Nice review. I hope you do a new review as the firmware update this month has fixed the auto exposure issue. As for your other points, I have a slightly different take. The **Polaroid I-2** is regarded as an excellent camera, especially among instant film aficionados, for several key reasons: ### 1. **Manual Controls** - The I-2 is Polaroid's first camera with full manual control options, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings. This allows photographers to fine-tune their shots and achieve more creative results, giving it a significant advantage over simpler point-and-shoot instant cameras. ### 2. **Autofocus Lens** - It features a high-quality 3-lens autofocus system, which results in sharper, more professional-looking images compared to many other instant cameras. The autofocus system makes the I-2 more versatile, particularly in low-light situations or when capturing subjects at varying distances. ### 3. **Compatibility with Different Polaroid Film Types** - The I-2 can use multiple types of Polaroid film, including i-Type, 600, and SX-70 films. This flexibility makes it appealing to photographers who want to experiment with different looks and formats. ### 4. **Excellent Build Quality** - The Polaroid I-2 has a premium build, offering a sturdy and well-constructed body. It feels more substantial and professional than many other instant cameras, enhancing its appeal for more serious photographers. ### 5. **Metering and Exposure Precision** - The camera’s built-in light meter allows for more accurate exposures, which is a big draw for those who want better control over their instant photography. This level of precision in exposure control is rare in instant cameras. --- ### Why Polaroid Film is Preferred by Many Instant Film Aficionados 1. **Larger Format and Impact** - Polaroid film, especially in its traditional formats like 600 or SX-70, offers larger prints than Fuji Instax. The size of Polaroid prints gives them a more impactful, gallery-like feel, which appeals to photographers looking for artistic expression. 2. **Unique Color Palette** - Polaroid film has a distinctive color profile, often producing softer, pastel-like tones with unique color shifts, especially when using vintage or expired film. This unpredictability and organic feel are highly valued by those seeking artistic or nostalgic photos. 3. **Vintage Aesthetic and Texture** - The imperfections, graininess, and occasional light leaks in Polaroid film are seen as a feature rather than a flaw. These characteristics create an authentic, vintage aesthetic that many photographers appreciate for its artistic potential. 4. **Connection to Photographic History** - Polaroid film carries a rich history in photography, and using it feels like a connection to the roots of instant photography. For many, it’s more than just the image-it's about the experience of creating something tactile and unique. 5. **Artistic Imperfections** - While Instax film is known for its consistency and reliability, Polaroid film is loved for its "happy accidents"-the variability and imperfections that can give each shot a one-of-a-kind character. Many instant film aficionados embrace these flaws as part of the creative process. The **Polaroid I-2**, combined with the artistic qualities of Polaroid film, offers a unique blend of control and unpredictability, making it a favorite for serious instant photographers who value both craftsmanship and creativity.
Good to see an unbiased real world review of this Polaroid camera and film. Well done. I too was perplexed by who this camera is made for. When Polaroid introduced the SX70 in the 70s it cost over a $1000 and each shot cost approx $2.5 in todays money but it was sold as a high tech new premium product which sort of justified this cost. But in today way of thinking where digital picture taking with instant results each shot cost nothing once one has bought the hardware we then must judge the “value” of instant print photography in a different way. If investing in a $500/600 camera and each print costing $2-3 then it makes no sense either in effort or cost is the hit rate is not very high. If Polaroid photography is supposed to be fun then it needs to be less hit and miss. The only experience of the I-2 camera I’ve seen is a user showing me a selection of well exposed and sharp prints that they had taken that day without any obviously duff ones. From the comments and other reviews it would seem that there are issues with some I-2s not functioning correctly and or problems with some batches of film. I suppose we should just have to accept that current Polaroid is still in the experimental/development stage of perfecting its products especially the film.
I decided not to shoot instant film with Instax nor Polaroid cameras anymore. I have a RZ67 with a Zinstax back (it's a hacked instax square camera) and I love it! I prefer the Instax paper results. Polaroid is just too expensive and sometimes quite ugly.
I love my i-2. I find you need to half press the button for a second before you take your pic OR you get pics like 2:55 a lot . Also, connect it to your phone for the firmware updates. At 4:45, I agree. You think different about what you are capturing or how you are capturing. the reason for WHY you taking the pic means more( at $2, lol) you can also change the film type when loading between i-type and 600
As a pretty experienced Polaroid shooter, I found this to be enjoyable and informative video to watch. On the whole, I do tend to agree with the majority of what you've said. Although I do not own an I-2 (still pondering it), my main camera is the MiNT SLR670-S (and SLR670-X) and I think Polaroid's pricing is aiming at a similar target audience to MiNT's customers - experienced Polaroid shooters who are more inclined to shoot for the love of the medium, creatively, with a desire for maximum technical control and creative freedom. Hence why there are features like multiple exposure mode, manual control, external flash sync socket and a lens that is capable of sharper yet shallower depth-of-field images etc. Depending on model, the SLR670 range sells for £699-£979 - whilst the I-2 is priced at £599 so can almost be considered a 'cheaper' offering that is more feature-rich.
I think you bring up a great point about how part of the process is what brings the enjoyment of shooting with Polaroids. Obviously if I wanted the best photo quality I wouldn't be shooting analog at all I'd have a high rated digital rig, but I love to shoot with all kinds of analog film cameras and some are certainly better than others but those lesser performers also have their own unique character. I've shared a lot of photos that may not be the most technically mastered shots but they nevertheless get a stronger emotional reaction from people seeing it and that includes shots I've taken on Polaroid. Yeah there's a nostalgia but I think it's more than that there's just this unique quality that's also tied to the physical process and the irreplicable nature of instant film. Sure you can scan a polaroid but you'll never have a perfect replica of that ONE shot, and holding it in your hands is a bit magical. What Polaroids (and its competitor Instax) lack in fidelity it gains in less practical areas. Whenever I take a Polaroid to a party it's ALWAYS a hit and part of the experience and charm, especially when I can hand them the photo afterwards. Between Polaroid and Instax I see them as different tools for different circumstances and I'll usually have both Polaroid and Instax Wide on me, maybe a Mini format camera as well, when shooting at parties.
Interesting. Nice, honest take on it! I haven’t bought one yet, and honestly I doubt I will unless it came down in price. Of all the videos I’ve seen about the I-2, I think your experience is the most informative.
Great video! I've been getting into instant photography, but due to the amount of people saying the new Polaroid film isn't reliable I've decided to go with Instax. I can confirm that the film is indeed quite consistent and has no problem developing under the sun or in cold temperatures. However, the colours are way more saturated and missing a bit of that vintage look. Hope Polaroid concentrate their efforts on improving their film, it ain't fun wasting a shot when it costs so much, and as you said, not knowing what you did wrong. Anyways, love the video would love to see some more on instant photography!
I've sent mine back to polaroid due to its unreliable exposure... it always over exposes, sometimes wildly overexposed even when set to -1 exposure compensation. I've compared it to older models and shot the same scenes, it over exposes even when claiming in the light meter that the exposure is correct. The cameras light meter is totally rubbish, the info it gives is meaningless. Hopefully the new firmware will fix issues
Interesting look at the new camera, My most consistent images have been on my sx70 cameras with both sx70 film and 600 film with an nd filter, my modern now plus was more miss than hit with I type film
I've been shooting in Auto Mode more to be on the safe side. I haven't experimented shooting the other modes and another thing has been my brother has been using I-2 more than I am. 😂 Overall, I'm having some fun shooting the I-2 and giving some of the photos (which I'm not in) to friends.
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i wish all the reviewers could be at least 10% honest as you are, only a few nailed as you did.
Nice review. I hope you do a new review as the firmware update this month has fixed the auto exposure issue. As for your other points, I have a slightly different take.
The **Polaroid I-2** is regarded as an excellent camera, especially among instant film aficionados, for several key reasons:
### 1. **Manual Controls**
- The I-2 is Polaroid's first camera with full manual control options, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings. This allows photographers to fine-tune their shots and achieve more creative results, giving it a significant advantage over simpler point-and-shoot instant cameras.
### 2. **Autofocus Lens**
- It features a high-quality 3-lens autofocus system, which results in sharper, more professional-looking images compared to many other instant cameras. The autofocus system makes the I-2 more versatile, particularly in low-light situations or when capturing subjects at varying distances.
### 3. **Compatibility with Different Polaroid Film Types**
- The I-2 can use multiple types of Polaroid film, including i-Type, 600, and SX-70 films. This flexibility makes it appealing to photographers who want to experiment with different looks and formats.
### 4. **Excellent Build Quality**
- The Polaroid I-2 has a premium build, offering a sturdy and well-constructed body. It feels more substantial and professional than many other instant cameras, enhancing its appeal for more serious photographers.
### 5. **Metering and Exposure Precision**
- The camera’s built-in light meter allows for more accurate exposures, which is a big draw for those who want better control over their instant photography. This level of precision in exposure control is rare in instant cameras.
---
### Why Polaroid Film is Preferred by Many Instant Film Aficionados
1. **Larger Format and Impact**
- Polaroid film, especially in its traditional formats like 600 or SX-70, offers larger prints than Fuji Instax. The size of Polaroid prints gives them a more impactful, gallery-like feel, which appeals to photographers looking for artistic expression.
2. **Unique Color Palette**
- Polaroid film has a distinctive color profile, often producing softer, pastel-like tones with unique color shifts, especially when using vintage or expired film. This unpredictability and organic feel are highly valued by those seeking artistic or nostalgic photos.
3. **Vintage Aesthetic and Texture**
- The imperfections, graininess, and occasional light leaks in Polaroid film are seen as a feature rather than a flaw. These characteristics create an authentic, vintage aesthetic that many photographers appreciate for its artistic potential.
4. **Connection to Photographic History**
- Polaroid film carries a rich history in photography, and using it feels like a connection to the roots of instant photography. For many, it’s more than just the image-it's about the experience of creating something tactile and unique.
5. **Artistic Imperfections**
- While Instax film is known for its consistency and reliability, Polaroid film is loved for its "happy accidents"-the variability and imperfections that can give each shot a one-of-a-kind character. Many instant film aficionados embrace these flaws as part of the creative process.
The **Polaroid I-2**, combined with the artistic qualities of Polaroid film, offers a unique blend of control and unpredictability, making it a favorite for serious instant photographers who value both craftsmanship and creativity.
Good to see an unbiased real world review of this Polaroid camera and film. Well done. I too was perplexed by who this camera is made for. When Polaroid introduced the SX70 in the 70s it cost over a $1000 and each shot cost approx $2.5 in todays money but it was sold as a high tech new premium product which sort of justified this cost. But in today way of thinking where digital picture taking with instant results each shot cost nothing once one has bought the hardware we then must judge the “value” of instant print photography in a different way. If investing in a $500/600 camera and each print costing $2-3 then it makes no sense either in effort or cost is the hit rate is not very high. If Polaroid photography is supposed to be fun then it needs to be less hit and miss. The only experience of the I-2 camera I’ve seen is a user showing me a selection of well exposed and sharp prints that they had taken that day without any obviously duff ones. From the comments and other reviews it would seem that there are issues with some I-2s not functioning correctly and or problems with some batches of film. I suppose we should just have to accept that current Polaroid is still in the experimental/development stage of perfecting its products especially the film.
Polaroid has released a firmware update that has solved the exposure issue just this week.
@@kennethmargulies407 great to see Polaroid has acknowledged and fixed this issue. Better late than never.
I decided not to shoot instant film with Instax nor Polaroid cameras anymore. I have a RZ67 with a Zinstax back (it's a hacked instax square camera) and I love it! I prefer the Instax paper results. Polaroid is just too expensive and sometimes quite ugly.
I love my i-2. I find you need to half press the button for a second before you take your pic OR you get pics like 2:55 a lot . Also, connect it to your phone for the firmware updates. At 4:45, I agree. You think different about what you are capturing or how you are capturing. the reason for WHY you taking the pic means more( at $2, lol) you can also change the film type when loading between i-type and 600
As a pretty experienced Polaroid shooter, I found this to be enjoyable and informative video to watch. On the whole, I do tend to agree with the majority of what you've said.
Although I do not own an I-2 (still pondering it), my main camera is the MiNT SLR670-S (and SLR670-X) and I think Polaroid's pricing is aiming at a similar target audience to MiNT's customers - experienced Polaroid shooters who are more inclined to shoot for the love of the medium, creatively, with a desire for maximum technical control and creative freedom. Hence why there are features like multiple exposure mode, manual control, external flash sync socket and a lens that is capable of sharper yet shallower depth-of-field images etc.
Depending on model, the SLR670 range sells for £699-£979 - whilst the I-2 is priced at £599 so can almost be considered a 'cheaper' offering that is more feature-rich.
Have you revisited this camera much since the firmware update to fix exposure issues?
I have not, but I appreciate the heads up.
a lot of the new Polaroid cameras have faulty light meters, you might try your luck contacting Polaroid and having the camera replaced
I think you bring up a great point about how part of the process is what brings the enjoyment of shooting with Polaroids. Obviously if I wanted the best photo quality I wouldn't be shooting analog at all I'd have a high rated digital rig, but I love to shoot with all kinds of analog film cameras and some are certainly better than others but those lesser performers also have their own unique character. I've shared a lot of photos that may not be the most technically mastered shots but they nevertheless get a stronger emotional reaction from people seeing it and that includes shots I've taken on Polaroid. Yeah there's a nostalgia but I think it's more than that there's just this unique quality that's also tied to the physical process and the irreplicable nature of instant film. Sure you can scan a polaroid but you'll never have a perfect replica of that ONE shot, and holding it in your hands is a bit magical. What Polaroids (and its competitor Instax) lack in fidelity it gains in less practical areas. Whenever I take a Polaroid to a party it's ALWAYS a hit and part of the experience and charm, especially when I can hand them the photo afterwards.
Between Polaroid and Instax I see them as different tools for different circumstances and I'll usually have both Polaroid and Instax Wide on me, maybe a Mini format camera as well, when shooting at parties.
Interesting. Nice, honest take on it! I haven’t bought one yet, and honestly I doubt I will unless it came down in price. Of all the videos I’ve seen about the I-2, I think your experience is the most informative.
Great video Tilly! I'm still on the fence about this one...
Please do share your experience of shooting older stock on this
Boy oh boy, that camera that takes instax wide would be glorious!
Great video! I've been getting into instant photography, but due to the amount of people saying the new Polaroid film isn't reliable I've decided to go with Instax. I can confirm that the film is indeed quite consistent and has no problem developing under the sun or in cold temperatures. However, the colours are way more saturated and missing a bit of that vintage look. Hope Polaroid concentrate their efforts on improving their film, it ain't fun wasting a shot when it costs so much, and as you said, not knowing what you did wrong. Anyways, love the video would love to see some more on instant photography!
I find that the I type film is more consistent
I've sent mine back to polaroid due to its unreliable exposure... it always over exposes, sometimes wildly overexposed even when set to -1 exposure compensation. I've compared it to older models and shot the same scenes, it over exposes even when claiming in the light meter that the exposure is correct. The cameras light meter is totally rubbish, the info it gives is meaningless. Hopefully the new firmware will fix issues
Interesting look at the new camera, My most consistent images have been on my sx70 cameras with both sx70 film and 600 film with an nd filter, my modern now plus was more miss than hit with I type film
Interesting. I feel an experiment coming on.
In Ireland the I2 is €699 which is $734, so much better deal Stateside.
It's over $1000 here in Australia 😟
I've been shooting in Auto Mode more to be on the safe side. I haven't experimented shooting the other modes and another thing has been my brother has been using I-2 more than I am. 😂 Overall, I'm having some fun shooting the I-2 and giving some of the photos (which I'm not in) to friends.
Thank you!
Well done
The film is fine, The camera needs a lot of improvements though.
Need to understand how the film works. How to use the exposure compensation.
Leave the picture around 10 more seconds under the black sheet. Might help with developing.😊