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Impossible I-1

The I-1 is an instant camera that was released in the spring of 2016 by Polaroid Originals, formerly known as Impossible. It was touted as the first new camera in over a decade to use the Polaroid-type instant film. The Impossible I-1 is designed to use type 600 instant film and can make use of either the standard 600 film (which includes a battery in the film pack) or the less expensive i-Type film (with no battery in the pack) as the camera itself has an internal, rechargeable battery.

The I-1 is a combination of both simple design and controls, combined with numerous features hidden under the surface. At its most basic, the I-1 works like many other Polaroid instant cameras; focusing is automatic, as is exposure. The camera has a basic over/under compensation switch for brightening and darkening the exposure of shots. A pop-up glass viewfinder provides basic framing and a ring flash is mounted around the lens for extra illumination. The flash regulates itself based on distance and automatic metering.

Under this simple surface, the I-1 is rich with features, most of which come via a companion smartphone app. The camera contains a bluetooth radio that allows it to communicate with both i-Phone and Android smartphones. The app allows full manual control of focus, shutter, aperture, as well as flash. One can set a delayed self-timer and choose the length of delay, triggering the camera either by remote or noise. The app also allows bulb mode exposures and has a built-in photo "scanning" feature which allows you to easily render your analog images digital. It even has perspective control so that the shots of your shots have parallel lines and square corners. The app also has a log that keeps track of pertinent technical information for each exposure that you make.

While not a perfect camera, the I-1 does an admirable job of presenting a new camera that feels new without snubbing its traditional roots. While more appropriate for those invested in the instant film world, this is a camera that could be enjoyed by any photographer...whose budget is large enough to accommodate its costs.

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Impossible I-1

First thing's first - we appreciate beautiful design. While the true test will be one of time, we have a feeling that this camera will still be beautiful in ten years.

If you haven't had a chance to lay hands on the I-1 yet, let us introduce you. It is a camera of two types.

The first is the simple, straightforward, point and shoot nature that has been the bread and butter of instant cameras for years. Don't want to fuss with metering or focus or any of that? Just want to make instant photos? The I-1 does it, pretty easily.

It does more, too. Like a lot of modern cameras, you can link it via an app and Bluetooth to your phone. Then doors really start to open. Manual exposure control of both shutter and aperture. Remote trigger. Bulb mode. Multiple exposure. It is legitimately fun and useful stuff that gives this camera a lot of depth.

One last thing is that the camera has a rechargeable internal battery so it is no longer reliant on the battery in the film packs. You can find battery-less film for this camera that runs a couple dollars cheaper than normal. A very appreciated tidbit given the normally high cost of the film. Every little bit helps.

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Impossible I-1

The Impossible I-1 is a pretty nifty camera all on its own, but it takes on other dimensions when coupled with its counterpart phone app. The biggest addition is manual control. We are firm believers in manual exposure control. We don't look askance at auto exposure, mind you, but when you figure that exposure is the most important tool to a photographer, that it is impossible to make a photograph without exposure, that the seemingly simple controls of shutter, aperture, and ISO can do so much - you begin to realize how important it is to have the ability to steer exposure to your whims and imagination. This is just as true with a camera like the I-1 and may be the feature to this pair that makes us the happiest.

za/sd

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Blue Moon Camera and Machine llc

sales@bluemooncamera.com
(503) 978-0333
(503) 978-0370
8417 North Lombard Street
Portland, OR 97203

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Impossible I-1

Impossible I-1

Impossible I-1

Blue Moon Camera and Machine llc