In celebration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of Polaroid, one company is bringing back instant photography rooted in classic Polaroid cameras. The Impossible Project is launching Polaroid Originals, a new brand that produces the film for old Polaroid cameras. Recently, the company announced its new product, the OneStep 2 instant camera. In addition to film compatible with classic Polaroid cameras, it is also launching new films in both black-and-white and color.
Polaroid and Impossible Project
When Polaroid went through bankruptcy nine years ago, many thought that the iconic instant film and cameras would be obsolete.
The rise of the digital photos also contributed to the irrelevance of instant photography. Thus, it was a relief when start-up Impossible Project came into to save both of the classic pieces. Despite the struggle in picking up the pieces and rebuilding the hallmarks of the company, the seemingly impossible feat was made possible.
The original instant film factories were left destroyed, leaving the startup a challenging time to revive Polaroid's legacy. Ten years after, the Impossible Project is the exclusive manufacturer of the Polaroid 600 instant film. Also, the company is fully embracing the rich photographic heritage of the classic film and camera. The launch of the One Step 2 marks the triumphant return of the instant film and cameras, and it promises to re-engineer the classic captures of its predecessor.
The OneStep 2
The original OneStep model was introduced back in 1977, and since then, no other model followed suit. The successor seems to borrow the same basic design from the pioneer version. Some of these include the big red shutter button, the cream-colored casing, and Polaroid's distinctive rainbow stripe down the front.
Aside from the similarities, a couple of tweaks have also been made including an additional two rows of lights on the top and a more open viewfinder.
The camera is simple and low-key in technology. It has a built-in flash, a self-timer, and a long-lasting battery with the option to charge over USB. There are only eight shots in each package of film, which costs $16.
Polaroid Originals created a new film specifically for the OneStep 2. The i-Type has been developed for optimization of the new model and will not work on vintage models. The vintage film will sell for $19. The OneStep 2 will sell for $100 and is now available for preorder. The camera is expected to hit the markets in October.
