The photography community needs more videos like this. Less "this one is better than that one", more "these are different tools with different capabilities". Thanks Ben! Great video.
Ben! I loved this video, Imo we gotta give the I-2 more love. You did a lot of videos on how to use the sx-70, I’d love to see some “how to” videos for the I-2. “How to use external flash” “how to get best exposure” etc. love your videos bro! Keep it up
I've currently got one of each. I don't use my SX-70 often because it's a late 1973 model and I don't want to rack up miles on it, but it's fantastic to use. One additional strength of the I-2 is the color rendition of its lens. Between my I-2 and my 50mm Pentax prime, I've been paying more attention to optical color rendition recently.
I now own both of these. Bought the I-2 on Black friday. I can not decide which one I prefer. The SX-70 has the cool party trick of folding and the retro look. The I-2 is more reliable and more flexible because you can natively put any Polaroid film in it and you got manual controls. Both great cameras. Now we need a really good Instax WIDE camera with manual controls and a similar quality lens. 😅
20 years using my SX70s, i'm still not ready to change to the I-2, in fact i don't see why i should change as the SX70 is my perfect friend and fits very well with the images i create with.
Nice work on the video. All of the info was framed very nicely. I haven't used either of these but I would go for the I-2. They do go on sale on Amazon and places and can be had for below MSRP. 🍻
I adore my 600 modified sx-70, it’s provided so much joy over the last few months of ownership. I’ve never had an slr of any kind, and looking through the lens is such a treat. Thanks for the comparison!
This is the video I think I needed. I have two folding cameras and have been thinking about getting the i-2. I don't shoot a whole lot of polaroid because of the film cost in general, but having manual exposure would be nice.
One of my favorite channels on UA-cam. I own both of these cameras. I originally purchased the I-2 to be a dedicated studio camera because of its manual controls and flash sync. I’d fully intended to continue using my sx70 as my general purpose instant camera. But as time went by I found myself using the I-2 exclusively. The manual controls, auto focus, built in flash and cheaper film packs stole the show from the sx70. Plus the I-2 just fits better in my camera bag. I still have and use the sx70 on occasion but the I-2 is my main instant camera for just about everything. Both cameras are absolutely phenomenal and you can’t go wrong with either one.
Been using a SX-70 type camera for 30 years, and now the new I-2 is a welcomed addition to the tool belt. While both have similarities, just like Ben says, they stand out in their own respective ways. I say, if you have to choose one, figure out your budget for camera and film, and then choose the one you feel more drawn to. Then shoot the hell out of it and get super proficient. Once you have shooting down on either camera, it'll be a easier adjustment to switching between the two.
Good point, the most important thing is to stick to it if you’ve got one, because they’re similarly great at photomaking. The one you learn and love is the one you’re going to make the best work with. I personally was surprised to find myself loving the I-2 so much, considering its style of build, as I’m a massive SX-70 devotee. But the heart mind want what they want sometimes.
I bought the I-2 6 months ago after watching your videos. This review is like you said the "ultimate comparison." I think it's going to be the quintessential video if you're still on the fence between the I-2 and SX-70.
Great video! I really like my I-2 and I love my SX-70 and if I could only have one, it would be the SX-70. The I-2 feels disposable in the way that I know it will be a brick with time and that in some way lessens my attachment and value of it. That said, I'm glad I have it and I would love to see an I-3 that is equally as good but a replacement battery and manual focus. That would be a pretty big game changer IMO.
Good takes for sure, thank goodness we’re in the universe where we’re allowed to have both. But, I agree the I-2 does not immediately seem like the most durable piece of kit, hopefully the parts and services continued to be offered in infinitum. And dang, thinking about the I-3 already! We’ll see what they do there, I could envision the I-2 being sort of a one-off, but would love to see further iterations.
I'd buy the I-2 if I could replace the batteries ( such as two AA batteries ). I see no point in preventing the user to change the batteries. My dream Polaroid would be a modern SX-70, a modern foldable ... :) I enjoy your videos btw. Have a nice Christmas!
I liked the video overall thank you Ben for making it. Though I thought it missed on a few opportunities, for instance all SX-70 cameras can be easily modified to shoot I-type film, numerous options exist such as instant camera guy’s pola-volt along with several other options. Also would have liked the comparison to be between the I-2 and a modified sx-70 sonar that’s had manual control PCB upgrade such as the open sx-70 or sx-70r that instant camera guy does, or even a mint upgraded one.
Hey Matt! As I stated in the video, those mods do not make the SX-70 truly manual, and as they also make the SX-70 2x the price of the I-2, it's not really a reasonable comparison for the average customer.
@ thank you for the feedback Ben. My thought behind my comment was more for the I-type conversion due to the cost difference in film. On the manual conversion part, yes you are correct about it not being fully manual. Was really trying to make the comparison more of an even playing field because a Stock sx-70 (while a fantastic camera) can’t really keep up with an I-2 with all of the modern features. If they had made the I-2 with an easily user replaceable battery that didn’t involve dismantling the entire camera I probably would have bought one over upgrading my SX-70. Again thank you for the response, love your channel and all of your content. Thank you for all that you do for the instant film community.
Have both, and feel like I tend to grab the I-2 a whole lot more. But you just can't beat the creativity with control of a tuned SX-70 and the SX-37 filters. I think if you are a Polaroid shooter and you don't have both then you should try to have both on your roadmap somehow. Split those miles, so the SX-70 can be babied. Long term you can make the case that having an I-2 as an SX-70 shooter means avoiding one or two repair shop side quests.
I felt the exact same way after shooting polaroid film exclusively up until around 2020 or so. I shot instax for the last few years, but just didn't like any of the cameras fuji makes that much. I tried a pack of Polaroid film again this year, and I must commend them. The formula had improved a great deal in the last four years. The colors are far more stable and vibrant, the dynamic range is superior to instax and it just has a truly unique look to it now, that doesn't have to be justified as "kinda shit". Suffice to say, give polaroid a try again. I'm glad I did.
I purchased the I-2 on sale during Black Friday for $350. I find myself reaching for it more than my refurbished SX-70R these days. The framing does take some getting used to, but the overall experience is a little more streamlined. Also worth noting that the I-2 doesn't have an adjustable diopter! I had trouble seeing the viewfinder icons until I fashioned a 3D printed sleeve to use a diopter from my Canon.
I have the SLR 680 and I just got the i2 last week. I have to say it's so far the i-2 is so much easier and looks better than the SLR 680. The only issue which isn't even a big deal, is the bulky ness of the i2. I haven't tried the flash sync yet, in my studio, but that's what I got it for and I'm really excited to try that out
I like it, but wish it had more automatic features, it's hard to use in auto mode in my experience - but if you can get into a groove, it does the job and looks awesome.
Good comparison. I still own 3 SX-70 cameras including 1 with sonar. They have not been used for many years and I find the MiNT flashbar underwhelming. Thus, my personal comparison is between the SLR-680 and the I-2 and with those 2 I want to continue. The I-2 reminds me most of my favorite Polaroid Image 1200 (Spectra). Too bad Spectra has become a dead format.
I think you now have to add the Lomo Instax Wide with Glass into the mix as a low price alternative to either polaroid. You have reviewed it and it is worth a mention for the informal amateur. That being said, I miss Land Pack film for my older Polaroids, and I miss Spectra Film for the Polaroid Spectra. I don't like that Sx70 lacks true manual control.
I would agree the Fuji Instax cameras are "Ewww" but the film is not bad, I wish Polaroid could do as well. But in my post I was referring to Lomography, not Fuji@@patrickjclarke
@@stevensmith2187 yeah, I shoot mostly BW, and the green Instax Mono is just gross, I can't stand it. I have the original lomo wide and it's great, just a soft soft lens. The new glass one is miles better, and I love the aspect ratio of wide, I just can't do their "Mono" film (it's not a true BW film)
My absolute favorite is the NONS 660. I have since evolved my instant film subjects to indoor/studio shoots of people/portraits. I find it easier to control the lighting and intimately close framing. Architecture and nature on an instant format never really caught on with me.
i got sick of the cruddy exposure on the i2 and sold it off before the firmware update :( Still rocking a 600 mod Sonar model. I was looking into the Powerbar-S to be able to use iType natively with it, but they took it offline a while ago for "retooling" and i got not idea when it's coming back.
Ah dang! I’m glad the sonar is ticking fine at least, and FWIW I’ve been told by those close to the camera that delivering power to the camera through the flash port can fry an SX-70.
Oh, good to know? There was another nice one that was just a flat piece that stuck to the bottom of the camera, but that disappeared too. I'm just reloading old 600 packs for now (but ya gotta do that in advance and all that).
I got my start with Polaroid with a plasticky late 90s unit that took 600 film. Found it ten years ago at a thrift store for a dollar. Yes, a singular dollar. Couldn’t tell you what model it was but I do recall the lens and integrated flash could fold down and hide away in the body of the camera, though nowhere near as nearly as an SX-70. I’ve since moved to 35mm and have a love for SLR type cameras. If I had the money to burn, I would definitely pick up an SX-70 modded to run 600 film.
spectra pro is also good alternative to i-2 but you will need to convert it to I-type or 600 film, it also has manual focus, backlight flash function, up to 5 multi exposures, bulb mode, and glass lenses
That camera sadly won’t work well, even if using a conversion cartridge, as the films are just too incapable in terms of shape for ejection to remain consistent and reliable.
I think I'd get an i-2 if they released a glass lens version. I know, the lens is fantastic now, that's just what it would take to push me over the edge. (Owner of a converted 600/iType Sonar SX-70 with the SX-70R PCB and PolaStudio battery, love it!! )
Very much agree! I got my SX-70 from a neighbor for free but a few months into it it failed and I spent $250 for an overhaul. I love shooting with it but I eventually switched to using mostly the I-2 because poor availability of SX-70 film, cheaper I-type, didn’t want to convert and ND filter didn’t cut it for me, more sustainable (I feel bad trashing the battery in each pack) and most of all, the fact that the sx-70 was still not super reliable and out of 8 photos 3 usually jammed in the camera =(
I own both of these beasts, titans of the instant film world, and both have their advantages! I2 for the win when it comes to double exposures, but not with that auto mode. My SX70 is my ride-or-die, it's on every shoot with me . . . So I am biased 😅
I have both, and I have to go with the SX-70 (actually the Mint SLR-670, but who’s counting) for one specific reason: the ability to shoot close up. I do a lot of my Polaroid work at a pretty small scale, and the ability to pop on the close-up lens and focus down even closer than 10.4 inches (I think it gets down to 5 with the close-up lens) is what enables me to work at the scale I prefer. I like the I-2, but because of the fact that it’s not an SLR and the fact that adding a close-up lens won’t really work because of the way focus works with the camera makes it not useful for this aspect of what I do. I did find some interesting stuff in this video making the case for the I-2 as a better low light camera, and I find that compelling and will keep that in mind.
Totally agree on the close-up aspect, those 5 inches really make a difference (😂), but it does make a massive impact and with all filters considered it is always a reason to pack the SX-70 🫡
I love SX-70s so much, but I have 3 broken Sonars, a broken SLR 680, and a clunky original. I. will get some of them fixed at some point, but I'm just very tired of them breaking. I'm not a huge fan of the non-user-replaceable battery, but I'm starting to appreciate the the I-2 despite the steeper price tag. Also, I can't stand the Mint flash bar even after years upon years of using it.
SX-70 light diode gets crusty. Needs to be cleaned, both sides, or replaced which isn't easy. Sent mine off to get overhauled and it came back with no changes.
Don't have much to say about the subject matter at hand (the i-2 and SX-70/Sun 680 are priced well out of my wheelhouse), but I did want to say to Ben: how nice does it feel to not hate watching the Broncos play for the first time in 8-9 years? 🥳
Great video, Ben! It is really spot on! 👏👏👏 I had a chance to try out the i-2 recently at a Polaroid event with Alan Marcheselli, and it is super sharp! Now I feel like I’m missing out on the option of manual mode with my 680. That said, being used to an SLR, I found using the i-2 viewfinder a bit tricky, but that is something one gets used to quickly. One thing I wish Polaroid could improve on the next generation is the control buttons. I had no idea one has to click through ALL the modes to go back to the previous one, and then to wait in between setting the aperture and the shutter speed in manual mode. I found it so confusing, being used to old-school controls on Polaroid 180 and the MiNT cameras ✨
I have an SX70 m2 that I got for free (but then paid for a CLA and leather replacement, so not really "free") that I find frustrating to use, it is hard to focus with glasses and exposure is hit and miss. With the cost of film being what it is, I don't shoot with it much.
Here’s a little additional information: you can power the I-2 via a power bank through the USB-C port (in case the internal battery has died). PS: I own both cams. :)
With issue with that, though, is all the reasons stated - doesn't make the camera truly manual and still has all the pitfalls of not being able to shoot at f/8 or function well in low light.
@@InAnInstant I don't know how shakey your hands are but I can shoot my SX-70 at 1/10th hand held all day long with 0 shake Also longer focal length means DOF is shallower on the sx-70 at the same aperture
This is a great question! The biggest and most practical reason is that Polaroids are a large format, and thus have a very thin depth of field. F/8 is actually VERY shallow on the Polaroid format, so besides with an SLR most people would miss focus at a shallower aperture. The other explanation is the lenses would have to be larger, which wouldn’t have hit on any practical Polaroid designs, let alone the SX-70
Love my Slr670s and have no interest in dropping £500 on a plastic box camera tbh, feature loaded or not. Until (ie never) the film is better there is no point buying expensive Polaroid cameras imo. Why not test i2 vs Polaroid 670af , see the difference in photo quality if any ? Overall , the poor film quality dumbs down all cameras so what’s the point ? Garbage in garbage out 😮
But you can't do anything with the 670af that you can do with the I-2. As explained, we're not talking about photo quality - we're talking about what the cameras enable you to do. Show me a slow sync flash photo, long exposure, manually metered at f/8 shot with the 670AF and I'll send you a box of popcorn to watch with the next ep!
I love my SX-70s and got super lucky with a much cheaper refurbishment cost than mentioned in the video, but yeah they’re delicate cameras and aren’t feature packed! Even getting a self-timer accessory is an expensive thing to look at!
I just wish the I-2 was an SLR, hopefully the I-3 has that feature, until then my trusty sonar with the polavolt will keep me satisfied… for now (SLR 680 is my white whale)
Yes, but every time I check the Polaroid web page SX-70 film is out of stock. And try getting it in any store in Indiana. So I think of it as unobtainable.
That is discussed in the video, and explained why it isn't exactly a relevant or true 1-to-1 comparison to the I-2. It's also much more expensive and there are only a handful in existence compared to the volume of traditional SX-70s in use and being purchased today.
You know i was going to re-do my comparison video between the I-2 and the SX-70 But i think you pretty much said all the things i wanted to say Maybe I'll just do a reaction video lol
@InAnInstant tbh I agree with like 90% And ultimately the conclusion of "comparisons are dumb" is exactly what I said in my own comparison video I released 8 months ago These really are two very different cameras
How does sharpness and exposure quality compare? Features are completely anecdotal to what the person enjoys/wants. I'd rather know about quality of the end product, the shot.
The shot cannot be accomplished without the prerequisites discussed in the video. A TON of sample images are on screen in this video identifying which camera they came from, which did you prefer?
Never used and probably never will as Polaroid is western hemisphere product. But i2 sounds like a great camera. They have got almost everything right. Now only of they could run instax through it.
I've bought the I-2 twice now, and returned it both times. I like some of the features: hold the button after taking the shot (so quiet) and it doesn't eject. Great for street work. The lens is amazing, the coatings handle things better than the old SX-70 lens. BUT...Framing is THE number one thing that HAS to be a 1:1 for me on instant. The frame is the frame, and there is no fudge factor in post. So, my trusty refurbbed and upgraded "Uncle Larry" SX-70 is what I use. If you are going the SX-70 route, you HAVE to upgrade and refurb. It's worth every penny and mandatory after all these years. 600 and SX-70 film is the same base, so there is no real benefit to using slower film.
3:46 i hate to be that guy... But the I-2 is NOT a rangefinder camera The Leica CL you own is a rangefinder. This is not. Rangefinders use two converging images that overlap in the viewfinder to confirm focus. The I-2 DOES have a tiny distance marker in the viewfinder, but this is NOT the same as a rangefinder. Polaroid seem to have decided to make up their own definition of what a rangefinder is for the release of this camera...
I’m sorry sir but you are NOT correct once again (embarrassed for you). The LiDAR unit is a rangefinder, and just as the Rollei 35AF could be denoted, these are indeed rangefinder cameras. Don’t go home tonight, I pissed in your bed! (For anyone else reading this I’m just palling around with Jake, but he is indeed wrong)
@@InAnInstant I'll give you like a half point for an excruciating technicality But just because the LIDAR works using a similar mechanism to a rangefinder (converging beams of laser) doesn't make it a true rangefinder Earlier 35mm point and shoots from the 1980s used infrared in the same way, and pictorial markers to denote distance Does that make the Pentax PC35AF a rangefinder? Bro has drunk Oskars Kool-Aid
@@theinstantcameraguy technically any camera that can measure distance and display the distance is a rangefinder. Golf uses them as an example. But most people don't think of a camera rangefinder that way, as shown by your comment. I don't think Ben is being disingenuous at all. He even shows how it works. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@@theinstantcameraguy and yes, Contax G2 lacks a patch and is a rangefinder as well...I don't know the Pentax, but if it shows distance from object, it's using rangefinding techniques.
@patrickjclarke by this definition, the sx-70 Sonar - which has auto focus and distance markers on the lens - would be both an SLR AND a rangefinder I think in this situation it is like calling a hot dog a sandwich. It might be technically true, but it's a very strange way to describe it
The photography community needs more videos like this. Less "this one is better than that one", more "these are different tools with different capabilities".
Thanks Ben! Great video.
Appreciate you BC ❤️
Great analysis. Owning more than 150 Polaroids, for integral film I always end up using the I-2, the 680, Mint 670 or some of my modified SX-70s.
Thanks for an excellent video. I’ve got both, and pretty much only use the I2. The new firmware was such a big improvement!
Ben! I loved this video, Imo we gotta give the I-2 more love. You did a lot of videos on how to use the sx-70, I’d love to see some “how to” videos for the I-2. “How to use external flash” “how to get best exposure” etc. love your videos bro! Keep it up
That's a great idea, thanks Jojo!
+1 on more I-2 videos. Lets get wild
+2 on this idea!
I've currently got one of each. I don't use my SX-70 often because it's a late 1973 model and I don't want to rack up miles on it, but it's fantastic to use. One additional strength of the I-2 is the color rendition of its lens. Between my I-2 and my 50mm Pentax prime, I've been paying more attention to optical color rendition recently.
I now own both of these. Bought the I-2 on Black friday. I can not decide which one I prefer. The SX-70 has the cool party trick of folding and the retro look. The I-2 is more reliable and more flexible because you can natively put any Polaroid film in it and you got manual controls. Both great cameras. Now we need a really good Instax WIDE camera with manual controls and a similar quality lens. 😅
20 years using my SX70s, i'm still not ready to change to the I-2, in fact i don't see why i should change as the SX70 is my perfect friend and fits very well with the images i create with.
If you’re happy with what you’ve got, no need to change! There’s plenty the I-2 can do if you ever felt the itch, and the SX-70 will always be goated
built in flash, faster film, autofocus. cheaper film, more film variety, easier to find/more available film. full manuel control, remote shutter.
@SirFunky3 times the price and no access to the battery..
@@Markybug-Keira-Cody same price watch video
@@Markybug-Keira-Cody That recent Polaroid deal for a new I-2 at $399 was a steal!
Nice work on the video. All of the info was framed very nicely. I haven't used either of these but I would go for the I-2. They do go on sale on Amazon and places and can be had for below MSRP. 🍻
I bought an I-2 recently based on your OG review. It's so much fun to use.
So glad you’re digging it!
I adore my 600 modified sx-70, it’s provided so much joy over the last few months of ownership. I’ve never had an slr of any kind, and looking through the lens is such a treat. Thanks for the comparison!
This is the video I think I needed. I have two folding cameras and have been thinking about getting the i-2. I don't shoot a whole lot of polaroid because of the film cost in general, but having manual exposure would be nice.
One of my favorite channels on UA-cam.
I own both of these cameras. I originally purchased the I-2 to be a dedicated studio camera because of its manual controls and flash sync.
I’d fully intended to continue using my sx70 as my general purpose instant camera.
But as time went by I found myself using the I-2 exclusively. The manual controls, auto focus, built in flash and cheaper film packs stole the show from the sx70. Plus the I-2 just fits better in my camera bag.
I still have and use the sx70 on occasion but the I-2 is my main instant camera for just about everything.
Both cameras are absolutely phenomenal and you can’t go wrong with either one.
Been using a SX-70 type camera for 30 years, and now the new I-2 is a welcomed addition to the tool belt. While both have similarities, just like Ben says, they stand out in their own respective ways. I say, if you have to choose one, figure out your budget for camera and film, and then choose the one you feel more drawn to. Then shoot the hell out of it and get super proficient. Once you have shooting down on either camera, it'll be a easier adjustment to switching between the two.
Good point, the most important thing is to stick to it if you’ve got one, because they’re similarly great at photomaking. The one you learn and love is the one you’re going to make the best work with. I personally was surprised to find myself loving the I-2 so much, considering its style of build, as I’m a massive SX-70 devotee. But the heart mind want what they want sometimes.
@@InAnInstant 100% Thanks for being an advocate and inspiration in the Instant community. You rock!
I bought the I-2 6 months ago after watching your videos. This review is like you said the "ultimate comparison." I think it's going to be the quintessential video if you're still on the fence between the I-2 and SX-70.
Great video! I really like my I-2 and I love my SX-70 and if I could only have one, it would be the SX-70. The I-2 feels disposable in the way that I know it will be a brick with time and that in some way lessens my attachment and value of it. That said, I'm glad I have it and I would love to see an I-3 that is equally as good but a replacement battery and manual focus. That would be a pretty big game changer IMO.
Good takes for sure, thank goodness we’re in the universe where we’re allowed to have both. But, I agree the I-2 does not immediately seem like the most durable piece of kit, hopefully the parts and services continued to be offered in infinitum. And dang, thinking about the I-3 already! We’ll see what they do there, I could envision the I-2 being sort of a one-off, but would love to see further iterations.
Really makes me want the I-2 for that leaf shutter, but I love my thrifted 680!
I'd buy the I-2 if I could replace the batteries ( such as two AA batteries ). I see no point in preventing the user to change the batteries. My dream Polaroid would be a modern SX-70, a modern foldable ... :)
I enjoy your videos btw. Have a nice Christmas!
I liked the video overall thank you Ben for making it. Though I thought it missed on a few opportunities, for instance all SX-70 cameras can be easily modified to shoot I-type film, numerous options exist such as instant camera guy’s pola-volt along with several other options. Also would have liked the comparison to be between the I-2 and a modified sx-70 sonar that’s had manual control PCB upgrade such as the open sx-70 or sx-70r that instant camera guy does, or even a mint upgraded one.
Hey Matt! As I stated in the video, those mods do not make the SX-70 truly manual, and as they also make the SX-70 2x the price of the I-2, it's not really a reasonable comparison for the average customer.
@ thank you for the feedback Ben. My thought behind my comment was more for the I-type conversion due to the cost difference in film. On the manual conversion part, yes you are correct about it not being fully manual. Was really trying to make the comparison more of an even playing field because a Stock sx-70 (while a fantastic camera) can’t really keep up with an I-2 with all of the modern features. If they had made the I-2 with an easily user replaceable battery that didn’t involve dismantling the entire camera I probably would have bought one over upgrading my SX-70. Again thank you for the response, love your channel and all of your content. Thank you for all that you do for the instant film community.
just got the I-2 :)
LMAO! The 'grillin some hams' line is enough to get me to subscribe.
We must follow ham wherever it takes us 🫡
Should have been steamed hams, even though they’re clearly grilled.
Have both, and feel like I tend to grab the I-2 a whole lot more. But you just can't beat the creativity with control of a tuned SX-70 and the SX-37 filters. I think if you are a Polaroid shooter and you don't have both then you should try to have both on your roadmap somehow. Split those miles, so the SX-70 can be babied. Long term you can make the case that having an I-2 as an SX-70 shooter means avoiding one or two repair shop side quests.
Would love this but with currently Polaroid film ‘quality’ and price compared to instax I really can’t justify
I felt the exact same way after shooting polaroid film exclusively up until around 2020 or so. I shot instax for the last few years, but just didn't like any of the cameras fuji makes that much. I tried a pack of Polaroid film again this year, and I must commend them. The formula had improved a great deal in the last four years. The colors are far more stable and vibrant, the dynamic range is superior to instax and it just has a truly unique look to it now, that doesn't have to be justified as "kinda shit". Suffice to say, give polaroid a try again. I'm glad I did.
Great video! P.S. what were those prism filters for the SX-70? 🧐💯
Those are by Brooklyn Film Camera, you can find them on their website 😊
Imagine if Polaroid made a modern version of SX-70. I would love to see (and buy) that 😆
I purchased the I-2 on sale during Black Friday for $350. I find myself reaching for it more than my refurbished SX-70R these days. The framing does take some getting used to, but the overall experience is a little more streamlined. Also worth noting that the I-2 doesn't have an adjustable diopter! I had trouble seeing the viewfinder icons until I fashioned a 3D printed sleeve to use a diopter from my Canon.
Great to hear you’re digging it Tim, I agree it can be a little tough to see the data with glasses!
I have the SLR 680 and I just got the i2 last week. I have to say it's so far the i-2 is so much easier and looks better than the SLR 680. The only issue which isn't even a big deal, is the bulky ness of the i2. I haven't tried the flash sync yet, in my studio, but that's what I got it for and I'm really excited to try that out
Different question: What's your opinion on that Godox flash? I put that on my wishlist for christmas.
I like it, but wish it had more automatic features, it's hard to use in auto mode in my experience - but if you can get into a groove, it does the job and looks awesome.
Good comparison. I still own 3 SX-70 cameras including 1 with sonar. They have not been used for many years and I find the MiNT flashbar underwhelming. Thus, my personal comparison is between the SLR-680 and the I-2 and with those 2 I want to continue. The I-2 reminds me most of my favorite Polaroid Image 1200 (Spectra). Too bad Spectra has become a dead format.
I think you now have to add the Lomo Instax Wide with Glass into the mix as a low price alternative to either polaroid. You have reviewed it and it is worth a mention for the informal amateur. That being said, I miss Land Pack film for my older Polaroids, and I miss Spectra Film for the Polaroid Spectra. I don't like that Sx70 lacks true manual control.
Ewww Instax 😂
I would agree the Fuji Instax cameras are "Ewww" but the film is not bad, I wish Polaroid could do as well. But in my post I was referring to Lomography, not Fuji@@patrickjclarke
@@stevensmith2187 yeah, I shoot mostly BW, and the green Instax Mono is just gross, I can't stand it. I have the original lomo wide and it's great, just a soft soft lens. The new glass one is miles better, and I love the aspect ratio of wide, I just can't do their "Mono" film (it's not a true BW film)
I like the SX-70 feeling that what you see is what you get ,but the i2 manual features is so convenient even that I can use it for anywhere .
My absolute favorite is the NONS 660. I have since evolved my instant film subjects to indoor/studio shoots of people/portraits. I find it easier to control the lighting and intimately close framing. Architecture and nature on an instant format never really caught on with me.
i got sick of the cruddy exposure on the i2 and sold it off before the firmware update :(
Still rocking a 600 mod Sonar model. I was looking into the Powerbar-S to be able to use iType natively with it, but they took it offline a while ago for "retooling" and i got not idea when it's coming back.
Ah dang! I’m glad the sonar is ticking fine at least, and FWIW I’ve been told by those close to the camera that delivering power to the camera through the flash port can fry an SX-70.
Oh, good to know? There was another nice one that was just a flat piece that stuck to the bottom of the camera, but that disappeared too.
I'm just reloading old 600 packs for now (but ya gotta do that in advance and all that).
I got my start with Polaroid with a plasticky late 90s unit that took 600 film. Found it ten years ago at a thrift store for a dollar. Yes, a singular dollar. Couldn’t tell you what model it was but I do recall the lens and integrated flash could fold down and hide away in the body of the camera, though nowhere near as nearly as an SX-70. I’ve since moved to 35mm and have a love for SLR type cameras. If I had the money to burn, I would definitely pick up an SX-70 modded to run 600 film.
spectra pro is also good alternative to i-2 but you will need to convert it to I-type or 600 film, it also has manual focus, backlight flash function, up to 5 multi exposures, bulb mode, and glass lenses
That camera sadly won’t work well, even if using a conversion cartridge, as the films are just too incapable in terms of shape for ejection to remain consistent and reliable.
@InAnInstant I'm not using conversion cartridge, I just modded a film bay and rollers, it works great but maybe it's just my luck
I think I'd get an i-2 if they released a glass lens version. I know, the lens is fantastic now, that's just what it would take to push me over the edge. (Owner of a converted 600/iType Sonar SX-70 with the SX-70R PCB and PolaStudio battery, love it!! )
Ah man forget about the glass lens thing! As the I-2 has exhibited, that’s just a misnomer, the lens is killer.
Very much agree! I got my SX-70 from a neighbor for free but a few months into it it failed and I spent $250 for an overhaul. I love shooting with it but I eventually switched to using mostly the I-2 because poor availability of SX-70 film, cheaper I-type, didn’t want to convert and ND filter didn’t cut it for me, more sustainable (I feel bad trashing the battery in each pack) and most of all, the fact that the sx-70 was still not super reliable and out of 8 photos 3 usually jammed in the camera =(
The "cool" factor of folding cameras can never be beat!
I hate to be viewfinder snob, but nothing beats TTL framing and focusing.
I own both of these beasts, titans of the instant film world, and both have their advantages! I2 for the win when it comes to double exposures, but not with that auto mode. My SX70 is my ride-or-die, it's on every shoot with me . . . So I am biased 😅
I have both, and I have to go with the SX-70 (actually the Mint SLR-670, but who’s counting) for one specific reason: the ability to shoot close up. I do a lot of my Polaroid work at a pretty small scale, and the ability to pop on the close-up lens and focus down even closer than 10.4 inches (I think it gets down to 5 with the close-up lens) is what enables me to work at the scale I prefer. I like the I-2, but because of the fact that it’s not an SLR and the fact that adding a close-up lens won’t really work because of the way focus works with the camera makes it not useful for this aspect of what I do. I did find some interesting stuff in this video making the case for the I-2 as a better low light camera, and I find that compelling and will keep that in mind.
Totally agree on the close-up aspect, those 5 inches really make a difference (😂), but it does make a massive impact and with all filters considered it is always a reason to pack the SX-70 🫡
the sx-70's design and legacy is one of the main reasons I shoot polaroid
I love SX-70s so much, but I have 3 broken Sonars, a broken SLR 680, and a clunky original. I. will get some of them fixed at some point, but I'm just very tired of them breaking. I'm not a huge fan of the non-user-replaceable battery, but I'm starting to appreciate the the I-2 despite the steeper price tag. Also, I can't stand the Mint flash bar even after years upon years of using it.
Retrospekt Mode B. worth the money if you love and SLR. If flash work, yeah, I-2 all the way.
Was that JC from **NSYNC at 6:30
🤣🤣🤣
SX-70 light diode gets crusty. Needs to be cleaned, both sides, or replaced which isn't easy. Sent mine off to get overhauled and it came back with no changes.
Don't have much to say about the subject matter at hand (the i-2 and SX-70/Sun 680 are priced well out of my wheelhouse), but I did want to say to Ben: how nice does it feel to not hate watching the Broncos play for the first time in 8-9 years? 🥳
Thank you so much for bringing this up, boy I must say Bo Nix has made all of my waking days 10x more agreeable!!
Great video, Ben! It is really spot on! 👏👏👏 I had a chance to try out the i-2 recently at a Polaroid event with Alan Marcheselli, and it is super sharp! Now I feel like I’m missing out on the option of manual mode with my 680. That said, being used to an SLR, I found using the i-2 viewfinder a bit tricky, but that is something one gets used to quickly. One thing I wish Polaroid could improve on the next generation is the control buttons. I had no idea one has to click through ALL the modes to go back to the previous one, and then to wait in between setting the aperture and the shutter speed in manual mode. I found it so confusing, being used to old-school controls on Polaroid 180 and the MiNT cameras ✨
The I-2 really is amazing to shoot. I almost like it as much as the SX-70, which it pretty amazing really.
I’ve both and confirm the I-2 is probably the best even though I use my SX70 600 more
I have an SX70 m2 that I got for free (but then paid for a CLA and leather replacement, so not really "free") that I find frustrating to use, it is hard to focus with glasses and exposure is hit and miss. With the cost of film being what it is, I don't shoot with it much.
Polaroid, please make a new sx-70, just update it enough to be more modern like the I-2, but keep it the same style in build
A couple of weeks ago I shoved my web cam into an old sx 70 I had laying around..... So my sx 70 IS my web cam now!
Not all heroes wear pants 🙏
Here’s a little additional information: you can power the I-2 via a power bank through the USB-C port (in case the internal battery has died).
PS: I own both cams. :)
Fit yourself with a SX-70r PCB and you get the best of both worlds 👀
With issue with that, though, is all the reasons stated - doesn't make the camera truly manual and still has all the pitfalls of not being able to shoot at f/8 or function well in low light.
@ debatable big dawg, but I won’t spit in the face of that bucket hat. 🙏
@@McCoyFromSpace I'll wild!!
@@InAnInstant I don't know how shakey your hands are but I can shoot my SX-70 at 1/10th hand held all day long with 0 shake
Also longer focal length means DOF is shallower on the sx-70 at the same aperture
@ not everyone has the statuesque stabilized core you’ve developed over two decades of transcendental mediation like you Jake
As much as I want to like the i-2, this won’t end up being an ‘all time favourite’ camera - the internal battery makes sure of that
Why polariod cameras don't have faster lenses, as are common in many other cameras?
This is a great question! The biggest and most practical reason is that Polaroids are a large format, and thus have a very thin depth of field. F/8 is actually VERY shallow on the Polaroid format, so besides with an SLR most people would miss focus at a shallower aperture. The other explanation is the lenses would have to be larger, which wouldn’t have hit on any practical Polaroid designs, let alone the SX-70
I know the clear I2 isn’t functional but I still want it 😢
Classic dilemma brought about by late stage capitalism
Shout out to Fern! 🤟🏻
It’s her world, we’re just living in it!
I2 all the way. Excellent camera
Polaroid had fancier instant cameras ...
But Kodak had instant cameras with superior film -
SX-70 🔛🔝
Man and I thought my 450 shots in the past year was a lot 😅
I think the i2 is a really nice camera, but I'm a 100% certified hipster so I use the sx70
Love my Slr670s and have no interest in dropping £500 on a plastic box camera tbh, feature loaded or not.
Until (ie never) the film is better there is no point buying expensive Polaroid cameras imo.
Why not test i2 vs Polaroid 670af , see the difference in photo quality if any ?
Overall , the poor film quality dumbs down all cameras so what’s the point ? Garbage in garbage out 😮
But you can't do anything with the 670af that you can do with the I-2. As explained, we're not talking about photo quality - we're talking about what the cameras enable you to do. Show me a slow sync flash photo, long exposure, manually metered at f/8 shot with the 670AF and I'll send you a box of popcorn to watch with the next ep!
@ now if I sent you a photo and said it meant your criteria, could you tell with the current Polaroid photo quality? 😎
Great video as always btw
Vicky Krieps sake?
I love my SX-70s and got super lucky with a much cheaper refurbishment cost than mentioned in the video, but yeah they’re delicate cameras and aren’t feature packed! Even getting a self-timer accessory is an expensive thing to look at!
I just wish the I-2 was an SLR, hopefully the I-3 has that feature, until then my trusty sonar with the polavolt will keep me satisfied… for now (SLR 680 is my white whale)
Grilled Hams?
What is that, an upstate New York expression??
I think a delicacy of Utica?
I have an I2, and a Non SLR SX70 Model 3. And woo-wee does it eat thr Model 3 for breakfast hahaha
Heard rumours that Polaroid will stop producing the SX-70-Film... :(
Untrue thankfully 😊
@@InAnInstant
Yes, but every time I check the Polaroid web page SX-70 film is out of stock. And try getting it in any store in Indiana. So I think of it as unobtainable.
SX-70 team
A Mint SLR670-x would have been a more even comparison rather than an old SX-70.
That price point would give the i-2 a big advantage.
That is discussed in the video, and explained why it isn't exactly a relevant or true 1-to-1 comparison to the I-2. It's also much more expensive and there are only a handful in existence compared to the volume of traditional SX-70s in use and being purchased today.
You know i was going to re-do my comparison video between the I-2 and the SX-70
But i think you pretty much said all the things i wanted to say
Maybe I'll just do a reaction video lol
I don’t think we need to sink to the depths of reaction videos but I’m sure the people would love what you got cookin
@InAnInstant tbh I agree with like 90%
And ultimately the conclusion of "comparisons are dumb" is exactly what I said in my own comparison video I released 8 months ago
These really are two very different cameras
@@theinstantcameraguytruly! I think we’re synced
How does sharpness and exposure quality compare? Features are completely anecdotal to what the person enjoys/wants. I'd rather know about quality of the end product, the shot.
The shot cannot be accomplished without the prerequisites discussed in the video. A TON of sample images are on screen in this video identifying which camera they came from, which did you prefer?
It's "For Christ's sake"
CRIPES
Never used and probably never will as Polaroid is western hemisphere product. But i2 sounds like a great camera. They have got almost everything right. Now only of they could run instax through it.
Polaroid film is produced exclusively in the Eastern Hemisphere
@ probably got it wrong but basically you can’t find it in many places while instax is just about everywhere
I've bought the I-2 twice now, and returned it both times. I like some of the features: hold the button after taking the shot (so quiet) and it doesn't eject. Great for street work. The lens is amazing, the coatings handle things better than the old SX-70 lens. BUT...Framing is THE number one thing that HAS to be a 1:1 for me on instant. The frame is the frame, and there is no fudge factor in post. So, my trusty refurbbed and upgraded "Uncle Larry" SX-70 is what I use.
If you are going the SX-70 route, you HAVE to upgrade and refurb. It's worth every penny and mandatory after all these years. 600 and SX-70 film is the same base, so there is no real benefit to using slower film.
also first
Last (it’s Opposite Day)
3:46 i hate to be that guy... But the I-2 is NOT a rangefinder camera
The Leica CL you own is a rangefinder. This is not.
Rangefinders use two converging images that overlap in the viewfinder to confirm focus. The I-2 DOES have a tiny distance marker in the viewfinder, but this is NOT the same as a rangefinder.
Polaroid seem to have decided to make up their own definition of what a rangefinder is for the release of this camera...
I’m sorry sir but you are NOT correct once again (embarrassed for you). The LiDAR unit is a rangefinder, and just as the Rollei 35AF could be denoted, these are indeed rangefinder cameras. Don’t go home tonight, I pissed in your bed! (For anyone else reading this I’m just palling around with Jake, but he is indeed wrong)
@@InAnInstant I'll give you like a half point for an excruciating technicality
But just because the LIDAR works using a similar mechanism to a rangefinder (converging beams of laser) doesn't make it a true rangefinder
Earlier 35mm point and shoots from the 1980s used infrared in the same way, and pictorial markers to denote distance
Does that make the Pentax PC35AF a rangefinder?
Bro has drunk Oskars Kool-Aid
@@theinstantcameraguy technically any camera that can measure distance and display the distance is a rangefinder. Golf uses them as an example. But most people don't think of a camera rangefinder that way, as shown by your comment. I don't think Ben is being disingenuous at all. He even shows how it works. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@@theinstantcameraguy and yes, Contax G2 lacks a patch and is a rangefinder as well...I don't know the Pentax, but if it shows distance from object, it's using rangefinding techniques.
@patrickjclarke by this definition, the sx-70 Sonar - which has auto focus and distance markers on the lens - would be both an SLR AND a rangefinder
I think in this situation it is like calling a hot dog a sandwich. It might be technically true, but it's a very strange way to describe it