Polaroid One

The Polaroid One is an instant camera for the 600 format. It was introduced in 2003 and heralded the end of the Polaroid 600 cameras.

The design is quite different from the previous generations. It could be described as a mixture of a Polaroid 600, an Impulse and one of the Image/Spectra cameras.

The Polaroid One is extremely user-friendly. Most of the setting options found on other types of cameras have been omitted. Thanks to its ease of use, it can be used for many different occasions. Weddings or parties would be good uses for the camera. You can also have a lot of fun with it on vacation.

The instant camera is equipped with a fixed lens. Many of today’s cameras have a zoom function. This function is not given with this model. Instead of pressing the zoom button, you have to walk closer to the subject for close-ups. 90 cm as the distance to the subject should not be undercut for a clear photo.

The instant camera has an integrated flash. The flash fires automatically. This is also necessary, especially for indoor shots, as the camera requires a lot of light for successful pictures. This model comes with a red-eye prevention mode.

If you want, you can let the camera trigger by using the self-timer. The button for this is found on the back of the case.

A display shows the number of remaining pictures.

Films for the Polaroid One

Of course, instant film is also needed for the Polaroid One. The original film stock from the American company Polaroid is no longer available for purchase. No worries, since 2010 fresh films for the old 600 cameras are offered again.

For 600 format cameras there is a color and black and white film. For color pictures with the camera there is the Polaroid Color Film for 600*. Black and white photography is possible with the Polaroid B&W Film for 600*. A good rating is given to both films in test reports.

One box contains a film cassette with eight photos. The light-sensitive material must not come into contact with light under any circumstances. For the storage of unexposed film material, one should look for a storage place that is as cool and dry as possible.

Since the development of the film format, an image is 10.8 x 8.8 cm. An area of 7.7 by 7.7 cm is reserved for the actual image. The remaining area of the Polaroid picture is filled by a white area. If white frames are too boring, there are also editions with colorful frames.

There is no compatibility with Fujifilm films.

Batteries

What type of batteries are needed for the Polaroid camera? In this type of camera, the battery is found in the film cassette. It contains enough power for all unexposed images in the film cassette. Even when the flash is used. So changing the film is also changing the battery. There is no need to buy another battery for the camera.

If the camera with film inside has not been used for a long time, the battery may have discharged. Of course, due to the lack of sufficient power supply, the camera will stop working. You can fix the problem without repair, simply by replacing the inserted film.

Instructions for the Polaroid One

How to take photos with the instant camera? A brief guide to taking photos with the camera.

The first act is to load the film. To do this, you open the camera with the button on the back. The film door opens by pressing the button near the lens. The film cassette is inserted and the flap is closed again. Now the camera ejects the protective cover of the film.

Now the camera is wide for taking pictures. Sight the subject through the viewfinder and press the shutter button. The motor inside the camera transports the image out of the film cassette. As it does so, it passes through two rollers that distribute the chemistry for development across the image. After the development process of the instant photo is completed after a few minutes, the photo can be inspected closely.

More editions

There were a few editions of the Polaroid One. These are functionally the same, but may differ in design.

Alternative options

If you can’t find this model, you can use other options. Two great options would be the Polaroid Spirit 600* and Polaroid Family*. These instant cameras are the same in the feature set offered. They are also designed for the 600 instant format.

There is also a possible alternative to the Polaroid cameras. For example, you can reach for the LomoInstant Automat* and Instax Mini 90*. The films for these models can be conveniently purchased online.