Stranger Things Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 VF Camera (Review)

Last Updated: February 14th, 2020

Disclaimer: this post includes affiliate links. If you decide to by something, we earn a commission. Also note – this camera cannot be used to photograph the Mind Flayer, Demogorgon, or any other creatures from the Upside Down. Trust us – we tried.

Last year, we talked about Stranger Things cinematography as it was something that really stuck out to us in the show. Aside from a great story, excellent soundtrack, and amazing acting – the lighting, color grading, film work…literally all of the visual elements…really grabbed our attention as photographers and TV show watchers.

Over the past few years, Stranger Things became one of our favorite shows because of how freakin’ fun and entertaining it is. And yeah, there’s a few tear jerking moments in there that you probably already know about if you’re caught up with Season 3.

While this post could quickly evolve into us ranting, raving, and theorizing about what will come in Season 4 – it’s time to switch gears to talk about the recently released Stranger Things Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 VF Camera. It’s the reason we’re all here after all! 😉

Stranger Things Polaroid Camera: All About It

The folks behind Stranger Things are really good at making us feel a sense of nostalgia for the things many of us grew up being familiar with. A lot of the shows tie-in products have been really cool for this very reason, like the release of Stranger Things Season 1 & 2 in VHS styled boxes (so you still get the HD quality with the old school look). Even the more “plain” releases like the Stranger Things World’s Turned Upside Down companion book are of a quality that most pop media tie-ins don’t even come close to.

Given how frequent film cameras are used in Stranger Things, it was a no brainer for a release of a special Polaroid Camera to come along. For those of you born after the turn of the millennium, we should let you know that you don’t have to try and figure out how to develop these photos in an actual darkroom. We know you’re probably already struggling to identify what a darkroom is anyways. 🙂

It turns out, this is a really great little camera for people who like to collect and show off Stranger Things memorabilia – as well as those of you who want to get into some casual analog film photography.

The Stranger Things camera is actually just a special edition of the Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 – which is the successor of the original, and maybe most famous, Polaroid film camera, the Onestep, from back in the day (1977 if you want a year!).

The features list (below) is comparable across all OneStep 2 camera models – but it’s likely many people will be interested in the Stranger Things version simply because of the popularity of the show right now. The unique colors and upside down design makes it instantly appealing as a gift for fans of the series who would be interested in some easy analog photography.

Features:

• Point & Shoot Film Camera. Simply press the shutter button and your picture will pop out on film in classic fashion.
• Self-Timer. Great for selfies.
• Built-In Flash. Allows you to take good quality photos in low light and dark environments (but again: not the Upside Down, we’re sorry!).
• Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery. You do not have to buy replacement batteries, and it lasts up to 60 days per charge!

This is a camera that is simple, fun, and right to the point. 

If you’ve ever used a point-and-shoot Polaroid camera before, you already know what you should expect.

If this happens to be your first time, think of it like the simplicity of a camera phone – but with the cool factor of having your pictures print out of the camera after each shot. This process forces you to slow down, think about what you’re photographing, and experience photography in a really cool way! Plus – it looks cool too!

Onestep 2 VF Stranger Things Edition Camera – FAQ

To help make our review of the Stranger Things Polaroid Camera more useful to you, we found a list of common questions people have about this specific model and have answered them here for your convenience. If you have any other questions, ask away in our comment section!

Does this camera come with any film? No. This camera does not include film. You need to purchase it separately.

What kind of film is compatible with this camera? Any film manufactured by Polaroid Originals and that is either i-Type or 600 film will work. It will not work with other third party film such as Fujifilm Instax film. Our recommendations: Polaroid Originals I-Type Film (White) and Polaroid Originals I-Type Film (Stranger Things).

Does the camera come charged out of the box? No. You will need to let it charge before your first use.

Do you have to use the built in flash? No. There is a flash override button included on the camera that allows you to toggle the flash on/off. In really low light, it’s recommended to use flash for the best pictures. Remember: there is no digital photo editing later to save your under-exposed shots!

Is there a carrying case available for this camera? Yes. The Polaroid Box Camera Bag is available in black and white.

What size are the pictures taken with this camera?

Format: Length 3.4” x Height 4.25”

Image Area: Length 3.1” x Height 3.1”

Is it true you should store your film in a fridge? Yes. Unlike digital photos (which do not have to be stored in a fridge), your film is best kept in a cool environment. This is due to the chemicals in the film that can be negatively effected by heat or excessively cold temperatures. It is recommended to store film in a fridge (not a freezer) and shoot in warmer temperatures for the best results.

Does this camera also take digital photos to store on a computer? No. This is a fully analog camera. There is no digital sensor. You can always scan your photos into a computer, though.

Does this camera include a neck strap? Yes.

Does this camera take pictures in color or black and white? You are able to take pictures in both color and black and white depending on your film choice. Unlike digital photography that can change between the two – the film you buy will dictate the look of your images.

How long does it take for the pictures to develop? 10-15 minutes. You should keep the photos in the dark and/or flipped upside down (no pun intended!) for them to expose properly.

Is this Jonathan’s camera from Stranger Things? Nope. The camera he uses is the Pentax MX 35mm SLR camera. It is no longer produced, but can be found through used camera dealers.

Final Thoughts

The Stranger Things Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 VF Camera is a great little classic camera that will be appreciated most by fans of the show who want to dabble in some photography.

It’s easy to imagine parents (and grandparents at this point) engaging with their kids (and grandkids!) in a really tangible way thanks to the miracle of analog film photography as well – which makes it an excellent gift if you’re considering buying it for someone else!

Ultimately – it’s the kind of camera designed for casual photographers who just want to have some fun. You won’t have the level of control a more advanced film camera would offer, but that was never the point behind this. The Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 camera was designed to bring back the nostalgic feelings many of us have for times now past, and the Stranger Things edition will help to further this experience as it’s shared with friends & family who are just now getting exposed to film cameras thanks to the Netflix show.

You can pick up the Stranger Things Polaroid Camera on it’s own, or in a (slightly more expensive) kit that includes some film.