Introduction

Use this guide to replace a warped or stuck print roller in your Polaroid I-2 camera.

The print roller is a critical component responsible for evenly spreading the reagent chemical across the film when developing photos. When removing the print roller, be very careful not to bend or warp the metal to ensure the camera works properly after reassembly.

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    • If you have any film left, take some photos and remove the cartridge! Disassembly will expose the film and damage it.

    • Before you begin:

    • Power down and unplug your camera.

    • Put on the lens cap to avoid scratching your lens during disassembly.

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    • In the following steps, "left" and "right" are written from the perspective of using the camera—or when the lens is facing away from you.

    • Use the latch on the left side of the camera to open the film door.

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    • Fold a piece of cloth or napkin (or the included bag) into a small square.

    • Insert the cloth into the film compartment far enough to block the film door from closing during disassembly.

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    • Flip the camera over, making sure the cloth stays lodged in the film compartment.

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    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four 3.9 mm-long screws securing the bottom cover.

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    • Insert the tip of an opening pick under the top left corner of the bottom cover, near the slider button.

    • Tilt the pick up and push to position the pick between the bottom and front covers.

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    • Slide the opening pick toward the rear of the camera to release the clips along the left edge.

    • Leave the opening pick at the bottom left corner to prevent the clips from resecuring.

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    • Insert the tip of a second opening pick under the top right corner of the bottom cover.

    • Tilt the pick up and push to position the pick between the bottom and front covers.

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    • Slide the opening pick toward the rear of the camera to release the clips along the right edge.

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    • At this point, the bottom cover clips should be released. If not, slide an opening pick along the perimeter of the back cover to release any remaining clips.

    • Tilt the back of the bottom cover upward and pull it away from the camera, making sure to thread the film door lever from its recess.

    • Remove the back cover.

    • During reassembly, insert the film door lever into its recess before aligning the bottom cover and pressing it into place to secure its clips.

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    • Insert the flat end of a spudger between the film door's left hinge and the frame.

    • Twist the spudger to separate the rubber hinge grommet from its peg in the frame.

    • Pull the film door towards the front of the camera to completely disconnect its left hinge.

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    • Tilt the left edge of the film door up to separate the left hinge's rubber grommet.

    • Remove the film door.

    • At this point, you can remove the cloth blocker from under the print roller.

    • During reassembly, hook the left hinge on its post and push the right hinge over its post until it snaps into place.

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    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 3.9 mm-long screw securing the print roller.

    • The screw is hidden and might require a flashlight to see properly.

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    • There are two plastic tabs that secure the print roller.

    • Use the tip of a spudger to depress both the plastic tabs until their hooks release from the print roller.

    • You'll hear an audible "click."

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    • Grab the print roller by one of its arms and pull it straight out of its plastic housing.

    • Pull straight away from the housing to avoid bending or warping the metal.

    • If you're having trouble, make sure the clips are released. You may have to hold the clips down while pulling.

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    • The print roller is a sensitive component. Be extremely careful during reassembly to not bend or warp the metal.

    • During reassembly, note the following to properly reinsert the print roller into its plastic housing:

    • There are two metal L-shaped rails at the bottom of the print roller that have to slide under cutouts in the plastic housing.

    • There are two metal hooks at the top of the print roller that have to fit under the top corners of the plastic housing.

    • Insert the print roller at a downward angle to fit the hooks in first before sliding the rails into place.

    • Push the print roller into its plastic housing until you hear the plastic tabs click back into place.

Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before you install it.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Polaroid I-2 Answers community for help.

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 16/01/22

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