What’s not to love about the retro tech movement? The better we became at making things, the uglier those things seemed to get. Retro tech takes the best of both worlds and combines old-world style with cutting-edge technology.
Here are some of our favorite pieces from this exciting aesthetic movement:
Crosley Record Player: $169
The Crosley Keepsake turntable provides everything you need for an old-school listening experience with totally modern functionality. This record player looks like something out of the 1930s, but its built-in speakers, MP3 player integration, headphone jack, RCA output, and MAC and PC compatibility make it perfect for modern listening.
The Keepsake is a belt-driven turntable with three playing speeds: 33 ⅓, 45, and 78 revolutions per minute (that’s rpm to the audiophiles in the room). It sits in a solid wood box with a latched lid, recalling the portable turntables of yesteryear.
Victrola 3-Speed Bluetooth Record Player (12 Colors/Patterns Available): $49.99
If your style sits more in the ’50s and ’60s, the Victrola 3-speed Bluetooth suitcase turntable is the ideal way to spin your favorite records—or your smartphone, thanks to a 5 mm aux-in jack, plus Bluetooth. This Victrola is an all-in-one stereo system with a unique look.
A sleek case makes the turntable easy to pack up and take on the go. It has built in speakers and an RCA output, but the only cable it needs to run is the power cord. This Victrola comes in a variety of colors, so you can pick your favorite and listen to your favorite tunes in style.
Vinyl Records (Prices Vary)
Vinyl’s comeback is complete. Labels and retailers alike have embraced the listening technology, and it’s not rare for a major, big-time artist to release a new recording on wax and MP3 simultaneously. Walk into a modern record store and you’ll find all your old classic favorites, plus plenty of new releases.
You can even pick up vinyl from Barnes and Noble these days.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera: $59
Polaroid lovers, rejoice! The Fujifilm Instax camera is the throwback Polaroid-style camera of your retro dreams. This camera has a fun, bubbly design in an array of cute colors, it but packs a lot of features into a conveniently small footprint.
The Instax includes a manual and automatic exposure adjustment, a built-in selfie mirror, an extra close-up retractable lens, an attached lens cover, and automatic film feed. Plus, you can pick up fun accessories, including colored lenses.
Buy your Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera here.
Impossible Instant Lab Universal Photo Printer: $169
Smartphones are cool and everything, but can they print instant photographs like a Polaroid? That question has a new answer, and it is “Yes.” The Impossible Instant Lab Photo Printer spits out your favorite digital images just like a Polaroid. This printer may look old fashioned, but it is straight out of the future.
It’s incredibly easy to give your digital photos that special instant look using this printer. To print a photo, all you have to do is download the Instant Lab app, choose your photo, place your smartphone screen down on top of the printer, and voilà.
Fujifilm Instax Share SP-2 Smartphone Instant Printer: $199
The Fujifilm Instax Instant Printer prints high-resolution instant photos quickly and easily. Wirelessly transfer photos through the Share app to engage the printer’s laser exposure system, which makes instant photos more “instant” than ever before.
With a compact, sleek design, this gadget makes a perfect gift for any photo-obsessed friend.
Get your own Smartphone Instant Printer here.
Don’t forget the film!
Fujifilm Instax Mini Film: $30
You can’t get pictures without film. Preloaded cartridges of Instax Mini Film cartridge contain 10 exposures each.
The film is easy to load into cameras, but be careful: This film must be stored and used between 41 and 104 degrees.
For use with the Impossible Instant Lab Universal Photo Printer, buy some Polaroid SX-70 or 600 compatible film. For a classic look, try this one.
And some fun accessories to display your cool instant pics:
Francis Photo Frame Banner: $34
What do you do with all your awesome instant photos? Hang them up, of course! The Francis Photo Banner is a chic and fun way to show off all your latest photography creations. Each banner is made from brass chains and includes four hanging frames.
Hang the banner vertically or horizontally, and string as many as you’d like together. This thing is truly customizable.
Instax Multi Picture Frame: $14
Framing and matting photos is normally expensive and time-consuming, but not with the Instax Multi Picture Frame. It uses solid wood and glass for a sturdy construction.
This matted frame is just waiting to house three of your favorite instant photos. Display either on a tabletop or hanging on a wall.
Mini Instax Acrylic Album Photo Frame: $16
This stand-up photo album is perfect for the home, the office, or wherever else you spend your time (heck, bring it to the gym, why not?) With 14 double-sided clear pages that hold two photos each, you can show off 56 pictures total. The pages are held together with rings at the top, so they’re easy to flip through.
The age of the instant photography is back. Revel in it with this purchase.
Retro tech is definitely the new “old” thing.
