The Re-imagining of a Classic Camera – Shooting with the NEW Polaroid OneStep2!
Blog by Leslie Lazenby
First came the email notifying me that my new Polaroid OneStep2 had been shipped (excitement!), then a day before the expected delivery date my mailman delivered it (joy!!)! I had it shipped to my work address which was kind of a mistake. The weather was beautiful, and I was trapped inside with a new camera and film, yes trapped inside unable to leave – too much work!. I used my time wisely and charged the camera up through an USB port on my computer. I also used this time to peruse the manual. I had a few minutes that evening to get a few shots off before I had some real time to play with it. I chose a camera case from my pile of orphan camera cases and found the perfect one to carry the film and camera. When I loaded the film, I got that satisfying sound of the door closing and the protective film cover smoothly ejecting, ahhhhh lovely. Then back in the bag it went to wait on me patiently.
above: One on my first shots with my new Polaroid OneStep2!
5 PM hits and I am on my way to a meeting at the Jones Mansion, which I used as my first subject. In it I had put the newest formula of the 600 Color i-Type film. The camera performed without issue and the film responded to the light conditions as expected. By that I mean early evening shadows are blueish and flash image were well balanced. I keep it them warm and shielded during development, out of habit more than anything. It was nice to see a full coverage, non-auto retracting, “frog tongue” build in the camera to protect the photograph at its most vulnerable. (The new Polaroid film is light sensitive – so after it ejects from the camera you must shield it.) This film shield cover allows you to take your time to do the final image removal. The film shield snaps right back into the camera ready for the next shot as soon as you remove the picture. No more acrobatics trying to get the image to shoot into a box on exit or installing an after-market frog tongue or trying to hold something over the area to protect your images from light while scrambling to transfer it a pocket, or elsewhere if you know me, to process and develop in warmth and peace.
All in all it responds much like it’s named predecessor but with advantages – it has a built-in flash! Later, vintage Polaroid cameras had built in flash units and when you use modern film it could be quite a drain on the built-in pack battery. Speaking of batteries, the OneStep2 has a built in rechargeable battery so it can either use the new battery-less film, i-type, or the older style 600 film (made for older Polaroid cameras). The battery charges through a USB port with a supplied cable. Turning the camera one/off is via a flip switch on the back and when you turn the camera on little orange dots glow on the top of the camera. This is your film counter, and it is very nice to have a correct count of the images you have left in the camera. In old Polaroid cameras you are using an 8-count film pack of film in a camera that was made for 10. Speaking of turning on the camera this action also charges the flash, which they recommend for every shot, but there is an override to keep it from firing if desired reminiscent of the old Polaroid 600 LMS system. Don’t forget to turn your camera off when not using it. This Voice of experience appreciates only having to charge it back up rather than losing a pack of film. Other features include exposure correction, a focus free lens, a self-timer and a tripod socket!
Framing issues – The only problem I had with this camera was the viewfinder with its relationship to framing.
The only problem I had with this camera was the viewfinder with its relationship to framing. They made a specific section in the instruction manual regarding this, they instruct where to place your eye and where to rest your cheek. Even doing so I have had to re-take more than one image to get the cropping I wanted, it was not what I seeing in the finder. Why the heck was this happening? After a quick look back at older Polaroid box shaped cameras I notice they all have focusing tubes. The focusing tube, as I call it, has a little rubber eye cup at the end and you automatically place you eye right against it and the only issues you had were the correction for shooting with a finder that is not through the lens. As a note Polaroid Originals has addressed the issue, I will provide a link below.
If you are not excited about this new instant camera then you are not interested in instant photography! Personally, I thank Polaroid Originals for this fun and important camera. It keeps instant photography alive with new products and keeps film being made for the old models. If you are thinking about adding this to your shooting arsenal you will once again get the fun and instant gratification of shooting with a modern camera that has a classic rainbow stripe and oodles of fun built in. No shaking required.
The Film Photography Project On-Line Store stocks the Polaroid OneStep2 and film. Check out our Instant section HERE!Polaroid OneStep2Polaroid OneStep2