It has been a few years since instant camera giant Polaroid released a new camera. The Polaroid Now+, a connected instant camera, was released in late 2021, but since then, the company has only pushed out special edition films. Luckily, the wait for a new Polaroid is over, as it has announced the Polaroid I-2. This new offering sits at the top end of Polaroid’s lineup as the most advanced option yet. With that comes a rather steep $599.99 price tag. But, with the higher price comes more features, such as built-in manual controls and a shaper lens.

Polaroid I-2 instant camera details

Polaroid seems to have gone back to the basics when designing the new I-2, building it nearly from the ground up. The video above talks about the process of designing the new instant camera, which was down in partnership with Japanese optical engineers. The company expanded its engineering team and took four years to design each element. It’s clear a lot of thought went into this device.

Polaroid built the camera around a continuous autofocus, three-lens system. It says that this will result in the sharpest results of any Polaroid instant camera yet. It is capable of an f/8 aperture and is made of optical grade polycarbonate and acrylic with anti-reflective coating. The camera also offers a flash, which is a vacuum discharge tube strobe. It provides an eight-foot range. Should you want to use external flashes, there is a 2.5mm audio mono jack flash sync interface.

Interestingly, this is also the first camera to be compatible with i-Type, 600, and SX-70 film, opening up even more creative possibilities. In addition, it features a 49mm filter thread and a standard 1/4-20 UNC thread for tripod use. It relies on an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is rechargeable via USB-C and provides a 15-pack battery life.

Autofocus

The Polaroid I-2’s autofocus system utilizes a LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor. It detects the distance to the subject and automatically adjusts the lens using a stepper motor to achieve accurate focus. This system allows for longer focusing distances, and Polaroid says it can focus from 1.3 feet to infinity. It is also more reliable even in difficult lighting conditions such as low light situations.

Manual controls & camera modes on the Polaroid I-2

Perhaps the most exciting feature of this camera is the built-in manual controls. It is the first Polaroid camera for integral film (a specific type of instant film) with such capabilities. Camera mode, flash mode, distance to the object, shutter speed, aperture, and light meter indicator value are all selectable. You can see and adjust these settings using the integrated viewfinder display and the external OLED display.

If you don’t always want full control, you’re in luck. It will offer six separate modes. You’ll have access to auto, aperture priority, shutter priority, manual, self-time, and multi-exposure. The Polaroid I-2 is also app-enabled, which provides full remote control and firmware update opportunities.

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Polaroid I-2 pricing & availability

As a premium camera, the Polaroid I-2 is not cheap. And if it’s anything like the Now+, it will take time to get used to in order to actually get good results. Nevertheless, it looks like a slick camera, and we can’t wait to check it out. It is priced at $599.99 and is available for purchase now, though is already listed as out of stock. You can choose to be notified when it is back in stock, however.

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Polaroid cameras are what most people first think of when you mention instant photography. While the company has changed significantly from what it was in the 70s, it has continued to produce cameras, film, and printers that spark creativity and are simply fun to use. If you’re itching to get into (or back into) instant photography, you’re in luck. These Polaroid Prime Day deals will save you up to 33 percent on these classic yet modern cameras and photo printers. The main deal is even cheaper than it was this morning, so jump on it quickly before it sells out.

All of these Prime Day deals require an active Amazon Prime Membership. You can sign up here for a free 30-day trial.

Polaroid Now+ White with Bonus Lens Filter Set $93.99 (was $149.99)

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The Polaroid Now+ is a unique instant camera. It can function just like a typical Polaroid camera with automatic exposure and a flash that you can turn on or off. But it can also pair with the Polaroid app via a Bluetooth connection which opens up an expansive number of options. You can control the camera through the app, using it to create double exposures, set a self-timer, change the aperture, make light paintings, and so much more. For creatives and artists, this is truly an impressive and exciting camera. The $99 price is the cheapest we’ve seen it, other than if you were to buy it used, so you won’t want to pass this up.

Even more Polaroid Prime Day deals

• Polaroid Now+ Black with Bonus Lens Filter Set $99.99 (was $149.99)
• Polaroid Now+ Blue Gray with Bonus Lens Filter Set $99.99 (was $149.99)
• Polaroid Originals Lab – Digital to Analog Polaroid Photo Printer $90.99 (was $129.00)
• Polaroid Go Instant Mini Camera – Red $69.99 (was $99.99)

More Prime Day deals

• CleverMade storage
• GoPro cameras
• Rokinon and Samyang camera and lenses
• Sony cameras and lenses
• Kodak and HP portable printers
• PNY memory cards
• Arzopa portable monitors
• Polaroid cameras and printers
• FLIR thermal cameras
• Nixplay digital picture frames

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The Polaroid Now instant film camera combines the old school feel of a traditional Polaroid with the modern features of Fujifilm’s Instax cameras. It still relies on automatic exposure, making it easy to use. But you can turn the flash on or off, take double exposures, and utilize the self-timer for more elaborate selfies or group shots. The Polaroid Now 2nd Generation cameras rarely go on sale, and this is the cheapest price we’ve seen in a while. We’ll be sure to keep our eyes open in case a better deal comes around come Prime Day, so if this doesn’t cut it for you, check back next week.

Polaroid Now 2nd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle $128.95 (was $149.99)

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The Polaroid Now 2nd Generation camera is made of 40 percent recycled materials and features some improved optics over the first generation camera. And as mentioned, it offers up a double exposure mode and self-timer for lots of creative control and flexibility. This bundle deal comes with the black version of the camera and two packs of color i-Type film for 16 photos so that you can get shooting right away.

More Polaroid early Prime Day deals

• Polaroid Originals Now I-Type Instant Camera – White $95.43 (was $119.99)
• Polaroid Now 2nd Generation I-Type Instant Film Camera – Black & White $95.15 (was $119.99)
• Polaroid Now 2nd Generation I-Type Instant Film Camera – Blue $99.99 (was $119.99)
• Polaroid Go Instant Mini Camera $80.34 (was $99.99)
• Polaroid Originals Lab – Digital to Analog Polaroid Photo Printer $94.99 (was $129.00)
• Polaroid Hi-Print – Bluetooth Connected 2×3 Pocket Photo, Dye-Sub Printer $84.00 (was $99.99)

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Polaroids aren’t just a thing of the past. The company has made a few very modern, fun cameras in recent years. And right now, you can save on a variety of Polaroid cameras, photo printers, camera accessories, and even Bluetooth speakers. It’s great timing for such a sale since spring and summer are the perfect seasons for taking Polaroids. The world is more colorful, there’s more daylight, and the warm temperatures are ideal conditions for developing instant film. If you’ve been wanting to jump into the world of instant photography, now is a great time to do so.

Polaroid Now+ Blue Gray $137.99 (was $149.99)

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The Polaroid Now+ is a uniquely modern instant camera. You can use it like a classic point-and-shoot instant camera thanks to the automatic focus, exposure, and flash. Or, pair it with the Polaroid app using Bluetooth connectivity to access a long list of creative options and manual controls. Using the app, you can easily create double exposures, play with light painting, set a self-timer, or even take full manual control of the camera’s settings. It’s a camera that allows for—and encourages—a lot of creativity. I’ve just started using one for a review coming soon, and it truly feels like the sky is the limit with this thing.

Polaroid P2 Music Player (Black) $23.99 (was $129.99)

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You likely don’t think of speakers when you think of Polaroid, but the instant camera company has also started to make a range of portable Bluetooth speakers that are fun and unique. And the black and white version of its P2 speaker is 82 percent off. If you’ve been looking for a speaker for your summer pool parties or BBQs, this deal is one you’ll want to take advantage of. I’ve been using one for a few months, and it puts out quality sound from the stylish body. And you can pair it with another P2 speaker for Dual Stereo Pairing for even better sound, so why not pick up two while you’re at it?

More Polaroid deals

Cameras

• Polaroid Originals Now I-Type Instant Camera – White $99.99 (was $119.99)
• Polaroid Originals Now I-Type Instant Camera – Black $104.61 (was $119.99)
• Polaroid Now I-Type Instant Camera – Black & White $109.99 (was $119.99)
• Polaroid Originals Now I-Type Instant Camera and Film Bundle – Everything Box Black $126.14 (was $149.99)
• Polaroid Now+ Black $139.95 (was $149.99)
• Polaroid Go Instant Mini Camera – Black $87.13 (was $99.99)
• Polaroid Go Instant Mini Camera – Red $89.99 (was $99.99)
• Polaroid Go Instant Mini Camera – White $88.57 (was $99.99)
• Polaroid Go Camera and Large Film Pack Bundle $166.43 (was $199.98)
• Polaroid Go Red w/Film Value Pack $143.14 (was $154.98)
• Polaroid Lab w/B&W Film Pack $115.98 (was $145.99)
• Polaroid Originals Lab $99.99 (was $129.00)

Accessories

• Polaroid Go Photo Tag – White $13.36 (was $14.99)
• Polaroid Go Camera Case – White $23.59 (was $26.99)
• Polaroid Go Camera Case – Black $23.59 (was $26.99)
• Polaroid Go Lens Filter Set – Set of three $13.99 (was $19.99)
• Polaroid Box Camera Bag $28.56 (was $36.99)
• Polaroid Now Camera Bag – Yellow $25.39 (was $27.73)
• Polaroid Now Camera Bag – Red $19.99 (was $24.99)
• Polaroid Now Camera Bag – Blue $19.99 (was $24.99)
• Polaroid Camera Strap Flat – Blue Stripe $12.13 (was $12.99)
• Polaroid Camera Strap Flat – Yellow Stripe $12.27 (was $12.99)
• Polaroid Color Film for I-Type x40 Film Pack $69.99 (was $84.99)

Speakers

• Polaroid P1 Music Player (Black) $16.99 (was $59.99)
• Polaroid P1 Music Player (Yellow) $34.99 (was $59.99)
• Polaroid P1 Music Player (Red) $28.34 (was $59.99)
• Polaroid P1 Music Player (Blue) $20.00 (was $59.99)
• Polaroid P2 Music Player (Yellow) $50.00 (was $129.99)
• Polaroid P2 Music Player (Red) $89.74 (was $129.99)
• Polaroid P2 Music Player (Blue) $97.99 (was $129.99)
• Polaroid P3 Music Player (Grey) $149.99 (was $189.99)
• Polaroid P3 Music Player (Black) $71.99 (was $189.99)
• Polaroid P3 Music Player (Yellow) $139.99 (was $189.99)
• Polaroid P3 Music Player (Red) $131.63 (was $189.99)
• Polaroid P3 Music Player (Blue) $115.85 (was $189.99)
• Polaroid P4 Music Player (Black) $155.00 (was $289.99)
• Polaroid P4 Music Player (Yellow) $219.97 (was $289.99)
• Bundle of Polaroid P4 Music Player (Black) $317.55 (was $359.98)
• Bundle of Polaroid P4 Music Player (Yellow) $289.96 (was $359.98)

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Polaroid is no stranger to creating limited-edition, bold-color films. Just last year, the company released Duochrome Black & Green 600, which, as the name suggests, created dramatic and unique green images. This time, blue is the color of choice, and it was created essentially by accident. Polaroid has announced Reclaimed Blue, which is a 600-format film, meaning it will work with retro Polaroid 600 cameras as well as the Polaroid Now, Now +, and Lab.

What is Reclaimed Blue film?

Though Reclaimed Blue has a similar look to Polaroid’s Duochrome films, the company specifies that it is very different from the process used for those films. In fact, Reclaimed Blue was “an experimental fluke.” Whereas Duochrome films require dye to create their unique colors, Reclaimed Blue is the result of a chemical reaction. Interestingly, no extra blue dye is used in the film at all.

The company explains that Polaroid Chemist Brian Slaghuis was working on an experiment to improve its color film. During that testing, Brian stumbled on a new chemical reaction “between our color film and the TBHQ chemical from our b&w film.” The Reclaimed part of the film’s name is due to the use of reclaimed waste material within the new film. It’s not completely understood why this chemical reaction resulted in such blue colors, but Polaroid is embracing it.

As you can see in the example images, the film results in vibrant shades of blue with white highlights. That differs in looks from Blue Duochrome as well, which produces blues and blacks as a result of blue dye being added to black and white film. And it offers a greater range of hues than the Cyan Monochrome film from Polaroid as well.

Who’s it for?

As with other limited edition films from Polaroid, Reclaimed Blue is best for those who want to unique and potentially unpredictable results. Polaroid even specifies that it wants photographers to “experiment with this blue chemistry, to embrace its accidental quality, and to see what unique images they can capture.”

It’s a film for adventurous, creative photographers, which is in line with Polaroid’s history as well. Oskar Smolokowski—the Polaroid Chairman—explained that “Polaroid’s DNA is rooted in experimentation and unlocking the unexpected. Reclaimed Blue captures that essence. It’s science mixed with human perseverance and remarkable accidents.” This new blue film carries on that tradition and asks photographers to do the same.

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Pricing & availability

Reclaimed Blue 600 is available for purchase now for $16.99 per pack. It is a limited-edition film stock, though Polaroid hasn’t specified how much exactly is available. Previous limited-edition films have sold out pretty quickly, though, so if you want to try your hand with this new blue film, you won’t want to wait to order.

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Instant photography giant, Polaroid, has just released a new limited-edition film for its i-Type cameras to honor the legendary David Bowie. Polaroid has released lots of fun editions in the past, including Keith Haring-inspired frames, colorful metallic frames, and a Green Duochrome film. The company created the most recent edition in collaboration with The David Bowie Archive. It resulted in 10 new frames inspired by the iconic album artwork of Bowie’s albums.

Each pack of film includes eight frames, so unfortunately, you won’t see them all in one pack. They are sold as single packs or as triple or five packs for an even better chance of getting all collectible frames. The film itself uses the same color formula as all other i-Type films, so if you’ve already been using those, you will know what to expect. You’ll need a Polaroid camera that uses the proprietary i-Type instant film, such as the Polaroid Now or the Polaroid Now+.

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Instant photos sure pack a nostalgic punch. Maybe it’s the tangible aspect of a real photo in your hands instead of one floating in the cloud. Maybe it’s the way the images come out just a little imperfect that adds to the charm. But whatever it is, there’s no denying that where there’s instant film, there is fun being had. And no company is more synonymous with instant photography than Polaroid. 

With the release of Polaroid Go’s two new colorways, we decided to finally give this tiny camera a whirl for ourselves. In short: it’s definitely a delight. Pocketable and extremely portable; the design should appeal as much to the younger set as to those who grew up with the original. It creates prints in miniature (though personally, I find the colors leave something to be desired), and has a fun double exposure feature for the adventurous experimentalist. 

Polaroid Go review: Keys specs

• f/12 and f/52 apertures
• Focal length of 51.1mm
• Shutter speeds ranging from 1/250 to 1 second
• Automatic flash, can be disabled 
• Viewfinder doubles as a selfie mirror
• Double exposure mode
• Self-timer, but no tripod mount
• LED frame counter window
• Compatible with Polaroid Go film, 8 shots per pack
• Pocket-sized
• Built-in battery with USB-C charging, 120 shots per charge

What’s new

In addition to the classic white, the Polaroid Go now comes in black and red models. In tandem with the release of the camera bodies, the company also debuted a set of lens filters in red, yellow, and blue, as well as a matte black-edge Go film.  

Polaroid Go handling & design

As the world’s smallest instant camera at 4.1 inches long, 3.3 inches wide, and 2.4 inches tall, the Polaroid Go makes compact efficiency its middle name. With the camera in hand, all the buttons you’d need—shutter, flash, and power—are situated together on the right side while the viewfinder is on the left.

On the front of the camera, the lens sits center, flanked by the flash on the left and the viewfinder on the right—the latter doubles as a selfie mirror thanks to a reflective coating. Because of the compact nature, I sometimes found my finger obscuring the flash, but overall, I appreciated the size of the Go, which felt manageable. However, I do have fairly small hands, so I could see how the diminutive size of this camera could be a major point of frustration. 

Related: How to digitize an instant photo in three easy steps

The camera’s shooting options are all controlled by the flash button. Press it twice in rapid succession to activate the double exposure mode. Activate or deactivate the self-timer by holding it down for two seconds. Hit it once to turn the flash on and again to turn it off. And that’s it. Everything else is automatic, so just press the shutter when you’re ready.

The entirety of the camera is basically plastic, which makes it incredibly light and easy to handle while still feeling solid. There’s nothing fragile about it, and it happily dangles from the included wrist strap for easy access. Essentially, the Go is the mini version of the Polaroid Now, but the layout and lens do allude to the extremely classic SX-70 Land Camera.

In use

Loading the film is self explanatory. Line up the arrows on the cartridge with those on the camera and drop it in, chunky end first. Unlike the larger cameras, which load from the front, the Polaroid Go has a little film hatch at the bottom. Do not peel off the tape on the cartridge; you’ll need it to pull it out after it’s empty. 

To test the Go, I took it on a spin at my local botanical garden and also to a Waffle House (as one does in the South) to see how it’d do at night. I shot a mix of flash/no flash and a handful of double exposures (plus one selfie).

I admit that I was already smitten before the first picture, purely on the basis of its size. My current obsession is the pocket camera. And while the Go is indeed a portable dream, there are other features worth discussing, for better or worse. 

Double exposure confusion

The camera has a nifty double exposure feature that’s activated by quickly hitting the flash button twice. Once in this mode, the frame counter will flash “1” indicating it’s time for the first shot. Tap the shutter and the counter will flash “2”; hit it again, and voilà, your double exposure ejects out.

While this feature is fun, it can at times be confusing, specifically when there’s a delay between the first and second exposure. For example, I wanted to do an overlay of flowers at the botanical garden with my typewriter at home. So, I put my camera in double exposure mode, took a photo of the typewriter, and turned it off. According to Polaroid, the camera will “remember” you’re in double exposure mode, so when you arrive at your next location and turn it on, you can make the second photo.

However, this is where things got tricky. After I arrived at the gardens and turned on the camera, the film counter no longer showed I was in double exposure mode. This made things confusing. Did I lose the picture of my typewriter? Did I need to put the camera back in double exposure mode for it to work? I tried that, but the counter started at “1” again, so I took it out of double exposure mode, took a picture of some roses, and waited to see what would happen. As it turns out, you don’t need to put the Go back in double exposure mode for that second shot. My final image was my typewriter/flower overlay as planned.

Remember to turn off the flash…

As far as flash is concerned, I preferred to keep it off in broad daylight. But, it perfectly delivers the harsh ‘90s candid vibe, if that is what you’re after. However, one thing that frustrated me—particularly with double exposures—is that the flash is automatically activated. This meant I had to remember to disable it each time I went to take a new shot. I’m forgetful and thus ended up firing it a few more times than I had planned.  

A flimsy film shield

Like the other Polaroid cameras, you only get eight shots per pack of film, which is fine. What I did find odd (and somewhat counterintuitive to the whole ‘instant’ promise) was the awkward film shield that rolls out on top of the photo after it’s printed, as well as the necessity to wait five seconds before pulling the print out of the slot. The film shield is just a thin sheet of dark gray plastic that rolls out with the picture to protect it from light. Though you are supposed to let the Polaroid develop in the dark, other instant cameras I’ve used do not require such a feature. You simply stuff the picture in your pocket as fast as possible. I’m not particularly fond of the shield as it felt that I might accidentally bend it.

Finally, while I love the compactness of this camera, I did have a couple of scares, including nearly wasting a precious sheet of already scarce film by accidentally pushing the shutter button. Since I’m right handed, I would always reach for the camera with that hand, but the shutter is also on the right side. It doesn’t help that I’m also notorious for forgetting to turn off any camera—I have had plenty of “what is that?” shots in the past. 

Polaroid Go Image quality

Objectively, I would describe the Polaroid Go image colors as moody ‘90s nostalgia with exuberant sepia undertones. With or without flash, there’s a hazy imperfection that lends a certain charm. Am I head-over-heels? Not exactly, but in a way that is more so personal taste than quality. 

Compared to photographs I have made with the Polaroid One Step and the Fujifilm Instax Wide, the latter two produce cleaner, brighter images. I tend to favor this in my work. However, the Polaroid Go is a vibe—I see many people shoot their film (instant or not) this way, so it’s by no means bad. 

Related: Best instant cameras

Compared to…

Polaroid’s main competitor in the instant space is Fujifilm, which offers a fine line of products, too, and at a slightly (emphasis on slightly) lower price point. Cameras like the Fujifilm SQ1 will also produce a square image, and you can snag a pack of 20 frames at a little less than $1 each on Amazon. Meanwhile, 16 Go photos will cost you about $20.

That being said, the Polaroid Go is a solid choice if you value a compact design, as the Fujifilm options are a lot bigger. It also comes down to your stylistic choice and how you want your colors to turn out. The Go flash covers up to two meters (6.56 feet), while Fujifilm claims that its flash on the SQ 1 is effective up to 7.2 feet.

Polaroid Go Review: Overall, the Go rides on a retro reputation

Overall, the Polaroid Go really appeals to those who love the brand and what it’s represented over the years. From the retro, reminiscent design to the vintage cast in the film, it’s definitely something that’ll bring back (and preserve) memories, new and old. 

However, the price of the film and hiccups in user experience design leave a little bit to be desired. And with the price of film these days, saving a few pennies never hurts. It ultimately comes down to your personal artistic preferences, which should then dictate the system you buy into. 

Pros 

• Fits easily in a small bag or pocket
• Can be operated by one (small) hand without much trouble
• Flash can be disabled
• Double exposure mode creates the potential for cool shots
• Self-timer mode is handy for more complex selfies

Cons

• Polaroid Go film is more expensive than the competition
• Double exposure mode is confusing if you turn off the camera between shots
• Colors are muddier/moodier than the competition (this is subjective taste)
• The film shield is a little awkward/flimsy, and so is waiting five seconds before pulling out the picture
• Flash cannot be permanently disabled; you must remember to turn it off for each shot

The post Polaroid Go review: Instant fun & convenience with a few small caveats appeared first on Popular Photography.

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“I haven’t shot digital photography in over a decade probably,” Jean Andre Antoine admits. The Harlem native is taking our phone call from the “office,” which for this street photographer means Prince Street between Broadway and Crosby in New York City’s lower Manhattan. Antoine posts himself up in the window of a former Dean & DeLuca coffee shop, waiting for a curious passerby to approach. A siren eventually wails in the background, painting a frenetic juxtaposition between the chaos of the city and the man who shoots instant film that takes five to ten minutes to develop. But for Antoine, analog street photography is a refreshing breeze in an increasingly superficial, retouched world. 

“[A friend remarked] that photography’s at a place where people don’t want the truth anymore in a sense of reality, as they see it,” Antoine shares. “Now [the image] has to be touched up. It has to be fixed, this or that, they want it to be beautified. I’m really at a place where I want to remove that from the photograph, in the sense, and let people know that’s not the only photography that exists.”

Related: Best instant Cameras

Why analog in the city that never sleeps

The bustle of New York City hardly lends itself to anything slow and old-fashioned. Plus the mirrorless camera revolution and possible death of the DSLR make it impossible to deny that we like things faster and fancier. But Antoine’s photographic practice is making the case that it’s not always better.

“Instant photography to me is the purest form of photography in the sense of you get what you see, it’s delivered there on a spot tangibly,” he asserts. “Secondly, it reminds me of the process of shooting, developing, and printing because when I learned photography, it was those three steps that you had to go through to get the whole image. I always thought about having my tangible prints, and now that I’m able to shoot, develop, and print on the spot. To me it’s great.”

In addition to harking back to his early days with the medium, shooting film also protests against the culture of heavily retouched images and offers a fresh dose of the real and raw. 

“It brings photography back to real life,” Antoine says. “I’ve always seen photography through that documentarian type of viewpoint where I just want real life. I’ve never really taken to the beauty aspect or the commercial aspect of it.”

Related: Polaroid Go review: instant fun & convenience

An introvert in an extrovert’s office

From Thursday to Sunday starting around 11 a.m. to about 5:30 or 6:00, passersby will find Antoine posted up in his office, weather permitting, with a bevy of cameras to suit every situation. The self-acknowledged introvert’s biggest (literally) attention-grabber is a 4×5 Speed Graphic, but a Polaroid 195 Land Camera is one of the many others that have made appearances.

“The reason why I even shoot with the Graphic is because when I’m out working, it draws the attention of people coming in. So it’s that kind of camera, but it’s also a really great camera. It has dual duties, in that sense.”

Though Antoine says that street photography has made him less of an introvert, this aspect of his personality still informs his approach to the art a decade later. 

“When I first started, I would be as low-key and inconspicuous as possible shooting,” he remembers. “But now, the type of work that I do in street photography is street portraiture. So I have to interact with people.”

So what exactly draws him to these types of portraits? 

“I guess the impromptu-ness of it and then having to deliver on that kind of note,” Antoine reflects. “I feel like that represents life in general because I have this one take with a stranger. That’s always kind of a feat.”

NYC is a box of chocolates: you never know who you’ll meet 

Antoine’s approach to street photography is special in that he doesn’t reach out to potential subjects. Instead, he waits for them to come to him, and finds that the right people will.

“I don’t have to sell anything. For me, that’s the biggest point,” he says.

When I ask if he’s ever photographed anyone famous, the answer is yes without elaboration. Further coaxing reveals names like Patty Smith, Spike Lee, and ASAP Rocky. For Antoine, however, the real intrigue is not the celebrity portrait, but building a connection between himself and the subject—there are those who have visited repeatedly for new photos, sometimes with friends and family in tow. 

“Over the years the moments mean more than anything to me now,” he notes. “When people bring me their family members, it means a lot more to me than just a great photograph. I know this photograph is going to have some kind of life past me and that’s what I look for. I want a sense of timelessness.”

Antoine adamantly observes that he never knows where a portrait will take him. But, in one instance, that “where” was nearly two weeks in Paris and Italy on behalf of jeweler Tiffany & Co. after he had done the portrait of an employee. After seeing Antoine over the years, he came to mind when the company wanted to execute a Polaroid project. Though it was a phenomenal experience, he maintains that commercial work is not a goal he aspires to.

“I’m not a huge fan of it. I’m in and out,” he explains. “The beauty of what I’m doing has been the freedom of being able to create freely. I have no one over me. I’m able to just come out to the street and deliver and I’m really not in a rush to work for anyone in a sense. I’ll take them as they come. The gigs have to fit what I’m doing and have to make sense.”

Get a portrait while you can

As the saying goes, all good things come to an end—but for Antoine, this isn’t by choice. The film he uses, peel-apart Fujifilm FP 100 C, has been discontinued for nearly six years. As it becomes scarcer, the prices are more precious. He paid $130 per pack on a recent haul, recalling the days it was $5 or $10.

Once the stash is gone, that’s it, so get your instant portrait taken while you can. When that day ultimately comes, Antoine will be pivoting to portraiture in his studio on Canal Street. Before he does, however, he’ll spend time showcasing his archives. Curious visitors are welcome to book appointments for viewing. One thing is certain, though. When he does close up shop, Prince Street will lose a beloved community figure.

“I’ve made so many friends and relationships through this,” Antoine shares. “That’s another beauty of doing this…[to]have repeat customers…just that recurrence of that relationship over the years [has] become huge to me.”

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We’re always jazzed to report on a new limited edition film drop and the latest from Polaroid, Duochrome Black & Green 600, is one of the more out-there offerings we’ve seen this year. If you’re into monster movies, death metal, or anything else spooky, this new release has your name on it.

Who’s it for?

Polaroid Duochrome Green is made for vintage Polaroid 600 cameras, along with modern Polaroid/Impossible Project I-type cameras. For the folks working with vintage models, these film packs contain built-in batteries to power your camera, just like the old-school packs—I-type cameras, on the other hand, are powered by their own built-in rechargeable pack.

Polaroid says the new film was created in “direct response” to the popularity of past Duochrome 600 releases, which include both yellow and blue variants. Both are sadly sold out and we have no doubt the Green version will sell out too. So if it piques your interest, snag some quick!

The green ‘look’

Related: SantaColor 100 is a ‘new’ 35mm film repurposed from aerial surveillance stock

The film’s ‘look’ is obviously not for everyone and Polaroid goes so far as to acknowledge that in the press materials. “The new Black & Green edition allows fans to continue experimenting with a unique clash of color, rejecting the rules of the ordinary using black & green Polaroid chemistry, the most experimental combination yet.”

Personally, I really dig the look and plan on picking up a pack or two. This could be a super fun film to try out at a high-energy concert or for some experimental portraiture. Or, if you’re looking for something to shoot come Halloween season, this could be it—especially if you missed out on CineStill’s equally-spine-chilling RedRum 120 film.

Getting the most out of Duochrome

Considering plunking down for a pack or two? Polaroid has an entire article dedicated to tips and tricks to get the most out of Duochrome. The brand does note, however, that due to the “extreme experimental nature of the product” it can’t “guarantee stable results.” As such, returns will also not be accepted. That being said, the Polaroid is selling it for a few bucks cheaper than its standard packs (and makes the return policy on the film pretty darn clear up-front).

Price & availability

Polaroid Duochrome Black & Green 600 is available now for $14.99 a pack.

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Ethan Moses is no stranger to building cameras. Over the years he’s created a series of 4×5 hand cameras, medium format cameras, and 35mm panoramic cameras—but for his latest creation, he decided to go big, really big. During the height of the pandemic, Moses set out to recreate Polaroid’s iconic 20×24 camera, capable of producing images 20 inches wide and 24 inches tall.

“Polaroid built the original 20×24 Polaroid cameras for demos and for advertising smaller products,” says Moses. But the camera was also popular with famous photographers and artists. The massive pieces of Polaroid film used by folks like William Wegman, Andy Warhol, Chuck Close, Mary Ellen Mark, and Elsa Dorfman ceased to exist back in 2017—the same year that John Reuter announced that he was closing down the 20×24 studio in Manhattan. But that didn’t deter Moses. His solution? To build a custom 20×24 camera that records positive prints directly onto a large piece of photo paper.

In use, Moses loads the photo paper in, makes an exposure, and then dumps chemistry directly into the film holder, allowing him to make the direct positive without needing a darkroom. ” I certainly didn’t invent huge cameras, but I think I am the first to invent a film holder that has a light baffle like a daylight developing tank so that you can process directly in the holder without a darkroom. Then, in a relatively uncontrolled environment, you can just take the back off the camera, lay it down on a table, and pour in a liter of chemistry and shake it around.”

Last month Moses traveled from his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Brooklyn, New York, and teamed up with Kyle Depew of Brooklyn Film Camera to offer portrait sessions and workshops at Wyckoff Windows Studio. The first two weekends sold out immediately, followed by a third additional weekend. 

“In Albuquerque, if I do this, I have seven people show up to my backyard and I know them all,” says Moses. “But here, it was really an amazing thing how many people showed up. People came in from Seattle. One guy bailed on his wife for a day during his honeymoon to come to the workshop. Someone came from Minnesota.” 

Here, Moses tells us about the process of building the camera and what it’s like to shoot with. 

Where did the idea to build this 20×24 camera come from? 

About 20 years ago, I was really into reading photo.net and the guy who ran it, Phillip Greenspun, his avatar was a 20×24 portrait shot by Elsa Dorfman showing him and a big white dog. It was great. And it’s a great regret of my life that I never spent the money and got my portrait taken by Elsa Dorfman while she was still alive. I’ve always had that in my head.

On the Homemade Camera Podcast, we were talking about it and the challenges of making self-developing cameras, like the Afghan box camera. And so we challenged ourselves to start working on these self-developing cameras. And at some point, we had been working on enough of these projects, perfecting the process, that I thought maybe we could use the knowledge to replicate the 20×24 Polaroid experience. Shooting with a 20×24 camera is an interesting process, but who wants a 20×24 negative? 

When did the process of building it begin? 

This is one of those cameras I wanted to build because I wanted to use it and see what it could produce. And it turns out, it takes portraits real nice. Anyway, during the pandemic, stuck in my garage, I bought a car-sized laser cutter. All of a sudden I could cut parts for this thing. For five months, I was just drawing and CADing and cutting and gluing and screwing. And I think this current version is about the seventh iteration of the camera. Usually, I’ll build a bunch of cameras, starting with one prototype. I’ll see what doesn’t work, leave it on the table, and build a whole new one until I get it right.

But this thing, it’s just too big. I would build one and be like, ‘Okay, I want to make this change,’ but then it would mean tearing the camera down. For a while I didn’t have a working camera, I just didn’t have space.

What were some of the things you had to troubleshoot while building it?

Oh god, everything. The camera has a bunch of different systems in it. It has a rail system, focusing system, front and rear standard, and a folding popup system that should be pretty rigid. The bellows each took some troubleshooting. I have maybe 150 pages of just hand drawings before all the CAD files, showing just how the rails work.

The real terrible one was the bellows, though. I’ve built hundreds of bellows for 4×5 cameras. You just build them flat on a table. But when you lay this thing out flat, it’s 14 feet by 17 feet. My buddy Joe and I tried to build this, and it was like we’re trying to do one-handed pushups and use spray glue with the other hand. Neither of us are in good shape, it’s 100 degrees and we’re laid out on my driveway in Albuquerque. It just turned into such a mess so quickly. I spent another week building this giant obelisk as a bellows form. For six hours straight, I just glued fabric together and laser-cut ribs—hundreds of them.

This was one the camera’s first time out in the wild, how have people been reacting to it during the portrait sessions? 

People have been super into it. It’s been really wild. I’m used to a life where nobody is interested in what I’m super psyched about. But here, I think the people are more psyched about the big camera than I am, and I built it. I devoted five months of my life to building it. People love the magic trick of it, I think. It’s a novelty act—to us and to everybody. What we found out is once in a while, it makes really great pictures with a really unique look. The obvious thing to do is portraits, even a photo booth. You can do a lot of them, they’re pretty fun. Everybody looks different and beautiful in their own way. And it’s just so well-suited to portraits. It’s got a really shallow depth of field, so the subject needs to be really still. It’s really hard to operate under daylight, so strobe lights make it much easier.

What’s your strobe setup with the camera?

I have these heads and Speedotron packs from the ’90s. They were the most powerful ones from the days of film. These are what you would use to light up a basketball stadium. When I pop a strobe, there’s a ton of light being dumped through two heads. The exposure time ends up being about 1/60 of a second. I have not yet built a shutter for any of these huge lenses. What I’ve been doing is just capping the lens, dimming the lights, and then I uncap the lens. I hold a filter gel pack over the lens just to color compensate because you don’t have any intermediate steps like printing or scanning. And then I just pop the strobe, and that’s basically the shutter rate.

What lenses are you using with the 20×24 camera? 

The one that I really like is a Lomo process lens that I picked up from Russia on eBay years ago in anticipation of one day building a camera like this. The other one I have is an APO Nikkor 600mm. When I committed to Kyle, I immediately ordered from Japan another process lens that would cover us, just in case I dropped the Lomo lens. I didn’t want to have to wait another three months or hunt for years on eBay for such a thing. They’re rare and beautiful. They were designed for Xerox machines before there were scanners. 

What’s next for you and the 20×24 camera? 

People are digging it. I’m going to see where it goes. Maybe I will do some more 20×24 workshops, but I need to sleep for a month.  When I’m taking pictures with it, there are three people working. If I did this in Albuquerque, I wouldn’t have the space. But even if I had the space, I’d have nobody to take pictures of. I’d have nobody to shake my trays. I’d have nobody to load the film. I’d have nobody to greet my subjects. After New York, I initially thought I would go back home and sell miniature versions of the camera. But shooting with the big version is pretty fun and a lot of people are way more into having their portraits shot than they are into buying camera parts or obscure cameras. 

It’s a different process than a 20×24 Polaroid, but it’s a similar product, it’s super 2021—it’s analog, but it’s also quick.

Ethan Moses is currently raising funds on Kickstarter to bring his 20×24 camera to Los Angeles next.

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