Originally released in 1972, the Polaroid SX-70 was the first instant SLR ever made and went on to become one of the most iconic cameras of all time. It was truly something special. So much so that there are a number of people who still use the camera today. Heck, even the revived Polaroid outfit continues to make updated versions of the classic line. If you’re among the folks who continue to have a soft spot in your heart for the OG of instant cameras but can’t really justify using one in this day and age, maybe you can celebrate your admiration with the LEGO Ideas Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera instead.
That’s right, LEGO is releasing a Polaroid set, allowing you to relive the glory days of instant prints by building your own version of the camera that started it all. Whether you’re a photography fan, an instant print enthusiast, or just some dude who likes LEGO models of retro devices, this thing definitely makes for an appealing set to serve as your next brick-building project.
The LEGO Ideas Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera is a toy recreation of the classic instant camera model with a white body and a rainbow stripe. We’re not entirely sure when this exact design came out, but it’s definitely one of the most good-looking versions we’ve ever seen of the OneStep, which is why it’s no surprise they decided to go with this particular design. They recreated all the relevant details, from the protruded lens and the black exposure/compensation dial to the red shutter button and the OneStep label out front. The distinctively-shaped viewfinder on the corner, instead of the middle like many Polaroid models, also appears here, along with a wide slot at the base where you can wait for the instant print to come out.
It also includes a buildable film pack styled to look like a Time-Zero Supercolor SX-70 from back in the day. The pack contains three fake “instant prints” that you can insert into the camera slot and will automatically eject one you press the shutter button to make it look like you’re getting an instant print, so you can definitely play like you’re operating the camera. The three “instant prints” contain illustrated images of Polaroid inventor Edwin H. Land, LEGO House, and the model designer’s sister who inspired the creation of the set, all rendered as LEGO bricks and minifigs, of course.
The LEGO Ideas Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera comes with 516 pieces, so it’s big enough to offer a challenge without being so overwhelming like some of the bigger LEGO sets we’ve seen. When fully assembled, it measures 3.5 x 3.5 x 6.0 inches (width x height x depth), making it a bit more compact than the retro instant cameras of old, so you won’t be fooling anyone into thinking you have an actual vintage camera in your shelf. Still, it’s a wonderful display piece that looks like it’s going to be fun to take out and play with occasionally, too.
The LEGO Ideas Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera comes out January 1st, priced at $79.99.