-40%
Polaroid Impossible I-1 viewfinder replacement originals, lomography limited 1
$ 15.83
- Description
- Size Guide
Description
Custom viewfinder for the Impossible/ Polaroid Originals I-1 camera(camera not included)! While the Impossible I-1 instant camera is truly a design marvel, it can be a bit frustrating to use in average shooting situations. The viewfinder, while simple looking and beautiful, is difficult to line up in practice. Designed after an old Zeiss Ikon viewfinder, the original flip up viewfinder is only accurate if you hold the camera to your cheek in an specific position for every shot. It is so difficult to use that Impossible had to write an article on exactly how to use it.Delving into Polaroid heritage, I have re-designed it for function, not beauty(though I like the way it looks!). It works quickly
on the fly
and allows you to line up your pictures easily. Just put the eye cup up to your eye and shoot! If you wear glasses and you prefer, you can remove the eye cup by gently stretching the bottom of the rubber and sliding it off. Since the viewfinder is still directly above the lens, you don't have the weird offset of older Polaroid and modern Lomography and Instax cameras.
A combination of 3-d printing and selective re-use gives you a custom product that works, and it may catch a few compliments as well! Below are some key things to consider before you buy:
This viewfinder fits the viewfinder holes built into the I-1 camera top perfectly. Instead of magnets like the original viewfinder, it can be mounted using an adhesive dot included. This is not a permanent glue, and will not mar your camera's finish. The 3-d printed element snaps off for easy access and cleaning of the viewfinder lenses. Just pull down on the back side of the base.
This is custom designed and does not look like it is squirted by the millions out of a Chinese factory. It will have the blemishes of a vintage piece. Having said that, I find it quite attractive and I hope you do,too! For the price of a pack of film, you can upgrade your I-1!
The viewfinder is designed to be accurate- what appears in the viewfinder center is what appears in the center of the picture. The only exception is macro, and there is a square on the bottom of the viewfinder window that you can use as a guide. If you place the object you want to center right above that square during macro shooting, it will be in the center!
I have perfected this viewfinder for use, testing with 10 printed prototypes, 5 styles, lots of film, and many hours before settling on this design. This is my design of choice and I have retired my original viewfinder, using this exclusively. I hope you like it!
About me: I am an artist, college professor, creative photographer, and maker. I sell mostly Polaroid cameras, shoot mostly analog, and love to hack things. I am and have always been a huge fan of the DIY movement. I have a blog called Lo-Fi and DIY(lofianddiy).