Polaroid I-2 In-Depth review | watch BEFORE you buy

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[@zechblasy4495]

I bought this camera and I wasn’t happy with it until til they released a firmware update. Now I love this camera. I haven’t had the problems you were experiencing, but mine always seemed to not focus correctly and sometimes the film was underexposed or overexposed. I couldn’t use the flash at first because it just over blew the subjects. I was debating on just returning it. But then somebody on Facebook told me that was firmware updates and it seemed to fix the issues i was having. Now I completely love this camera.

[@JustAnotherChris]

Hmm I will have to look into the firmware update thanks for the info!

[@White_Recluse]

If only they could do that with the now+

[@White_Recluse]

I feel like Polaroid should focus on better quality control for their film instead of speakers or a new camera. To me, I have all the manual control I need on the Polaroid Now+ and for a fraction of the price.

[@SIimerTTV]

Finally! After watching this and the other “reviews” I think I might hold off for the I-2. Seems to be good but has a lot of weird issues. Thanks for the good and bad sides of the camera Chris!

[@JustAnotherChris]

Yeah there has been some QC issues from what people have been saying. The camera is good and bad at the same time

[@viktorpalsgaardreinholdjen3923]

Sorry, but I prefer fake reviews

[@JustAnotherChris]

Haha yeah me too. Would’ve saved myself a few $$$$$

[@genernator]

The perfect camera for people who hate money

[@JustAnotherChris]

It appears so

[@areallyrealisticguyd4333]

I took some notes of some of the issues you presented throughout the video in order to make more sense of them. Let me preface that I think the I-2 is one of Polaroids best products to date but not without its issues (mostly on the firmware side of things) 1. The film jamming I believe was just coincidental. It tends to happen more often when packs are squished or somehow get moisture inside so the individual shots get stuck. 2. The camera shutter speed maxing out at 1/250 isn't necessarily horrible by any means. the sx-70 up to the 690 only max out at 1/175. Polaroid is technically 'large format' in a sense given the size of the film. carrying around a variable ND filter is probably recommended to get more consistent bokeh! 3. the camera is known to overexpose which is not unlike past versions of their cameras. I think learning exposure compensation is essential for shooting with this camera which ultimately is something that can be fixed with a firmware update in the future. as of right now in order to get more even exposures f8-f11: - 2/3, f16-f22: - 1/3, f32-f64: +1/3. considering this is a professional camera, a light meter is a given if you were to shoot with this which transitions into the last point. 4. The camera was definitely aimed at professionals and Polaroid hobbyists. For $600 I don't think the idea with the I-2 is to run and gun. I believe that's what previous iterations in the onestep models were for. this camera excels at being in a studio setting, perhaps even investing in an external flash to serve as a 'fill flash' could help with your images being too contrasty during the day. overall, I do hope they improve the camera as time goes on. they really should listen to the professionals and hobbyists that use the camera frequently. Oskar (the CEO) has done a lot of great things for Polaroid but the one thing he can't seem to do as a leader is actually listen to the community for feedback.

[@scotthamilton2016]

It seems to have been established that on auto-mode it’s best to set exposure at -2/3 when outdoors and normal when indoors.

[@phillnavin1212]

From your negatives, none of those would put me off buying it (especially the non-ejecting of the film seems a pack problem not the camera). However, the price is too high. Mind you I have brought a SX-70, had it serviced, and still failed later on. I probably all up spent more on it than the I-2, and the SX70 didn’t have the control of the I-2. Also, Compared to the Mint SLRs it is reasonable.

[@Eclectachrome]

Eek so glad I've just been an instax user lol love the lomo square and sq6!

[@JustAnotherChris]

Can’t go wrong with a sq6

[@TheRelentlessAssault]

It really hurts me that people are spending $600 on what is basically a $150 camera with manual controls and a lens that’s really only ups the quality slightly. When you can get a NONS instax camera for the same price and actually shoot amazing instant photos. I don’t have a loyalty to instax I own Polaroid cameras and shoot with them regularly, but the I-2 isn’t a good camera for the price.

[@david_krause]

Like the other comments point out, definitely try out the firmware update to see if it fixes anything. But seriously, why would they go with an offset viewfinder like ..every polaroid, when the I-1, its predecessor, had a really effective centered viewfinder

[@patcormick]

AYY!! so great to see the first episode in the Halloweens series! cant wait for tomorrows episode!

[@JustAnotherChris]

It only gets better

[@seanconnors9912]

I'm stoked to get this camera one day... I fixed my light leaky Instax Wide 300 by painting acrylic Mousso Black (the world's blackest black) in the circular lens tube seam

[@JustAnotherChris]

Yeah the i2 isn’t bad as long as you use it manual mode. You can do some cool stuff

[@Bogaloo1232]

I haven’t watched it yet but I’m sure I’ll enjoy your review as always. You’re basically the only KZbinr who’s heavily into Instant formats and isn’t a shill. It’s completely absurd and ridiculous that most reviews are all sunshine and rainbows with new cameras and gear and don’t even touch on negative points. There’s no perfect camera and only pointing good things ruins their credibility for anyone who isn’t their sheep audience who simps hard for them 😂😂😂

[@andrewnoden9117]

Hi. Chris Andrew here in Ottawa Canada 🇨🇦, good to watch this video,I had seen the version as part of your masterclass. FYI I have the Epson FastFoto scanner, I tested it with Instax film and it worked really well, I know you were interested in potentially trying the scanner. I will do some more detailed tests but initial view was good Cheers Andrew

[@SirNarayan]

I was waiting for this review for a looong time ) Finally

[@who_is_there]

Same here😂

[@JustAnotherChris]

You can thank polaroid for that #thankspolaroid

[@refard5]

man hanging with Knoptop just looks like so much fun

[@JustAnotherChris]

He’s alright 😜

[@omriarielly1]

honestly first time I am seeing this issue, took about 50 pictures with it over the last 3 weeks, had zero cases where the film got stuck

[@JustAnotherChris]

Like insane in the video it’s more of a QC issue with Polaroids film pack than it being the cameras fault

[@omriarielly1]

​@@JustAnotherChris I would Say that I have had similar, let's say, inconsistencies with the auto mode. I am an Amateur photographer for 25 years by now, learned photography on Nikon FE-2 which is completely manual and I think I learned well enough on how to frame the picture and correct light exposures. still the camera in very good conditions had trouble with light metering on auto. but it is a ton of fun on manual or even aperture priority mode (my go to), it is defiantly not a shoot and forget kind of camera, but I don't think any instant camera is really for that kind of photography. then again, the I-2 is my first instant camera.

[@21edwardcabral]

Chris!! I’ve also been having major issues with film packs I purchased during the last year. Mostly with them jamming, but I’ve also had spread issues as well. I shoot on a OneStep+ and I haven’t had issues like these happen this frequently before. It feels like it happens every other pack!

[@TacoMan99]

Does this still happen?

[@guffmuff90]

I adore polaroid and keep supporting them, I know it's just regular people on a real life budget making these... but I bought 2 brand new polaroid cameras over the last 5 years and BOTH had SERIOUS ejection issues, they would frequently refuse to spit out the photo and cause jams, I eventually gave the cameras away to friends (with lots of warning lol) because I was burning up money tossing out fucking entire packs of film. The pictures look insanely beautiful when they work, but yeah. I think we'll get there. For now I'm happy with 35mm and my shitty local development CVS lab.

[@Markybug-Keira-Cody]

the issue imo is the film quality. Have saw a video comparing a slr680 to a humble box shape 600, and the resulting images were basically the same ! garbage in, garbage out ?

[@johnkavc2487]

I was excited about this camera when I got it- but I’ve had weird over exposure issues In auto mode also.. oddly-two in a row identically over exposed?! Then the next frame was perfect!? Seems like a metering issue. I was skeptical about the plastic lens at first too, especially cuz I love my SLR 680 so much. But the lens is excellent and I’ve gotten beautiful bokeh with it. The features are great, and so far the camera functionality with the app is good as well. But the exposure unpredictability is quite infuriating at times…

[@doctorstrobe]

You possibly can actually shoot through glass using a CPL filter to reduce the reflections.

[@JustAnotherChris]

That won’t have an effect on the autofocus

[@gabriguel]

I've been wanting to get the I-2 mainly because I want to have some control over the exposure, a lot of my shoots with the "Now" camera (1st gen) turns out to get to bright

[@JustAnotherChris]

Well this will give you that control

[@samtrissel1591]

I have an I-2 and haven’t had a single issue. This is weird

[@ghostoflazlo]

So because you didn't have any problems that means no one else can have them? Such a weird comment

[@CorvusHyperion]

Recently got a pack that had a damaged front also. I am finding over exposure to be an issue on the I-2. Usually I’m -1 or -2/3

[@josiahgreene6712]

Hey Chris what did you think of in an instant review of this? Was it accurate or were they fibbing

[@JustAnotherChris]

Hard to say but I do believe he’s affiliated with Polaroid

[@daltonrothchild6569]

I’ve been waiting for this review my whole life

[@JustAnotherChris]

Dang I didn’t know a 6 week old new born could type 😜

[@rupang886]

After watching this, I really wish that camera succeeded so at least there's an response from Fuji for a high tech version of an Instax square or wide camera. Much as I like to continue using the Evo Mini, something similar to Lomo'Instant Square Glass would be a good form factor so I can use either square or mini form factor. Combine it with either regular batteries or Lithium-rechargeable Battery + USB-C would be a steal for me.

[@tocatchasnark1471]

Chris every pack I’ve used on my i2 I’ve had it spit out 2 photos at once. It’s very annoying,especially because of the cost.

[@JustAnotherChris]

Dang! That sucks!!

[@MrChrodo]

I have had the same thing happen on two packs of 600 film recently even on my old OneStep 2. And that one never left me hanging before like that. And my I-1 did the same. I don't if it is just a coincidence or if there were batch-related issues. Correlation? I don't know for sure, but it could be the film.

[@tocatchasnark1471]

@@MrChrodo I hope it’s just the film

[@feronous8207]

I love my i-2 and with manual intervention you get AWESOME shots... BUT, the Auto-mode is garbage 60% of the time.. It sucks :(. You WILL need to EV comp in some direction for proper exposure. I will also say, when traveling, you NEED to keep the film cool, i treat it like 'milk'. Put it in a cooler. I went on a trip across my state to religious festivals and train ride, and i noticed film that was left in the car while we ate/slept developed issues and the last pack i had issues like 21:09 ( they were left in trunk at like 90+ F)

[@JustAnotherChris]

Yeah for the price I would’ve liked to see better results from the auto mode

[@ladyofthewoods79]

What is the best Polaroid camera you recommend that you can still get

[@JustAnotherChris]

Maybe this video will help kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnLWY3dugbqJl6csi=1qrLH7dxuxnHT7kK

[@theartistelizabeth]

hi chris.. any update after 3mos since u upload this video?! is it worth buying?

[@JustAnotherChris]

Thoughts are the same

[@theartistelizabeth]

@@JustAnotherChris Thanks Christ u save me money.. might as well just buy SX70

[@twinfactor]

I haven't had an issue with my I-2 in the 5 packs I've run through it. Honestly, I'm surprised I like it as much as I do. I wish it were an SLR, though.

[@JustAnotherChris]

Glad you got a good one haha

[@ronnieleetwo]

Same, I'm about 10 packs in and have had no issues whatsoever, aside from some exposure issues that were admittedly my own fault. I've owned around a dozen Polaroid cameras from varying eras and the i-2 is by far my favorite.

[@twinfactor]

I'm sad that I'm not reaching for my sx-70s quite as much.

[@ronnieleetwo]

@@twinfactor Same here, all of my other cameras (digital, instant & 35mm) have been neglected since I got my I-2 ha

[@EmilyNIcholas-c4x]

I have the same jamming issues with my one plus . What’s worse the cam counts the missed films as shot films.. and my cam’s not even old . The self timer button doesn’t really work as a self timer so it seems like I have to depend on the app a lot which is a pity cos I wanted a true analog experience

[@JustAnotherChris]

Super frustrating

[@patrickwilson1440]

Apart from having more manual control over the camera settings from what i've seen so far with the results they're no better than the ones i get from my Now Gen 2 camera, not the Plus model i hasten to had, a camera a fraction of the cost. At £600 pounds here in the UK i'd expect better more consistent results than that. Perhaps Fuji might bring out an Instax Wide Camera with more or similar manual controls. Their film from my own experience seems more reliable less quirky and with Polaroid film costing £16(UK) and $16(USA) for 8 shots users don't want messed up film before it leaves the camera. You're never going to get the same definition/sharpness as a digital camera or a traditional film camera because Instant Film is low resolution film with a narrow dynamic range.

[@edwardferry8247]

Buy all their hardware, support them. It’s one of the greatest stories in photography history. ❤

[@Hal_Bennett]

I don't remember exactly where this was posted, but Polaroid did state that they would offer battery replacement services. Nothing more specific than that so far

[@JustAnotherChris]

All I ever seen was someone asking them and they said was basically maybe

[@CameraCapers]

I have a factory sealed I-1. I got it on Amazon Clearance for $19.99. The film was too iffy. I have many, many Instax cameras I regularly use.

[@president12383]

I’ve had problems with pretty much every pack of film I’ve bought recently with spread issues

[@JustAnotherChris]

Yeah it appears that polaroid has a bad batch of film. It sucks

[@queefcheif9306]

im amazed they didnt use a glass lense on it or make it an slr

[@JustAnotherChris]

Then it would cost well over $1500 to make. And no one would pay it.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

So who has a better lens this camera or a sx70

[@JustAnotherChris]

It’s a tough call. They provide different looks

[@WhoIsSerafin]

@@JustAnotherChris fair enough

[@ishoothereforeiam]

Is it better than the sun 660?

[@JustAnotherChris]

Feature wise then yes

[@jbradfordphoto]

So pumped for the Halloween series! Recently found your channel and Instagram and have been really enjoying your stuff.

[@JustAnotherChris]

Thank you I appreciate that!! Glad to have you on board

[@frankrappa7384]

It must be fun to spend so much on a camera and have film that isn't up to par. It would be great if Fuji made a camera like this.

[@JustAnotherChris]

I would love to see fuji actually make a new camera.

[@stuartriley4976]

A lot of people wear glasses with lenses made from the same material as that camera lens.

[@sailorblur_]

Ugh, I wanna WANT this camera so bad, but seeing how unpredictable and fiddly it is, I'm not so sure anymore... The multiexposure feature and the possibility to use all kinds of film are super appealing to me, but it seems like the potential issues outnumber the benefits, so I'll join you on your fence. Thanks for the honest review!

[@JustAnotherChris]

Yeah I want to love this camera and part of me does but dang it’s unpredictable at times. I will be doing further tests

[@LeviticusPrime]

I'm right there with @sailorblur_ I saw this camera in person during a trip to NYC at Brooklyn Film Camera and REALLY wanted it (amazing store BTW.) I've loved the Polaroid Go, but I don't think I'm gonna' be purchasing it at its current price point. Think I'll stick with my OneStep + and my two trusty SX-70s. @@JustAnotherChris

[@TheSDDonut]

I’m enjoying my I-2. it’s performing well. I’ve been shooting with a skylight filter on. I dislike the unknown future of the battery. That’s a huuuuge point I tried to wrestle with. I also disliked their marketing campaign for it. I didn’t get a good feel for the actual item with the way they presented. So buying was a risk. The film they sent me was baked to crap because it sat in the ups truck during a hot friggin day. For a company who has temperature sensitive consumable products, you figure they’d find a way to somehow protect what they’re sending you. While not the same, I feel like it’s similar to a spectra system with the amount of on-camera settings that can be fiddled with. If they don’t want to revive spectra film, I want to see a similar camera that shoots 600/I-type natively while essentially being in a spectra body. The one600 doesn’t count. I want the straight lines and angles 😩

[@charleyfolkes]

Camera seems fine, probably just the film sucks. Every shot in full f16 sun is blown and you need 1-2 bumps darker on it, spread is not always good but I guess we are lucky to have it ?! Also blown are indoor photos with flash, so 1-2 bumps darker on that too. The 600 also overexposes in my converted SX 70 as well, so clearly it’s not the camera, rather more likely it is the curve on the film and Polaroid really needs to get it nailed down instead of marketing the quirkiness of their film. Honestly, if the film were this bad originally they’d never have been taken seriously.

[@4444-s3x]

We need more people like you Chris not selling ur soul for a sponsored cheque and telling the people exactly how it is. Especially with the current economic crisis paying £600 for a camera plus film is crazy.

[@JustAnotherChris]

Appreciate that feedback!

[@AnchorTH]

If the film you shot that failed was in date and truly from Polaroid, surely you must know they'll replace those packs free of charge.

[@JustAnotherChris]

Yes sometimes they do

[@jackthehatphoto]

I've given up with Polaroid colour film packs. The chemistry is garbage and totally inconsistent, plus far too many problems with jamming and uneven chemical spreads. I use Instax square for all colour work now. I still love the Polaroid black and white packs though.

[@JustAnotherChris]

Yeah it’s getting harder and harder to deal with Polaroids lovely QC problems

[@torokun]

Man… I was hoping Polaroid finally got things right with this one… :(

[@Edvanfleury]

I would like to see Polaroid channel reacting to this video lol

[@JustAnotherChris]

I’m sure they did just privately in their office

[@Thecohostobviouzx]

I’ll stick with my 680

[@JustAnotherChris]

Not a bad plan

[@enriquevargas365]

For 600$ I’d rather spend my money on a Polaroid OneStep 2 and a couple packs of film, maybe even pay some bills, or invest in a sx70 folding camera.

[@JustAnotherChris]

You could do all that and still have money left over

[@dschingy]

That camera is a joke. I'm shooting with the Now+ and I don't see the photo material itself to justify such a pricetag on a camera. The manual mode through the app on the Now+ is extremely easy to use and I'd claim it produces very comparable up to identical results. As far as I see it from your review, it's not really a better camera than my own Now+ and I don't see the pricetag for it.

[@athletejmv]

I own the Now+ and the I2. The I2 takes much sharper photos. Just giving you the heads up incase you ever decide the I2 may be for you.

[@dschingy]

@@athletejmv But is it worth the ridiculous price jump? That's my point. I understand that a 2 lens focus is inferior to a focus range lens (whatever this is called precisely I don't know since I don't consider myself a photographer) but anything else is pretty much the same and you're using the exact same photo material, which frankly isn't too good to begin with to be considered professional. Am I that wrong in believing that this is a money grab by Polaroid?

[@isaiasramirez5827]

Polaroid: Embrace the lack of quality control✨

[@cankorkmaz7525]

The non replaceable battery made me buy a SX70 instead of the I2. I am very satisfied so far

[@whoiskatlady14]

I love mine and you can add stuff for the camera. Like an external flash which is awesome.

[@phamducv]

Bruh this camera dogggassss

[@GuillaumeB7]

Can't believe they didn't use a glass lens

[@JustAnotherChris]

True but honestly a glass lens isn’t the end all be all.

[@TungstenOvergaard]

They keep doing overpriced SHIT. Just good for paid reviews. Thanks for your honesty!

[@JustAnotherChris]

I do what I can

[@TungstenOvergaard]

@@JustAnotherChris ❤️

[@YanOdinitsa]

let's goo

[@johnapperson7495]

i cant quit laughing

[@JustAnotherChris]

Good

[@EposVox]

This is... incredibly disappointing. BUT Your style is rad AF, subscribed!

[@JustAnotherChris]

I appreciate that thank you

[@ManuelBianchiBooks]

Too much money for a half-good camera

[@JustAnotherChris]

Yeah this should have been $300 max