How to take your first photo with the Polaroid OneStep 2

Here's how to take your first photos with the Polaroid OneStep 2.  You can follow along with the video below or check out the detailed instructions below.

1. Turn the camera on/off

   To turn the camera on, slide the power switch into the ON position (down). The flash charging LED on the back panel will start blinking to charge the flash, and the remaining film counter on the top of the camera will light up to indicate that the camera is switched on. To turn the camera off again, return the power switch to the OFF position.

2. Load the film

   Slide the film door latch to open the film door. Push the film cassette all the way in, with the film’s darkslide facing up.

   Note: Please check individual film packaging for development time, handling and storage details.

3. Close film door

   When you close the film door, the darkslide will eject from the camera automatically, underneath the film shield. The plastic film shield is designed to protect images from light as they develop — it should not be removed. Take the darkslide out from under the film shield and let the film shield roll back up. If the darkslide has not ejected, remove the film pack and re-insert it, making sure it is pushed all the way to the back of the camera.

4. Set the Flash & Lighten/Darken

   Flash: The camera flash will trigger by default when you shoot with the OneStep 2. To shoot with out the flash, press and hold the flash override button on the back panel as you press the shutter button.

   Warning: Shooting without flash will reduce camera performance and picture quality in most lighting situations except brightly-lit, sunny environments. We recommend always shooting with flash.

   Lighten/Darken: Use the lighten/darken switch on the right side of the lens barrel to adjust the exposure of your shot. To get a brighter photo, move the lighten/darken switch right to the plus/lighten position. For a darker photo, move the lighten/darken switch left to the minus/darken position. These two settings correspond to different Exposure Values (EV). The camera’s Exposure Values are +½ EV (when you move the switch to plus/lighten) and -½ EV (when you move the switch to minus/darken).

5. Using the viewfinder:

   The OneStep 2 uses a traditional view finder located on the right side of the lens barrel. The viewfinder is most accurate when you align your right eye with the space behind the viewfinder, resting your cheek on the slope of the camera body.

   Note: Remember that the viewfinder sits slightly above and to the right of the camera’s lens — above and to the left from your perspective when shooting — so you will need to adjust your aim to compose your shot correctly when shooting at distances of 1.2 meters or less. Learn more about aiming and framing with the OneStep 2 in this article.

6. Compose your photo:

   To avoid a blurry photo, make sure you are at least 60cm (2 feet) away from your subject when you take the picture. For the best results, always try to shoot with your light source behind you.

7. Take the photo: 

   Press the shutter button all the way in to take the photo. The photo will be ejected from the slot at the front of the camera as soon as you let go of the shutter button. It will be shielded from the light by the film shield, and will be held in place until you are ready to remove it.

8. Remove and shield the photo

   Remove the photo from beneath the film shield and let the film shield roll back into the camera. Place the photo face down to continue shielding it from light as it develops.