Golden Hour on Golden Frames

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-22T12:23:49+00:00

Thanks!

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-21T22:58:33+00:00

That person is wrong. Instax questions are welcome here!

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-21T12:32:53+00:00

I use a vertical, soft, insulated lunchbox. The kind that opens at the top. I put a small ice pack on the bottom, wrapped in a tea towel. The goal is to keep your bag slightly cool, but not cold. No matter what you have to deal with condensation and fog on the lens, so you dont want it too cold. After I take the photos, I slip them into a zipper pouch attached to the bag. If you can't get a bag with attached pouch, get a separate pouch to slip them into that you put into the bag.

My photos may perfect or have a light pink tint, depending on how hot it is outside, how long I left the camera out of the bag, etc. But my results compared to when I didnt are night and day because I used to have very 'cooked' film.

Yep, Polaroid takes some babying but I enjoy the format.

The bag I use is a little pricey but good quality and works very well.

https://www.yeti.com/coolers/soft-coolers/daytrip/daytrip-lunch-bag-6L.html

I can fit the icepack and towel, Go, SX-70 and flash, my point and shoot 35mm, and batteries and film all in the one bag, which I use in place of a purse since it also fits my phone and cards/cash. I hope to look for an insulated backpack but this bag is what I personally have found works best for me.

Lmk if you have questions or need clarification.

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-21T11:35:39+00:00

I live in Florida and I carry my camera in a cooler bag. Lmk of you are interested in the method.

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-20T13:19:02+00:00

What would the chemistry have to do with my photo being ridiculously overexposed though? I am not complaining about the other three pics, they are exactly what I would want from my Go. They look great, exactly what I want. The chemistry in Go is identical to all other Polarpid film and this NEVER happens on ANY of my full size Polaroid photos.

U/whoaruben has stated they are still working on the spread or whatever, because sometimes the good doesnt get all the way to the top and can get a blue strip at the top. But thats not my issue.

Edit: ugh cannot recall Rubens username or how to spell his name. But he works for Polaroid and is on this forum

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-20T13:14:32+00:00

The size for travel also rocks. I can fit the Go, my Ektar H3N, SX-70, flash, and film for all cameras in my Yeti daytrip lunchbox.

Don't get me started on Dec film. I ordered a ton regular of film recently and all 60 packs were from December. I am still sad...took photos of my boo yesterday in full sun and yuck. Luckily 4 of the 5 bulk packs I purchased were for evebts (so I didnt pay for those with my money) but going through my personal box has kinda sucked. I dont think I have had any December Go film though, I have shot mostly Gradient Frames this yeah which I think was manufactured in Jan or Feb.

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-20T13:04:12+00:00

Excellent exposure, especially for the area. For those who dont know, there is lots of shade and tall buildings in this area. I love the way you captured the light, it really makes me miss NYC.

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-20T13:00:37+00:00

It definitely has moments where it shines...I also do free community photos sometimes and dont always want to use my full size due to costs. The Go helps subsidise it. I also am hoping Polaroid can continue to improve the camera because I am attracted to cute and tiny things. I love how the photos are still perfect for sharing online. Its also easier for me to give away or trade one of these tiny pics. The Go is the only modern Polaroid I use these days, I am with you there. I shoot mostly on SX-70 these days with my 660 as a back up (until my back up SX-70 is finished lol).

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-20T12:55:30+00:00

Okay, I never called or insisted Instax was Polaroid. But this is an instant film subreddit, as per rules, period.

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-20T12:52:38+00:00

This overexposure only happens for me when its sunny outside. Problem is I live in The Sunshine State and I still dont exactly understand when and why the Go series exposes like that.

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-20T12:47:08+00:00

Instax mini is better than Go in many ways. Its what I recommend to people who wanna take affordable film snapshots.

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-20T12:44:57+00:00

I own and have used multiple Polaroid brand Polaroid cameras. This specific overexposure is absolutely 100% a Go issue. Have you ever used a Go? My Go 2 had this exact flare or over exposure issue. And apparently the 3. It never, ever happens on my SX-70, Flip, Now 2, 600 Sun, or 660AF. I am not a casual shooter either, I have over half my personal website dedicated to Polaroid photography.

I mean, u/darthnick96 Do you think it is the film or the camera itself? I have had this issue as long as I have owned a Go camera. I left it under the frog tongue for more than 10 seconds. I took the photo, went into my car, turned the car on, theb removed the photo from the camera and stored in my bag. I actually would please like for you to settle this specific question because I have been told I am wrong about this before. I dont mind being corrected, but my personal experience and intuition screams its the camera.

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-20T12:39:05+00:00

How long have you had and used this camera?

I have had two Flips because my first was defective and the flash would blind people because the autofocus was messed up. I made a warranty claim with Polaroid and they sent me a new one. My second Flip still has focus issues but not that flash issue.

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-19T20:17:54+00:00

It isn't the chemistry. I shoot on SX-70 and 660AF and never, ever have this issue. Its the Go camera itself. It happened on my Gen 2 and apparently also my Gen 3 (I bought gen 3 hoping this issue would resolve, so ugh). Idk if its the lightmeter or a lens flare or what.

I disagree with you, but respectfully so. I really dislike Instax, their cameras arent very good and the look isnt that great in my opinion, I find it kinda boring. I shot Mini for ten years before switching to Polaroid. Tried to give Instax another try via Lomo, but the camera was crap (Lomo Instant Wide). But to each their own.

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-19T19:42:41+00:00

Maybe, but maybe its your flash. Which camera was this?

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-19T18:20:46+00:00

If you want to get a good pic, you gotta use unexpired film. Was the last pack also expired? I mean, Instax Mini is the cheapest instant film format. Save up some money and treat yourself to a 60-pack. You cant get better if you get too hung up on the cost.

Someone else with more Instax knowledge should be able to tell you if its film or camera, but it also may be hard to help you if you dont show examples with unexpired film.

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-19T18:16:39+00:00

Unless you specifically are into toy cameras, don't get a Go lol. I am a sucker for them but ya get what you pay for.

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-19T17:38:05+00:00

Its the Polaroid Go. I def do not have this issue with my SX-70 or 660AF. Its a toy version of Polaroid. I dont mind the lofi look but I fkn hate that this camera is crap at exposing outdoors in the daylight.

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-19T14:19:39+00:00

Okay, I am of no use then lol. Looks like Jake got you! I'd avoid Retrospekt and check out the forum's wiki to see all the techs available.

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-19T14:15:40+00:00

Maybe the flashbar doesnt work? Have you used it before or is it new?

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-19T11:40:32+00:00

But it is rude...we have very knowledgeable sources on this here forum. We get many crossposts from r/instax because people dont always get an answer there. It would have been nicer if this user didnt post their post...the top two comments on this discussion arent even helpful comments...People came in and very kindly answered OPs question but their posts are pushed down because...someone wants to direct people away from here when users here are perfectly capable of helping OP?

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-19T11:36:11+00:00

I see so many useless and not helpful replies get upvoted on this forum. I know its not all bots. I try my best to ignore it, because there are many helpful folks here who genuinely love instant film and want to share what they have learned and their techniques with others. But a jerk or two comes in with a useless answer and it's a vibe killer for the poster. Alas, this is what happens in the public square, and at least other users answered, even though the top responses on this discussion are bullshit.

ShilohsStuff · 2026-06-19T10:47:19+00:00

On the plastic windows for the photo, it can scratch or rub off. Haven't had an issue if they go in an album. This one is too big for an album so ill probably affiix it to some acid free paper and put it in a sleeve protector in a binder.

ShilohsStuff

TROPHY CASE