There is something so raw and beautiful about being able to capture and immortalise moments in time by taking a photo, particularly with film and instant cameras. You can’t retake the photo in hopes of recreating the same image, you can’t go back in time and preserve the feeling you had right then and there, and you can’t edit a photo to manipulate it to how you wanted it to look.
Photography is truly a unique and emotionally captivating art form because it creates a permanent record of that one moment that you can’t take back. Which makes the resurgence of film photography and Polaroids over the last decade make so much sense. More and more people are picking up vintage film cameras and taking the time to learn what makes a good photo, letting their creativity come through photographs.
I’ve found myself over the last few years wanting a creative outlet, so I turned to photography. Buying various types of film cameras, Polaroid Instax, and point and shoots, helped me switch off from the world around me and forced me to find ways to creatively encapsulate moments in time with photography. So when I was invited to the Polaroid Flip event at WALKENS House of Film in Fitzroy, thanks to the team at Speak Communications, I jumped at the chance.
We were lucky enough to be given a masterclass on the new Polaroid Flip by local photographer James Rush, who took us on a short photography street tour and gave us tips and tricks on how to use the Polaroid Flip to its full potential.
And having had the Polaroid Flip over the last week, I’ve been able to take what we learnt at the event, and properly play around with the camera and its features, and even utilise the Polaroid App. And it’s safe to say that I love it.
Design
The design of the Polaroid Flip pays homage to the classic Polaroid Cameras that your parents may have owned, or at best, the ones you’ve probably seen in films in the 90s and early 2000s, with the larger body and viewfinder. The box comes with the camera (either black or white), a how-to guide, and a handy strap that helps make the camera portable, especially given the size and weight; it’s not something you can hold in your hands the whole time.
With a hyperfocal four lens system (creating the depth of field), sonar autofocus (making sure the subject is in focus), and scene analysis (ensuring images are correctly exposed, with a red light that flashes by the viewfinder to tell you to fix the exposure), the Polaroid Flip is a fantastic camera to take full sized images, particularly with the use of the i-Type Polaroid film that help create high quality and crisp imagery. The Polaroid 600 film is also compatible with the device, and was popular with the Polaroid cameras in the 90s.
The flip element of the camera helps keep the lens protected when not in use, and also acts as the on and off switch. The trigger also sits on the same side of the lens, making it a comfortable fit when held in both hands.
There are also so many great creative features that come along with the camera, which can be seen on the small LED display. Featuring modes for a self-timer, double exposure, and EV correction. The LED screen also displays the battery level (which can easily be recharged with a USB-C port – not included in the packaging), film count, and an indicator on whether or not the device is connected to your phone. You can even put the camera on a tripod with a mount underneath the camera.
Being able to use the Polaroid App through Bluetooth connectivity also gives users more scope to play around with the camera with 3 different modes – Auto, Program, and Manual. In Auto, users are able to toggle the flash on and off, switch between the different modes, and click the shutter button, as well as check the battery life and remaining film.
The program allows users to play with the same features in Auto, but with the added adjustments of the aperture and shutter speed. And in Manual, you’re able to change all the aforementioned features, but can also switch between 4 different ranges of focus. The app also allows users to scan images and upload them straight to their phones or social media platforms.
Performance
The Polaroid Flip is quite straightforward to use once you’ve gotten your bearings. Switching between the different modes to suit the setting of the scene is simple with the mode button, and can also be done once connected to the Polaroid App.
The black slip that covers the film once taken is a great reminder to keep the image away from light and in the dark for a few minutes while it develops. And whatever you do, don’t shake it! (despite what popular culture tells us to do).
In terms of taking photos, there have also been no problems capturing imagery indoors or outdoors with the useful ability to change the exposure and the built-in flash. The double exposure feature is also a fun add-in, which can easily be done through the click of a button. But it does take a bit of practice to get good photos if you’re not normally well-versed in photography, which can be hard with only 8 chances to do so. The viewfinder not being an accurate depiction of the film can also be a bit of a surprise for novice users, as it slightly veers to the right, so users will need to keep in mind to align the image a little bit to the left.
But what would be helpful with the Polaroid App is the ability to see what is being captured on the phone, so you don’t have to go back and forth between looking at the app and looking through the viewfinder. This can make it feel a bit double-handed, but otherwise, the Polaroid App is incredibly efficient.
Verdict & Value
The Polaroid Flip is a fantastic camera and a great nostalgia trip to the film cameras back in the day, with a modern upgrade.
While incredibly easy to function, it does take a bit of practice playing around with the settings to ensure that you are using the camera to the best of its abilities (particularly if you are a novice camera user). But all in all, what it truly does best is capture moments and preserve them through film.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: The different modes and settings that can be utilised through the camera itself and the Polaroid App; The built-in flash; The ability to upload photos straight to your phone; Portability with the added camera strap.
Lowlights: The lack of visibility of the imagery when taking live photos on your phone; The viewfinder not being an accurate depiction of what you see.
Manufacturer: Polaroid
Price: $399
Available: Now at JB Hi-Fi, Camera House, and WALKENS House of Film
Review is based on unit provided by Polaroid.
