It looks like the mother of all instant cameras: the Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 Viewfinder not only looks like a genuine Polaroid, it is. But more about that later. The crucial question – is it worth the purchase? (Update: In the meantime there is an official successor of the OneStep 2: the Polaroid Now.)
In Short:
- Successor of the cult camera Onestep from 1977
- Classic square image format: 79 x 79mm
- Films: i-Type or 600 film
- Built-in lithium-ion battery (up to 60 days runtime)
- USB charging
- Self-timer
- Price: approx. 100,- $
The Impossible Project becomes Polaroid
When the Impossible Project was founded, the naming did not come by chance. Because the founders wanted nothing less than to save the Polaroid cameras from becoming extinct. And this at a time when the smartphone was about to turn the camera market upside down. In 2008, Polaroid stopped producing films for the popular instant camera – a death sentence, really. At the last moment, the Impossible Project bought the production facilities and thus ensured the survival of Polaroid cameras.
Polaroid Originals
In 2017, the impossible happened: with the purchase of the rights to the name, the Impossible Project officially became “Polaroid Originals”. And with the Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 Viewfinder, the fairy tale became perfect: the Polaroid camera was saved. Thanks to the naming rights, the OneStep 2 can officially be called the successor of the legendary Polaroid OneStep from 1977.
The Polaroid OneStep 2 Viewfinder: a closer look
One thing right from the start: more retro is not possible. Optically, the instant camera is so close to the original that it is impossible for laymen to tell the difference to the original from 1977. The clunky design, the image ejection at the front of the camera and the striking lens are still a real eye-catcher. The image format is, of course, 1:1, more precisely 3.1 x 3.1 inches. Anything else would have been unthinkable with this history anyway. The iconic square image format accounts for a large part of the camera’s charm. All i-Type and 600 films are suitable as films, black and white as well as color are possible (overview Polaroid films by camera).
The features of the Onestep 2
Strength or weakness – the “features” of the Polaroid OneStep 2 i-Type will leave you in awe. In fact, this instant camera, in contrast to its competitors, has an almost spartan appearance: only a flash and an over- or underexposure function allow the photographer to actively “intervene” in the photo. Fancy modes such as double exposure, macro or landscape mode are not to be found here. The viewfinder is classically located in the upper left corner (viewed from the back), the on-off switch is located on the back and the over- or underexposure switch is located under the viewfinder. The self-timer is controlled by a button next to the lens and is released after 8 seconds. Nice detail: the remaining photos are displayed by 8 small LED lights on the top of the camera.
The OneStep 2 is charged via the included micro-USB cable, the battery is built-in and, according to the manufacturer, has a runtime of 60 (!) days. The flash is triggered automatically, but can be suppressed by holding down a button on the rear. Thanks to the close-up limit of 24 inches, even selfies are no problem.
And for whom is the Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 suitable?
If you’re looking for perfection, the OneStep 2 is definitely not for you. The photos are quite oldschool and highly dependent on the photographer. The photos may be blurred or the exposure may fall into the artistic category. But there are also people for whom exactly this is what makes this instant camera so charming. It takes practice, a good eye and a solid basic knowledge of photography basics to get the most out of this camera. Although the pictures will be nice and pretty with the excellent basic settings, some pictures will get an artistic touch especially at the beginning.
Manufacturer Tips
To avoid unpleasant surprises, Polaroid Originals gives some tips on how to handle film and camera:
- Light: the more the better, so only avoid flash in strong sunlight
- The rollers over which the pictures run should be cleaned regularly with a damp cloth
- The photos should be protected from light when developing
- Shaking the photos is forbidden and can destroy the pictures
- The film should be stored in the refrigerator when not in use and brought to room temperature before use
Tech specs:
- Film: i-Type or 600 film
- Built-in lithium-ion battery (1100 mAh)
- Lenses: Optical polycarbonate and acrylic lenses
- Integrated flash
- Shoulder strap
- USB charging cable
- Image ejection: front
- Dimensions: 5.9 × 4.3 × 3.7 Inches
- Weight: approx. 15.5 oz
- Plastic housing
- Close-up limit: 24 Inches
Quelle: hhttps://www.polaroid.com/onestep2
Here you can find the manual for the Onestep 2 as PDF.
CONCLUSION
The Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 Viewfinder i-Type instant camera is a camera for purists. For people who want to experience the original Polaroid feeling and know that you are the master of your own photo. The most important functions are included anyway, so if you prefer macro or double exposure modes, you should consider alternatives like the Instax Mini 90 from Fujifilms Instax series. One thing is certain: envious glances are safe thanks to the camera’s world-famous design.
Tip: For all those who want a little more modern technology, it’s worth taking a look at the Polaroid OneStep Plus with app function.
The Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 Viewfinder is now also available in a special edition called Stranger Things to accompany the NETFLIX hit series of the same name:
VIDEO: The Onestep2 and how to use it
