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Polaroid OneStep Film Camera
Date of Review: Apr 25, 2007
The Bottom Line: I use a Polaroid for novelty pictures. This one works well, is simple to use and has been reliable.
The Polaroid OneStep Film Camera is an older model in the Polaroid series. The newer ones are more sleek in design but not any better in presenting a final product the way I see it.
I use these cameras for taking novelty photos at events. I take a picture and then put it in a frame for the client to take home. It's an easy camera to use and the picture is fine but cannot be compared to or expected to be better than images taken with quality cameras.
The older model Polaroid cameras like this have a flip front that exposes the flash, lens, and a few setting buttons. I like this flip top. I did have some problems with the more sleek cameras that were supposed to open at the touch of a button, but seem temperamental. Here you control it every time.
This design is definitely a bulkier and heavier model than most of the newer Polaroid line. For what I do, it doesn't make a difference and in fact there is something that is kind of nostalgic in its design. that's appealing to me.
A flash is built into the camera and always goes off so there's no using this camera in museums and such places that may not allow flash. No batteries are needed to be changed. There's a system in the camera that receives the little bit of power needed to energise the flash through the film packet. Very cool.
These cameras are really best for close-up portrait and such work only. They lose much detail as one moves from a subject. 3-10 feet is ideal. Portraits at about three or four feet, are best in my view. Some people do balk when I move in that close though. There is a setting in front that slides indicating 4' to infinity and the other is for portraits 2'-4'. Just a reminder, I'm not talking professional quality here but they are good for an instant photo.
Another setting is under the lens. This one helps adjust the final tone of the photo giving the ability for allowing more or less light that in turn presents a darker or brighter photograph. It does work well when dealing with different light, especially back lighting.
The viewfinder in this camera is tiny yet I find it easy to use with my other eye open. What I like about the viewer is the fact that, what you see is what you get in the photograph.
The camera comes with a strap that is designed to wear around the neck. I often do candid shots when walking a gig and simply shoot and give the person their photo in a frame. With the camera around my neck, my hands are free to do anything needed.
The film is easy to find. Regular Polaroid 600 film is used. It is a bit pricey at an average of about $1.00 a picture. The film drops into the camera easily and the 10 shot cassette it comes in replaces quickly. The empty then must be trashed. The 600 Instant Color Film presents a picture that is 3 1/4" x 3 3/4" in size. There are no other choices.
Some basics about the camera will tell you not to shake or bend the picture as it is developing. That may create some unwanted blotches as the interior chemicals move around.
All in all I like this camera a lot when compared to other Polaroid models. It's lasted through thousands of pictures and the gray coloured plastic body remains neat and clean looking.
Polaroid 600 Instant Film
