After a full year of sitting on it, i took the time and finished the design for using newer itype Polaroid cameras as a support for my Polaroid backs!
Impossible Lab limited and super expensive inventory, move aside!
Here is the prototype for an integral film Polaroid Back for RB67 (for now, since this is my most used camera).
It uses 4 AA batteries as power source for the motor so no more recharging, lost charging cables, etc. The charge from one set of AA should last for quite a while, have not tested it yet but I would not be surprised if it lasts for 20-30 packs, one alkaline AAA has a capacity of ~2000 mah, which is more than 6 times the capacity of the Impossible Lab batteries (old or the replacements I make/sell).
I know I know there’s already other backs out there on ebay that use iType cameras as the basis for Polaroid Backs so how it this special ?
- Mine has a dark slide (stainless steel). My competition does not. And it’s really nice to have one.
- The backs have single action automated eject. You press the eject button once, it ejects one frame. You need to keep pressing the eject button till the frame ejects for the “other” backs and you can easily eject multiple frames at once, since the polaroid eject action is so quick. Sure, you can get used to this but why?
So when can you buy these? Not just yet. This is just the prototype, the finished product will look slightly different and may use a nicer looking and less fragile eject button. And still need to undergo testing. So maybe mid September 2022 till they hit the market.
What about the other systems you’re making backs for based on IP labs? I will redesign those this fall, maybe available in Oct 2022 or so?
And the question I receive so often, what about RZ67?
Yes, it’s possible, based on my measurements. As a matter of fact, I am working on the design now and stay tuned for news mid September 2022, hoping to have a prototype by then and maybe have it on the market by mid October 2022.
What about Hasseblad series V or Bronica SQ, etc? Nope, sadly never. Those systems are simply too tight and they have a frame size of 58x58mm, so Polaroid film is such a waste on them anyway. Instax square is my only (complicated and therefore expensive) option for Hasselblad now and yes, I will make more of those backs.
Yesssss!!!!!!! So excited and congrats on a successful prototype
Really excited to see this come together. Thanks for putting in the time and keeping this tiny niche of film love alive. Can’t wait for the real ease to hop on one for the RB67.
Can’t wait!
Would be over the moon to get a Polaroid back for my RZ67. What’s the best way to stay notified of your progress?
based on preliminary design and some draft prints, i have reasons to be very optimistic. i’ll know for sure when i have a working prototype. i think you already figured out how to stay abreast with news, my blog :).
do stay tuned. may not happen in october as i anticipated, but it’s happening soon.