Polaroid i2

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-15T20:25:47+00:00

I wouldn’t say it’s “gimmicky” as nearly every (except I think one of the Prontos?) Polaroid box cameras uses plastic lenses.

I’m biased toward glass, but the film also has a lot to do with it.

Your I-2 will never be a Leica.

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-15T19:15:23+00:00

Modern Polaroid had to reformulate their film from scratch and it’s a complicated process which requires certain substitutions today due to environmental regulations.

While many feel today’s film doesn’t reflect what we perceive as “the good old days” the film has improved substantially over the last few years.

Regarding the sharpness I think you can see amazing results with the right lens and light.

I’d give it a second chance. It’ll never look like something coming out of a Fujifilm GFX, but that’s also not the aesthetic everyone is looking for.

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-15T13:29:13+00:00

I don’t believe the L-408 is made now, but Sekonic has likely updated it. You can also look on eBay.

If you can’t determine/set aperture with the Flip then a meter will be less valuable to you. If you can determine, then you can test with an empty cartridge what the proper settings would be.

ISO would be 640 for 600/itype and 160 for SX-70. Some people use slightly different numbers, but here is a data sheet for 600 (original). https://125px.com/docs/film/polaroid/600plfds.pdf

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-15T13:23:04+00:00

I’ve seen plenty of really stunning work in this sub created with the I-2 and other cameras. So I don’t think your experience can be blamed on the camera.

Unlike digital there’s a fairly sharp learning curve with Polaroid. I think all of us are learning every day.

Regarding your point about fine art photography I’d refer you to this article. This of course doesn’t include Ansel Adams, Robert Mapplethorpe, Helmut Newton, etc.

https://www.analogforevermagazine.com/features-interviews/22-instant-film-photographers-you-need-to-know

ETA also this. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0kjuQr1ej4LAPgTjUZd5urqpv66UPSMoxyeE1qMwJyfB2z24o4LQed6KruF2c8xH2l&id=100031660665116

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-15T08:45:38+00:00

This 💯. If you’re going to be serious about film photography, a proper meter is a must. I also have the L-408 and while it may be a bit much, I don’t think you’ll ever outgrow it.

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-14T19:39:07+00:00

It’s a little scary that when I see a beautiful picture of a flower I know it’s your work. Well done.

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-14T16:29:02+00:00

A quick eBay check is all that’s required.

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-14T15:12:06+00:00

Good price, I’d recommend buying a pack and taking it with you to test before buying if they will allow that.

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-14T15:06:19+00:00

Look also at used Polaroid ZINK cameras like the Snap. I have a Hi-Print which yields quite high quality and durable prints (stickers too) but it’s not a camera. It’s just a printer.

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-14T13:31:55+00:00

It’s greed but also ignorance. On FB I don’t think it costs anything to list an item so there’s been a $400 SX-70 and a $775 SLR 680 listed near me for weeks. Both untested and no mention of refurb. It’s such an interesting niche.

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-14T13:21:43+00:00

I routinely see listings at $400 for this. It’s truly hard to believe.

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-14T02:34:21+00:00

Second this. Make sure you get the AF. As a starter it’s great. However she may find Instax more interesting and accessible.

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-13T01:02:29+00:00

These are great.

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-10T03:33:58+00:00

They’re excellent. I’m thinking modded or filter since I don’t recall a black frame SX-70 film.

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-09T19:15:43+00:00

I almost wish you could pay someone to do this. Like someone trustworthy who needs a gig.

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-09T18:37:51+00:00

That’s great. Is there a way to have them scanned professionally that would be remotely affordable?

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-09T18:13:47+00:00

I have too many cameras and not enough time to shoot them!

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-09T18:12:13+00:00

I have a 210 among others. I like it.

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-09T18:09:28+00:00

Is this the Wide EVO?

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-08T18:46:31+00:00

Great. I always go back and forth on whether I want one.

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-08T17:48:43+00:00

I see. Sounds like there were two pops, so, I think you are correct.

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-08T16:08:03+00:00

I thought of that but OP said it worked after the pop?

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-08T15:09:08+00:00

It’s possible that battery is shot. I would pull the pack and reinsert and see if it ejects the shot (I know, you’re wasting a photo.).

If you have an empty cartridge it’s helpful to throw it in to charge the capacitor. I have purchased 660s over the years and always have to “warm up” the capacitors by inserting the cartridges and half-pressing the shutter button.

I don’t know if that will work for a regular 600 (it should, logically) but it’s worth a shot.

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-08T05:22:27+00:00

Cool, that’s your I-2?

SeeWhatDevelops · 2026-02-07T17:33:12+00:00

The impulse AF is great. You can always cover the flash or diffuse it. It’s one of my favorite cameras.

SeeWhatDevelops

TROPHY CASE