Polaroid OneStep Rainbow, 1977

Polaroid OneStep Rainbow Strip Land Camera
With original carrying case, booklet and dated warranty card.

Polaroid OneStep Rainbow—a camera that exudes nostalgia, vibrant colors, and a touch of retro charm.

Polaroid OneStep Rainbow: An Iconic Instant Camera

1. Design and Aesthetic:

   • The Polaroid OneStep Rainbow is instantly recognizable by its classic white body adorned with a bold rainbow stripe. It's the kind of camera that hipsters love to flaunt, and its iconic appearance has inspired iPhone cases and countless art projects.
   • The rainbow stripe runs diagonally across the front, adding a playful touch to an otherwise minimalist design.

2. Build and Materials:

   • The camera's construction is straightforward: an all-plastic body with a sturdy feel. While not luxurious, it's durable and functional.
   • The lens sits flush within a black tube on the front, which means you'll want to handle it with care during transport.

3. Lens and Focus:

   • The OneStep Rainbow features a fixed-focus plastic lens. There's no autofocus or manual focus control—just point and shoot.
   • The lens is surprisingly decent for its simplicity. It captures scenes with a nostalgic softness, reminiscent of vintage Polaroid prints.

4. Film Compatibility:

   • Like all Polaroid Land Cameras, the OneStep Rainbow uses SX-70 type Polaroid film. This compatibility extends to the Impossible Project's PX 100 Silver Shade and PX 70 Color Shade films.
   • With a neutral density filter, you can even shoot 600 type Impossible film. So, whether you prefer color or black-and-white, this camera accommodates both.

5. Exposure Compensation Dial:

   • The exposure compensation dial is a familiar feature found in nearly every Polaroid camera. It's a simple yet effective way to adjust exposure.
   • Turn it toward the white side to lighten your photo or toward the dark side to add depth and contrast.

6. Viewfinder and Composition:

   • The viewfinder is tiny but functional. It's an improvement over cheaper 600-series cameras, allowing you to frame your shots more accurately.
   • Remember that the viewfinder doesn't show the exact framing captured by the lens, so some trial and error is part of the fun.

7. No On/Off Button:

   • The OneStep Rainbow is always ready to shoot. There's no power button or lens unfolding mechanism.
   • Simply press the shutter button, and the camera springs to life. It's truly a one-step process.

8. Flash and Additional Features:

   • Unfortunately, there's no built-in flash. You'll need external lighting or rely on natural light.
   • Also, unlike some other Polaroid models, there's no way to fold the camera to protect the lens. Keep that in mind when carrying it around.

9. Price and Availability:

   • The beauty of the OneStep Rainbow lies in its affordability. You can often find one for less than the cost of a pack of film.
   • Scour eBay or vintage shops—you might stumble upon this colorful gem.

In summary, the Polaroid OneStep Rainbow is a delightful throwback to the golden age of instant photography. It's imperfect, quirky, and utterly charming. So, channel your inner retro enthusiast, load up some film, and capture moments with a touch of rainbow magic!