focus can be adjusted manually using a continuous scroll wheel.
Pro Advanced shutter speed control with “Time Machine”
Mint had integrated a new electronic component called “Time Machine” into this camera. It enables advanced shutter speed control. When not in use, it can be disconnected from the camera, putting it in auto shooting mode, leaving only the focus and exposure compensation options available.
Pro Can use ISO 100 and ISO 600 film
This camera is prepared to use ISO 100 and ISO 600 film.
Cons
Con Automatic mode has issues with high dynamic range pictures
This camera's automatic mode can struggle when dealing with contrasty outdoor scenes, such as dark buildings against bright skies. For what it's worth, you can correct the exposure manually to choose between capturing either the darker or the brighter areas of the scene.
Con Batteries can be hard to find
The camera is powered by CR2 type batteries that are long lasting and compact, but may be hard to find.
Con Expensive
Since the SLR670 bases its design on refurbished SX-70s, it doesn’t come cheap. But what you're paying, you get a very unique retro-looking camera with modern electronics and outstanding customer service.
Con Manufacturer-made accessories are expensive
Accessories made by Mint are available, but for a premium price.
Con Film is not widely available and is expensive
The SLR670 uses the SX70 film, which has a square image format of 3.1” x 3.1" on a 3.5” x 4.2" card. Mass production of this film has been discontinued and, as of Spring 2017, it is only offered by one small company (Impossible Project ) which has increased the price dramatically. Eight shots with this film cost $23, or nearly $3 per shot.
Con No timer
This camera doesn't have a timer, making timed group pictures impossible.
Con No double exposure mode
The SLR670 doesn't support double exposure.
Con No integrated flash
The lack of an integrated flash can be annoying, and the only way to solve it is purchasing an external flash.