Polaroid I-2 Viewfinder Replacement

Written By: Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Comments: 0

Difficulty

Difficult

Steps

Time Required

1 - 2 hours

Introduction

Use this guide to replace a damaged viewfinder in your Polaroid I-2.

If the image in your viewfinder is blurry or nonexistent, you may need to replace your viewfinder.

The clips securing the plastic covers are strong and require significant prying. Don't use metal tools to avoid marring the plastic.

This guide requires discharging the flash capacitor to avoid being accidentally shocked during disassembly. Be sure to follow the directions carefully to ensure the capacitor is discharged properly.

Tools

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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

Step 5

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

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

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

Step 10

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.

Step 11

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.

Step 12

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.

Step 13

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two 3.9 mm-long screws securing the back cover.

Step 14

There are two alignment pegs along the bottom edge of the back cover.
Insert a spudger between the frame and the alignment hole on the back cover.
Twist the spudger to lift the back cover off of the alignment peg.
Repeat for the second alignment peg.

Step 15

There are eight large clips that secure the back cover. The next four steps show how to release them.
These clips are very strong and require significant force to release.
The procedure to release the clips is tricky and will require time and patience to perform correctly.

Step 16

Releasing the clips requires getting a tool between the covered "thin" edge of the front cover and the clips themselves.
Angle an opening pick upward and insert it at the gap where the bottom right corner of the back cover meets the triangular tip of the front cover’s right edge.
Push the pick up to get it above the overhanging lip in the back cover.
You'll see the plastic warp a little. This is normal.
While pushing upward, slowly rotate the pick towards the left edge of the camera until it's under the front cover.
The pick can slip out easily, so this may take a few tries.

Step 17

While pushing the pick downward, slide it all the way up the right edge to release the clips.
Keep the pick as upright as possible while sliding to avoid hitting the clips.
The plastic in the lip of the back cover will warp. This is normal.
Leave the pick at the top corner before continuing to prevent the clips from resecuring.

Step 18

Angle a second opening pick upward and insert it at the gap where the bottom left corner of the back cover meets the triangular tip of the front cover’s left edge.
Push the pick up to get it above the overhanging lip in the back cover.
You'll see the plastic warp a little. This is normal.
While pushing upward, slowly rotate the pick towards the right edge of the camera until it's under the front cover.
The pick can slip out easily, so this may take a few tries.

Step 19

While pushing the pick downward, slide it all the way up the left edge to release the remaining clips.
Keep the pick as upright as possible while sliding to avoid hitting the clips.
The plastic in the lip of the back cover will warp. This is normal.

Step 20

Don't try to pull the back cover off just yet, as it's still connected by a cable.
At this point, the back cover should feel loose. If any parts still feel connected, repeat the last four steps until all the clips release.
Pull the back cover off the camera and rotate it over the right edge to expose the flex cable.
During reassembly, make sure the the flex cable isn't caught between the covers before re‑engaging the clips.

Step 21

Use tweezers to peel off the tape covering the interconnect cable ZIF connector on the control board.
Set the tape aside. You'll reuse it during reassembly.

Step 22

Use the flat end of a spudger to lift up the locking flap on the control board ZIF connector.

Step 23

Use tweezers to pull the interconnect cable out of its slot in the control board.
Remove the back cover.

Step 24

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two 3.9 mm-long screws securing the top cover.

Step 25

The next six steps demonstrate how to release the top cover's clips. These clips can re-engage easily, so you may need to repeat certain steps to release all of the clips.
Angle an opening pick upward and insert in the gap at the top right corner of the top cover and front cover, next to the flash.

Step 26

Slide the opening pick toward the rear of the camera to release the clips along the right edge.
Leave the pick in the gap before continuing to prevent the clips from re‑engaging.

Step 27

Angle a second opening pick upward and insert in the gap at the top left corner of the top cover and front cover.

Step 28

Slide the opening pick toward the rear of the camera to release the clips along the left edge.
Leave the pick in the gap before continuing to prevent the clips from re-engaging.

Step 29

Insert the flat end of a spudger between the frame and the top cover's left external clip, above the viewfinder.
Twist the spudger to release the clip.
If one of the opening picks fall out, don't worry! Continue with the guide as normal.

Step 30

Insert the tip of an opening pick between the frame and the top cover's right external clip.
Pry up to release the clip.

Step 31

Pull the lens cap off and remove it.

Step 32

Lift the top cover off the camera and remove it.
During reassembly, push the top cover onto the frame until the clips re-engage.

Step 33

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four screws securing the front cover:
Two 5.9 mm-long screws along the back edge of the front cover
Flip your camera over.
Two 3.9 mm-long screws under the front of the camera

Step 34

The clips that secure the front cover are tricky to release. During the removal procedure, you may have to wiggle and bend the plastic to get the clips to release properly.
Pull the front cover away from the lens to release the clips along the front edge and slide the viewfinder out of its cutout.
You'll hear a "click" and the front cover will be able to move freely.
During reassembly, align the viewfinder cutout over the viewfinder lens before pressing the front cover into place and re-engaging the clips.

Step 35

The lidar sensor bracket is secured with two alignment pegs that fit into cutouts on the bracket.
Use tweezers, or your fingers, to push the lidar sensor bracket toward the lidar sensor and off its alignment pegs.
Remove the lidar sensor bracket.

Step 36

Lift the rear of the front cover while pulling the entire cover toward the front of the camera to separate it from its lip under the lens.
If you're having trouble, rock the cover side-to-side while pulling.

Step 37

Lift the front of the cover over the lens.
Slide the front cover toward the rear of the camera until the back edge clears the viewfinder.

Step 38

Remove the front cover.
If you're disassembling further, put the lens cover back on to prevent scratching the lens.
At this point, the metal film door lever and spring are at risk of falling out. If they do, follow this guide to reinstall them.

Step 39

The flash's capacitor is now exposed and can deliver a potentially dangerous electric shock if you touch the main board incorrectly.
To minimize the risk, make sure to either discharge the capacitor properly before continuing, or wear rubber gloves for added protection.
If you don't use rubber gloves, don't touch exposed parts of the main board to avoid getting shocked.

Step 40

Remove the tape covering the battery connector at the top of the main board.

Step 41

The battery connector is located on the inside of the main board.
Insert the tip of a spudger under the head of the battery connector, where the cables meet the head itself.
Pry up to disconnect the battery.

Step 42

Pull the lidar sensor up and out of its slot in the frame.
Rotate the sensor so its exposed board is facing upward and let it hang over its slot.

Step 43

Use the point of a spudger to "walk" the lidar sensor cable connector out of its socket until it's disconnected.
Remove the lidar sensor.

Step 44

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two 5.9 mm-long screws securing the viewfinder, one near the front of the viewfinder and the other along the side.
The screw near the front of the viewfinder is hidden and might require a flashlight to see properly.

Step 45

Push the lidar sensor cable down through its slot in the frame.
Reposition the lidar sensor cable so the viewfinder can move sideways without snagging it.
During reassembly, make sure the cable is correctly routed under the viewfinder before reinserting any screws.

Step 46

The viewfinder cable connector is very fragile and can accidentally disconnect during this step. Take your time and follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the connector.
If your cable accidentally disconnects, don't worry! It's unlikely the cable is damaged. Follow the next two steps to understand how to reconnect it.
Grip both ends of the viewfinder, making sure to secure the cable connector with your fingers.
Pull the front of the viewfinder away from the camera and out of its recess.
You may need to move the viewfinder side‑to‑side to get the plastic cutouts to flex enough for the viewfinder to slide out.

Step 47

Flip the viewfinder over to access its ZIF connector on the bottom of it.

Step 48

Use the tip of a spudger to lift up the locking flap on the viewfinder ZIF connector.

Step 49

Use tweezers to pull the viewfinder cable out of its slot.

Step 50

Remove the viewfinder.

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.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

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

Author

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 16/01/22

117881 Reputation

Polaroid I-2 Viewfinder Replacement

Introduction

Tools

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